Why visit
Bhutan measures Gross National Happiness, caps tourism with a daily levy, and rewards those who come with Tiger's Nest monastery, dzong fortresses, and Himalayan trails without crowds.
Country - Asia
Bhutan
natureadventureculture
How to use this result
Use it as a country shortlist
Bhutan works best as a first-pass travel idea. Start with the region, season, and themes on this page, then compare flights, entry rules, safety guidance, and local transport before treating it as a real option.
Compare the capital and side trips
Use Thimphu as the administrative starting point, then check whether the strongest trip idea is actually the capital, a coastal area, a nature route, or another city in Bhutan.
At a glance
Location
27.5°, 90.5°
Coast
Landlocked
Country area
38,394 km²
14,824 mi²
Country population
787k
20/km²
Subregion
Southern Asia
Currency
Bhutanese ngultrum (Nu.)
BTN
Dial
+975
Language
Dzongkha
Demonym
Bhutanese
Internet
.bt
UN
Member state
ISO code
BT / BTN
Where in the world
27.5° - 90.5°
Bhutan
Open in Google Maps
Click the map to open in Google Maps. Outline via svg-maps/world - CC BY 4.0
Did you know
- Bhutan measures Gross National Happiness instead of GDP: it's the only country to do so officially.
- The country is carbon-negative: forests absorb more CO₂ than the nation emits.
- Bhutan only opened to foreign tourists in 1974, and visitors must pay a daily Sustainable Development Fee.
Bordering Bhutan
Traveler notes
- The Tiger's Nest hike climbs 900 m to a cliffside monastery
- The Sustainable Development Fee keeps visitor numbers deliberately low
- Tshechu festivals fill dzong courtyards with masked dances
Plan checks
- Start research with the capital Thimphu, then compare two or three other regions.
- Check passport validity, visa rules, health requirements, and travel insurance for current conditions.
- Bring layered clothing and verify trail/park access before arrival.
Explore more
Facts last reviewed June 2026 against GeoNames and national statistics sources. See the editorial policy for how destination data is maintained.
Frequently asked about Bhutan
What is the capital of Bhutan?
Thimphu is the capital of Bhutan.
What currency does Bhutan use?
Bhutan uses the Bhutanese ngultrum (Nu.), ISO code BTN.
What languages are spoken in Bhutan?
The primary language is Dzongkha.
Is Bhutan landlocked?
Yes, Bhutan is landlocked: it has no sea coastline.
What countries border Bhutan?
Bhutan borders China, India.
What is the international calling code for Bhutan?
The calling code is +975.
When is the best time to visit Bhutan?
Mar–May, Sep–Nov. Check current weather and local events before booking.
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