The Ultimate Bhutan Travel Guide to start your memorable Bhutan Tour from Switzerland. This guide covers it all, from Bhutan visa requirements for Swiss citizens to the best time to visit Bhutan. Take in the iconic beauty of the Tiger’s Nest Monastery and Dochula Pass, as well as examples of the country’s cultural attractions, like the Tsechu festivals, and ancient Dzongs. With Orrog, plan your trip easily and discover customized Bhutan tour packages from Switzerland. Discover Bhutan’s vibrant culture, pristine nature, and spiritual charm with comfort and convenience.
INTRO
On a cool morning in Zurich, Marc and Sophie sat at their breakfast table, a map of Bhutan in front of them. “Did you know that Bhutan is the only carbon-negative country in the world? “Oh, oh, oh!” Sophie said, her eyes alight. “It’s not just the mountains, it’s their culture and their people and how they protect their environment.”
Marc nodded. “I’ve heard so much about the spirited festivals, historical monasteries and the Bhutanese approach of measuring success using Gross National Happiness.Let us book our Bhutan Tour from Switzerland immediately!”
Sophie agreed. “We’re going to need a pretty thorough Bhutan travel guide to fully enjoy the trip. Now come discover it all, from the best routes to Bhutan to its cultural attractions and traditions. “This is going to be the adventure of a lifetime!”
Bhutan Tour from Switzerland
The first step was to get to Bhutan. Sophie found that there are no direct flights to Bhutan from Switzerland but very good connections through major hubs. “We are able to fly to New Delhi or Kathmandu,” she said. “Then, we’ll fly into Paro, Bhutan’s only international airport.”
Marc raised an eyebrow. “There’s only one international airport?”
“Yes, in Paro Valley. Its airport code is PBH,” Sophie answered. “Flights to Bhutan are flown on Bhutan Airlines and Drukair, which connect to cities including New Delhi, Kolkata and Kathmandu and also Bangkok, Dhaka and Singapore. We’ll have daily service from these hubs.”
Bhutan Visa Requirements for Swiss Citizen
Then they examined the paperwork. “Swiss citizens must obtain a visa to visit Bhutan,” Marc said. “But it is straightforward. Everything, our visa and travel permits will be arranged by a Bhutanese local destination management company such as Orrog.”
Sophie was impressed. “Orrog seems perfect! They are local yet provide a Western sense of comfort and convenience. They will enable us to explore Bhutan without leaving anything out.”
Marc then went through these six simple steps to get a Bhutan visa for Swiss citizens:
1.Traveling in Bhutan: Book a Bhutan trip with a local tour operator like Orrog.
2.Complete the payment wire transfer into the account of your tour operator in Bhutan.
3.Email your tour operator a copy of the wire transfer receipt.
4.You should send a scanned copy of the photo page of your passport(s) to the tour operator.
5.Your Bhutan travel agency will apply for the Bhutan visa on your behalf, and this usually takes 1 week. Upon approval, your tour operator will send you the e-Bhutan visa via email which you will need to travel to Bhutan.
6.The actual visa gets stamped on your passport once you arrive in Bhutan at Paro Airport. The type of visa and its duration depends on the number of days you have planned your trip to Bhutan with your tour operator.
It’s all so tidy,” Sophie said. “With Orrog you ship: Orrog handles everything, and we just focus on enjoying our trip.”
Best Time to Visit Bhutan
““Let’s go in spring,” she said. “March to May will see the valleys open with a flower of beautiful rhododendrons. Or we can visit in fall, from September to November, when skies are clear, and the festivals are vibrant.”
Marc smiled. “Spring sounds perfect. We can go hiking in the forests and see Bhutan’s colorful landscapes.”
They figured out the best time to visit Bhutan by looking at the seasons in Bhutan.
Spring (March to May): The season for trekking and witnessing Bhutan’s colorful rhododendron blooms. With the weather being nice, it is a great time to be spending the outdoors.
Autumn (September to November): This season is characterized by clear skies and magnificent views of the Himalayas which makes it a perfect time for photography and to experience Bhutan’s Tsechu festivals.
Winter (December - February): Although this is a cooler season, the beauty of solitude, fresh skies, and birdwatching will make it worth your time.
Monsoon (June to August): The lush greenery in the monsoon is a breathtaking sight but heavy rain can restrict outdoor activities.
“Well, then, it’s decided,” Sophie said. “Spring it is! But perhaps one day we will return to experience Bhutan in the autumn or even the stillness of winter.”
Bhutan Cultural Attractions
In Bhutan itself, they hoped to hike to the iconic Tiger’s Nest Monastery, clinging dramatically to a cliffside. Sophie was excited to learn about Bhutanese culture at Punakha Dzong; Marc anticipated the chatter of Thimphu’s bustling markets. “Remember the *Tsechu festivals,” reminded Sophie. “They’re such a beautiful representation of Bhutan’s spiritual traditions.”
They visited some of the most significant Bhutan cultural attractions:
1.Ta Dzong – The national museum of Bhutan celebrates its culture.
2. Sangaygang Wangditse trek: A quiet trek with fantastic views of Thimphu.
3. Phobjikha Valley: A scenic glacial valley, known as the habitat of black-necked cranes.
4. Dochula Pass: A breathtaking mountain pass with 108 chortens and stunning Himalayan views.
5. Archery Playing Grounds: To see Bhutan’s national sport up close.
6. Ogyen Choling Palace Museum : A window into Bhutan’s rural aristocracy and traditions.
7. National Institute of Zorig Chusum in Thimphu: The “Painting School” is devoted to preserving Bhutanese art forms.
8. Several beautiful dzongs: mix of spirituality and architecture; Trongsa dzong, Rinpung Dzong etc.
9. The Fertility Temple, Unique Chimi Lhakhang: Renowned for its blessings for fertility and unique phallic symbols.
Sophie added a few more tips to their list, emphasizing the need for a comprehensive
Bhutan travel guide:
Respect astrology and phallic traditions if you see them, as these are an important part of Bhutanese history and culture.
Try dishes unique to Bhutan — its cuisine is known for being spicy and full of bold flavors.
Mobile: Buy a tourist SIM card or connect to Wi-Fi at your hotel.
Learn a few words of the Bhutanese language, as a sign of respect and to make interactions interesting.
“Bhutan is not just about the sights; it’s an immersion in culture and traditions,” Sophie said with a smile. “It’s about connecting with the land, the people, and the spirit of the place. The breathtaking landscapes are just the beginning. The real magic lies in the way you feel so deeply intertwined with the rhythms of Bhutanese life.”
A Journey to Remember
Marc and Sophie couldn’t help but get excited as they finalized their plans. “Bhutan is not just a destination,” Sophie said. “It’s a journey into a world of beauty, tradition and joy.”
Whether that be the soaring Himalayan mountains, the friendly people of Bhutan, or the spiritual energy of centuries-old monasteries, Bhutan is going to be an unforgettable experience.
If you are in Switzerland plan your Bhutan tour with Orrog, the trusted Bhutanese local destination management company. Find personalized Bhutan tour packages from Switzerland and experience the beauty, culture, and traditions of Bhutan, with a Western sense of comfort and convenience.