Why I Want To Solo Travel In Bhutan Again

My solo travel to Bhutan is one of the most highlighted journeys I have ever had.

For nearly 20 days, I travelled over 5 cities, doing a big loop. I entered from Phuentsholing and exited from S. Jonghkhar to India.

And it is not just me for whom travelling solo in Bhutan was a highlight.

Not much is known of this country, and even less is heard about. And that’s what makes it a place to discover!

Is It Possible To Solo Travel In Bhutan?

Many travelers find it challenging to visit Bhutan due to the country’s high daily tariff and specific visa requirements.

Historically, the standard tourist tariff was USD 250 per day per person, which included accommodation, meals, and a mandatory guide.

However, this fee did not apply to Indian tourists.

Before 2020, Indian citizens could enter Bhutan without a visa and travel independently without incurring the daily tariff.

In 2020, Bhutan introduced a Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) for regional tourists, including those from India, Bangladesh, and the Maldives.

Indian tourists are now required to pay an SDF of INR 1,200 per person per night.

Children aged 5 years and below are exempted from this fee.

Additionally, Indian visitors must pre-arrange a guide and hotel accommodation, and obtain permits for travel beyond Thimphu and Paro.

This means that while solo travel in Bhutan, as I did years ago, is still possible, it requires more planning and adherence to the new regulations.

For the most current information and any recent updates, it’s advisable to consult the Royal Bhutanese Embassy’s official website or the Tourism Council of Bhutan.

Why I Loved Solo Travelling In Bhutan

Before I tell you why I love solo travelling in Bhutan, let me share my entire Bhutan itinerary…

I travelled from Siliguri to Phuentsholing, covering all the major cities in Bhutan, before exiting from Samdrup Jonghkhar to India.

This took me almost 20 days. I travelled by bus and did solo backpacking in Bhutan.

Now, let’s discuss the reasons why I loved travelling solo in Bhutan…

Well, of all the compelling reasons to visit Bhutan, the ‘Restaurants Cum Bars’ are one of them. They are a basic bar-like facility where you can enjoy ‘Emma Dhatsi’ and drink local beers and whiskeys at the same time.

For a start remember that they are in no shortage in any sense. If Bhutan has some 100,000 shops in total, at least 99,999 of them are these ‘Restaurants cum Bars.’

And experiencing these bars is one reason why I want to solo travel in Bhutan again.

Also, read this Bhutan Travel Guide if you are planning a trip there. I have covered a great length of Bhutan travel tips in that blog.

If you think Bhutanese people aren’t friendly enough and do not speak to foreigners, try one of these places and ask anyone – literally anyone – “How is the new government doing in comparison to the earlier monarch’s rule.” They would first puff their cheeks, looking knowingly at each other, and blow out air as if to say, “Now that’s a bit of a question” and then they would launch into a series of lively discussions among themselves.

Within minutes the discussions will plunge off into a level of detail that will leave you swivelling your head in bewilderment.

At this point, you are the only person not saying anything or nodding vigorously. As soon as the discussion finishes, you’ll find yourself surrounded by friendly faces inviting you for tea in their house so that you can discuss the topic in more detail.

You will have no idea where that invitation came from, but yes, Bhutanese people love to invite guests – particularly if you’re Indian. These invitations are yet another reason why I want to travel solo to Bhutan, again.

If you are travelling to Bhutan in a group, getting these invitations may be a little difficult, but not as a solo traveller.

During my 20 days of solo travel in Bhutan, I was invited thrice, to spend a few days at someone’s house.

Being invited by a local host to the place you travel to is always a great thing to happen and if this happens in Bhutan, it’s even more awesome. I have been invited by locals to join them over chai or dinner at many places throughout my travels. This particularly happened while travelling the mountains like Darma Valley in India or while doing the Sandakphu trek, but the kind of experience I had in Bhutan was much better.

If that’s not convincing enough, let’s talk about the nightlife in Bhutan.

I never expected to have nightclubs in Bhutan.

To my surprise, even smaller towns, let alone Paro or Thimpu, had nightclubs.

The entertainment in these nightclubs in Bhutan includes traditional singing and dancing performances by in-house staff while patrons kick back with Druk Lager Premium Beers.

Exploring these nightclubs as you travel solo in Bhutan, is a lovely experience.

Last but not least, the arresting beauty of this country is another reason why I want to solo travel to Bhutan.

There is so much unique and different to see there when it comes to landscape. And speaking of culture in religion in Bhutan, well that is a different topic altogether.

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Solo travelling in Bhutan is more than just a journey through breathtaking landscapes—it’s an immersive dive into a culture deeply rooted in happiness, spirituality, and community. Exploring Bhutan alone allows for a richer, more personal connection with the country’s people, traditions, and natural beauty. From heartfelt invitations to locals’ homes to meaningful conversations in cozy “Restaurants cum Bars,” the experiences you encounter as a solo traveler are intimate and unforgettable.

The country’s focus on sustainability and Gross National Happiness ensures that every interaction, whether with its pristine environment or its warm-hearted people, is meaningful and impactful. Traveling solo in Bhutan allows you the freedom to pause, reflect, and truly absorb the charm of its monasteries, vibrant nightlife, and serene mountain vistas at your own pace.

While the new travel policies may require more planning, they also pave the way for a more intentional and enriching experience. By embracing the structured yet flexible nature of Bhutan’s tourism, solo travelers can delve deeper into the heart of the country, discovering its essence in a way that group travel often doesn’t allow.

For those seeking not just a destination but a transformative journey, Bhutan offers a uniquely profound experience. It’s a place where the landscapes inspire awe, the people inspire connection, and every solo traveler finds not just adventure but a sense of inner peace and fulfillment. If you’re dreaming of a travel experience that’s as enriching as it is unforgettable, Bhutan is calling—answer it.

That’s all in this travel blog and my experience on why I loved solo travelling in Bhutan. If you have tried so too why not share your experience in the comments below?

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