Government regulations

Bhutan is one of the more exotic travel destinations. It remains a secluded land, nestled within the inaccessible southeastern slopes of the great Himalayan mountain range. Since the country opened its doors to tourists in the 70s, annual numbers have never exceeded a few thousand. More tourists visit neighboring Nepal in one year than have ever visited Bhutan. A major reason for this lies in the government's cautious and pragmatic approach to modernization in general and tourism in particular. Such insulation has meant that present-day Bhutan remains the only of the Himalayan Buddhist Kingdoms to have retained its independence and overall traditional character. That the Bhutanese appear to enjoy a simple though fulfilling life within landscapes of immense natural beauty, serves to promote the impression of a hidden paradise, a mythical Shangri-la.

Tourism in Bhutan is heavily regulated. The Bhutanese government is particularly aware of the potential dangers of uncontrolled tourism to the sustainability of Bhutan's environment and traditional culture. It has therefore tried to limit negative impacts by putting in place the following rules: a high minimum entry fee (an all-inclusive flat rate per night); all visitors must travel through an authorized Bhutanese agent; and tourists may not visit certain specified regions and holy sites. The volume of visitors and the scope of their traveling will be gradually expanded in line with capacities to suitably absorb them.

[ Department of Tourism, Royal Govt. of Bhutan website ]