Over 25,000 guest arrivals between January and March 2024, doubling last year’s numbers
(Thimphu, Bhutan, April 02, 2024) – Bhutan welcomed 25,003 guest arrivals between January 01 – March 31, 2024, compared with 12,696 arrivals in 2023 during the same period. March 2024 recorded 14,822 arrivals, making it the third busiest month since reopening, following May 2023 (16,609) and October 2023 (16,465).
Visitor Demographics: In 2024, 60% of visitors originated from India, while 40% came from various international markets such as the US, China, the UK, Germany, Singapore, France, Italy, Malaysia, Vietnam, Australia, and Canada. In March 2024, Indian tourists accounted for 57% of arrivals, while 43% were international guests.
Growth Rates: Compared to Q1 2023, notable increases in arrivals were observed:
According to Carissa Nimah, Chief Marketing Officer of the Department of Tourism, the 97% increase in guest arrivals was influenced by factors such as:
Reduction in the Sustainable Development Fee to USD 100 per night.
Increased global awareness through marketing and media coverage.
Bhutan’s inclusion in top travel lists for 2024.
Expansion into new global markets and year-round tourism promotion.
Bhutan’s Department of Immigration confirmed that these statistics account for tourists only.
Bhutan wins award for ‘Outstanding Destination Excellence’ at the 18th National Geographic Traveler China awards ceremony
Bhutan Wins Award for ‘Outstanding Destination Excellence’
At the 18th National Geographic Traveler China Awards Ceremony
(Thimphu, January 15, 2024): Bhutan has been honored with the ‘Outstanding Destination Excellence Award’ at the 18th National Geographic Traveler China Golden Awards Ceremony, marking the first award Bhutan has received in the China market.
The awards ceremony took place on December 28th, 2023, at the ZHENGDA Center in Beijing and acknowledged outstanding accomplishments in travel, hospitality, lifestyle, and destinations.
Award Selection Process
The winners were determined based on three key criteria:
Destinations that gained significant traveler attention in 2023.
Destinations playing a vital role in international relations.
Destinations excelling in sustainable development and cultural heritage.
This award solidifies Bhutan’s position as a leading travel destination for Chinese travelers seeking environmental consciousness and cultural immersion.
About National Geographic Traveler
National Geographic Traveler is a globally renowned magazine dedicated to responsible and sustainable travel. It encourages travelers to explore the world while being mindful of their environmental impact. The Chinese edition of the magazine will publish a special article on WeChat covering this award ceremony.
Social Media Influence
National Geographic Traveler China has:
Over 220,000 followers on WeChat.
Over 1.74 million followers on Weibo.
“We are delighted and thrilled by Bhutan’s triumph in being awarded the National Geographic Traveler Magazine’s 2023 18th Golden Award for Outstanding Destination Excellence. This esteemed accolade not only underscores Bhutan’s unwavering dedication to delivering unparalleled travel experiences but also serves as a testament to the nation’s distinctive allure.”
– Dorji Dhradhul, Director General of the Department of Tourism
About the Department of Tourism
The Department of Tourism of Bhutan promotes sustainable tourism in Bhutan, guided by the principles of high-value, low-volume tourism. It aims to showcase Bhutan’s remarkable places, people, and experiences to conscious travelers.
Bhutan Believe
Bhutan’s national brand, “Bhutan Believe”, represents the country’s commitment to a better future. The tagline signifies belief in Bhutan’s future, opportunities, and cultural values.
Visa and Sustainable Development Fee (SDF)
All visitors (except those from Bangladesh, Maldives, and India) must obtain a visa before traveling to Bhutan. The visa processing takes approximately five days.
The Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) is USD 100 per person per night.
A non-refundable visa application fee of USD 40 applies.
Indian visitors pay an SDF of Nu/INR 1,200 per person per night.
The SDF supports Bhutan’s cultural, environmental, health, and educational projects. More information is available at: www.bhutanonlinevisa.com
Bhutan welcomes 2nd royal Child.
The King and Queen of Bhutan announced the birth of their second child.
❀ Bhutan Royal Media Announcement ❀
Her Majesty and the royal baby are in good health, and His Royal Highness the Gyalsey was delighted to meet his younger brother.Their Majesties express their gratitude to the medical team, the Zhung Dratshang and to everyone for their well-wishes and prayers.
While this remains a very happy occasion for the Royal family and the nation and people of Bhutan, Their Majesties wish to remind all Bhutanese to be mindful, responsible and supportive to each other in the wake of the COVID-19 virus.
Their Majesties have everyone whose lives have been affected by this global pandemic in their thoughts and prayers.
First Royal Child.
The first child is Jigme Namgyel Wangchuck , born 5 February 2016) is the first child and heir apparent of King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck of Bhutan and his wife, Queen Ashi Jetsun Pema. His name was announced on 16 April 2016. Prior to the announcement, he was known only as The Gyalsey, which means ” Prince”.
In honor of his birth, 108,000 trees were planted by thousands of volunteers in Bhutan.He is expected to become the sixth Druk Gyalpo (King of Bhutan).
About Bhutan
Bhutan is a tiny and remote kingdom nestling in the Himalayas between its powerful neighbours, India and China.
Almost completely cut off for centuries, it has tried to let in some aspects of the outside world while fiercely guarding its ancient traditions.
The Bhutanese name for Bhutan, Druk Yul, means “Land of the Thunder Dragon” and it only began to open up to outsiders in the 1970s.
The Wangchuck hereditary monarchy has wielded power since 1907. But Bhutan became a two-party parliamentary democracy after elections in March 2008.
Festival Calendar 2025
Bhutan festivals, or Tshechus, are vibrant religious celebrations held annually. These festivals are marked by mesmerizing masked dances, traditional music, and cultural performances performed by monks and laypeople. Each dance carries deep spiritual symbolism, aiming to bless onlookers and teach Buddhist values. Locals gather in elaborate traditional attire, creating a colorful spectacle, while visitors gain a unique insight into Bhutanese culture. Tshechus foster community spirit, preserve Bhutan’s heritage, and offer blessings for happiness and prosperity.
Discover the magic of Bhutan’s Tshechus, celebrated across all dzongkhags, offering a spiritual and cultural experience like no other! These vibrant festivals showcases mesmerizing masked dances, sacred rituals, and traditional music performed in majestic monasteries and dzongs. From Paro and Thimphu to all 20 districts, each Tshechu is unique yet united in showcasing Bhutan’s deep-rooted heritage. Locals dressed in colorful traditional attire gather to seek blessings and celebrate joyfully. Perfect for travelers seeking authentic experiences, these festivals promise an unforgettable journey into Bhutan’s soul. Join us on this cultural adventure—book your trip with Yelha Bhutan Tours & Travel today!
Festival Dates for 2025
SL No.
Festival
Place
Date
1
Trongsa Tshechu
Trongsa Dzong, Trongsa
9th – 11th Jan 2025 (Thongdral on last day)
2
Lhuentse Tshechu
Lhuentse Dzong, Lhuentse
8th – 10th Jan 2025 (Thongdral on last day)
3
Samdrupjongkhar Tshechu
Samdrupjongkhar
11th – 13th Jan 2025
4
Punakha Drubchen
Punakha Dzong, Punakha
6th – 8th March
5
Punakha Tshechu
Punakha Dzong, Punakha
9th – 11th March
6
Tharpaling Thongdrol
Tharpaling Lhakhang, Chumi, Bumthang
14th March
7
Tangsibi Mani
Tangsibi Lhakhang, Ura Bumthang
15th – 17th March
8
Chhorten Kora
Chorten Kora, Trashiyangtshe
14th March & 29th March
9
Gomphukora
Gom Kora Lhakhang, Trashigang
5th – 7th April
10
Talo Tshechu
Talo Gonpa, Punakha
5th – 7th April
11
Gasa Tshechu
Gasa Dzong, Gasa
5th – 7th April
12
Zhemgang Tshechu
Zhemgang Dzong, Zhemgang
5th – 7th April
13
Paro Tshechu
Rinpung Dzong, Paro
8th – 12th April (Thongdral on last day)
14
Rhododendron Festival
Lamperi Botanical Park, Thimphu
22nd – 24th April
15
Domkhar Tshechu
Domkhar, Chumi, Bumthang
7th – 9th May
16
Ura Yakchoe
Ura Lhakhang, Bumthang
9th – 13th May
17
Nimalung Tshechu
Nimalung Dratshang, Chumi, Bumthang
3rd – 5th July
18
Kurjey Tshechu
Kurjey Lhakhang, Choekhor, Bumthang
5th July
19
Mushroom Festival
Genekha, Geneyzam, Thimphu
15th – 16th August
20
Tour of the Dragon
Bumthang to Thimphu
6th September
21
Thimphu Drubchen
Tashi Chhodzong, Thimphu
28th September
22
Wangdue Tshechu
Wangduephodrang
30th September – 2nd October
23
Tamshing Phala Chhoepa
Tamshing Lhakhang, Bumthang
2nd – 4th October
24
Thimphu Tshechu
Tashi Chhodzong, Thimphu
2nd – 4th October
25
Gangtey Tshechu
Gangtey Gonpa, Wangduephodrang
5th – 7th October (Thongdral on last day)
26
Thangbi Mewang
Thangbi Lhakhang, Choekhor, Bumthang
7th – 8th October
27
Pemagatshel Tshechu
Pemagatshel Dzong, Pemagatshel
29th October – 1st November (Thongdral on last day)
28
Haa Annual Tshechu
Haa
29th – 31st October
29
Jhomolhari Mountain Festival
Dangochong, Thimphu
14th – 15th October
30
Royal Highland Festival
Laya, Gasa
23rd – 24th October
31
Chhukha Tshechu
Chhukha Dzong, Chhukha
29th – 31st October
32
Dechenphu Tshechu
Dechenphu Lhakhang, Thimphu
31st October
33
Jakar Tshechu
Jakar Dzong, Choekhor, Bumthang
29th – 31st October, 1st November
34
Jambay Lhakhang Drup
Jambay Lhakhang, Choekhor, Bumthang
5th – 8th November
35
Prakhar Duchhoed
Prakar Khakhang, Chumi, Bumthang
6th – 8th November
36
Black Necked Crane Festival
Gangtey Gonpa, Phobjikha, Wangduephodrang
11th November
37
Mongar Tshechu
Mongar Dzong, Mongar
28th – 30th November
38
Trashigang Tshechu
Trashigang Dzong, Trashigang
29th – 30th November, 1st December
39
Phuntsholing Tshechu
Phuntsholing, Chhukha
28th – 30th November
40
Jambay Lhakhang Singye Cham
Jambay Lhakhang, Choekhor, Bumthang
4th December
41
Nalakhar Tshechu
Ngaa Lhakhang, Choekhor, Bumthang
4th – 6th December
42
Druk Wangyel Tshechu
Dochula, Thimphu
13th December
43
Trongsa Tshechu
Trongsa Dzong, Trongsa
27th – 31st December (Thongdral on last day)
44
Lhuentse Tshechu
Lhuentse Dzong, Lhuentse
27th – 31st December (Thongdral on last day)
45
Samdrupjongkhar Tshechu
Samdrupjongkhar
1st – 3rd January 2026
46
Nabji Lhakhang Drup
Nabji Lhakhang, Nabji, Trongsa
3rd – 5th January 2026
Korakot Pakpoomiratana
This country even small, but her people very nice! They love their King and royal family very much! Last, but not less, the country has her happiness GNP! Such the GNP could not find from elsewhere! I am also fond of this country!
glimpse of bhutan
Some of Yelha Bhutan team
We are a well established & a reputed travel company in Kingdom of Bhutan.
Dochula festival direct flight
Visit the amazing Buddhist festival at 3100 m mountain pass.
