Bhutan is one of the few places that has not witnessed extreme commercialization as it wants to preserve its natural beauty by preserving its forests that cover about 80% of Bhutan. Travelling to Bhutan will refresh your mind as you can see the soothing green color all around you. Bhutan is a country full of picturesque landscapes, beautiful and huge monasteries, colorful festivals, green forests, unpolluted environment, snow capped mountains and simply yet rich culture. Corruption is also at a minimum and the people seem to mind their own business. It is one of the safest places on the planet as the local people are very happy with whatever they have.
So if you really want to experience a country which is untouched by commercialization then you better head to Bhutan. Also Bhutan is a good place in case you have a limited budget. In case you are an international passenger (not from India or neighboring countries) then its best to take the Druk Air flight to Paro. Druk Air is the only official airline that is allowed to fly to Paro. Druk Air flies from Bangkok, Kathmandu and Delhi. If you want to visit the highlights of Bhutan then about 7 days is perfect. You will need 2 days in Paro, 2 days in Thimpu and the rest of the days for visiting monasteries in other towns as well as hiking trips.
If you are clever then there is no use taking a package from a travel agent. Accommodation and transport in Bhutan is not very expensive and since it is one of the less visited countries you can easily find accommodation. All you have to do is book the plane tickets in advance and then read on the internet about the country. You can then prepare your itinerary accordingly. Once you land in Paro, head straight towards the main market where there are many decent hotels. Reserve a room on your own at one of the hotels. For sightseeing you can hire jeeps that are available from the hotel itself. There are several monasteries in Paro which you can visit.
You can then proceed towards Thimpu, which is the capital of Bhutan. Here you will find several government houses that are constructed in the local Bhutanese style. In Thimpu there are some big monasteries as well which you can explore. A walk in the marketplace in the evening is a must as you can buy traditional souvenirs for your loved ones back home. A good time to visit Bhutan is during the festival seasons that take place in the months of March, April, September and October. These festivals are full of color as people socialize with each other amidst cultural shows and Bhutanese music. Women love to wear traditional Bhutanese wear and jewelry. It is advisable to make your bookings in advance if you plan to visit the country during the festival season. Accommodation rates are at their peak in this season but you can save up to 30% of the cost in case you prefer going in the off season.
