Bhutan royals' visit to Japan boosts interest in travel to their country

The number of tourists allowed to visit is limited but I'm sure that won't stop the legions of young Japanese women looking for kawaii souvenirs and camara phone shots.

They want to buy those boots.

I want to buy those boots.　They look like they give you super powers.

Well, then, good. After all that's part of the reason for going overseas on a diplomatic mission -- to become better friends and hopefully inspire more interest in your nation.

Good luck - very expensive to get in. Bhutan is get PR people, more so when you consider their history.

It's worth going to Bhutan just to see Queen Jetsun Pema. Have you guys seen her on television? She is absolutely gorgeous.

I wanna go there too and see pristine landscape with crystal clear lakes and beautiful colorful houses. What a serene place to get away from our hectic lifes.

In other news, ブータン is a really cute sounding name in Japanese.

What a serene place to get away from our hectic lifes.

At a minimum of $200 a day, not including transportation to get there. You would need to live a hectic life to afford the place. However, there is a discount for royalty from the 9th day. Anybody here royalty? (source: Tourism Council of Bhutan)

Why Bhutan is a destination! Bhutan is the last of the Himalayan Kingdoms. The small country is situated in the nooks and crannies of the highest mountain range on the earth. It’s special place that didn’t have paved roads until the 1960’s, was off- limits to foreign tourist until the 1970’s and it didn’t have television until 1999, the last country in the world to get service. The altitude and scenery are enough to take your breath away. In this country the environment is cherished. The kingdom of Bhutan lists environmental protection as an one of the four pillars of happiness , a state of mind the country takes so seriously that “ gross national happiness “ is considered more important than gross domestic product. http://www.go2bhutan.com

Since when is $200 expensive? That's what you pay travelling in Japan too. The tiny Himalayan country of Bhutan is one of the world's last unspoiled treasures. People live a traditional lifestyle in unbelievably picturesque settings. And one thing I really like about Bhutan is that there are no traffic lights there:)

i went about 5 years ago and the $200 per day is reflecting in some of the money being spent on hotels, guides etc (i went on a 10 day trek) but it was well every cent. ok it's alot but most of the money (i was told and hopefully) is being used to add to the infrastructure, income for workers, etc i.e. adding to their gross national happiness indicator. It is pretty expensive to fly there though from Japan, but you only live once.

Since when is $200 expensive? That's what you pay travelling in Japan too.

Difference being, though, Japan is first world. First world nations are invariably expensive. Save your rupees folks and head to Himalayan Northern India. Same breathtaking scenery but probably a tenth of the cost.

If the local girls all looked like Ms Jetsun Pema, however - and are "foreign-friendly" - it would be money well-spent!

Japan is first world??? There is only one world. Stop exploiting other cultures.

Japan is first world??? There is only one world.

Ummm...it's a matter of expression, Foxie. Maybe I should have used "Developed". Developed/Industrialised/First World nations ARE generally pricey to travel in compared to developing nations. Fact. $200 a day on travel expenses in a developing nation IS expensive. Fact.

Stop exploiting other cultures.

Where did ya get that nonsense? LOL

I want a world that has the same living standards and prices everywhere.

@paulinusa

Indeed from my entourage, friends ( individuals ) who have been there referred to 'clumsy' procedure including detailed travel plan will be have to be submitted & applied ahead. Organized tours may be easier ?

Bhutan is on my list but I have one more kid to get through college.....

Since when is $200 expensive? That's what you pay travelling in Japan too.

Nope. That isn't what I pay when I travel here. Add transportation and you are looking at 400.00 or so extra a day. I have a friend who is from there/lives there and was invited to stay with him. Even WITH staying with him and his family, they were going to charge me crazy rates just to be there, let alone hotel, food, transportation...

They want rich tourists, they want to keep an eye on them (the rules actually remind me of the ones I hear about with regards to traveling to North Korea) and want contact limited. Fine.

Like I said earlier, they have great PR because if you knew the history of the country, all these "peaceful" comments and the like wouldn't be made.

That being said, looks like an amazing country. Perhaps when I am rich enough to visit, I can take my friend up on his offer.

He seemed an awful nice man.very soothing voice and peaceful mesage.good on him.

I have a friend who is from there/lives there and was invited to stay with him. Even WITH staying with him and his family, they were going to charge me crazy rates just to be there, let alone hotel, food, transportation...

Just wanted to let you know that if you are indeed invited into the country by a citizen or resident you are not required to pay for anything by law other than a $50 visa fee upon your arrival. The person you thought was your "friend" may have been misleading you.

They want rich tourists, they want to keep an eye on them (the rules actually remind me of the ones I hear about with regards to traveling to North Korea) and want contact limited. Fine.

The govt. doesn't "keep an eye" on anyone and there is really no basis for comparison to NK of all places. Contact with the people is also not limited in anyway.

Generally your experience in the country would depend on the quality of the travel agency you booked your tour with or the hospitality of the person who invited you over.

Aman has a few resorts - very small ones - here and there in Bhutan, for the affluent Japanese visitors. Aman may be very predictable these days but it is sually comfportable, if outrageously overpriced. Bhutan is a very costly destination anyway, so...take LOTS of money. And go in a good month.

@mntz1128rts: You seem to know a lot about Bhutan. Is it better to go in spring, like late April or in September weatherwise?

Just checked the Bhutan tourism homepage, and the price is going up! Soon it will be $250 per day per person. SO, for a family of four, it will cost up to $1000 per day to visit Bhutan. Sounds like a ripoff. Upwards of $5-7000 for a week? Give me a break.

I found a 20 day trip all inclusive guide, transportation, accomodation and food for $275 per day. Not so expensive.

In comparison, a trip to the USA with transportation, guide and accomodation costs $250 per day. The food is extra.

Bhutan is gifted with great leader and we have beautiful culture and tradition preserved till to this date. Our great king has invented the philosophy of Gross National Happiness. Visiting Bhutan is greatest gift with beautiful culture and scenery.

@Foxie

You seem to know a lot about Bhutan. Is it better to go in spring, like late April or in September weatherwise?

Both Spring and Autumn are relatively mild (unless you're planning on doing some hiking and trekking up the mountains). I think the only real difference is that it tends to be rainier around September. However I think that's also when there are the most festivals taking place.