Bhutan
Geographic & General info
- Capital: Thimphu
- Population: approx. 780,000
- Languages: Dzongkha (official)
- Area: 38,394 km²
- Time Zone: UTC+6 (BTT)
- Currency: Bhutanese Ngultrum (BTN) & Indian Rupee (INR)
- Flag Colors: Yellow, orange with a white dragon (Druk)
- National Holiday: December 17 (National Day)
- National Anthem: Druk tsendhen
- Neighboring Countries: China (Tibet), India
Top 15 Largest Cities
- Thimphu
- Phuntsholing
- Paro
- Gelephu
- Punakha
- Samdrup Jongkhar
- Wangdue Phodrang
- Mongar
- Trashigang
- Trongsa
- Sarbhang
- Gasa
- Haa
- Lhuntse
- Zhemgang
Top 15 Highlights
- Paro Taktsang (Tiger's Nest Monastery)
- Punakha Dzong (Palace of Great Happiness)
- Tashichho Dzong (Thimphu)
- Buddha Dordenma Statue (Thimphu)
- Dochula Pass & 108 Memorial Chortens
- Phobjikha Valley (Gangtey - Black-necked crane sanctuary)
- Paro Rinpung Dzong
- Trongsa Dzong
- Kyichu Lhakhang Temple
- Haa Valley
- Jigme Dorji National Park
- Simtokha Dzong
- Chimi Lhakhang (Fertility Temple)
- Chele La Pass
- National Museum of Bhutan (Paro Ta Dzong)
Climate and Nature
Bhutan features diverse climate zones ranging from alpine arctic conditions in the high northern Himalayas to temperate central valleys and humid subtropical southern plains. Covering over 70% of its land area with forest, Bhutan preserves untouched alpine landscapes, deep glacial gorges, and rich endemic biodiversity.
Culture and Gastronomy
Bhutanese culture is steeped in Vajrayana Mahayana Buddhism. Traditional attire (Gho for men, Kira for women) remains mandatory in public and official spaces. Cuisine is distinctively spicy, with chili peppers treated as a key ingredient rather than seasoning. The national dish is Ema Datshi (spicy chili stew made with local cheese), served with red Himalayan rice.
Economy
Bhutan's economy relies on hydroelectricity generation (exported in bulk to India), agriculture, and forestry. Tourism is controlled under a strict 'High Value, Low Volume' strategy, levying a Sustainable Development Fee to protect environmental and cultural heritage while funding economic progress.
Did you know?
- Bhutan is famously the only nation that measures national success using Gross National Happiness (GNH) instead of Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
- Bhutan is recognized as the world's first carbon-negative country, absorbing more atmospheric carbon through its vast forest cover than it emits.
- Mountaineering above 6,000 meters is prohibited out of respect for sacred mountain spirits, making Gangkhar Puensum (7,570m) the highest unclimbed peak in the world.
- There are no traffic lights anywhere in Bhutan; traffic at busy intersections in Thimphu is directed by white-gloved police officers.
- Archery (Datse) is Bhutan's beloved national sport, with matches accompanied by lively songs, dances, and traditional celebrations.
Live footage: Discover Bhutan via webcams and livestreams
Watch the most current webcams in Bhutan and enjoy real-time footage from beautiful locations. Whether you want to check the current weather, see the crowds at points of interest, or simply want to daydream with a livestream from Bhutan: our interactive map points you to the best camera viewpoints.
All webcam locations in Bhutan: Weather & Info
In the list below you'll find all available webcams from Bhutan in alphabetical order. Click on a city for the full live connection, current temperature, wind speed and local weather conditions for that specific place.
