Bhutan

Bhutan Explore  

Bhutan is situated in the Eastern Himalayas of southern Central Asia and is bordered on the north and Northwest by the Tibet Autonomous Region of China and to the west, Southwest, south and east with Indian states of Sikkim, West Bengal, Assam and Arunachal Pradesh. Bhutan is a landlocked mountain kingdom roughly the size of Switzerland, in the eastern Himalayas. With a population of 600,000 spread over 46,000 sq km.

Bhutan is the last unspoiled Himalayan kingdom often known as Shangri-La. For a country of its size, Bhutan is a land of spectacular contrasts and stunning beauty. The southern foothills, at an altitude of 1,000 ft to 4,500 ft are covered by dense tropical forest, which abounds with wildlife. These regions are mostly inhabitated by Lhotsampas (Nepalese immigrants who are given Bhutanese citizens nationally) and most of them are agriculture workers. 

It was the mighty Himalayas, which protected Bhutan from the rest of the world and left the kingdom blissfully untouched. The Drukpa Kagyu School of Mahayana Buddhism provided the essence of a rich culture and a fascinating history. The Bhutanese people protected this sacred heritage and unique identity for centuries by choosing to remain shrouded deeply in a jealously guarded isolation.

More than 90 percent of the 600,000 Bhutanese people are farmers who live in small villages sparsely scattered over 46,000 km of rugged mountain land. Buddhist teachings and philosophy play an important role in their peaceful lives. Today, the quality of life is dramatically improved ever since a cautious development policy brought in basic services such as education, health, power, roads and modernized agricultural techniques.

Because of a deep traditional reverence which the Bhutanese have for nature, the kingdom is one of the leading countries in environmental preservation. More than 65 per cent of the land area is still under forest cover. Its rich Himalayan flora and fauna, dazzling white peaks and lush valleys provide Bhutan's stunning beauty and aesthetic grandeur. It is often said that even the most experienced traveler will find Bhutan to be 'a revelation'.

To the visitor who respects the delicate sensitivities of this pristine land and shares the sacred values of its people, Bhutan has now gently opened its doors. In this country known as Druk Yul, the 'Land of the Peaceful Dragon, the fortunate visitor will find a rare combination of harmony and accord, amidst a landscape of incredible natural beauty. The air is clean and unpolluted the mountains magnificent and the architecture inspiring. Whatever the purpose, a visit to Bhutan is indeed a journey into an enchanted realm.

Facts for the traveler
Bhutan maintains a policy of strictly limiting the number of people who can visit the country in a single year. All visitors are charged fixed tariffs for services such as the provision of accommodation, transport, guides and meals. By doing this, the country is able to earn the foreign currency that it requires for careful development program's, while at the same time keeping the number of tourists to a level which does not significantly affect the natural environment or the lifestyle for the Bhutanese people.

The only way to visit Bhutan is as a member of a tour group, which is organized through a recognized tour operator as COUNTRY HOLIDAY (P) LTD.

GETTING INTO BHUTAN

BY AIR
The only airport is at Paro. Bhutan's national airline, Druk Air, is the only airline servicing Paro. It has connections with Delhi via Kathmandu on Mondays and Thursdays. You can enter Bhutan from Delhi and Kathmandu on Mondays and Thursdays; Bangkok and Calcutta on Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays. Flights leave Paro for Delhi and Kathmandu on Mondays and Thursdays; Bangkok and Calcutta on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays.

NOTE: During monsoons, unpredictable weather forces can delay flights and travellers are advised to include an extra day in their itinerary.

BY ROAD
The road from Bagdogra (the nearest Indian airport) enters Bhutan at Phuentsholing, the border town. It is a 3-4 hour drive from Bagdogra airport which can be reached by plane from Calcutta and Delhi. From Darjeeling or Gangtok (Sikkim), it can take 7 hour to Phuentsholing. It takes approximately 6 hour from Phuentsholing to Thimphu or Paro.

NOTE: Entry / Exit one way has to be by air.

VISAS & PASSPORTS
Valid passports and an entry visa are essential. Travelers to Bhutan are permitted only as a member of a commercially organized tour group. This can be done directly through us. The price for any holiday is set by the Royal Government of Bhutan and it covers all accommodation costs, all meals, transport, services of licensed guides etc., There are surcharges on individuals and groups of less than four people. There are also discounts available for young students and children. Visa clearances are issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Thimphu and must be obtained before departing for Bhutan. Druk Air tickets cannot be purchased without visa clearance. At your port of entry your visa will be stamped in your passport on payment of US$ 20, you will also require two passport photos. Extension of visas, for up to 6 months, can be obtained in Thimphu at a cost of Nu. 510.

NOTE: Visas cannot be obtained at Bhutanese embassies.

CUSTOMS
Export of antiques, plants or animal products are strictly prohibited. Cameras, video cameras, computers and personal electronic equipment must be declared on arrival and will be checked upon departure.

CLIMATE
It is difficult to accurately generalize the climate of Bhutan because of the variations in elevations and seasons. Southern Bhutan has a tropical climate with hot humid monsoons. Spring in the higher valleys (mid-March to May) has warm days (20 °C) and cool nights. June marks the beginning of summer when day temperatures warm up to 27 - 29 °C. By July, the rainy season starts and continue till mid-September. The autumn months of September to November are ideal for trekking with clear skies and mild weather. In December temperatures fall, but the days are warm and the clear, azure winter skies serve a striking background to the snow-capped peaks. On a sunny day, temperatures reach about 16-18 ° C. The nights, however, are cold with temperatures falling below freezing.

CLOTHING
Cottons and light woolens in Summer (June-Sep). Heavy woolens and jackets the rest of the year. Rain gear for the monsoons and comfortable shoes.

ELECTRICITY
220 Volts, 50 cycles A.C. current is available. And electricity in Bhutan is reasonably reliable, but we advise you to bring a small surge protector for delicate electronic equipment. In many parts of Bhutan electricity is generated through hydro electricity, either from larger projects, such as Chukha dam, or mini hydro plants.

CURRENCY
The national currency is the Ngultrum (Nu). 100 Chetrum = 1 Nu. Exchange rate is approximately US$ 1 = Nu. 45. Indian Rupees circulate at par. We have several banking facilities and our Banks accepts some foreign currencies i.e. Dollars and Pounds. Travelers Cheque are accepted almost in all places.

CREDIT CARDS
Visa and American Express credit cards are excepted in a few shops, but their use is limited. Travelers cheque are accepted in most places.

TIME DIFFERENCE
Bhutan standard time is 6 hours ahead of GMT. Bhutan time matches with Bangladesh time.

ACCOMMODATIONS
Comfortable hotels and lodges built in traditional architectural style are available in the major towns.

CUISINE
Tourist hotels have a choice of Bhutanese, Indian, Chinese, Japanese and Continental food.

COMMUNICATION FACILITIES
Reliable telephone and fax services are available in all towns in Bhutan. International connections are excellent. Now internet and e-mail facilities are also available in most of the places.

PHOTOGRAPHY
Carry plenty of films and batteries. Photo shops in Bhutan do not sell equipment or accessories of quality. Only few things are available in some places.

LANGUAGE
Dzongkha, the language of the western region, is the national language. English is the medium of instruction and is spoken by all government officials and businessmen. Nepali is prevalent in the south while Bumthangkha, Khyengkha and Sharchopkha are common dialects. Our guides and few staff are trained to speak Japanese, French and little Spanish.

INSURANCE
To protect against unforeseen accidents and mishaps, we advise you to have Travel insurance policy from your country. It should adequately cover helicopter evacuation and medical assistance. We regret the unavailability of such policies in Bhutan.

SAFETY
The crime rate in Bhutan is very low; the country lives up to its nickname of the Land of Peaceful Dragon. Even so there are Police Stations in almost all regions.

SHOPPING
Traditional handicrafts, textiles, jewelleries, baskets, masks. Paintings and woodcarving make good buys.

TRANSPORT
We use Japanese imported luxury vehicles like Land Cruiser, Toyota Cars, Hiace Buses, Hilux, etc.

PLEASE OF INTEREST IN BHUTAN

THIMPHU
At 7,710 ft in the fertile valley of the Wang chu river, the capital Thimphu is an engaging blend of the old and the new. A unique law, which retains the forms and motifs of Bhutan's traditional architecture even in new buildings give Thimphu a delightful structural harmony. The capital's most striking visual landmark is the magnificent Tashichhodzong, which is the seat of the Royal Government and Central Monastic Body. A number of institutions in Thimphu such as the Royal School of the Performing Arts, the School of Traditional Painting and the Institute of Traditional Medicine offer the visitor an insight into Bhutanese culture

PARO
At 7,382 ft Paro is the site of Bhutan's only airport and is the most beautiful western valley. Besides the colourful spring tsechu, Paro has a number of sights and monuments to enthral the visitor. The pastoral beauty of Paro valley, magnificent views of Mount Jhomolhari, the incredible monastery of Taktsang which clings to a sheer rock cliff, the ruins of Drukgyel Dzong (fortress of the victorious Drupas) and the National Museum, housed in an ancient watchtower, are a few of the attractions that make Paro one of the high-points of any holiday in Bhutan.

PUNAKHA
At 4,300 ft Punakha with its sub-tropical climate is Bhutan's ancient capital and winter seat of the Central Monastic Body. The unique Pungthang Dechen Phodrang Dzong, built in 1637 by the Shabdrung, is situated on a triangular spit of land at the confluence of the Mo chu and Pho chu river. Punakha has its own festive, the Punakha Dromchoe that concludes with the Serda, a colourful re-enactment of an episode of the war against the invading Tibetans in the 17th century. The body of the Shabdrung, who died in 1651 while in meditation at Punakha, is preserved at the dzong.

TSDHIVHHO DZONG
Other attractions include the National Memorial Chorten, the Handicrafts Emporium, the National Library and the quaint weekend market.

BUMTHANG
The undulating and verdant valleys of Bumthang are known for their beauty, temples and palaces of historical significance. Bumthang offers some of the best treks in Bhutan, ranging from easy walks in the idyllic countryside to extended treks to explore hidden alpine valleys, where the warm, unquestioning hospitality of the people and the pristine beauty of the land belong to another age.

WANGDUEPHOLDRANG
At 4,300 ft Wangduephodrang is distinguished primarily by its dzong, which completely covers the spur of a hill and commands excellent views of both the east-west and north-south routes.

GANTEY / PHOBJIKHA
A broad glacial valley (10,000 ft) on the flanks of the Black Mountains, Phobjikha with gently sloping hillsides encloses a space of astonishing beauty described as "the most beautiful valley in the most beautiful country in the Himalayas". Every winter, the rare and beautiful black-necked cranes return from Tibet to the Gantey valley where they are protected. Gantey also has a very interesting Nyingmapa monastery, the only one of its kind west of the Black Mountain range.

TRASHIGANG
At 3,773 ft Trashigang is the biggest urban centre in eastern Bhutan. Trashigang is known for its woodwork and fine weaving. Trashigang dzong, built on a spur, overlooks the Gong Ri river, 1,300 ft below. In winter, handsome semi-nomadic people from the northeastern glacial valleys of Merak and Sakteng, dressed in their characteristic burgundy jackets, come here to sell their cheese, butter and yak wool.

TRONGSA
Ancestral home of Bhutan's ruling dynasty and site of Bhutan's most impressive fortress, Trongsa is a strategically located town on the east-west route. The sprawling dzong is built on a spur and the view of the Mangde river valley extends for many kilometres.

LAYA AND LINGSHI
In the far north of western Bhutan, lies this region of high pastures (up to 16,000 ft), glaciated valleys, colourful semi-nomadic yak herders in their conical bamboo hats, hot springs, and snow covered Himalayan peaks, This region is also camping country - the trekking trial takes you through alpine meadows and picturesque mountain hamlets. You may also, if you're lucky, see the elusive snow leopard and the rare blue sheep

SAMDRUP JONGKHAR
Located in the south-east of Bhutan, the border town of Samdrup Jongkhar is the eastern overland gateway to Bhutan. During winter months eastern Bhutanese come to this trading town to sell their hand-woven textiles and other wares.