BHUTAN
Bhutan may be the last country on earth that can boast the traveler's most precious adjective: unchanged. Lightly populated and hiding behind its rhododendron curtain, it is the last stand of primeval Himalayan culture. Traditional dress is still worn, outside influences are carefully restricted and the culture of yesteryear is alive today. Although Bhutan may become a museum tomorrow, today its culture and religion, as well as its hill and forests connect Kathmandu with Paro, Bhutan's entry point by air. A tour of Bhutan gives new meaning to the world culture. Our guests explore Paro and Thimpu, the company's major cities lying in untouched evergreen valleys. Excursions are taken to ancient monasteries and forts, carefully preserved by the Royal Bhutanese government, as well as the famous meditation center of Taktsang, the "Tiger's Lair", clinging precariously to a rocky cliff in a breathtaking setting. This is an opportunity for in-depth experience of a preserved civilization, brought to our guests with visits to museums, a traditional painting school and a school of Himalayan medicine, where they can experience paintings, manuscripts and ancient practices lost in the rest of the world.
Traveller's Tips
Bhutan covers an area of 47,000 square kilometers. The country is located between India in the East, South & Southeast and China in the North. At latitudes 26 degrees 40' North to 28 degrees 15' North and 80 degrees 45' East to 92 degrees 10' East, Bhutan is basically a mountainous country. Its mid valleys are most inhabited followed by the towns in the southern foothills of the country. The far north is sparsely inhabited.
LANGUAGE
The official language of Bhutan is "Dzongkha" meaning the language spoken in Dzongs. The written form is derived from ancient Sanskrit script. Nepal is spoken towns and understood by the most population. People in travel related occupation speak remarkably good English.
CLIMATE
The country's weather is ideal for visiting in all seasons. Winters are cold and stretch form December through February. Days are warm and sunny, though nighttime temperature can take a dip. Spring from March to May, summer from June to mid July, autumn from September to November, winter form December to February. The best time to visit Bhutan is during October - December and March - April. Southern Bhutan is tropical, with a monsoon season. The east is warmer than the West. The valleys of Punakha, Wangdi Phodrang, Gangtey, Mongar, Tashigang and Lhuntshi enjoy a semi tropical climate with very cool winters, whereas Ha, Paro, Thimphu, Tongsa and Bumthang have a colder climate with occasional snowfalls in the winter.
CLOTHING
Light woolen with windbreaker is sufficient during the daytime most of the year; warmer dresses are necessary in the evenings. Heavy woolen clothing, parkas or down jackets are required during the winter months plus warm headwear and gloves.
ENTERING BHUTAN
The city of Paro is linked by air with Bangkok, Calcutta, Delhi, Kathmandu and Yangoon. National flag carrier Druk Air operates with its two 75 seater BAE 146 four engine jet aircrafts. It is possible to fly from Kathmandu to two airports in the east of the country and drive via India to bordering town of Phuntsholing, gateway town in the southwest.
PASSPORT
A valid passport is required to enter into the country.
BHUTAN ENTRY VISA
All the nationals are required to obtain visa. . Visas are issued only after the tour program is booked and confirmed.
Visa Fee
USD 20.00 for a validity of 30 days and this is to be paid in cash on arrival in Bhutan.
AIRPORT TAX
USD 12.00 for all flights out of Paro Airport. This can be paid in the Bhutanese currency also.
TIME & OFFICE HOURS & WEEKENDS
In Bhutan, most offices, banks, government offices are open from 10 am to 5 PM. Monday through mid Saturday. Shops and restaurant usually open seven days week. In the winter months the working day time are 10 am to 2 PM. Government Office, Embassies and International Organizations are closed on Saturdays and Sundays.
Bhutan is 6 hrs ahead of Greenwich Mean Time.
LOCAL CURRENCY
The national currency is Nglutrum. Cash or travelers cheques in USD are preferred than other currencies and can be exchanged in larger towns such as Paro, Thimpu, Phuntsholing and Bumthang. No exchange is available while on trekking.
ELECTRICITY
220 Volts AC