Visiting Bhutan

Bhutan, the Land of the Thunder Dragon, is like traveling back in time to an enchanted era. The Mahayana Buddhist culture which regulates the way of life of the people is still preserved in its pristine form. The chants of maroon-robed monks echo within its many monasteries, the inhabitants go about their daily chores dressed in traditional costumes and the architectural backdrop looks like a movie set. Bhutan exists in its own paradise, undisturbed by the events and trends sweeping across the world. A natural showcase and a cultural sanctuary, the Land of the Thunder Dragon is unlike any country you have seen before.

All foreign tourists traveling to Bhutan must arrange all-inclusive package tours organized by an agent. The Royal Government of Bhutan does not grant tourist visa to independent and individual travelers.

Tariff:

The Royal Government of Bhutan has set an all-inclusive fixed tariff.

Surcharges

For individual and small groups of less than 3 participants, there is additional surcharge above the daily applicable rates as follows:

Inclusive:

• Accommodation on the twin sharing basis with meals
• Transfers and sight seeing within Bhutan by a deluxe vehicle
• The services of the guide/porters/ponies wherever required
• Royalty & Taxes to the Govt.
• Monastery and Monument entrance fee if any.

Goto Top

There shall be no charge for the number of days of delays in arrival/departure of visitors due to weather condition, Druk Air problems or roadblocks. They will be charged only the actual expenses on accommodation, food and transport and other required services.

Money

Bhutan unit of currency is the Ngultrum. 1Nu = 100 Chetrum. The Ngultrum is pegged to the value of Indian Rupee. Approx. 1 $ =Nu. 42

Getting there and away

Air

The best way to enter Bhutan is by Druk Air, the national air carrier. Following stations are connected with Druk Air flight:

Druk Air Schedules:

Druk Air is the only Airline operating in Bhutan. For more information about Airline, please  E-mail us at: nptrek@mos.com.np

Road:

Entry or exit is also possible through Phuntsoling, the southern Bhutanese border town. From here the neared airport is Bagdogra in West Bengal (India). For travelers wishing to visit Indian states of Sikkim, West Bengal along with Bhutan, Phuntsholing serves as the convenient point.

Exit from Bhutan can be also made through Samdrup Jongkhar, an important link for visiting further Northeastern states of India.

AS PER GOVERNMENT RULE IT IS MANDATORY TO TRAVEL AT LEAST ONE WAY BY DRUK AIR, IT CAN BE EITHER ENTRY OR EXIT OR BOTH.

Tours Escorts:

Well-trained, knowledgeable guides, certified by Tourism Authority of Bhutan escort all our tours. Most of the guides are English speaking but Japanese, French, Italian, Spanish, German, Russian-speaking guides could also be provided with prior information and on additional cost.

Food:

Bhutanese delicacies are limited with spicy chilies and cheese. However you will be served a buffet of Continental food with some local dishes too. Even on trek, our trained cooks prepare dishes suitable to western taste ranging from Continental to Chinese and Bhutanese to Indian.

What to Pack:

The following is a fairly exhaustive list of what you should pack for the trip:

Clothes as per seasons, sunglasses, spare glasses or contact lenses, pair of casual shoes, washing kit, shaving kit, towel, hat, umbrella, camera, film and accessories, books, maps, insect repellent, hand cream, small sewing kit, safety pins, torch or flash light with spare batteries, mirror, nail clippers, scissors, sun cream, lip salve or soluble aspirin, antiseptic cream, anti-histamine cream for relief of insect bites, anti diarrhea, preparation of relief of sunburn etc.

Climate:

The southern part of Bhutan is tropical, and in general the east of Bhutan is warmer than the west of the country. The central valley of Punakha, Wangdiphodrang, Mongar, Tashigang and Lhuntshi enjoy a semi tropical climate with very cool winters, while Thimphu, Tongsa and Bumthang have a temperate climate, with monsoon rains in the summer and snow-fall in winter. Winter in Bhutan is from mid-November until mid-March, and at this time of year the climate is dry, with daytime temperature of 16-19 degree centigrade (with sunshine and clear skies) and nighttime temperature falling below zero. The monsoon usually arrives in mid-June, with the rain falling mainly in the afternoons and evenings. At the end of September, after the last of the big rains, autumn suddenly arrives, and is a magnificent season for trekking-lasting until mid-November.

TENTATIVE BHUTAN FESTIVAL DATES FOR 2001

The Bhutanese are deeply religious people followers of Mahayana Buddhism. Their belief is woven intricately seven into their daily lives - in the way they live, work,workship and celebrate. But the tsechu festivals is perhaps the most elaborate and colourful expression of their deep-seated faith in the ideals of dharma. The festival is also an opportunity for those visiting Bhutan to get a rare glimpse into the mystical and rich traditions of the Bhutanese people.

The tentative schedules of tsechu festivals in 2001 are given below.