Location: 150-km
From Siliguri To Phuntsholing, Bhutan Border
Average Altitude: 7,554m
Capital: Thimphu
Best Time To Visit: March To August
Bhutan often reversed as the 'Land of the peaceful Dragon'
is still regarded as one of the last "Shangri-La"
in the Himalayan region because of its remoteness, it's spectacular
mountain terrain, varied flora and fauna and it's unique ancient
Buddhist monasteries. It is relatively unexplored pockets
of Asia, which allows only limited number of discerning travelers
to enter the country with special travel visa permits.
Bhutan's isolation has resulted its culture and traditions
remaining much the same for many hundreds of years.
Festival (Tsechus ) are held in Bhutan through out the year
at different locations. These festivals are celebrations of
faith, legends, myths and history of Bhutan in ancient rituals
of colorful dance and music. To coincide a visit to Bhutan
during the festive season will be even better way to observe
the uniqude culture.
Bhutan : ( Druk yul )
Population : 6,00,000 ( 1995 )
Capital : Thimpu
Location : Bhutan lies between 89o and 92o E and 27o
and 28o N.
Time : 30 minutes ahead of Indian Standard time.
Language : Dzongkha
People: There are two main population groups in Bhutan:
the Dukpa ( 67 % ) of Tibetan and Monpa origin and Lhotsampa
( 30 % of Nepalese origin). The rest 3% comprise of indigenous
tribal groups such as Toktop, Doya and Lepcha of SW Bhutan.
Religion : Drukpa Kagyu school of Tibetan Buddhism
is the state religion but also Nyingma school is also well
represented in the central and eastern districts.
Climate : The monsoon starts in mid June and lasts
untill end of September. The climate within the mountain varies
greatly according to precipitations and wind conditions. In
the Duars Plain and upto 1500m. The climate is sub-tropical
with high humidity and heavy rain fall. The climate of mid-
mountain belt varies, such that low- lying parts of Punakha,
Mongar, Tashigang, and Lhuntse have cool winter and hot summer,
where as the higher valleys of Ha, Paro, Thimpu, Tongsa and
Bhumthang ranging from 3,000 - 4,000m endure a temperate climate
with cold snowy winter and some - what cooler summers.
Clothing : Cotton and light woolen in summer ( June
- Sept ). Heavy wollens and jackets the rest of the year.
Take an umbrella and comfortable shoes for the monsoon.
Economy : In 1995, the per capita income was estimated
as US 500 with the annual growth at 5%. Although these figures
places Bhutan among the least developed nations, the country
is unlike others within that category as no faine, little
malnutrition, food housing, exists. Over 91% of the population
depends on agriculture and livestock rearing which together
account for some 50% of GDP, despite the fact that only 2%
of the land is arable.
Money : The National currency is Ngultrum ( Nu ) 100
Chetrum = 1 Nu. Exchange rate is approximately US $ 1 - Nu
35. Indian ruees circulate at par.
NOTE : Please note that all booking has to be made
minium 21 days in advance & on conformation full payment
has to be made at Calcutta. Rate for accompanied children,
upto two yeas - free, & from 02 - 12 years - 50% of the
package cost without extra bed. Maximum two children below
12 years are allowed to share room with parents. If the child
is found above 12 years, the respective hotels will charge
the full adult rate directly, and so communication in this
regard will be entertained on the same later on.
Entry Formalities for Indians Nationals :
Visa not required. Route Permit issued at the point of entry.
Visitors must carry document testifying Indian nationals viz
: Passport, ration card, driving licence or Electoral ID.
Route Permit can be arranged prior date of arrival on receiving
the following information in advance
1) Full name
2) Date of Birth
3) Father's/ husband's name
4) Profession
5) Address in India
6) Xerox copy of identification.
Adventure in Bhutan
Cultural Tours
Bhutan Trekking
Motrobike Safari
Mountaineering
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Bhutan Himalayas
