Introduction
The land of the thunder dragon has shunned the rush towards modernity. Bhutan, nestling in the heart of the great Himalaya, has for centuries remained aloof from the rest of the world. Since its doors were cautiously opened in 1974, visitors have been mesmerised: the environment is pristine, the scenery and architecture awesome and the people hospitable and charming.
Destination Facts
Capital: Thimphu
King (Druk Gyalpo): Jigme Khesar Namgyal Wangchuk
Prime Minister: Lyonpo Jigme Thinley
Government: constitutional monarchy
Time zone: GMT +6
Area: 47000
Population: 672425
Languages: Bhotes speak varous Tibetan dialects.Nepalese speak various Nepalese dialects.
Buddhist (75%), Hindu (25%)
Currency: Ngultrum (Nu)
Country Dialing Code: 975
Getting there
The ideal time for trekking late-September to late-November when skies are generally clear and the high mountain peaks rise to a vivid blue sky. March-May is recognised as the second-best time to visit Bhutan for touring and trekking. Though there are more clouds and rain, the magnificent wildflowers are in bloom and birdlife is abundant. You're likely to get wet no matter what the season, but avoid the monsoon, June-August, when an average of 0.5m (1.5ft) of rain buckets down in Thimphu and up to 1m (3ft) saturates the eastern hills. Winter is a good time for touring in western Bhutan, bird watching in the subtropical jungles in the south, and white water rafting. The days are sunny and cool but it's quite cold once the sun sets. From December to February the road from Thimphu to Bumthang and the east may be closed because of snow for several days at a time. It would be best not to plan to visit these regions at this time. In recent years overcrowding has become an issue during the major tsechus (Buddhist festivals) at Thimphu and Paro, which coincide with the best seasons. You stand a much better chance of getting flights, accommodation and probably a more intimate and rewarding festival experience if you schedule your trip around one of the other cultural events.
Getting there and away
There are only two ways to get into Bhutan: fly to Paro, 55km from Thimphu, or by road at Phuentsholing on the southern border with India. The national carrier, Druk Air, has several flights from Bangkok, Delhi, Kolkata and Kathmandu each week. Druk Air has no interline agreements with other carriers and they are the only airline that flies into or out of Bhutan. You will need to book your ticket through a tour operator, who will also arrange your visa, see www.tourism.gov.bt. The flight from Kathmandu to Paro provides the most dramatic view of Himalayan scenery of any scheduled flight. Be sure to get a window seat on the left side for some of the best views you will ever see from a plane. Druk Air won't issue your ticket until they have received your 'visa clearance' from the Department of Tourism (DOT). Without competition they can afford to be expensive, and they are. On arrival at Paro airport, the clerk will miraculously find your clearance and issue your visa, then away you go. Paro Airport is less than two hours from Thimphu. Your prearranged vehicle will probably take you directly there from the airport. Departure tax from Paro is now included in ticket price. If arriving by land and crossing the border at Phuentsholing you will also need to pre-organise your visa through the Department of Tourism (DOT) before you arrive; no visas are given at the border. The best way to plan a trip by road is to start in Kathmandu, perhaps visiting Darjeeling and Sikkim en route.
Getting around
Because Bhutan has no domestic air service, possesses no helicopters, and does not include an inch of railway track, the only way to see the place is by foot or by road. If you're on a normal tourist visa, your tour operator will provide all your transportation. If you're working on a government project or are an Indian national you will have to rely on public transport. Good luck! Public buses are crowded and rough and the winding roads make them perversely uncomfortable. If you don't already have a vehicle at your disposal, it's possible to hire one with a driver through a travel agency. Mountain biking in Bhutan is gaining popularity and this is a great way to explore, especially around the Thimphu and Paro valleys. Bikes are available for rent in Thimphu. Taxis operate without meters and fares are very much open to negotiation, and sometimes exploitation.
Visa:
Despite popular mythology, you don't need special 'pull' to get a visa, neither is there a limit on the number of tourists allowed to visit. However, to minimise the perceived threat to Bhutan's unique culture, the government has established a stringent set of rules, which means you must travel on a pre-arranged itinerary and pay around 165.00-200.00, depending on the time of year, a night for the privilege, all costs included. Apart from that, the process is relatively straightforward and a good tour operator will be able to individualise your itinerary to suit your interests. All visa applications must be channelled through the Department of Tourism (DOT) from a selected tour operator, even if you are entering the land border crossing with India at Phuentsholing. With notification of approval and receipt of full payment, visas are issued when you arrive in the country. It's actually an extremely efficient system and you can set up a trip with as little as 10 days planning.
Weather
Higher parts of Bhutan have pleasant months either side of the rainy season, which lasts from May to September. Days from March to April and October to November are generally warm with less rain, decent sunshine and temperatures between 25-30° C (77-86° F). Nights can get a bit fresh between November and March. Lower parts of the country experience heavier falls and warmer temperatures during the day across this time.
The land of the thunder dragon has shunned the rush towards modernity. Bhutan, nestling in the heart of the great Himalaya, has for centuries remained aloof from the rest of the world. Since its doors were cautiously opened in 1974, visitors have been mesmerised: the environment is pristine, the scenery and architecture awesome and the people hospitable and charming.
Destination Facts
Capital: Thimphu
King (Druk Gyalpo): Jigme Khesar Namgyal Wangchuk
Prime Minister: Lyonpo Jigme Thinley
Government: constitutional monarchy
Time zone: GMT +6
Area: 47000
Population: 672425
Languages: Bhotes speak varous Tibetan dialects.Nepalese speak various Nepalese dialects.
Buddhist (75%), Hindu (25%)
Currency: Ngultrum (Nu)
Country Dialing Code: 975
Getting there
The ideal time for trekking late-September to late-November when skies are generally clear and the high mountain peaks rise to a vivid blue sky. March-May is recognised as the second-best time to visit Bhutan for touring and trekking. Though there are more clouds and rain, the magnificent wildflowers are in bloom and birdlife is abundant. You're likely to get wet no matter what the season, but avoid the monsoon, June-August, when an average of 0.5m (1.5ft) of rain buckets down in Thimphu and up to 1m (3ft) saturates the eastern hills. Winter is a good time for touring in western Bhutan, bird watching in the subtropical jungles in the south, and white water rafting. The days are sunny and cool but it's quite cold once the sun sets. From December to February the road from Thimphu to Bumthang and the east may be closed because of snow for several days at a time. It would be best not to plan to visit these regions at this time. In recent years overcrowding has become an issue during the major tsechus (Buddhist festivals) at Thimphu and Paro, which coincide with the best seasons. You stand a much better chance of getting flights, accommodation and probably a more intimate and rewarding festival experience if you schedule your trip around one of the other cultural events.
Getting there and away
There are only two ways to get into Bhutan: fly to Paro, 55km from Thimphu, or by road at Phuentsholing on the southern border with India. The national carrier, Druk Air, has several flights from Bangkok, Delhi, Kolkata and Kathmandu each week. Druk Air has no interline agreements with other carriers and they are the only airline that flies into or out of Bhutan. You will need to book your ticket through a tour operator, who will also arrange your visa, see www.tourism.gov.bt. The flight from Kathmandu to Paro provides the most dramatic view of Himalayan scenery of any scheduled flight. Be sure to get a window seat on the left side for some of the best views you will ever see from a plane. Druk Air won't issue your ticket until they have received your 'visa clearance' from the Department of Tourism (DOT). Without competition they can afford to be expensive, and they are. On arrival at Paro airport, the clerk will miraculously find your clearance and issue your visa, then away you go. Paro Airport is less than two hours from Thimphu. Your prearranged vehicle will probably take you directly there from the airport. Departure tax from Paro is now included in ticket price. If arriving by land and crossing the border at Phuentsholing you will also need to pre-organise your visa through the Department of Tourism (DOT) before you arrive; no visas are given at the border. The best way to plan a trip by road is to start in Kathmandu, perhaps visiting Darjeeling and Sikkim en route.
Getting around
Because Bhutan has no domestic air service, possesses no helicopters, and does not include an inch of railway track, the only way to see the place is by foot or by road. If you're on a normal tourist visa, your tour operator will provide all your transportation. If you're working on a government project or are an Indian national you will have to rely on public transport. Good luck! Public buses are crowded and rough and the winding roads make them perversely uncomfortable. If you don't already have a vehicle at your disposal, it's possible to hire one with a driver through a travel agency. Mountain biking in Bhutan is gaining popularity and this is a great way to explore, especially around the Thimphu and Paro valleys. Bikes are available for rent in Thimphu. Taxis operate without meters and fares are very much open to negotiation, and sometimes exploitation.
Visa:
Despite popular mythology, you don't need special 'pull' to get a visa, neither is there a limit on the number of tourists allowed to visit. However, to minimise the perceived threat to Bhutan's unique culture, the government has established a stringent set of rules, which means you must travel on a pre-arranged itinerary and pay around 165.00-200.00, depending on the time of year, a night for the privilege, all costs included. Apart from that, the process is relatively straightforward and a good tour operator will be able to individualise your itinerary to suit your interests. All visa applications must be channelled through the Department of Tourism (DOT) from a selected tour operator, even if you are entering the land border crossing with India at Phuentsholing. With notification of approval and receipt of full payment, visas are issued when you arrive in the country. It's actually an extremely efficient system and you can set up a trip with as little as 10 days planning.
Weather
Higher parts of Bhutan have pleasant months either side of the rainy season, which lasts from May to September. Days from March to April and October to November are generally warm with less rain, decent sunshine and temperatures between 25-30° C (77-86° F). Nights can get a bit fresh between November and March. Lower parts of the country experience heavier falls and warmer temperatures during the day across this time.
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