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Bhutan, best
known to the world as the last Shangril-la
of the Himalayas has a rare combination
of harmony and accord in a landscape of
incredible beauty. Protected by the mighty
Himalayas from the rest of the world and
enriched by the essence of Drukpa shrouded
deeply in isolation. Its rich valleys give
Bhutan a stunning beauty and aesthetic grandeur.
Bhutan has gently opened its doors to the
visitors who respect the delicate sensitivities
of this pristine land and shares the sacred
values of its people. The teachings of Mahayana
Buddhism are the living faith of the Bhutanese
people and religious sites and institutions
are the daily home of its people. Bhutanese
architectures in Dzongs, buildings and houses
are very striking. |
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Festival in Bhumtang |
All foreign
tourists travelling to Bhutan must go through
all-inclusive package tours. The Royal Government
has set fixed tariffs. The tariff includes
the services of accommodation, transport,
guide and meals.
VISA
- Visa is required for travelling to Bhutan
and is processed in Thimphu and arranged
by the agent.
- Passport details should be forwarded
to us at least three weeks before the
date of travel, to enable to process it
with concerned authorities.
- Actual visa is stamped only on arrival
in Bhutan with support of visa clearance,
which will be sent to you in advance.
- Visa clearance number is also required
while issuing Druk Air tickets. Two copies
of original passport size photographs
are required on arrival.
Visa fee is US$ 20 per person payable
on arrival in addition to the package
costs.
RESERVATIONS
- All tours must be booked through a Tour
Operator and the same agent will make
the entire land arrangements.
- For clients travelling in peak seasons
and festival time, it is necessary to
book 8 weeks in advance. Autumn and spring
are the peak season for the tourists and
without early reservation it can be difficult
to confirm flights and hotels.
MONEY
Bhutan unit of currency is the Ngultrum.
1Nu = 100 Chetrum.
ACCESS
Getting there
AIR : The best way to enter Bhutan is
by Druk Air, the national airline. The
following routes can help you to connect
Druk Air flight:
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INDIA: Delhi, & Calcutta
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NEPAL: Kathmandu
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Thailand: Bangkok
- Entry / Exit to / from Bhutan is also
possible through Phuntsoling, the southern
Bhutanese border town. Bagdogra, in the
state of West Bengal (India) is the nearest
airport approx. 4 hours drive from this
place. For travellers wishing to visit
Indian states of Sikkim, West Bengal along
with Bhutan, Phutsholing serves as the
convenient point.
- Exit from Bhutan can be made through
Samdrup Jongkhar also. This frontier Bhutanese
town is approx. 3 hours drive from Guwahati,
the capital town of Indian northeastern
state of Assam. Sandrup Jongkhar is the
authorised exit point only and an important
link for visiting further Indian northeastern
states.
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.
In an exceptional case, special permission
can be obtained.
TOUR ESCORTS
Well-trained, knowledgeable guides, certified
by the 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 to spicy
chillies 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, which
is suitable to western taste ranging from
Continental to Chinese and Bhutanese to
Indian.
WHAT TO PACK?
Suggested list: Clothes suited for the
season, sunglasses, spare glasses or contact
lenses, a 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 (or relief of insect bites), anti
diarrhoea, 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, Wangdipnodrang, Mongar,
Tashigan and Lhuntshi enjoy a semi tropical
climate with very cool winter, while Thimphu,
Tongsa and Bumthang have a temperate climate
with monsoon rains in the summer and snow-fall
in winter. The winter in Bhutan is from
mid-November to mid- march and at his
time of year the climate is dry with daytime
temperatur of 16-19 degrees centigrade
(with sunshine and clear skies) and nigh
time 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 which lasts till mid
November.
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Tina Höijer in
Bhutan |
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