Bhutan

HOW TO GET TO BHUTAN

Drukair The Royal Bhutan Airlines has flights that enter through the illustrious Paro Valley. The airline operates out of nine cities in six countries. No matter where you are in the world, Drukair the Royal Bhutan Airlines will get you to the most peaceful place on Earth. Flights from Bangkok, Thailand and Kathmandu, Nepal have daily arrivals. Local Time of Bhutan: Bhutan Standard Time (BST) is six hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT).

Language of Bhutan: The national language of Bhutan is Dzongkha. English is the medium of instruction in all the schools in Bhutan and is widely spoken in the main towns of the country

The money of Bhutan: The currency of Bhutan is Ngultrum (Nu.), with 1 Ngultrum = 100 Chetrums. It has the same value as the Indian rupee. Tourists are advised to carry travelers cheques (preferably American Express) and a small amount of cash (US Dollars). Some of the hotels and a few stores in Thimphu accept Visa, Mastercard and American Express cards. The exchange rate is, 1 USD $ is equivalent to about Nu. 44.5

Internet service of Bhutan: There are abundant internet access facilities in Thimphu but once you proceed further to central and eastern Bhutan, you will have limited access to them. The rates are very reasonable. However, international telephone and fax services are excellent and available in all the towns.

Climate Temperatures of Bhutan:
The climate varies widely, depending upon the elevation. The southern plains experience a humid tropical climate; cool winters and hot summers in central valleys while the northern Himalayan region has severe winters and cool summers. The climate in the northern Himalayan regions and parts of central Bhutan are harsh, with monsoon rains in summer and heavy snowfalls in winter, which frequently block the passes leading into central valleys. Winter in Bhutan is from mid-November until mid-March and summer from June until August with monsoon rains.

Clothing of Bhutan:
Cotton clothes are sufficient from May until September but warm clothes are very much necessary from November to the end of April. However, visitors are advised to carry clothes consisting of layers (or preferably woolen sweater and jacket) throughout the season, as the weather may change at any time. Formal dress is also required for visitors attending festivals or if you are in the company of high government official members.

Other recommended items are comfortable shoes, sunglasses, sun hats, mountain boots for trekkers, down jacket (required in winter only), sunblock cream, lip balm, flashlight, insect repellant, earplugs, pair of casual shoes, umbrella, antiseptic cream, anti-diarrhea medicine, camera, and accessories.

Photography in Bhutan:
Always follow the guides instruction carefully while taking the photographs and recording with a video camera, especially in Dzongs and monasteries where photography in some of its places are strictly prohibited. However, there is an immense opportunity to take photographs on your entire trip, but always be polite and seek permission before taking photographs of the local people and their houses. Carry enough batteries as some may not be readily available and slide films are more difficult to obtain.

Electricity in Bhutan:
The electricity power supply of Bhutan is 220/240 volts. Make sure you have an international converter kit, charger, and adapter plugs if you are carrying electrical appliances.

Food of Bhutan:
Bhutanese food is usually hot with spicy chilies and cheese. However, the Department of Tourism (DOT) approved hotels and lodges also serve Continental, Chinese and Indian cuisine for the visitors. For trekkers, our cooks will prepare and serve the best dishes from Continental to Chinese, Indian and Bhutanese cuisine.

Accommodation in Bhutan:
All the hotels, guest houses, and lodges are selected and approved by the government. There is no star categorization of hotels. However, all the lodges provide fairly comfortable rooms. Hotels in western Bhutan have better accommodation facilities than in central and eastern Bhutan.

Guides: You will be accompanied by our English speaking guides throughout the trips. All the guides are well trained and certified by the government of Bhutan. French, German and Japanese speaking guides can also be arranged for a group of three or more persons upon the additional fees.

Transportation of Bhutan:
We use 4WD Japanese Toyota vehicles such as Hilux and Land-cruisers for a group of 1-2 persons, Hiace bus for a group of 3- 7 persons and Deluxe Coaster bus for group 8 20 persons. All these vehicles are periodically checked and maintained, and will be at your disposal at all times, with the drivers.

Bhutan at a glance
Location: China (Tibet) in the north and India in the east, west, and south
Area: 38,394 sq.km.
Population: 700,000
Capital: Thimphu
Altitude: 300 meters in the south to 7000 meters in the north
Local time: 6 hours ahead of GMT
Currency: Ngultrum (same value as the Indian Rupee)
Religion: Mahayana Buddhism
National language: Dzongkha
National Day: 17 December
National sport: Archery
National Tree: Cyprus (Cupressus Corneyana)
National Flower: Blue Poppy (Meconopsis Grandis)
National Animal: Takin (Budorcas Taxicolor)
National Bird: Raven (Corvus Corax Tibetanus)
Electricity: 220/240 volts