GENERAL INFORMATIONS

Area: 46,000 Sq. Kms.
Population: 7,00,000 (1996)
Capital: Thimpu
Location: 890 and 920 E and 270 and 280N
Time: 6 hours ahead of GMT
Language: Dzongkha similar to Tibetan, Nepalese, Bhutia, English & Hindi
People: There are two main population groups in Bhutan: the Drukpa (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.

GEOGRAPHY

The Kingdom lies east of Nepal and west of the Indian state of Arunchal Pradesh, south of Tibet and north of the Indian state territories of West Bengal & Assam. Bhutan is a landlocked country surrounded by mountains to the north & west. The altitudes in the south range from 1000 to 4500 feet. From 4000 feet in the east around Tashigang to a high of 17,000 feet over the highest pass. The altitude at Thimpu, the capital is 7,700 feet. The range of altitudes revel its variety, rising from 300m on the Indian frontier to 7,300m on the Tibet border. The land is reminiscent of a gigantic staircase.

CLIMATE & AVERAGE TEMPERATURE OF MAJOR TOWNS

The best time to visit Bhutan is March, April, May, and September & October since this period provides clear blue sky, and plenty of greenery. Winter (Dec, January, February) will be too cold since the temperature will be below zero degree. Summer (June, July, August) is pleasant but wet due to the monsoon. Autumn (September, October, November) is similar to spring but a bit warmer and also the best time to visit. However please see the tours and treks sections for specific time to visit the specific areas.

AVERAGE TEMPERATRE (In Degree Centigrade)

PLACES		JAN	FEB	MAR	APR	MAY	JUN	JUL	AUG	SEP	OCT	NOV	DEC
PARO	MAX	7.0	12.6	13.9	15.1	20.9	23.0	23.6	28.7	23.4	20.0	14.2	11.0
	MIN	-7.7	-3.0	1.6	3.5	12.5	13.1	14.6	14.9	10.7	8.6	3.0	-4.3
THIMPHU	MAX	12.0	16.9	14.0	19.4	19.2	23.7	28.7	24.7	21.4	19.4	16.9	14.7
	MIN	-3.0	-0.4	4.6	9.2	14.5	15.8	17.8	16.7	15.8	11.4	508	-0.2
PUNAKHA	MAX	18.0	19.4	23.6	24.9	24.0	21.0	25.8	25.4	26.1	24.6	22.3	23.0
	MIN	6.9	6.9	7.8	10.2	10.3	11.1	16.7	11.0	11.5	11.3	12.2	8.9
WANGDI	MAX	14.9	20.6	22.6	24.9	18.0	29.0	29.0	28.7	27.5	26.2	23.1	19.0
	MIN	6.7	7.3	8.8	12.8	12.8	19.2	20.2	19.9	18.9	16.0	11.5	2.9
TONGSA	MAX	10.6	14.1	15.0	17.4	20.0	20.0	20.9	20.0	18.2	20.0	18.5	13.9
	MIN	-0.3	-1.0	0.3	4.4	5.0	13.0	14.6	15.0	13.1	13.1	11.5	1.6
BUMTANG	MAX	8.5	13.0	16.0	19.1	20.0	20.0	21.3	21.8	21.4	18.7	15.0	14.2
	MIN	-0.7	0.5	4.5	6.0	8.4	12.0	13.2	14.3	12.7	9.6	2.5	-5.0
MONGAR	MAX	19.9	24.8	27.1	27.5	29.4	30.2	31.0	38.9	30.4	29.2	26.3	24.0
	MIN	9.7	10.2	9.5	15.9	20.3	20.9	21.9	32.7	20.4	18.0	12.9	7.0
TASHGAN	MAX	15.1	17.4	17.7	20.8	20.2	19.1	21.6	22.2	21.2	19.6	16.8	15.7
	MIN	3.6	5.0	5.4	8.9	12.4	15.1	16.7	16.8	15.0	11.1	10.2	10.0

VISAS

Though it is an upon arrival visa it must have a approval prior arriving in the kingdom for which the application should be reached Bhutan at least ten days prior to the intended arrival date. There copies of original passport size photographs are required on arrival. Visa fee US $ 20 for 14 days visa and US $ 10 as Tourism development must be paid on arrival. Visa can be further extended with an additional fee of US $ 15.

ACCESSIBILITY

Bhutan is least air-connected country in the world. Only Druk Air, the national flag carrier of Bhutan with 75-seater BAE-146, a four engine jet aircraft links Bhutan with other country. It is linked to Kathmandu, Calcutta, Delhi, Bangkok and Dhaka. The other option of traveling to Bhutan is by land and the entry point is Phuntshuling (Indo- Bhutan Border). Phuntsholing is 08 hours drive from Kakarvitta (Indo - Nepal Border) and Thipmu is 6 hours from Phunttsholing.
As per Bhutan Government rule it is mandatory to travel at least one way by Druk air, it can be either entry or exit or both. Only when seats are not available one can operate tour both ways overland.
Please note, if you wish to enter by land you will need Indian visa as you will be traveling in India for a day (From Nepal Border to Phuntsholing).

AIRPORT TAX

Airport tax of Nu. 300 per person is payable at the time of departure. It is subject to change.

ACCOMODATION

Accommodation is always in hotel while you are in town like Paro, Thimpu, Wangdiphodrang, Punakaha etc. All the hotels and guesthouses are regularly monitored by the government and are all moderate class. But till now there has not been any kind of dissatisfaction. However they are now many luxurious resorts in major cities which cost has to be pay extra than our package rate.
When one ventures into central and eastern region, the lodging gets more rudimentary; purpose-built huts on some of the principal trekking routes. Besides accommodating in lodges, there is nothing like camping out under the clearest night skies that you have ever seen. Wherever you spend the night, the warm Bhutanese hospitality will make you feel welcome. On trekking tours, a trained cook will accompany your group to provide simple but nutritious dishes.

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. On treks, our trained cooks prepare dishes suitable to western taste ranging from Continental to Chinese and Bhutanese to Indian.

CUSTOMS

The Bhutanese authorities strictly monitor the export of any religious antiquities or antiques of any kind from the kingdom. Personal videos, cameras, personal computers, portable telephones or any other electronic device should be registered with the customs authorities on arrival at Paro and will be checked by the same on departure. A reasonable quantity of cigarettes and alcohol may be imported into the kingdom.

INSURANCE

When travelling anywhere in the subcontinent, it is imperative that you have full comprehensive insurance cover to protect against unforeseen accidents and mishaps. Such policies are not available in Bhutan. It should adequately cover baggage & travel delays etc. and helicopter evacuation, transportation and medical assistance incase of treks.

MEDICAL & HEALTH

Except for some treks, any one who is physically fit can join our tours and treks. Treks in altitude of 4000 m or higher are more difficult and requires a certificate of fitness. There are modern hospitals in Paro and in Thimpu for emergency purpose but your precaution is the best option. It is therefore advised to have through check up with your doctor before heading to Bhutan. There are no compulsory vaccinations for travel to Bhutan or within the continent. However it is recommended to be protected against Polio, Tetanus, Typhoid, Cholera, Hepatitis A, Malaria, especially if you are traveling out of Bhutan.

RELIGION

The Buddhist faith has played and continues to play a fundamental role in the cultural, ethical and sociological development of Bhutan and its people.

ECONOMY

In 1995, the per capita income was estimated at 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. Over 91% of the population depend 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 48/-

FLORA AND FAUNA

Bhutan is a botanical paradise. One of the ancient names given to Bhutan was 'Southern Valleys of Medicinal Herbs'. To name a few floras - rhododendrons, junipers and magnolias several meters high, carnivorous plants, rare orchids, blue poppy (national flower), edelweiss, gentian, medicinal plants, Daphne, giant rhubarb, high-altitude plants, tropical tress, pine and oak etc. Among the rare and exotic faunas found in Bhutan are - Golden Languor, Red Pandas, and Black-necked Crane, Snow Leopard, Takin, Musk Deer, Himalayan Brown Bear, Himalayan Marten, Tiger, hornbills, pheasants, mountain goats and timid blue sheep.

PHOTOGRAPHY AND FILMING

Photography is permitted nearly everywhere in Bhutan. However, it is not permitted in the Dzongs (Fortresses) and monasteries. Any commercial filming in Bhutan requires prior permission to be sought from the Royal Government and the payment of a royalty.

FESTIVALS

Festivals (Tshechus) are held in Bhutan throughout 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. The most popular for tourists are those held in Thimphu. Paro and Bumthang. They mark the busiest time of the year for tourism and confirm reservation is difficult to come by. Festival time is one of the only periods during a year when tourisms are permitted inside the courtyard of the dzongs. The dzongs come to life with color, music and dancing as valley dwellers and townsfolk dress in their best clothes and join together to exercise evil spirits and rejoice are performed in the dzong's courtyards and temples. Each dance has its own significance and can be performed by monks or lay men dressed in bright costumes. Certain festivals end with the unveiling and worship of huge religious appliqués or Thongdrels. The moment of the unveiling is shrouded in secrecy and creates great excitement amongst all the participants.
The tentative schedules of tsechu festivals

Name of the festival	Location	Date
Trongsa Tsechu	Trongsa	Jan
Lhuntse Tsechu	Lhuntse	Jan
Punakha Dromche	Punakha	Feb
Chorten Kora Tsechu	Chorten Kora	Mar
Gom Kora	Tashigang	Apr
Chukka Tsechu	Chukka	Apr
Paro Tsechu	Paro	Apr
Ura Yakchoe	Bumthang	May
Kurjoy Ysechu	Bumthang	Jun
Nimlung Tsechu	Bumthang	Jun
Thimphu Tsechu	Thimphu	Sep
Wangdue Tsechu	Wangdue Phodrang	Sep
Tamshing Phala Choepa	Bumthang	Sep
Thangbi Mani	Bumthang	Oct
Jambay Lhakhang	Bumthang	Nov
Prakhar Tsechu	Bumthang	Nov
Nganglakhang Tsechu	Bumthang	Nov
Mongar Tsechu	Mongar	Nov
Pema Gatsel	Trashigang	Nov
Trashigang Tsechu	Trashigang	Nov
Trongsa Tsechu	Trongsa	Dec
Lhuntse Tsechu	Lhuntse	Dec

DRIVING TIME AND DISTANCES BETWEEN PLACES

All mode of transport within Bhutan is by motor vehicles as there is no domestic airlines or trains. However motor roads are well maintained and link all parts of the nation. The mountainous terrain and winding roads restrict the average driving speed of vehicles to less then 40 kilometers per hour.

FROM	TO	DIST. in kms.	DRIVING TIME
Thimphu	Paro	65kms	2 hrs.
Thimphu	Phuntsholing	175 kms.	6 hrs.
Thimphu	Wangdiphodrang	70 kms.	3 hrs.
Thimphu	Punakha	75 kms.	3 hrs.
Punakha	Wangdiphodrang	17kms	30 min.
Wangdiphodrang	Gangtey Gompa	50kms	2 hrs.
Wangdiphodrang	Topmgsal	130kms	4 hrs.
Tongsa	Bumthang	68kms	2 hrs.
Bumthang	Mongar	195kms	7 hrs.
Mongar	Tashingang	90kms.	3 hrs
Tashigang	Chorten Kora	52 kms.	2 hrs
Tashigang	Samdrup Jongkhar	180kms.	7 hrs
Samdrup Jongkhar	Guwahati (India)	110kms.	3 hrs
Samdrup Jongkhar	Phuntsholing	380kms	10 hrs
Phuntsholing	Bagdogra (India)	170kms	4 hrs

THINGS TO BRING

Druk air limits your luggage to 20 kg /44 lbs (or 30 kg / 66 lbs on business class). You should try to keep to this allowance. One small suitcase and an even smaller carry-on are best. There is not much room for over-head storage in the air cabin. Comfortable casual clothes are great, but you may want to bring some semi-formal clothes (jacket and tie for men, dresses for women) just incase you are invited to a Bhutanese home for a social function. If you are not trekking, you will need:
Long Underwear (for cold weather from November to March)
Cotton trousers; Cotton skirt for women (at least one)
Pile jacket or sweater - even in summer
Down jacket - in winter; not needed in summer
T-shirts or short-sleeved cotton shirts (not sleeveless)
Sturdy Sneakers or walking shoes
Sandals or flip-flops
Rain jacket (Gore-Tex if possible), otherwise a poncho or nylon jacket
Dress-up clothes for festivals
Sun hat and sunscreen

Please do not wear shorts in public buildings or monasteries. Have a pair of long pants or longer skirt for these locations. All hotels provide sheets, blankets or quilt, and a pillow. Unless you are trekking, you will not need to carry a sleeping bag. Hotels provide heating in winter; either an electric heater or a wood stove which will keep you quite warm.
You will be outside a lot, much of the time at altitudes above 2,500 m (7,800 ft); so there is plenty of sun and wind. Bring a supply of sun cream and lip protection.

For trekkers, be sure to bring the following:
Sturdy and "broken-in" trekking/hiking boots
Sunglasses & Sunscreen (highest possible)
Headgear & Raincoat
Sleeping bag (tents are provided)
Torch (Flashlight) & Insect repellent
Maximum recommended load for trekking is 25Kgs (55lbs.).
Essential Extras
A folding umbrella; if traveling during the monsoons of mid June to late September.
Rain is possible any time, and is almost certain from June through August.
Be sure to carry ear plugs (and spares).
A Swiss style army knife