Bhutan: The Country of Thunder Dragon

General Information:

On the roof the world, nestled on the lap of the Eastern Himalayas, is Bhutan, or the kingdom of the thunder Dragon. Here, centuries old ways of life, culture and tradition blend harmoniously with modern times to create a fairytale realm like no other. Bhutan has never been colonized and the Bhutanese are fiercely protective about their independence. After centuries of self-imposed isolation, Bhutan has emerged strongly from the shrouds of myth as a nation exemplified for choosing all the right paths. Bhutan is perhaps the only nation in the world where billboards and tobacco are banned. Their absence further heightens the nations intact forest cover of more than 70 percent of its entire land and its prestigious standing among the 10 global hotspots for environmental conservation. Bhutan is also the recipient of the Champions of The Earth Award 2005 from the United Nations Environment Program.

 

FACTS ON BHUTAN -

Location: Located in the eastern Himalayas; Bhutan is bordered Tibet in the north and the Indian states of Assam and west Bengal in the east west and south.

Local Time: +6: ahead of GMT                  Capital: Thimphu Area: 38,394. (sq.km)     

Dzongkhags (districts): 20                        Geogs (blocks): 201                                

Currency: Ngultrum                                  National Language: Dzongkha                               

Official Language: Dzongkha                    Religion: Mahayana Buddhism.

National Sport: Archery.                           National Dress: Gho (Men) & Kira (Women).

National Tree: Cypress.                            National Flower: Blue Poppy.1

National Bird: Raven.                               National: Takin.

Altitude: From 180mt to 7550mt above the sea level.

Electricity: Current is 220-240 Volts. The plug is round, 3 prong - British type.

 

GEOGRAPHY:

The Kingdom of Bhutan is wedged between India and China along the lofty mountains of the eastern Himalayas, between longitude 88°45’ and 92°10’ east and latitude 26°40’ and 28°15’. With an area of approximately 38,394 square kilometers, Bhutan is comparable to Switzerland in both size and topography, being largely mountainous. With these borders a giant staircase is formed — from a narrow strip of land in the south at an altitude of 10,000 feet. These unclimbed Himalayan peaks are among the highest on Earth.

 

TRAVEL INSURANCE:

The costs that we offer do not cover your Travel Insurance. 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 and travel delays etc. and helicopter evacuation, transportation and medical assistance in-case of treks.

 

ITINERARY CHANGES – INCLUDING STATED HOTELS:

You should keep in mind that this is an adventure trip into the remotest region, where many unforeseen events may contribute to the need for a change in itinerary. In such cases, your local operator or we will suggest the best alternative similar to your original.

Due to flight cancellation, weather condition and also limited tourism infra-structure, suitable hotel accommodation is very limited in some remote valleys and, on exceptionally rare occasions, a hotel room may not be available as booked. Late reservations, in particular, will often require flexibility and possible re-routing to provide the best possible accommodation options.

We kindly request you factor above possibility and any other unforeseen situation, into your planning when considering a visit to Bhutan.

 

FOOD:

Bhutanese Delicacies are limited with spicy Chillies 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 tastes ranging from continental to Chinese and Bhutanese to Indian.

 

CURRENCY:

Bhutanese unit of currency is the Ngultrum. 1Nu. = 100 Chetrum. The Ngultrum is at par with the Indian Rupee. Approx. 1 USD = Nu/44.5

 

CREDIT CARDS:

Credit cards are accepted in major Hotels and Handicraft Emporium to pay against your purchase bills but not to encash money. You cannot en-cash money with your ATM Cards. It is advisable that you bring cash dollars.

 

CLOTHING:

Due to wide range of temperature and climatic conditions, it is advisable to bring appropriate clothing. From May to Sep. cotton clothes are sufficient, plus a woollen sweater or light jacket. From November to the end of April, you will need very warm clothes including long underwear or woollen tights to wear under trousers, and down jacket or coat. During visit to the monasteries, Dzongs and other religious institution, you should not wear shorts, hats and should be properly dressed.

 

WHAT TO PACK:

Clothes as per season, sunglasses/spare glasses or contact lenses, pair of casual shoes, washing kit, shaving kit, towel, hat, umbrella, camera, film and accessories, maps, insect repellent, hand cream, small sewing kit & safety pins, torch or flash light with spare batteries, mirror, sun screen cream, lip salve or soluble aspirin, antiseptic cream, preparation for the relief of sunburn. You may not be tuned to the Asian drugs so it is always better to bring own brand. If you are going on a trek, we will provide separate list.

 

PHOTOGRAPHY:

The photographic opportunities on all trips are immense. If you wish to record the local people, their houses and shops etc., you can always ask by gesture, if it’s ok to take pictures. Also while visiting Dzongs, monasteries, and religious institutions; please follow your guide’s instruction carefully. Photography inside the Dzongs and monuments are not allowed. Although films and batteries are available locally, it is best to bring it yourself.

 

MEDICAL & HEALTH:

Anyone who enjoys outdoor life and is physically fit can participate on our treks and tours. However some treks maybe rigorous and difficult because of high altitude and therefore a good training of fitness for at least a month at home is required for treks going to an altitude in excess of 4000 mts/1500 ft. there are no compulsory vaccinations for travel to Bhutan.

 

CUSTOMS AND REGULATIONS:

The Bhutanese authorities strictly prohibit the export of any religious Antiquity or antiques of any type. All personal electronics, Cameras, Video Cameras, Computers and personal electronic equipment may be brought into the country but they must be listed on the custom form provided on arrival at Paro airport and will be checked on departure. Two liters of alcohol and reasonable quantity of cigarettes may be brought into the country without duty.

 

EAR PLUGS:

Compared to other towns, Thimphu has high number of stray Dogs. You may be disturbed by the barking dogs at night so we highly advise you to bring ear plugs.

 

ELECTRICITY:

Current is 220-240 Volts. The plug is round, 3 prong - British type.

 

TIPPING & GIFT:

Tipping is at each visitor’s discretion are requested not to give candy, gum, pens, pencils, balloons, etc to children, who soon learn to demand gifts; or not to hand out medicines to local people which may be inappropriate for their medical problems and delay their seeking professional help. if you want to give children pens, pencils, etc. it is better to give them to local schools. We will be happy to arrange a visit to a local school if you indicate at the time of booking. Instead of gifts, you can show them books and pictures of your country, your home, your children, etc. or teach them a song or game.

 

SHOPPING:

All visitors are welcome to visit the Handicraft Centre or all local shops, which contains a very wide range of traditional and modern items. Beautiful hand woven textiles, postage traditional handmade paper, colorful bamboo baskets, thangkas, centuries, ceramics, musical instruments and masks are some of many favorite items for purchase from Bhutan. The textiles with intricate patterns that take months to weave are made of cotton, wool or raw silk. Ethnic silver jewelry can also be found. The best shopping to be found is in Thimphu, the capital of Bhutan.

 

DISTANCE & DRIVING TIME BETWEEN VARIOUS PLACES IN BHUTAN

All mode of transport within Bhutan is by motor vehicle as there is no domestic airline or trains. However, motor roads are well maintained and link all parts of the country.

From	To	Approx. Distance (Km)	Approx. Driving Time
Paro	Thimphu	65 kms	01 hour
Paro	Haa	65 kms	1.5 - 02 hours
Thmphu	Haa	115 kms	03 - 04 hours
Thimphu	Phuentsholing	176 kms	07 - 08 hours
Thimphu	Wangduephodrang	70 kms	03 hours
Thimphu	Punakha	77 kms	03 hours
Thimphu	Phobjhika (Gangtey)	135 kms	5.5 - 06 hours
Punakha	Wangduephodrang	13 kms	45 minutes
Punakha	Gangtey (Phobjikha)	78 kms	03 hours
Punakha	Bumthang	212 kms	08 hours
Bumthang	Gangtey (Phobjikha)	188 kms	05 - 06 hours
Gangtey (Phobjikha)	Trongsa	120 kms	4.1/2 - 05 hours
Gangtey	Wangduephodrang	65 kms	2.5 - 03 hours
Trongsa	Wangduephodrang	129 kms	4.5 - 05 hours
Trongsa	Punakha	142 kms	06 hours
Trongsa	Bumthang	68 kms	02 hours
Bumthang	Mongar	198 kms	07 - 08 hours
Mongar	Lhuentse	76 kms	03 hours
Mongar	Trashigang	91 kms	03 - 04 hours
Trashigang	Chorten Kora	52 kms	02 hours
Trashigang	Samdrup Jongkhar	180 kms	07 hours
Trashigang	Trashiyangtshe	55 kms	02 hours
Samdrup Jongkhar	Guwahati (Assam, India)	110 kms	03 hours
Samdrup Jongkhar	Phuentsholing	400 kms	10 hours
Phuentsholing	Bagdogra (West Benal, India)	165 kms	4.1/2 hours
Phuentsholing	Siliguri (West Bengal, India)	155 kms	04 hours
Phuentsholing	Darjeeling (West Bengal, India)	200 kms	06 hours
Phuentsholing	Kalimpong (West Bangal, India)	185 kms	05 hours
Phuentsholing	Gangtok (Sikkim, India)	220 kms	07 hours
Phuentsholing	Dooars (Chalsa) (West Bengal, India)	110 kms	2.1/2 hours

 

 

NATIONAL EMBLEM (ROYAL CREST):

The National emblem, contained in circle, is composed of a double diamond thunderbolt placed above a lotus, surmounted by a jewel and framed by two dragons. The double diamond thunderbolt represents the harmony between secular and religious power; which results from the Buddhist religion in its varying form. The lotus symbolizes the purity; the jewel-sovereign power; and the two dragons, male and female stand for the name of the country-the thunder.

 

NATIONAL DAY:

National Day is celebrated on the 17th December in commemoration of the ascension of Ugyen Wangchuk, the first King of Bhutan to the throne, at Punakha Dzong.

 

NATIONAL FLAG:

The rectangular national flag of Bhutan is diagonally segmented and depicts a wide dragon across the middle. The upper part of the flag is golden yellow, which represents the secular power of the King, while the lower part is orange, which is indicative of the Buddhist influence. The Dragon, whose white color is associated with purity, represents Bhutan. It holds jewels in its claws, which represents the wealth and perfection of the country. 

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