Bhutan is best known to the world today as the last Shangri La. The few visitors who make the rare journey into this extraordinary kingdom will discover that there is no other destination like this land of pure and exotic mysticism. In this country known as Druk Yul or the ‘Land of the Peaceful Dragon, the fortunate visitor will find a rare combination of harmony and accord, amidst a landscape of incredible natural beauty.
The Royal Government of Bhutan recognizes that tourism is a worldwide phenomenon and an important means of achieving socio economic development, particularly for developing countries like Bhutan. It also recognizes that tourism, in allowing traveling, can help in promoting understanding among people and building closer ties of friendship based on appreciation and respect for different cultures and lifestyles.
Phuentsholing, Gelephu, and Samdrup Jongkhar are the entire land border areas accessible to visitors.
How To Reach Bhutan? The city of Phuntsholing in the southwest is situated approximately 170 km east of the Indian national airport at Bagdogra. After crossing Phuntsholing, you take off your trip to Thimphu, the capital city with a travel time of about six hours for the 170 km distance.
Gelephu in south-central Bhutan is another access point to Bhutan. It is roughly 250 km from Thimphu and the route will reach you through the sub-tropical zones of Bhutan before beginning the alpine region and then ultimately into Thimphu. One will have to go over across three districts and the drive time will be about ten hours.
The district of Samdrup Jongkhar in southeast Bhutan borders the Indian neighborhood of Daranga, Assam, and is roughly 150 km away from Guwahati, the capital center of Assam. The drive from Guwahati is about three hours. Tourists entering Bhutan through Samdrup Jongkhar will take to Trashigang, and from well over the lateral road to Mongar, Bumthang, Trongsa, Wangdue Phodrang, and thus ultimately into the capital, Thimphu. The distance is about 700 km and will take you a minimum of three days to reach Thimphu.
There are flights to Bhutan that includes, Bangkok, Delhi, Kolkata, Bagdogra, Bodhgaya, Dhaka, Kathmandu, Guwahati, Singapore, and Mumbai.
It situates Paro at an elevation of 2,225 m (7300 ft.) above sea level and is hemmed in by mountains as high as 4,876 m (16,000 ft.). At present two carriers operate in Bhutan, Drukair and Bhutan Airlines. And there are domestic airports in Yonphula in eastern Bhutan, Bumthang in central Bhutan, and Gelephu in south-central Bhutan. A second international airport is in Gelephu along the southern flank of India.
Flying into Bhutan’s Paro International Airport is generally a breathtaking adventure as the descent into Paro valley takes you closer to the mountaintops than most other flights in the world. The flight between Paro and Kathmandu is one of the most appealing ones as the aircraft passes over four of the five highest mountains in the world. In fine weather, as you ascend higher up, you can experience the marvellous view of Mt. Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, and Kanchenjunga at their finest.
Despite the considerable hurdle affected by the distant topography and the high mountain passes, all main cities and prominent places to visit are linked by an appropriate road network. However, a large aspect of the road system is the numerous curves and inclines that one will have to handle. Besides the bends, another aspect of the road network is the precipitous climbs and descents that slow down car drives. One is however amply honored for the long and tiring car journey by the striking views of the mountains, the luscious green forests, the ancient villages, the majestic shrines and monasteries, and the many roadside diners and hotels.
We use Japanese coaster buses (20 seats) and diverse SUVs to transport our clients.
Before coming to Bhutan, make sure that you attend the following Bhutan Travel Advisory:
Travel/Medical Insurance? The Royal Insurance Corporation of Bhutan has initiated a travel and medical scheme solely for our visitors. Hence you must get detailed information about the insurance scheme from Us as travel agents here in Bhutan. You may also visit the website at www.ricb.com.bt or send us an email.
Financial institutions in Bhutan have been greatly enhanced and today we have several banks that cater to the needs of the people. Some of the banks that you can avail yourself of services and facilities while in Bhutan are the Bank of Bhutan Limited, the Bhutan National Bank, the Druk PNB, and the Tashi Bank. Many of these banks provide you with SMS and Internet banking facilities.
There are also ATM facilities that you can avail and ATMS are located in several places where you can withdraw your money especially in Thimphu and in the border town of Phuntsholing. A traveler’s cheque can be easily withdrawn and exchanged into local currency. However, as you travel into the interior, ATM and Internet facilities are available in only fewer towns and we suggest that you do your banking facilities while in Thimphu.
- a pair of sunglasses,
- sunscreen lotion, and a hat;
- antiseptic cream,
- anti-histamine cream,
- anti-diarrhea pills,
- altitude & car sickness medicine;
- insect repellent, flashlight (w/spare batteries) umbrella,
- camera, films, and accessories (including spare camera batteries), etc.
- Personal effects and articles for day-to-day use by the visitor
- 1 liter of alcohol (spirits or wine)
- 200 cigarettes, on payment of import duty of 200%
- Instruments apparatus, or appliances for professional use
- Photographic equipment, video cameras, and other electronic goods for personal use.
You have to complete the passenger declaration form on your arrival before checking out. The articles mentioned under (d) & (e) must be declared on the declaration form. If any such items are disposed of in Bhutan by sale or gift, they are liable for customs duty.
On departure, visitors are required to surrender their forms to the Customs authorities.
- Arms, ammunition, and explosives
- All narcotics and drugs except medically prescribed drugs
- Wildlife products, especially those of endangered species
- Antiques
Over the years, many quality hotels have come up in Bhutan. Most hotels in Bhutan meet the recent standardization policy, most tourists accommodate in a 5-star or a 3-star hotel. The hotels are well maintained and have all basic amenities such as geysers and shower rooms and are properly maintained.
Visitors can be assured of the warmth and comfort of the hotels and the ambiance and the hospitality offered by the hotels are incredible. The 5-star hotels are mostly located in Thimphu, and in Paro, towns like Punakha, Gangtey, and Bumthang also have a variety of comfortable hotels. Away from town, you may find it tempting to camp outside in the forest or make a night halt at the purpose-built cabins sprinkled along some main trekking routes.
- The national language of Bhutan is Dzongkha.
- Sharchokpa-Language is spoken in eastern Bhutan
- Nepali-Language spoken in southern Bhutan
- English is the common language spoken by every teenager.
Bhutan is the only one to retain the tantric form of Mahayana Buddhism (Drukpa Kagyu) as its official 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. Monks are held in great respect and play an active part in community life. It is a custom for one son from each family to enter the monastic order at about age 10.
The custom is less prevalent today because boys are now free to decide for themselves whether they wish to enter a monastery or not. They also allow Bhutanese people to maintain constant communication with heaven and have unique beliefs and practices.
How can I get a visa to travel to Bhutan?
Visa must be obtained before departing for Bhutan. We as a travel agent in Bhutan can get your visa. We assist our client to acquire all necessary travel documents for visiting Bhutan. You simply need to email your passport details and your intended duration of stay with dates of travel. Once we get this information we apply visa on your behalf. Visa clearance numbers are issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and must be obtained before coming to Bhutan. It takes 7 days for processing. A visa clearance number is then faxed or emailed to you – this confirms your visa for your arrival to Bhutan.
At the point of entry your actual visa will be stamped on your passport. Please have 2 passport size photos to be used upon arrival, and a visa fee of USD 40 is to be paid directly to tour operator including your Bhutan tour payment. You cannot get visa from any other country.
From which airports can I depart for Bhutan?
You may depart for Paro International Airport from Bangkok, Kathmandu, Calcutta, Delhi, Guwahati, Singapore and Dhaka.
Do you also handle small group and custom tours?
Ours is a customer-oriented company. Thus, we specialize in small groups and customer-crafted independent tours. Our group departures are guaranteed with a minimum of two sign-ups. In order to ensure that all visitors receive the same attention from guides and your leaders, we usually refrain from making our groups large.
Moreover, small groups permit flexibility in itineraries and access to areas and sights unknown or unavailable to large tour groups.
Is travel insurance necessary?
Yes! We recommend every client to contract a travel-insurance in your home country. Please check your medical and accident insurance policies with your insurance agent. It is a security for unpredictable circumstances that may arise.
What is the range of altitude in Bhutan?
Our journeys in Bhutan lead us through the mid-mountain belt of the Eastern Himalayas, which ranges from 900 to 3,354 meters or 3,000 to 11,000 feet altitude. Most of our time is spent around 2,300m/7,544 feet or lower, but we do travel over high passes. If you have any altitude problems, please let us know and we can work additional acclimatization time into your itinerary. You will also want to consult your physician before traveling so he/she can give you suggestions as well.
When is the best time to visit Bhutan?
Best Season to visit Bhutan is all months except June, July and August due to the rains that may disrupt your flight schedule to get in or out of Bhutan.
In spring, the trekking season commences in moderate altitudes. Above 2500 meters, spectacular rhododendrons forests bloom. In Paro, one of the largest monastic festivals “Paro Tsechu” takes place. The temperature is pleasantly mild. Rain comes in May as the harbinger of the approaching monsoon. Autumn is the traditional season in Bhutan. September, October and November have the highest number of Tsechus (religious festivals). Trekkers particularly enjoy the clear view of the mountains in October and November.
Where are we put up during our visits?
Your stay will be in A-class hotels that guarantee comfort and charm. A few luxury five-star hotels have been established in Bhutan. In general, visitors can expect as they travel through the country a unique combination of traditional Bhutanese style accommodation with modern services. Clean and well maintained, most of the hotels are equipped with telephones, fax machines and internet services. Hotels and lodges are categorized by the Tourism Council of Bhutan. International visitors will only be accommodated in hotels that fulfill the standard set by the Government. Five-star accommodations are available in Bhutan. But you would have to bear the extra charges over and above your daily tour cost you choose to stay in the luxury hotels in Bhutan.
What are the things I should bring for my Bhutan trip?
Your clothing needs depend on the season. Based on the limitations on baggage offered by the two Bhutanese airlines, we advise you to pack properly. We can help you with suggestions when you book your trip. As Bhutan is a developing country, most of the essential things you need may not be available here. Do bring all special medications, if you have any. Also, get your contact lenses and a backup pair of glasses. A flashlight is a necessity. Things needed for leisure, such as i-pod, good books and your favorite herbal tea could be brought. For personal consumption, passengers are permitted to bring in only 200 cigarettes (10 packets) on payment of 200 percent duty.
What languages are tours available in?
English speaking guides only in Bhutan; but German, French, Italian or Japanese speaking guides are made available with an extra fee- usually for groups of four or more persons.
How do you greet and address people in Bhutan?
“Kuzuzangpola” meaning “good health” is the most common way to greet a person. This greeting can be used throughout the day irrespective of whether it is morning, afternoon or evening. There are many ways to address people in Bhutan. The royal family members are addressed Dasho (male) and Ashi (female). A minister and the deputy minister’s are called Lyonpo’s who wear orange scarf on their shoulders with a long ornamented sword worn from the waist on the right side. People whose ranks are above the post of a director in the civil service and who wears a red scarf (scarf given when honored by the King) are addressed as “Dasho” meaning the “best”. A junior monk is addressed as “Gelong”, a senior monk as “Lopon”, an elderly monk made in charge of a monastery or a temple is addressed as “Lam” generally appointed by the “Je Khenpo” the religious abbot of the monk body. On the other hand, nuns are called “Anims”. Additionally, a re-incarnate lama is known as “Trulku” or “Rimpochey” and is regarded very highly. An older woman is addressed as ” Aum” and a man as “Aap”. Address a boy as “buu” and a girl as “bum”. A layman is addressed as “Gomchen”
What is the Bhutanese attire like?
Traditionally, men wear the gho, a long robe that is gathered and tied at the waist. This is accompanied by knee-high socks and dress shoes. Women wear the kira, a beautiful woven garment that covers nearly the whole body, from shoulder to ankle. A colorful silk jacket completes the outfit. Traditional clothing is still worn daily throughout the country today.
If you’re interested, we can help you purchase your own gho or kira when you arrive.
Do I have to go with a planned Bhutan tour or can I decide what I would like to see?
You can decide on what you want to see in Bhutan; you do not have to follow a planned tour strictly unless you are part of a group tour with a fixed itinerary. We will give you a planned tour itinerary, but once you reach Bhutan you can have flexibility with your guide. What ever you want to see or do in Bhutan will be mainly determined by how much time you have at your disposal. We will do whatever we can to make your trip to Bhutan most comfortable and interesting. Just let us know what your wishes are. But, yes, you must buy a package tour that is an all inclusive of (hotel, full board, transfer & transport, guide and sightseeing). Having paid for a package tour, you can be flexible in the tour program, change the tour to see or do what most interests you.
Are there any advices for us when we visit the religious festivals?
Tourists can blend along with the crowd and take photographs. However, a Special Permit for Filming should be obtained. You are advised not to disturb the festival audience or distract the performers while taking photographs.
There is a dress code while visiting festival/Tshechu. We request you to refrain from wearing hats and using umbrellas. Smoking is not permitted and visitors cannot come in slippers, short skirts and shorts. Tour Guide licenses may be checked by the police anytime to authenticate that the tour groups are handled by a licensed guide.
