BHUTAN TRAVEL INFORMATION
GEOGRAPHY
The Kingdom of Bhutan lies east of Nepal and west of the Indian state of Arunachal
Pradesh. It is south of Tibetan region of China and north of the Indian states
of Assam and West Bengal. Located in the heart of the high Himalayan mountain
range, Bhutan is a land-locked country surrounded by mountains in the north
and west. Altitudes in the south range from 1000 to 4500 feet. In the more populated
central regions range from 400 feet in the east around Tarshigang to a high
of 17,000 feet over the highest pass. The altitude at Thimphu the capital is
7,700 feet.
A population of 600,000 is made up primarily of indigenous Bhutanese known
as the Drukpa. Three main ethnic groups, the Ngalops, Sharchops and the Lhotshampas
make up today's Drukpa. The Ngalops migrated from the Tibetan plains and are
the importers of Buddhism into Bhutan. The Sharchops reside predominantly in
eastern Bhutan and their origin can be traced to the tribes of north Burma and
north east India. The lower southern regions are inhabited by Lhotshampas who
are mostly agricultural workers. The geography of the land kept each ethnic
group separate until the middle of this century when roads were built across
the country. The contrasting ethnic diversity has meant that a number of different
languages and dialects are spoken throughout the kingdom. The National language
is Dzongkha which is taught in all schools.
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. It
permeates all strands of secular life, bringing with it a reverence for the
land its well being. Annual festivals are held in each district which are important
spiritual occasions. Festivals are becoming a major attraction to tourists visiting
Bhutan.
Bhutan is perhaps the only country in the world to retain the tantric form
of Mahayana Buddhism as its official religion. To ensure the perpetuation of
Buddhism in the Kingdom, one son from each family normally attends monastic
school. While the Dzongs are centers of administrative and government activities
for all the valley, they are also predominantly the homes and temples of the
monastic community/body.
WEATHER
Bhutan enjoys four seasons each having its advantages and disadvantages to
the visitor. The southern plains close to the Indian border are warmer and more
tropical than higher central valleys.
Spring is perhaps the most beautiful time of the year when the fierce cold that
characterizes the winter months tends to subside towards the end of February
with beautiful Rhododendron blooming with spectacular flaming red, pink and
white colours. Summer months in the southern region are generally hot whereas
in other parts of the country it is warm and pleasant with average maximum temperatures
not exceeding 30 degrees Celsius and the minimum at around 10-15 degrees Celsius.
The annual monsoon from the Bay of Bengal is also experienced around the country
between June and September.
The autumn months from September to November bring shorter days and cooler
evenings. The days are crisp with clear skies. Views over the Himalayas are
usually the best during September to March. Beginning December the weather takes
on its winter coat where days remain crisp and the nights turn cold. The southern
region however being much lower have a more temperate climate and considerably
warmer winters
TIPS TO PASSENGERS ON DRUK AIR
Owing to the unique operation conditions, Druk Air feel the need to suggest
a few tips to our valued clients to make their journey a pleasant and comfortable
experience.
As we operate from an airport that is "daylight restricted" and totally
dependent on weather, flights can sometimes be delayed. It is suggested that
passengers keep at least 24 hours transit time for connecting flights out of
Paro. It is also advisable to travel on non-restricted tickets so that if a
connection is missed, it can be re-routed or 'endorsed' on to another carrier
on the first available flight.
Flights into Paro can also at times be disrupted due to unfavourable weather
conditions. Under such circumstances, the flight halts the night at transit
stations. In order to be prepared for such an event, it is advised to carry
essential personal items like medicines, toiletries, minimum change etc. in
the hand baggage as it is not possible to remove checked-in-baggage at the transit
station.
However passengers are requested to note the restrictions and limit their hand
baggage to one piece on all our BAe 146 flights, the size not exceeding 45+35+20
cm (17 ½ +13 ½ +8 inches) and the weight not exceeding 5 kg (11
pounds) due to limitation in the cabin space, the restrictions are quite rigidly
enforced. Oversize or overweight hand baggage may be intercepted during boarding.
If this should occur, passengers are advised to remove any valuables and travel
documents and lock the bag before handing over the hand baggage to the staff.
MONEY
Visitors are also advised to carry cash or travellers cheques as credit cards
are not generally accepted in Bhutan. Some establishments do however accept
VISA or AMERICAN EXPRESS cards.
Visitors to Bhutan are required to book through a registered tour operator
in Bhutan. This can be done directly or through a travel agent abroad. The minimum
tourist daily tariff is regulated and fixed by the Royal Government. This rate
includes all accommodation costs, all meals, transport, services of licensed
guides and porters and cultural programmes where and when available. There are
surcharges on individuals and groups of less than three people. There are also
discounts available for young students and children.
VISA FORMALITIES
All foreign nationals visiting Bhutan require prior visa clearance. For further
details, please contact the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Bhutan. Airline tickets
may be purchased prior to visa clearance, nevertheless acceptance for travel
will be subjected to visa clearance only.
ENTERING BHUTAN
Entry points into Bhutan are by road through Phuntsholing in the south or by
air at Paro.Druk Air, the national carrier, is the only airline servicing Paro.
There are five flights week from Bangkok, Kolkata and two flights a week from
New Delhi and Kathmandu.
