SOME FACTS ON BHUTANIf ever there be a place that can take the cliché out of Shangrila, then that place is Bhutan. Druk Yul or the Land of the Thunder Dragon does justice to the legend of that wonderland, hidden far and away from the prying eyes and humdrum ways of the modern world. It is still as much about magic and mystery, simplicity and tranquility, and about a way of life that has escaped the clutches of time.
Shrouded in the mists of the Eastern Himalayas, Bhutan is a 47,000 sq Kilometer Kingdom (about the size of Switzerland) tightly wedged between Chinese Tibet and northern India.
Today it is the last bastion of Mahayana Buddhism. The religion, which influences every aspect of life here, was also the main impetus behind its birth.
It is similar in size to Switzerland and has a population of about 700,000.
Geographically, Bhutan is divided into five main regions: the northern, the central, the western, the eastern and the southern. The majority of the population lives in the western part of Bhutan, where the capital city of Bhutan is located. There are three climate zones: Southern Bhutan, subtropical, pleasant in winter. Eastern, Western and Central Bhutan, moderate alpine climate, pleasant throughout the year. Northern Bhutan, great Himalayas snow covered during winter.
Bhutan is today lauded as one of the few nations with its environment and a unique culture and tradition still intact. Recently declared one of the 10 global hot spots for environment conservation. Bhutan boasts an unsurpassed wealth of biodiversity and forest cover. More than 60 percent of the endemic species found in the Eastern Himalayas thrive in the subtropical, temperate and alpine regions of the nation.
HIS MAJESTY THE KING and the people of Bhutan received the Champion Of The Earth award in New York on April, 2005 from the United Nations Environment Division.
It was recognition of Bhutan's commitment in placing the environment at the center of its development plan and giving high priority to its preservation and sustainable use.
The successful preservation of lifestyle and environment does not mean that Bhutan has forsworn off progress. Since the 1960's Bhutan has followed a policy of planned development, prudently utilizing her resources and achieving a high level of development. CLIMATE / SEASONSBhutan enjoys all the four seasons:
- Spring: March - May
- Summer: June - August
- Autumn: September - November
- Winter: December - February
The southern region is tropical, and in general the east of Bhutan is warmer than the west of the country. The central valleys of Punakha, Wangduephodrang, Mongar, Trashigang and Luntshi enjoy a semi tropical climate with very cool winters, whilst Thimphu, Trongsa and Bumthang have a much harsher climate, with heavy monsoon rains in the summer and heavy snow fall in the winter, which often blocks the passes leading into the central valleys. PASSPORTS & VISASPassport, Visas and Route Permit are required for traveling to Bhutan. For travelers entering Bhutan by Druk Air, visa clearance is required for the issuing of Druk Air tickets. The visa clearance number is forwarded to the Druk Air station at which the flight originates. Travelers without a visa clearance number on record will not be permitted to board their flights.
Passport:
Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond the date of entry.
Must have at least TWO, clean, unused pages.
Do NOT count amendment pages when determining if you have two, clean unused pages.
A blank passport pae must not show ink or stains from other pages, or it is unusable.
Visa Information:
Visas are not issued by any of Bhutan's mission abroad. We need passport details at least one month prior to the date of entry into Bhutan to apply for the visa. Details needed for the completing visa formalities are:
1. Full name spelt as in Passport
2. Nationality
3. Passport number
4. Date of birth
5. Date of issue & date of expiry of passport
6. Home address
7. Occupation
We will apply and clear visa for you. When the visas are approved, the visa clearance number will be sent to the outstations of Druk Air, visas will be delivered upon arrival at Paro Airport. All tourists must carry three passport photographs each and hand over to visa officials on arrival at Paro Airport attached to a copy of the visa application form. CUSTOMS REGULATIONS
The following articles are exempt from duty: Personal affects and articles for day to day use by the visitor, 2 litres of alcohol (spirits or wine), 200 sticks of cigarette, Instruments, apparatus or appliances for professional use, Photographic equipment, video cameras and other electronic goods for personal use.
Import/exports of the following goods is strictly prohibited: Arms, ammunitions and explosives, All narcotics and drugs except medically prescribed drugs, wildlife products, especially those of endangered species, antiques. Tobacco products are charged a duty of 200% on its cost price. HEALTH REQUIREMENTNo vaccinations are currently required for traveling to Bhutan. However, visitors coming from an area infected with yellow fever are required to have had a yellow fever vaccination at least 10 days before their arrival. Cholera vaccinations are strongly recommended for visitors coming from a cholera-infected area. Anti-malaria medication is also recommended for all travelers who will be visiting rural areas of districts bordering India. MONEYCURRENCY: Bhutan's currency is the Ngultrum (Nu.), with 100 Chetrum = 1 Ngultrum. The Ngultrum is fixed to the value of Indian rupee.
US $1 = Nu. 45 (10 June,2006)
Tourists are advised to carry their money in the form of traveler's check (preferably American Express) with some cash (US dollars would be best), which might be used for incidental purchases/expenses.
MONEY EXCHANGE: Money and travelers cheques of all major currencies can be exchanged at hotels, and banks.
CREDIT CARDS: You should not count on using a credit card in Bhutan. American Express, Visa and MasterCard are accepted at some handicraft shops and some of the larger hoteliers, but these transactions take extra time. The credit card companies charge high fees and the verification office is only open from 9 am to 5 pm.
ELECTRICITYIn Bhutan, electricity runs on 220/240 volts, with round hole two-pin and three-pin power outlets. If you bring electrical appliances, also pack appropriate adapter plugs. SAFETY & SECURITYBhutan is one of the safest countries to travel to. Few Bhutanese hotels have safes for guests’ valuables. You can use a money belt or a pouch that hangs around your neck to carry money and important documents. Theft is rare, although not unheard of in Bhutan, but such protection is essential in adjoining countries. AIRPORT TAXAirport tax or departure tax is required to be paid by all international and domestic passengers departing from Paro Airport. The passenger security fee as well as the airport tax are both added to the ticket fare automatically. TIME ZONEBhutan time is 6 hours ahead of GMT and there is only one time zone throughout the country. PUBLIC HOLIDAYS FOR THE YEAR 2012
| Wednesday - Thursday |
22 to 23 |
February |
Losar, Year of the Iron Rabbit Year |
| Tuesday - Thursday |
21 to 23 |
February |
Birth Anniversary of His Majesty the king |
| Tuesday |
1 |
May |
Death Anniversary of Zhabdrung (Zhabdrung Kuchoe) |
| Wednesday |
2 |
May |
Birth Anniversary of the 3rd Druk Gyalpo |
| Monday |
4 |
June |
Lord Buddha's Parinirvana |
| Friday |
29 |
June |
Birth Anniversary of Guru Rinpoche |
| Monday |
23 |
July |
The First Sermon of Lord Buddha |
| Friday |
21 |
September |
Thimphu Drubchen (Thimphu Only) |
| Saturday |
22 |
September |
Blessed Rainy Day |
| Teusday - Thursday |
25-27 |
September |
Thimphu Tshechu (Thimphu Only) |
| Wednesday |
24 |
October |
Dashain |
| Thursday |
1 |
November |
Coronation day of His Majesty the King |
| Tuesday |
6 |
November |
Descending Day of Lord Buddha |
| Sunday |
11 |
November |
Birth Anniversary of The 4th Druk Gyalpo Constitution Day |
| Wednesday |
17 |
December |
National Day |
| Wednesday |
2 |
January 2013 |
Winter Solstice Day |
| Saturday |
12 |
January 2013 |
Traditional Day of Offering | TENTATIVE FESTIVAL DATES FOR 2011
| FESTIVAL |
PLACE |
DATES |
| PUNAKHA DRUBCHHEN |
Punakha Dzong, |
10th to 12th FEB |
| |
PUNAKHA |
|
| PUNAKHA TSHECHU |
Punakha Dzong, |
13th to 15th FEB |
| |
PUNAKHA |
|
| THARPALING THONGDROL |
Tharpaling Lhakhang, Chummi, |
18th FEB |
| |
BUMTHANG |
|
| TANGSIBI MANI (URA) |
Tangsibi Lhakhang, Ura, |
17th to 21st FEB |
| |
BUMTHANG |
|
| BULLI MANI (CHUMMI) |
Buli Lhakhang, Chummi, |
19th to 21st FEB |
| |
BUMTHANG |
|
| CHHORTEN KORA |
Chorten Kora, |
18th FEB & 4th MARCH |
| |
TRASHIYANGTSHE |
|
| GADEN CHODPA (URA) |
Gaden Lhakhang, Ura, |
2nd to 4th MARCH |
| |
BUMTHANG |
|
| GOMPHUKORA |
Gom Kora Lhakhang, |
13th to 15th MARCH |
| |
TRASHIGANG |
|
| TALO TSECHU |
Talo, |
13th to 15th MARCH |
| |
PUNAKHA |
|
| ZHEMGANG TSHECHU |
Zhemgang Dzong, |
13th 16th MARCH |
| |
ZHEMGANG |
|
| PARO TSHECHU |
Rinpung Dzong, |
15th to 19th MARCH |
| |
PARO |
|
| CHHUKHA TSHECHU |
CHHUKHA |
17th to 19th MARCH |
| |
|
|
| DOMKHAR TSHECHU |
Domkhar, Chummi, |
13th to 15th MAY |
| |
BUMTHANG |
|
| URA YAKCHOE |
Ura Lhakhang, |
14th to 17th MAY |
| |
BUMTHANG |
|
| PADSEL-LING KUCHOD |
Padsel-ling Gonpa, Choekhor, |
19th to 21 JUNE |
| |
BUMTHANG |
|
| NIMALUNG TSHECHU |
Nimalung Dratshang, Chummi, |
8th to 10th JULY |
| |
BUMTHANG |
|
| KURJEY TSHECHU |
Kurjey Lhakhang, Choekhor, |
10th JULY |
| |
BUMTHANG |
|
| GANGTEY KURIM |
Gangtey Gonpa, Phobjikha |
29th JULY |
| |
WANGDUE PHODRANG |
|
| THIMPHU DRUBCHEN |
Tashi Chhodzong, |
1st to 5th OCT |
| |
THIMPHU |
|
| WANGDUE TSHECHU |
Wangdi Dzong, |
4th to 6th OCT |
| |
WANGDUE PHODRANG |
|
| GANGTEY TSHECHU |
WANGDUE |
4th to 6th OCT |
| |
|
|
| TAMSHING PHALA CHHOEPA |
Tamshing Lhakhang, Choekhor, |
6th to 8th OCT |
| |
BUMTHANG |
|
| THIMPHU TSHECHU |
Tashi Chhodzong, |
6th to 8th OCT |
| |
THIMPHU |
|
| GASA TSECHU |
Gasa Dzong, |
6th to 8th OCT |
| |
GASA |
|
| THANGBI MANI |
Tangbi Lhakhang, Choekor, |
10th to 12th OCT |
| |
BUMTHANG |
|
| SHINGKHAR RABNEY |
URA, BUMTHANG |
1st 5th NOV |
| |
|
|
| PEMAGATSHEL TSHECHU |
Pemagatshel Dzong, |
2nd - 4th NOV |
| |
PEMAMATSHEL |
|
| JAKAR TSHECHU |
Jakar Dzong, Choekhor, |
3rd 6th NOV |
| |
BUMTHANG |
|
| CRANE FESTIVAL |
PHOBJI KHA, WANGDUE |
11th NOV |
| |
PHODRANG |
|
| JAMBAY LHAKHANG DRUP |
Jambay Lhakhang, Choekhor, |
10th to 14th NOV |
| |
BUMTHANG |
|
| PRAKHAR DUCHHOED |
Prakar Lhakhang, Chummi, |
11th to 13th NOV |
| |
BUMTHANG |
|
| SUMDRANG KANGSOL |
Sumdrang Lhakhang, Ura, |
22nd 25th NOV |
| |
BUMTHANG |
|
| MONGAR TSHECHU |
Mongar Dzong, |
2nd to 5th DEC |
| |
MONGAR |
|
| TRASHINGANG TSHECHU |
Trashigang Dzong, |
2nd to 5th DEC |
| |
TRSASHIGANG |
|
| TANG NAMKHA RABNEY |
Tang Namkha, Lhakhang, TANG, |
3rd & 4th DEC |
| |
BUMTHANG |
|
| SINGYE CHAM, JAMBAY LAKHANG |
Jambay Lhakhang, Choekhor, |
10th DEC |
| |
BUMTHANG |
|
| CHOJAM RABNEY |
Chojamrab Lhakhang, TANG, |
10th 13th DEC |
| |
BUMTHANG |
|
| NALAKHAR TSHECHU |
Ngaa Lhakhang, Choekhor, |
10th to 12th DEC |
| |
BUMTHANG |
|
| TRONGSA TSHECHU |
Trongsa Dzong |
2nd to 4th JAN, 2013 |
| |
TRONGSA |
|
| LHUENTSE TSHECHU |
Lhuntse Dzong |
2nd to 4th JAN, 2013 |
| |
LHUENTSE |
|
| NABJI LHAKHANG DRUP |
Nabji Lhakhang, Nabji, |
9th 13th JAN 2013 |
| |
TRONGSA |
|
| SHINGKHAR METOCHODPA |
Shingkhar Lhakhang,Ura, |
9th JAN 2013 |
| |
BUMTHANG |
| |
|