Bhutan Hotels, Bhutan Resorts, Bhutan Vacations & Tourism, Bhutan Hotels, Bhutan Attractions

"Welcome to Bhutan- the Land of the Thunder Dragon - one of the most sought after travel destinations today".

Bhutan or ‘Druk Yul’ – the mythical Land of Peaceful Dragon is as much known for its dramatic land architecture and fabulous bio-diversity as for its rich and colourful cultural heritage Today, when the cultural boundaries in almost every part of the world are steadily diluting, this fascinating Dragon Kingdom is credited to successfully retain its distinct cultural entity in a genuinely original form. Every facet of Bhutanese culture is unique, distinct and different, or say – very special and exotic. Being a staunch Buddhist country, the socio-cultural life, art, crafts and traditions to architecture, every aspect of Bhutan is greatly influenced by religion.

Here the awe-inspiring vales and dales, daunting heights of the countless silvery massifs and towering black mountains, sprawling glaciers, stupendous waterfalls, crystal clear lakes, swift cascading rivers, flamboyant streams, deep gorges and seemingly unending series of beautiful valleys, verdant slopes and vast undulating flower studded Himalayan meadows, dense forests and mysterious snow basins and whispering savannahs, vividly illustrate the varying moods, modes and chores of mother nature. No doubt,This Himalayan wonderland is fast emerging as a favoured destination of the globe trotters. ( Know More )...

Entry into Bhutan can be made either by land or by air. Druk Air, the National Air Carrier of the Kingdom, operates regular fights to / from Paro to Delhi, Kolkatta, Kathmandu and Bangkok. By surface, entry into Bhutan is possible through southern border town of Phuentsholing. This frontier town is about 6 hours drive from Thimphu and Paro, 4 hours drive from Bagdogra and 7 hours drive from Darjeeling and Gangtok.

Indian Nationals travelling between Bhutan & India do not need Visa. An identity document, be it either passport or an election commission I. D card is, however required for presentation at the immigration during entry, to obtain an entry permit along with 06 passport size photographs. An Affidavit from Supreme Court is needed for those who don’t have any of the above documents.

Indian Nationals travelling between Bhutan and Nepal require valid passport as per Nepalese immigration regulation.

It is required for those travelling to restricted areas beyond Dochula pass. The Route Permit is processed & issued in Thimphu, only after arrival in Bhutan and on production of the Entry Permit. Two copies of passport size photos required while processing Route Permit. Also this permit can be processed only during working days (Mon-Fri) and applications are accepted from 9-11 a.m and permit granted on same day from 3-5 p.m in summer and 3-.4 p.m in winter.

Bhutan’s climate is quite unpredictable. The weather can vary dramatically from place to place and day to day. In Thimphu and Paro valleys, the winter daytime temperature averages 16 degrees Celsius during clear days and drops well below freezing point during the night. The fluctuations are not so great during the summer and the daytime temperature rises to mid-twenties Celsius.

From May to September, cotton clothes are sufficient, plus a woolen sweater or light jacket. From November to the end of April, however, you will need very warm clothes. Comfortable sports shoes are also recommended. Mountain boots are not necessary unless you are trekking.

Bhutanese delicacies are rich with spicy chillies and cheese but are normally tempered to the taste of the visitors. All our hotels and lodges offer delicious Indian, Chinese, Continental and Bhutanese cuisine. Hotels normally serve a mixture of vegetarian and non-vegetarian items on buffet style however pure vegetarian meals also served on request and prior information.

The Bhutanese currency is called Ngultrum (Nu.) and is at par with Indian Rupee. Credit cards (Amex and Visa cards) are accepted by only few limited establishments and no ATM centers are available. Indian Rupee is acceptable all over Bhutan however it is also advisable not to carry Rs 1,000/ and Rs 500/ denomination currency notes.

The official language of Bhutan is Dzongkha and a large number of dialects are spoken. English has been the language of educational instruction since 1964 and is widely spoken. Also locals at popular tourist destinations understand and speak Hindi.

Mahayana Buddhism is the state religion and the majority of Bhutanese people follow Drukpa school of the Kagyupa sect.

Telecommunication is well developed and efficient in Bhutan. The country code is + 975. If you wish to bring your own mobile phone please contact your manufacturer/supplier directly to obtain up-to-date information.

You can photograph almost everywhere in Bhutan. The people are highly photogenic and everyone seems to wear a smile. However, very often the Bhutanese are camera shy so use your discretion at all times and when in doubt ask verbally or by gesture. Also while photographing Dzongs, monasteries and temples, please check with your guide.

Shopping

Shops are normally open between 0900-2000 Monday to Sunday. Markets are held regularly and are a rich source of local clothing and jewelry.

The Bhutanese authorities strictly monitor export of any religious antiquities of any kind form the kingdom. Personal electronic devices and reasonable amount of cigarettes and alcohol are permitted into the kingdom.

The voltage supply in the Bhutan is 220 volts AC, 50 Hz. Standard Indian round pin sockets are normally used at all places.

Departure Tax

If you are departing by air, there is departure tax of Nu 300 (Rs 300), payable at Bhutan’s Paro International Airport.
Important Notes
Ta Dzong (National Museum) : Paro
Opening Hours : Tuesday – Saturday : 9 a.m – 4 p.m & Sunday : 11a.m – 4 p.m
Closed on Mondays & National Holidays
School of Arts & Crafts : Thimphu
Opening Hours : Monday – Friday : 2 p.m – 4 p.m & Saturday : 9 a.m to 12 a.m
Closed on Sundays, National Holidays and winter Holidays (20 December – 10 March)
National Library : Thimphu
Opening Hours : Monday – Friday : 9 a.m – 5 p.m (summer) & 9 a.m – 4 p.m (winter)
Closed on Saturdays, Sundays & National Holidays
National Textile Museum : Thimphu
Opening Hours : Tuesday – Friday : 9 a.m – 4 p.m, Saturday : 1 p.m – 4 p.m, Sunday : 10 a.m – 3 p.m
Closed on Mondays & National Holidays
Punakha Dzong : closed in winter months when the monk body is in Punakha
All visits to Dzongs and Monasteries limited till courtyard only.
Visit to Trashichhodzong permitted only after office hours (after 4 p.m) in winter months when the monk body is not in Thimphu.
All tourists visiting Dzongs and temples must be dressed appropriately in their own national dress, leave shoes / sandals / caps at the entrance of temple and other appropriate personal decorum should be followed.

(Source: Meteorology Unit, Department of Power, Ministry of Trade & Industries, Thimphu)