Fact File: Bhutan

Opened for tourism partly in 1974 and 1982 Bhutan has become one of the most talked about quality tourist destination in Asia. The kingdom offers many opportunities to explore; from ancient monasteries to beautiful valleys, from cultural mask dance to great Himalayan region and much more. Here too, are treks in a mountainous wilderness and here too, are festivals as colourful as any artist’s palette and alive with traditional chants & dancing. The impossible monasteries like Taktsang and the unspoiled green grandeur of the country have still to be discovered. Throughout the centuries, the Bhutanese have treasured their natural environment and have looked upon it as the source of all life. You will discover in the Thunder Dragon Kingdom of Bhutan, true mystical bliss enveloped in its natural splendour. 

Area 46,000 Sq. Kms. 

Population 7, 00,000 (1996) 

Capital Thimpu 

Location 890 and 920 E and 270 and 280N 

Time 6 hours ahead of GMT 

Language Dzongkha similar to Tibetan, Nepalese, Bhutia, English & Hindi 

People There are two main population groups in Bhutan: the Drukpa (67%) of Tibetan and Monpa origin and Lhotsampa (30% of Nepalese origin) 

The rest 3% comprise of indigenous tribal groups such as Toktop. Doya and Lepcha of SW Bhutan. 

The Kingdom lies east of Nepal and west of the Indian state of Arunachal Pradesh, south of Tibet and north of the Indian state territories of West Bengal & Assam. Bhutan is a landlocked country surrounded by mountains to the north & west. The altitudes in the south range from 1000 to 4500 feet. From 4000 feet in the east around Tashigang to a high of 17,000 feet over the highest pass. The altitude at Thimpu, the capital is 7,700 feet. The range of altitudes revel its variety, rising from 300m on the Indian frontier to 7,300m on the Tibet border. The land is reminiscent of a gigantic staircase. 

CLIMATE & AVERAGE TEMPERATURE OF MAJOR TOWNS 

The best time to visit Bhutan is March, April, May, and September & October since this period provides clear blue sky, and plenty of greenery. Winter (Dec, January, February) will be too cold since the temperature will be below zero degree. Summer (June, July, August) is pleasant but wet due to the monsoon. Autumn (September, October, November) is similar to spring but a bit warmer and also the best time to visit. 

VISAS 

Though it is an upon arrival visa it must have a approval prior arriving in the kingdom for which the application should be reached Bhutan at least ten days prior to the intended arrival date. There copies of original passport size photographs are required on arrival. Visa fee US $ 20 for 14 days visa and US $ 10 as Tourism development must be paid on arrival. Visa can be further extended with an additional fee of US $ 15. 

ACCESSIBILITY 

Bhutan is least air-connected country in the world. Only Druk Air, the national flag carrier of Bhutan with 75-seater BAE-146, a four engine jet aircraft links Bhutan with other country. It is linked to Kathmandu, Calcutta, Delhi, Bangkok and Dhaka. 

The other option of travelling to Bhutan is by land and the entry point is Phuntshuling (Indo- Bhutan Border). Phuntsholing is 08 hours drive from Kakarvitta (Indo - Nepal Border) and Thipmu is 6 hours from Phunttsholing. 

As per Bhutan Government rule it is mandatory to travel atleast one way by Druk air, it can be either entry or exit or both. Only when seats are not available one can operate tour both ways overland. 

Please note, if you wish to enter by land you will need Indian visa as you will be travelling in India for a day (From Nepal Border to Phuntsholing). 

AIRPORT TAX 

Airport tax of Nu. 300 per person is payable at the time of departure. It is subject to change. 

ACCOMODATION 

Accommodation is always in hotel while you are in town like Paro, Thimpu, Wangdiphodrang, and Punakaha etc. All the hotels and guesthouses are regularly