BHUTAN ( Land of the Thunder Dragon )
|
| Capital: |
Thimphu |
| Area: |
47,000 sq kms |
| Population: |
700,000 approx |
| Religions: |
75% Buddhist, 25% Hindu |
| Language: |
Dzongkha,English,Hindi; various Tibetian & Nepalese dialects . |
| Time: |
GMT + 6 hour |
| Visa Formalities : |
A visa is required - this must be obtained locally and cannot be processed outside of Bhutan. We can arrange this when you book a tour to Bhutan with us. |
| Currency: |
Ngultrum (equivalent to the Indian Rupee)
£1 = Rs 80 Indian Rupees approx
Indian Rupees are also widely accepted in most places.
|
| Electricity: |
230V / 50Hz cycle |
| Getting there: |
New Delhi – Paro ( flights with Druk Air currently go through Kathmandu) and takes about 2 hours with stopover
Calcutta – Paro : non stop flight, approx an hour.
It is also possible to travel overland through India, either to Phuentsholing in the south (nearest airport is Bagdogra – 170 kms / 4½) or via Samdrup Jongkhar in the east (nearest airport is Guwahati - 110 kms /3 hrs). |
| Best time to visit: |
Arguably the loveliest time of year in Bhutan is autumn when there are clear skies and warm days (September/October)
- Spring is Rhododendron season in Bhutan. The mountain-sides all over the country are ablaze with red and orange. Days are warm, but nights are cool (late April/May)
- As spring turns to summer, Bhutan sees 3 months of heavy Monsoon rains (mid-June till end-September)
- Winter months are very cold, with freezing night temperatures and some warm clothing needed even during the daytime (November-January).
- The months of October and again February & March are more comfortable.
|
| Festivals (Tshechu): |
There are many Festivals in Bhutan, all taking place in the Dzongs and Lakhanags. These are colourful festivities and take place according to the lunar calendar, on dates decided by the Monk Body. They take place throughout the country and almost throughout the year. It might be a good idea to plan a holiday in conjunction with these festival dates.
|
