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Visas |
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All visitors to
Bhutan must have a
visa approved prior to arriving in the kingdom. Those who have not had
a visa approved will not be permitted to board their Druk Air flight
to Bhutan. A two-week visa costs US$20 and is stamped in your passport
at Paro Airport during the immigration process.
Visas are approved and issued prior to entry,
with the prepayment of your travel itinerary.
Therefore visitors to Bhutan need to finalize their travel plans well
in advance. We recommend 90 days.
Bhutan Tourism Corporation Limited
(BTCL), PO Box 159, Thimphu, Bhutan,
the oldest and most experienced of the Kingdom's agencies
can apply for an extension of all tourist visas should a visitor wish
to remain in the kingdom for longer than two weeks. All visa
applications must reach the Thimphu, Bhutan office of BTCL at least 60
days prior to the intended arrival date, earlier if traveling to the
Kingdom in the peak months of September, October, November, March,
April or early May. Full passport details must be faxed to BTCL
(011 975 2 323392, 322479)
in order for the visa to be processed with the immigration
authorities. BTCL will advise all visitors of their status before
their intended departure date. Visitors are reminded to bring 2
original passport-size photographs with them to Bhutan as they will be
required by the immigration authority at Paro Airport.
The actual visas are issued
(stamped) in your passports at the entry points, either Paro Airport
or Phuentsholing (land entry or exit). |
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Currency |
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Bhutanese currency is the ngultrum (nu).
The approximate exchange
rate is 45.00 nu for one US dollar (this will vary 1 or 2 nu, plus or
minus) The ngultrum is on par with the Indian Rupee (both the Nu and
Indian Rupee can be used in Bhutan). US Dollars and other world
currencies as well as traveler's cheques can be exchanged at banks in
the larger towns (hours 10:00 am to 1:00 pm, Mon to Fri) and at the
larger hotels. In the capital town of Thimphu some of the smaller bank
branches are open Saturday and Sunday for currency exchange. Ngultrum
or rupees will be what you will need for your purchases while in the
more rural towns and villages. |
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Customs Authority |
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The Bhutanese authorities
strictly monitor the export of any religious antiquities or antiques
of any kind from the Kingdom (100 years or older). Visitors are
advised to be cautious in purchasing old and used items. Custom
authorities will not allow items to be taken out of the country if
they have not been officially certified as non-antique. Personal
videos, cameras, personal computers, portable telephones or any other
electronic device should be registered with the customs authorities on
arrival at Paro and will be checked by the same on departure. Upon
arrival you will be issued a "customs form" this form must be filled
out, with declarations, and returned to authorities before leaving the
kingdom. Import of plants, soils, etc., are subject to quarantine
regulations. These items must be declared on arrival. |
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Food |
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Spicy chilies (ema)
mixed with a cheese sauce called emadatse is the
national dish of Bhutan. Chilies are treated as a vegetable rather
than a seasoning in the Bhutanese diet. A wide variety of fresh
vegetables are a daily staple of the Bhutanese diet. Red and or white
rice is served at all meals. Meats, poultry and fish (usually in the
form of stews) are also found on many Bhutanese menus along with
Tibetan momos and noodle dishes. Bhutan's professional chefs temper
their natural tendency to over spice dishes by preparing food more
suitable to western taste ranging from Continental to Chinese and
Bhutanese to Tibetan and Indian. |
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Accommodations |
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Bhutan Tourism Corporation Ltd.
owned hotels are one of the several delightful surprises visitors can
expect in the Kingdom. The company operates hotels throughout Bhutan
ensuring its guests a consistent style and comfort level throughout
their stay. Each property is designed in the traditional Bhutanese
style, yet each retains its own character and each is set in unusual
and dramatic locations: from the Hotel Olathang in the foothills of
the Paro Valley surrounded by blue pine forests to the Hotel Motithang
(Bhutan's first hotel) overlooking Thimphu's skyline to Trongsa's
Sherubling Lodge, with its alpine feel and remarkable vista over the
golden roofs of Trongsa Dzong. A restaurant serving traditional
Bhutanese cuisine tempered to western tastes can be found in all of
the hotels. Many of the hotel chefs have been trained at hotel schools
in Europe and are very comfortable preparing food to please the
western palate. Meals are usually served in buffet style.
Hotel rooms are all decorated in a traditional Bhutanese style; many
are quite reminiscent of mountain lodges. The rooms are cozy and
well-heated during the winter. Bathrooms are clean and western in
style with running hot water.
Most of the hotels and guest lodges are now equipped with
international direct dial telephones and fax machines. International
Direct Dial calls can be made to or from Bhutan to anywhere in the
world. Cell phones as of yet are not operable in Bhutan. Hotels not
owned and operated by BTCL can also be arranged on request. |
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Climate |
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Bhutan's climate ranges
from tropical in the south, to temperate in the center of the country,
to cold in the north...and like much of your adventure in the
Himalayas it will be quite unpredictable. The weather can vary
dramatically from place to place and can vary equally dramatically
from day to day or within the same day. In the Thimphu and Paro
valleys, the winter daytime temperature averages 60 degrees Fahrenheit
during clear winter days but drops well below freezing during the
night. Mid December to early January can be a beautifully clear and
dry time in Western Bhutan. Late December through mid February is the
period of heaviest snow fall in the higher elevations.
The fluctuations are not quite so great during the summer and daytime
temperature often rises to the mid-eighties Fahrenheit. Punakha and
the central valleys are lower than their Western neighbors and tend to
always be a few degrees warmer. The higher peaks will be snow-covered
all year. The higher passes, particularly Thrumshing La, between
Bumthang and Mongar, can be treacherous during the winter as snow
falls frequently and ices up the road. Light snow will often dust
Thimphu and Paro in winter but infrequently will there be heavy
snowstorms despite their location in the Central Himalayas.
The Summer monsoon from the Bay of Bengal affects Bhutan from late May
to late September. Views over the Himalayas from the higher passes are
usually obscured from June to August. There are notable advantages to
visiting Bhutan during the wet season including the spectacular
rhododendron blossom from March through May and the deep green
valleys. Many species of wild orchids are in full bloom diring late
summer season (August).
The Spring season in Bhutan can only be compared to a master artist's
palette, truly a spectactular time. The autumn season, late September
through November, is usually very mild and clear. The Fall colors
surround and embrace your senses. The sky is usually at it's clearest,
affording magnificent views of the Himalaya range.
The Spring and Fall seasons are traditionally
the most popular times to visit the kingdom. |
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Drug-Air |
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One of the smallest
national carriers in the world, Druk Air has a fleet of two BAe-146
(Whisper Jet) aircraft. An international team of flight attendants,
trained by Thai Airways International add to the airline's
credibility.
Druk Air is the only airline that serves Bhutan, so most visitors to
Bhutan are introduced to the kingdom in its care. Few are
disappointed. The final leg of a journey to Bhutan begins in Calcutta,
Dhaka or Kathmandu and involves a flight of no more than one hour -
however it's an hour that travelers will always remember. As the
airplane rises towards the foothills of the Himalayas, the mountains
rise to eye-level with the aircraft. On clear days from Kathmandu, the
airplane flies past the summit of Everest.
With that said the most convientient gateway city in terms of the most
flights per week is Bangkok. Depending on the day of the week the
flights departing from Bangkok will make one stop in either Calcutta
or Dhaka. Total flight time 3.5 hours. Delays do occur on account of
the changeable Himalayan weather. Travelers are advised to build an
extra day or two in their itineraries in case of flight cancellations.
Confirmation of travel during festival seasons (March, April,
September, October) must be made at least three months in advance to
ensure seats with the airline. The
aircraft has a seating capacity of 72. 10 Business Class seats and 62
Economy Class seats. |
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Archery |
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Archery is the much loved
national sport of Bhutan. Each village has its
own archery range, and it is impossible to imagine any festival taking
place without a high-spirited competition. Contests take place year
round. The distance between the two targets is about 120 meters. The
targets are made of wood splashed with colorful patterns.
Inter-village rivalry is common throughout the kingdom and this
rivalry is no more fiercely expressed than during annual archery
tournaments. They are generally held during Losar (Bhutanese New Year
coinciding with February or March of the calender) but smaller
competitions are held throughout the year.
The tournament's excitement begins the night before the contest. Teams
employ astrologers to assist in the selection process and to cast
spells on the opposition. Each team spends the night prior to the
match together in an age-old tradition of sleeping in the barn or the
forest, depending on the outcome of the astrologers calculations.
Apart from improving team spirit, it is thought that a man should not
spend the night before the tournament with his wife as his
concentration may begin to waiver the following day. The tournament
itself begins with initiation ceremonies and a traditional breakfast.
Alcohol flows from early in the day and spirits are always high. As
the day passes and the alcohol takes effect, the party becomes more
and more raucous. Opponents whisper obscenities into their
adversaries' ears and dance diversionary dances in front of the
target. Women from each village participate in the fun by singing for
their team and jeering at the opposing team. |
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Transportation |
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Mode of transportaion within Bhutan is by motor
vehicles only. There are no domestic
airlines or trains. However the main roads are well maintained. The
main highway highway runs from west to east connecting all the major
towns. The mountainous terrain and winding roads restrict the average
speed of vehicles to less than 40 km.hr. During monsoon and winter
months, wheather can disrupt travel and unexpected changes might occur
in itineraries. Every effort will be made to stay as close to original
travel itinerary as possible. For visitors wishing to enter Bhutan by
road. The only land entry point is though the southern boarder town of
Phuentsholing. Boardering West Bengal India. All visa and custom
regulations apply. |
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Festival |
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The Festivals in Bhutan
have reputations for being raucous, joyous affairs, but they are holy
spiritual events with attendees gaining merit for the next life.
Tshechus
dedicated to Guru Rinpoche and are celebrated for several days,
between three and five according to the location. The highlight are
the classical , religious-based dances, and in some tshechus the
viewing of the thongdrel (a huge and sacred thangka). In a few
important dzongs, two large festivals take place each year; a
Dromchoe,
which is dedicated to Yeshe Gompo or Palden Lhamo, the two main
protective dieties of the Drukpas.
The most popular for tourists are the tshechus held in Thimphu, Paro
and Bumthang. They mark the busiest time of year for the tourism
industry. Airplane tickets and hotel rooms are frequently difficult to
come by. The dzongs come to life with color, music, and dancing as
valley dwellers and townsfolk dress in their finest clothes and join
together to exorcise evil spirits and rejoice in a new harvest. Rare
masked sword dances and other rituals are performed in dzong
courtyards and temples. Most of the dances date back from before the
middle ages and are only performed once or twice each year. Each dance
has its own spiritual importance and can be performed by monks or lay
village elders dressed in bright costumes. Certain festivals end with
the unveiling and worship of huge religious appliqués or throngdrels.
The moment of the unveiling is shrouded in secrecy and creates great
excitement among all the participants.
Tourists are allowed into the dzongs to
watch the festivals, but are not allowed into the inner sanctuaries.
Photography should always be discreet. It is generally allowed for
photographs to be taken at tshechus but not at dromchoes.
Festival Dates : Please note
that all efforts have been made to confirm festival dates with
Department of Tourism (DOT). In some areas, especially outside Thimphu
and Paro, festival dates can change without notice. Therefore it is
advisable to confirm dates for local festivals with the authorities
concerned at the Dzongkhags (District Dzong) or through Bhutan Tourism
Corporation Limited. Please note that the festivals listed below are
considered the larger and more well known. Small villages throughout
Bhutan have their own local festivals that are too numberous to list
here. All of the festival dates are based on the Lunar Buddhist
Calendar and vary from year to year.
Please note that 2003 festival dates
have been issued by the Asssociation of Bhutanese Tour Operators (ABTO)
and all efforts have been made to confirm the festival dates, though a
few remain indicative, and are subject to change without notice. 2003
festival dates are considered to be accurate. The 2004 festival dates
are considered tentative at this point. The final dates will be up by
summer. The tenative dates are close enough for planning purposes
(dates usually vary by no more than one or two days). |
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Festival Dates 2003 |
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Festival Dates (Tshechu and Dromchoes) and Holidays for 2003 Water
female sheep year
Winter Solstice
January 3
Losar : The Water Female Sheep Year
Traditional Day of Offering : March 3 & 4
WATER SHEEP NEW YEAR
May 2
Birthday of Third King HM
Jigme Dorje Wangchuck
May 11
Shabdrung Kuchoe
June 2
Coronation Anniversary
June 14
Lord Buddha's Parnirvana
July 9
Birth Anniversary of Guru Rinpoche
August 2
First Sermon of Lord Buddha
August 7
Death Anniversary of Third King
Hm Jigme Dorje Wangchuck
September 23
Blessed Rainy Day
October 1
Dashain
November 11, 12, & 13
Birthday of Hm King Jigme Singye Wangchuck
November 16
Descending Day of Lord Buddha
December 17
National Day
December 29
Punakha, Western Bhutan
Punakha Dromchoe: March 8 to 12
Trashiyangtse, Eastern Bhutan
Chorten Kora : March 18 and April 1
Trashiyangtse, Eastern Bhutan
Gom Kora Tshechu : April 10 to 12
Chhukha, Southern Bhutan
Chhukha Tshechu : April 10 to 12
Paro, Western Bhutan
Paro Tshechu : April 12 to 16
Bumthang, Central Bhutan
Ura Tshechu : May 11 to 16
Bumthang, Central Bhutan
Nimalung Tshechu : July 7 to 9
Bumthang, Central Bhutan
Kurjey Tshechu : July 9
Wangdue Phodrang, Western Bhutan
Wangdue (Wangdi) Tshechu : October 3 to 5
Bumthang, Central Bhutan
Tamshingphala Choepa : October 4 to 6
Thimphu, Western Bhutan
Thimphu Drupchen : October 5, 6 & 7
Thimphu, Western Bhutan
Thimphu Tshechu (Thimphu only) : October 5
Bumthang, Central Bhutan
Tangbi Mani : October 9 to 11
Bumthang, Central Bhutan
Jambay Lhakhang Drup : November 8 to 12
Bumthang, Central Bhutan
Prakhar Tshechu : November 9 to 12
Bumthang, Central Bhutan
Nalakhar Tshechu : December 8 to 10
Mongar, Eastern Bhutan
Mongar Tshechu : November 30 to December 3
Pemagtshel, Eastern Bhutan
Pemagatshel Tshechu: November 30 to December 3
Trashigang, Eastern Bhutan
Trashigang Tshechu : December 1 to 4
Trongsa, Central Bhutan
Trongsa Tshechu : January 1 to 3, 2004
Lhuentse, Eastern Bhutan
Lhuentse Tshechu : January 1 to 3, 2004 |
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Festival Dates 2004 |
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Tentative Festival Dates 2004 (Tshechus and Dromchoes)
Punakha, Western Bhutan
Punakha Dromchoe : February 25 to 29, 2004
Trashiyangtse, Eastern Bhutan
Chorten Kora : March 6 and 20, 2004
Trashiyangtse, Eastern Bhutan
Gom Kora Tshechu : March 29 to 31, 2004
Chhukha, Southern Bhutan
Chhukha Tshechu : March 29 to 31, 2004
Paro, Western Bhutan
Paro Tshechu : April 1 to 5, 2004
Bumthang, Central Bhutan
Ura Tshechu : April 30 to May 4, 2004
Bumthang, Central Bhutan
Nimalung Tshechu : June 25 to 27, 2004
Bumthang, Central Bhutan
Kurjey Tshechu : June 27, 2004
Wangdue Phodrang, Western Bhutan
Wangdue (Wangdi) Tshechu : September 21 to 23, 2004
Bumthang, Central Bhutan
Tamshingphala Choepa : September 22 to 24, 2004
Thimphu, Western Bhutan
Thimphu Drupchen : September 18 to 22, 2004
Thimphu, Western Bhutan
Thimphu Tshechu (Thimphu only) : September 23 to 25, 2004
Bumthang, Central Bhutan
Tangbi Mani : September 27 to 29, 2004
Bumthang, Central Bhutan
Jambay Lhakhang Drup : October 28 to November 1, 2004
Bumthang, Central Bhutan
Prakhar Tshechu : October 29 to 31, 2004
Bumthang, Central Bhutan
Nalakhar Tshechu : November 26 to 28, 2004
Mongar, Eastern Bhutan
Mongar Tshechu : November 18 to 21, 2004
Pemagtshel, Eastern Bhutan
Pemagatshel Tshechu : November 18 to 21, 2004
Trashigang, Eastern Bhutan
Trashigang Tshechu : November 19 to 22, 2004
Trongsa, Central Bhutan
Trongsa Tshechu : December 20 to 22, 2004
Lhuentse, Eastern Bhutan
Lhuentse Tshechu : December 20 to 22, 2004 |
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Trekking |
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Bhutan offers great opportunities
for trekking with its splendid scenic beauty, lofty mountains and deep
valleys untempered by modernization. It provides scenic beauty which
gradually unfolds in all its glory and charm. Lifestyles change from
the colorful lively pace of Thimphu, the capital of Bhutan, to the
more traditional, simple remote mountain villages only traveled to by
foot. Bhutan Tourism Corporation Limited is considered the pioneering
experts on trekking programs, employing the best senior guides in the
kingdom, top equipment and yes, great food. Some of the treks that
BTCL created, have become legendary.
The famous "Snowman Trek" has become the international standard.
Trekking in this Himalayan kingdom is one of the most wonderful
experiences a visitor can have. It is quite different from other parts
of the Himalayas. The country ranges from the dense forest of
subtropical jungles to the alpine shrubs, endowed with a wide spectrum
of Himalayan flora and fauna. The land is thinly populated with
scattered settlements. A person may walk for several days before
sighting a village. Trekking in Bhutan is a fairly recent development,
although the Himalayas have always held a long-standing attraction to
the Western world for trekking and mountaineering. The beautiful
landscape, unique architecture, snowcapped peaks, colorful dzongs,
Lamaist Buddhist traditions and friendly people leave an everlasting
impression on the visitor.
Trekking permits are required for all parties. A treking day usually
consists of five to six hours of walking. Pack animals, ponies and
yaks for the higher altitude treks, are provided for carrying
provisions, baggage and equipment. All
necessary camping equipment, food, and food preparation is provided by
Bhutan Tourism Corporation Limited.
All trekking parties are accompanied by a trained guide, a cook, an
assistant and at least one horseman. The support crew walks ahead of
the trekking party each day and pitches camp before the trekkers
arrive. A warm cup of tea or coffee waiting in the dining tent is the
most welcome treat after hours of walking. All meals are carefully
planned. Breakfast is always hot and dinner includes a choice of at
least four dishes. In many of the remote parts of the country,
villages are scarce and few people cross paths, therefore BTCL takes
every precaution to ensure the safety and comfort of trekkers.
Altitude sickness is an acute problem for trekkers, in Bhutan. Almost
all of the designated treks go above 3,000 meters (9843 ft.). Those
who have not properly acclimatised or suffer from altitude sickness
are advised not to trek. If you are not used to high altitudes it is a
good idea to start slowly and allow yourself to acclimatise.
BTCL offers a number of treks, which cover most of the central and
northern parts of Bhutan. Each trek has its own beauty and charm. A
few are difficult treks are suited for people of good physical
fitness. Yet others are for any age group, not too long or strenuous,
with visits to places of interest. Things you would need to bring on
trek include sleeping bags, foam mattresses, strong comfortable
trekking boots, cap/hat, sun glasses, sun block, flashlight, insect
repellent cream, and personal toiletries and medicine, and rain gear
during the rainy season. See
Individual, Cultural, and Trekking Itineraries
page for complete trekking chart with
dates and difficulty ratings. |
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What to Bring |
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Bhutan's changeable climate
means you have to bring an assortment of clothes, including rain gear.
A layered wardrobe probably makes the most sense. Good walking shoes
or hiking boots are essential even if you are not hiking. Because of
the altitude, a hat or cap and a good pair of sunglasses are
essential. Warm clothes are recommended for the evening. Because of
the long distances between towns an villages bring the medicines
you'll need along with some first-aid supplies. A good flashlight
(torch), water bottle and polarizing filter for your camera will also
come in very handy. We have also found the addition of a day pack or
shoulder bag and a telescoping, aluminum, walking stick to be very
handy. |
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The Art if Weaving |
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In the high eastern
mountain villages you will come across women
moving back and forth in the open-air with their back strap looms.
They are Bhutan's weavers who ply their trade on the open mountainside
or field singing gently as they rock back and forth.Yarns and thread
are dyed (vegetable dye) and dried for a week before being woven into
traditional gho and kira. These long flowing garments have become the
obligatory national dress of the kingdom. Weavers produce raw silk,
silk on cotton, and silk on silk textiles. The finest weavers
traditonally are found in Lheuntse, Kuri Chhu, and Radhi areas of
eastern Bhutan. This art form is passed down from generation to
generation. Since the crops grown are usually just enough to feed the
village in a good year, these hand-loomed textiles become a good way
for the village to get money for supplies. A complete kira is made up
from three pieces sewn together to form a large rectangular piece
which is draped and folded around a woman's body and clinched in at
the waist with a kera (belt).The entire weaving process takes between
six months to one year to complete. The Bhutanese culture prize these
textiles so highly that they are considered part of a family's wealth
and our used as currency. Truly an
amazing art form, found only in the Kingdom of Bhutan. |
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 Information
provided by
Department of Tourism.
Royal Government of Bhutan. |
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