The Dragon Kingdom
Bhutan, often revered as the ‘Land of the Peaceful Dragon’, is still regarded as one of the last ‘Shangri-Las’ in the Himalayan region because of its remoteness, it’s spectacular mountain terrain, varied flora and fauna and its unique ancient Buddhist monasteries. It is in the relatively unexplored pockets of Asia which allows only a limited number of discerning travelers to enter the country in order to protect its fragile environment and culture.
Bhutan is a purely Buddhist Himalayan Kingdom and is unsurpassed in its scenic majesty and vibrant culture. The kingdom, shares with Nepal the world’s greatest concentration of mountains and living heritage of Buddhism. The fifty minutes flight from Kathmandu to Paro can truly be described as a flight into fantasy. During the flight, a first hand close up view of Mt. Everest, Mt. Kanchanjunga and other famous peaks become a reality. Bi-weekly flights between these two nations have made the travel to the long isolated Dragon Kingdom of Bhutan comparatively easier.
RELIGION
Drukpa Kagyu school of Tibetan Buddhism is the state religion but the Nyingma School is also well represented in the central and eastern districts.
CLIMATE
The climate, within the mountains, varies greatly according to precipitation and wind conditions. In the Duras plain and up to 1500m, the climate is sub-tropical with high humidity and heavy rainfall. The climate of the mid-mountain belt varies as a result of which the low-lying parts have cool winter and hot summers. The central valley of Punakha, Wangdiphodrang, Mongar, Tashigang and Lhuntshi enjoy a semi tropical climate with very cool winters, while the higher valleys (ranging from 2,500- 4,500m) of Ha, Paro, Thimphu, Tongsa and Bumthang have a temperate climate, with monsoon rains in the summer and snow-fall in winter
The southern part of Bhutan is tropical, and in general the east of Bhutan is warmer than the west of the country. Winter in Bhutan is from mid-November until mid-March, and at this time of the year, the climate is dry with daytime temperature of 16-19 degree centigrade (with sunshine and clear skies) and nighttime temperature falling below zero. The monsoon starts from mid June and lasts until the end of September. At the end of September, after the last of the big rains, autumn suddenly arrives, and is a magnificent season for trekking-lasting until mid-November.
COUNTRY PROFILE
Population: 7,00,000 (1996)
Capital : Thimpu
Location : Bhutan lies between 890 and 920 E and 270 and 280 N
Time : 30 minutes ahead of Indian Standard Time. 6 hours
ahead of GMT
Language: Dzongkha
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
Spring is Rhododendron season in Bhutan. The mountain-sides, all over the country, are ablaze in shades of red and orange. The days are warm but the nights are still cold. As the monsoon rises from the Bay of Bengal, spring turns into summer and results in three months of heavy monsoon rains. Arguably the loveliest time of the year in Bhutan, autumn brings clear skies & warm days.
ECONOMY
In 1995, the per capita income was estimated at US $ 500 with the annual growth of 5%. Although these figures place Bhutan among the least developed nations, the country is unlike others within that category as no famine, little malnutrition and good housing exists. Over 91% of the population depends on agriculture and livestock rearing which together account for some 50% of GDP, despite the fact that only 2% of the land is arable.
MONEY
The national currency is Ngultrum (Nu) 100 Chetrum = 1 Nu. The exchange rate is approximately US $ 1 = Nu. 42.75 (1999) however, the Indian Rupees circulate at par.
VISA & TRANSPORT
Foreign travelers must possess a visa for traveling to Bhutan which is granted initially for 14 days. While the actual visa is stamped on arrival in Bhutan upon payment of US $20, visitors need to obtain visa clearance from the Tourism Authority of Bhutan (TAB) in advance. The visa can be extended in Thimpu for up to six months. The operator, making your travel arrangements, will handle the official formalities.
Transport is provided by tour operators who have their own fleet of luxury buses. All major places of interest are connected by paved road.
GETTING THERE & AROUND
Druk Air, Bhutan’s flag carrier operates flights to Paro from Bangkok, Kolkata, Dhaka, Kathmandu and New Delhi. The overland entry/exit point is from the Indian state of West Bengal into Phuntsholing in southwest Bhutan. Phuntsholing is four hours drive from Bagdogra, the nearest Indian airport, and seven hours drive from both Gangtok (Sikkim) and Darjeeling. The drive from Phuntsholing to Thimpu takes six hours.
TARIFF:
The Department of Tourism has set a minimum tariff, which differs according to the high and low seasons. Individuals and groups of less than four persons must pay a surcharge. The rates are the same for both cultural tours and treks.
SEASON:
March-May and September-November are considered as the high season while June, July and December-February are the low season. Bring cotton or light woolen wear in summer (maximum temperature 30 degrees Celsius) and heavy woolens and down jacket in winter (minimum 1.1 degrees Celsius).
ADVENTURE:
Trekking and mountaineering.
ACCOMMODATION:
Modern hotels are available in Thimpu. The outlying areas have comfortable resorts and lodges.
RELIGION/CULTURE
The state religion is Drukpa Kagyupa, a branch of Mahayana Buddhism. It has been institutionalized in the Dratshang (Central Monk Body) and is headed by the Je Khenpo (Chief Abbot) who is chosen from among the most learned Lamas and enjoys an equal rank with the King. Bhutan is the only country in the world to have adopted Mahayana Buddhism in its Tantric form as its official religion. The Buddhist faith has played and continues to play a fundamental role in the cultural, ethical and sociological development of Bhutan and its people. It permeates all strands of secular life.
