Druk
Air Schedules
 By
Surface
Entry or exit is also possible
through Phuntsoling, the southern Bhutanese border town. From
here the nearest airport is Bagdogra in West Bengal (India).
For travelers wishing to visit Indian states of Sikkim, West
Bengal along with Bhutan, Phuntsoling serves as the convenient
point.
Exit from Bhutan can be also
made through Samdrup Jongkhar, an important link for visiting
further Northeastern states of India.
However,Government rule of Bhutan
has made it mandatory to use at least one way by air.
Thimpu
 Lying
in a valley (elevation 2350) Thimpu is unlike any other capital
in the world. The traditional architecture of its houses and
buldings is particularly striking. The places to visit are
the Memorial Chorten, dedicated to the late King Jigme the
goverment of Bhutan and the summer residence of the central
monk body. the Tradional Medicene Hospital where herbal medicines
are prepared; the National Libray, a treasure trove of ancient
texts; the National Institute for Zorig Chosum for thanks
painting, sculpture, wood and slate carving, gold works, embroidery
and traditional boot making; Changangkha Lakhang which contans
anceint scriptures and thanka paintings; and Simtokha Dzong,
Bhutan's oldest forttress which now houses a school for Buddhist
studies. YOu can als visit the smithy on the other side of
the Thimpu River to see traditional gold and silver smiths
at work. the folk Heritage Museum, which showcases a typical
Bhutanese farmhouse, and the Takin Santuary (The takin is
the national animal of Bhutan ) above the Motithang area.
Visa & Transport
Foreign travellers mus possess a visa for
Bhutan which is granted initially for 14 days. While the actual
visa is tamped on arrival in Bhutan upon payment of Us $20,
visittors need to obtain visa clearance from the Tourism Authority
of Bhutan (TAB) in advance. The visa can be extented 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 fo luxury buses. All major places of interest are connected
by paved road
Festivals
Festivals (Tshechus) are held in Bhutan through out the year
at different locations. These festivals are celebrations of
faith, legends, myths and history of Bhutan in ancient rituals
of colourful dance and music. The most popular for tourists
are those held in Thimphu, Paro and Bumthang. They mark the
busiest time of the year for tourism and reservation are difficult
to come by festival time is one of the only periods during
a year when tourists are permitted inside the courtyard of
the Dzongs. The Dzongs come to life with colour, music and
dancing as valley dwellers and townsfolk dress in their best
clothes and join together to exorcise evil spirits and rejoice
in a new harvest. Rare masked and sword dances and other rituals
are performed in the Dzong's courtyard and temples. Each dance
has its own significance and can be performed by monks or
lay men dressed in bright costumes. Certain festivals end
with the unveiling and worship of huge religious appliqués
or Thongdrels. The moment of the unveiling s shrouded in secrecy
and creates great excitement amongst all the participants.
Climate
The monsoons starts in mid June and lasts until the end of
September. The climate with in the mountains varies greatly
according to precipitation and wind conditions. In the Duars
plain and upto 1500m. the climate is sub-tropical with high
humidity and heavy rainfall. The climate of mid-mountain belt
varies. Such that low-lying parts of Punakha, Mongar, Tashigang
and Lhuntse have cool winter and hot summers, whereas the
higher valleys of Ha, Paro, Thimpu, Tongsa and Bumthang range
from 2,500 to 4,500m. endure a temperate climate with cold
snowy winters and somewhat cooler summers.
Spring is rhododendron season in Bhutan. The
mountain sides all over the country are ablaze in shades or
red and orange. Days are warm but nights are still cold. As
the monsoon rises from the Bay of Bengal, spring turns to
summer and 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 USD 500 with
the annual growth at 5%. Although these figures places Bhutan
among the least developed nations the country is unlike others
within that category as no famine, little malnutrition, good
housing, exits. Over91% of the population depend 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. Exchange
reate is approximately US$ 1 Nu. 42.75 Indian Rupees circulate
at par.
COUNTRY PROFILE:
Bhutan (Druk Yul)
Population 7,00,000
Capital Thimpu
Location Bhutan lies between 890 and 920E and 270 and 280N
Time 30 minutes ahead of Indian standard Time 6 hours ahead
of GMT
Language Dzongri
People there are two main population group 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.
For More Information Contact Us
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Bhutan,
best known to the world as the last Shangril-la has a rare
combination of harmony and accord amidst a landscape of incredible
beauty. 
The southern part of Bhutan is tropical, and in general the
east of Bhutan is warmer than the west of the country. The
central valley of Punakha, Wangdiphodrang, Mongar, Tashigang
and Lhuntshi enjoy a semi tropical climate with very cool
winters, while Thimphu, Tongsa and Bumthang have a temperate
climate, with monsoon rains in the summer and snow-fall in
winter. Winter in Bhutan is from mid-November until mid-March,
and at this time of year the climate is dry, with daytime
temperature of 16-19 degree centigrade (with sunshine and
clear skies) and nightstime temperature falling below zero.
The monsoon usually arrives mid-June, with the rain falling
mainly in the afternoons and evenings. 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.