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.
Protected by mighty Himalayas from the rest of the world and enriched by the essence of Drukpa Kagyu School of Buddhism, Bhutan has managed to remain shrouded deeply in a jealously guarded isolation. A basic understanding of Bhutan’s Buddhism is essential to understanding the Bhutanese.

Her rich Himalayan flora and fauna, dazzling white peaks and lush valleys provide Bhutan’s stunning beauty and aesthetic grandeur.
Bhutan has gently opened its doors to the visitors who respect the delicate sensitivities of this pristine land and shares the sacred values of its people.
Bhutanese architectures in Dzongs, buildings and houses are very strikingBhutan is not an ordinary place and has many surprises; a visit to the country is a splendid adventure.

Climate
Bhutan Temple 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.

Getting there and away

Air
The best way to enter Bhutan is by Druk Air, the national air carrier. Following stations are connected with Druk Air flight

India	Delhi & Calcutta
Nepal	Kathmandu.
Bangladesh	Dacca
Myanmar	Yangoon (Rangoon)
Thailand	Bangkok

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.