eneral Information

 

GETTING TO BHUTAN

By Air The only airport is at Paro. Bhutan's national airline, Druk Air, is the only airline servicing Paro.

NOTE: During monsoons, unpredictable weather forces can delay flights and travellers are advised to include an extra day in their itinerary. ·

By Road The road from Bagdogra (the nearest Indian airport) enters Bhutan at Phuentsholing, the border town. It is a 3-4 hour drive from Bagdogra airport which can be reached by plane from Calcutta and Delhi. From Darjeeling or Gangtok (Sikkim), it can take 7 hour to Phuentsholing. It takes approximately 6 hour from Phuentsholing to Thimphu or Paro.

NOTE: Entry / Exit one way has to be by air.

VISAS & PASSPORTS
Valid passports and an entry visa are essential. Travellers to Bhutan are permitted only as a member of a commercially organised tour group. Visa clearances are issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Thimphu and must be obtained before departing for Bhutan. Druk Air tickets cannot be purchased without visa clearance. At your port of entry your visa will be stamped in your passport on payment of US$ 20.

Following information shall be forwarded to us at least three weeks prior to date of travel, for processing visa with the concerned authorities

Also four copies of original passport size photographs should be mailed to us along with this information.

Actual visa is stamped on arrival in Bhutan while visa is cleared in advance and a visa clearance number issued.

Extension of visas, for up to 6 months, can be obtained in Thimphu at a cost of Nu. 510.

NOTE: Visas cannot be obtained at Bhutanese embassies.

CUSTOMS
Export of antiques, plants or animal products are strictly prohibited. Cameras, video cameras, computers and personal electronic equipment must be declared on arrival and will be checked upon departure.

CLIMATE
It is difficult to accurately generalise the climate of Bhutan because of the variations in elevations and seasons. Southern Bhutan has a tropical climate with hot humid monsoons. Spring in the higher valleys (mid-March to May) has warm days (20 °C) and cool nights. June marks the beginning of summer when day temperatures warm up to 27 - 29 °C. By July, the rainy season starts and continue till mid-September. The autumn months of September to November are ideal for trekking with clear skies and mild weather. In December temperatures fall, but the days are warm and the clear, azure winter skies serve a striking background to the snow-capped peaks. On a sunny day, temperatures reach about 16-18 ° C. The nights, however, are cold with temperatures falling below freezing.

CLOTHING
Cottons and light wollens in Summer (June-Sep). Heavy wollens and jackets the rest of the year. Rain gear for the monsoons and comfortable shoes.

ELECTRICITY
230 - 240 volts, 50 cycles A.C. The current is variable.

CURRENCY
The national currency is the Ngultrum (Nu). 100 Chetrum = 1 Nu. Exchange rate is approximately US$ 1 = Nu. 45. Indian Rupees circulate at par.

CREDIT CARDS
American Express and VISA credit cards are accepted in a few shops. Travellers cheques are also accepted.

TIME DIFFERENCE
Bhutan standard time is 6 hours ahead of GMT.

ACCOMMODATIONS
Comfortable hotels and lodges built in traditional architectural style are available in the major towns.

CUISINE
Tourist hotels have a choice of Bhutanese, Indian, Chinese and Continental food.

COMMUNICATION FACILITIES
Reliable telephone and fax services are available in all towns in Bhutan. International connections are excellent.

PHOTOGRAPHY
Carry plenty of films and batteries. Photo shops in Bhutan do not sell equipment or accessories.

LANGUAGE
Dzongkha, the language of the western region, is the national language. English is the medium of instruction and is spoken by all government officials and businessmen. Nepali is prevalent in the south while Bumthangkha, Khyengkha and Sharchopkha are common dialects.

INSURANCE
To protect against unforeseen accidents and mishaps, we advise you to have Travel insurance policy from your country. It should adequately cover helicopter evacuation and medical assistance. We regret the unavailability of such policies in Bhutan.

SAFETY
The crime rate in Bhutan is very low.

SHOPPING
Traditional handicrafts, textiles, jewellery, baskets, masks. Paintings and woodcarving make good buys.

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