Bhutan is a small Himalayan kingdom located in the eastern Himalayan region between China and India. Spread over a total area of 46,500 sq. km., the total population of Bhutan is near about 780,000. The Bhutanese currency is called Ngultrum and their national language is Dzongkha. Along with agriculture and hydropower, tourism is a major sector of Bhutan’s economic development, which is pinned on the vision of ‘A green and self-reliant economy sustained by a knowledge-based society guided by the philosophy of Gross National Happiness.’
Bhutan has two domestic airports in Jakar (Bumthang Dzongkhag) and Gelephu. Bhutan’s only international airport is located in Paro, called Paro International Airport, and two domestic airports in Jakar (Bumthang Dzongkhag) and Gelephu.
Bhutan is also referred to as Druk Yul, which means Land of the Thunder Dragon. The country was once a stronghold of the Bon religion however today the people of Bhutan are devout disciples of Buddhism. The country started following the Drukpa sect of Buddhism after it was initiated by Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo, especially following the visit of Guru Rimpoche in the 7th century. Bhutan has a King as its ceremonial head who belongs to the Wangchuk dynasty and turned into a democracy in 2008.
The biodiversity here ranges from snowy Himalayan peaks in the north, hills, and valleys in the central region, and tropical forests and savannahs in the south. Bhutan has 19 Himalayan peaks above 7000m among which Gangkhar Puensum (7570m) is the highest peak in Bhutan followed by Jomolhari (7314m), Kula Kangri, Tongshanjiabu, etc. located along the Bhutan-China border. Around 70% of the land is covered in forests and there are a total of 9 protected areas in Bhutan.
The three main ethnic groups of Bhutan are the Tshanglas, Ngalops, and the Lhotshampas. Bhutan is the only country in South Asia devoid of class or caste hierarchy. The traditional dress of Bhutan is called Gho (male attire) and Kira (female attire). Some of the biggest cultural and religious festivals observed in Bhutan are Tsechu, Jambay Lhakhang Drup, Punakha Drubchen, and Haa summer festival.
Bhutan promotes sustainable tourism guided by the principle ‘high value, low impact’. The number of tourists allowed every year is fixed and tourists are required to pay tourism fees on top of visa fees which are in turn used for the health, education, and infrastructure of the Bhutanese people.
Bhutan Climate:
The climate of Bhutan ranges from snow-freezing temperatures in the Himalayas to temperate and tropical climates in the valleys and plains in the south. During winter the temperature averages 16 degrees in the daytime but drops below zero degrees at night. In the summertime, temperature ranges from about 25 degrees Celsius maximum and around 12-15 minimum.
Clothing in Bhutan:
From May to September cotton clothes are sufficient to keep you warm or cool depending on the timing. However woolen sweaters and warm jackets are recommended from November to April.
Food in Bhutan:
Some of the popular Bhutanese cuisines are Ena Datshi, Kewa Datshi, Shakam Paa, Yaksha Shakam, Goep, Juma, and so on. Modern restaurants in cities offer a variety of international cuisines from Continental and Chinese to Indian and Nepali. Vegetarian meals are also available.
Currency: The Bhutanese currency is called Ngultrum or shortcut Nu. American Express, Master Cards, and Credit cards are accepted only in a few places. ATMs are now available in major cities in Bhutan. Please do not carry 500 and 1000 Indian notes, which are banned in Bhutan.
Social Security:
Bhutan is the safest country not only in South Asia but also in the world, with the lowest crime rate in the world. Bhutanese people are very warm, hospitable and friendly.
Electricity:
Unlike India, Nepal, Bangladesh, and Pakistan, Bhutan has enough electrical power. There are no power shortages and load-shedding hours in Bhutan. Bhutan uses 220 volts AC,
Bhutan Tours
Bhutan Tours allows you to visit and learn about all popular cultural, historical, natural, and religious sites and traditions in Bhutan. You will spend time sightseeing in Thimphu, the capital city of Bhutan, along with other major cities such as Paro, Gangtey, Phutensholing, Punakha, Trongsa, Bumthang and Jakar.
As part of these tours, you will have plenty of time to study various cultural and ethnic groups of Bhutan, interact with local people, and participate in local festivals. Unraveling and discovering the true cultural and natural treasures of Tibet, from snow-capped Himalayan peaks and green valleys to wild national parks will simply mesmerize you.
Our tours come in two forms: pre-designed and tailor-made. The programs vary from a few days short trips to months long, as per the interests and timing of clients. We have a great network with tour agents in Bhutan and work in close cooperation. Most of our programs start in Nepal or India.
Global Adventure trekking takes care of all your logistics from obtaining a Bhutan visa to arranging flights between Nepal and Bhutan. Please go through some sample programs below and contact us for further details.