General Informations

BHUTAN

Bhutan, nestled in the Eastern Himalayas, is a land of pristine beauty, rich culture, and deep spirituality. Here’s a brief overview of General informations about this unique kingdom

GEOGRAPHY:

First General Informations for Bhutan is Geography.

The Kingdom of Bhutan wedged between India and China along the lofty mountains of the eastern Himalayas, between longitude 88°45’ and 92°10’ east and latitude 26°40’ and 28°15’. With an area of approximately 38,394 square kilometers, Bhutan is comparable to Switzerland in both size and topography, being largely mountainous. With these borders a giant staircase formed — from a narrow strip of land in the south at an altitude of 10,000 feet. These unclimbed Himalayan peaks are among the highest on Earth.

FOOD

Second General Informations for Bhutan is Food.

Bhutanese Delicacies gets limited with spicy Chillies and Cheese. However you will be served a Buffet of continental food with some local dishes too. On Treks, our trained cooks prepare dishes suitable to western tastes ranging from continental to Chinese and Bhutanese to Indian.

CURRENCY

Third General Informations for Bhutan is Currency.

Bhutanese unit of currency is the Ngultrum. 1Nu. = 100 Chetrum. The Ngultrum is at par with the Indian Rupee. Approx. 1 USD = Nu/44.5

CREDIT CARDS

Fourth General Informations for Bhutan is Credit Cards. Credit cards accepted in major Hotels and Handicraft Emporium to pay against your purchase bills but not to encash money. You cannot encash money with your ATM Cards. It is advisable that you bring cash dollars.

CLOTHING

Due to wide range of temperature and climatic conditions, it is advisable to bring appropriate clothing. From May to Sep. cotton clothes are sufficient, plus a woolen sweater or light jacket. From November to the end of April, you will need very warm clothes including long underwear or woolen tights to wear under trousers, and down jacket or coat. During visit to the monasteries, Dzongs and other religious institution, you should not wear shorts, hats and should be properly dressed.

WHAT TO PACK

Clothes as per season, sunglasses/spare glasses or contact lenses, pair of casual shoes, washing kit, shaving kit, towel, hat, umbrella, camera, film and accessories, maps, insect repellent, hand cream, small sewing kit & safety pins, torch or flash light with spare batteries, mirror, sun screen cream, lip salve or soluble aspirin, antiseptic cream, preparation for the relief of sunburn. You may not be tuned to the Asian drugs so it is always better to bring own brand.

PHOTOGRAPHY

The photographic opportunities on all trips are immense. If you wish to record the local people, their houses and shops etc. You can always ask by gesture, if it’s ok to take pictures. Also while visiting Dzongs, monasteries, and religious institutions; please follow your guide’s instruction carefully. Photography inside the Dzongs and monuments are not allowed. Although films and batteries are available locally, it is best to bring it yourself.

MEDICAL & HEALTH

Anyone who enjoys out door life and is physically fit can participate on our treks and tours. How ever some treks maybe rigorous and difficult because of high altitude and therefore a good training of fitness for at least a month at home is required for treks going to an altitude in excess of 4000 mts/1500 ft. there are no compulsory vaccinations for travel to Bhutan.

TRAVEL INSURANCE

The costs that we offer do not cover your Travel Insurance. It is imperative that you have full comprehensive insurance cover to protect against unforeseen accidents and mishaps. Such policies are not available in Bhutan. It should adequately cover baggage and travel delays etc. and helicopter evacuation, transportation and medical assistance incase of treks.

CUSTOMS AND REGULATIONS

The Bhutanese authorities strictly prohibit the export of any religious Antiquity or antiques of any type. All personal electronics, Cameras, Video Cameras, Computers and personal electronic equipment can get into the country. They must list it on the custom form given on arrival at Paro airport and will check it on departure.

EAR PLUGS

Compared to other towns, Thimphu has high number of stray Dogs. You may get disturb from the barking dogs at night so we highly advise you to bring ear plugs.

Current is 220-240 Volts. The plug is round, 3 prong – British type.

TIPPING & GIFT

Tipping at each visitor’s discretion requested not to give candy, gum, pens, pencils, balloons, etc to children, who soon learn to demand gifts. They should not to hand out medicines to local people which may be inappropriate for their medical problems and delay their seeking professional help. if you want to give children pens, pencils, etc. it is better to give them to local schools. We will be happy to arrange a visit to a local school if you indicate at the time of booking. Instead of gifts, you can show them books and pictures of your country, your home, your children, etc. or teach them a song or game.

SHOPPING

All visitors are welcome to visit the Handicraft Centre or all local shops, which contains a very wide range of traditional and modern items. Beautiful hand woven textiles, postage traditional handmade paper, colorful bamboo baskets, thangkas, centuries, ceramics, musical instruments and masks are some of many favorite items for purchase from Bhutan. The textiles with intricate patterns that take months to weave are made of cotton, wool or raw silk. Ethnic silver jewelry can also be found. The best shopping to be found is in Thimphu, the capital of Bhutan.

ALTERATION OF ITINERARIES

Yak Adventure Travel reserves the right to modify or alter many trip itineraries due to circumstances beyond our control such as Flight cancellation, weather condition, political strikes or restrictions etc.

DISTANCE & DRIVING TIME BETWEEN VARIOUS PLACES IN BHUTAN

All mode of transport within Bhutan is by motor vehicle as there is no domestic airline or trains. However, motor roads are well maintained and link all parts of the country.

From

To

Distance [in Km]

Driving Time

[approx]

Thimphu(1) Paro 54 2 Hrs.
Thimphu(2) Phuentsholing 172 6 Hrs.
Thimphu(3) Wangdue Phodrang 70 3 Hrs.
Thimphu(4) Punakha 76 3 Hrs.
Punakha Wangdue Phodrang 17 40 Mins.
Wangdue Phodrang Trongsa 129 5 Hrs.
Trongsa Bumthang 68 3 Hrs.
Bumthang Mongar 198 7 Hrs.
Mongar Lhuntshi 76 3 Hrs.
Mongar Trashigang 91 3 Hrs.
Trashigang Chorten Kora 52 2 Hrs.
Trashigang Samdrup Jongkhar 180 7 Hrs.

CLIMATE & AVERAGE TEMPERATURE OF MAJOR TOWNS

FACTS ON BHUTAN

Area: 38,394. (sq.km)

National Sport: Archery.

Dzongkhags (districts): 20

Geogs (blocks): 201

National Bird: Raven.

Currency: Ngultrum

National Language: Dzongkha

Capital: Thimphu

Official Language: Dzongkha

National Flower: Blue Poppy.1

Religion: Mahayana Buddhism.

National Tree: Cypress.

Location: Located in the eastern Himalayas; Bhutan is bordered Tibet in the north and the Indian states of Assam and west Bengal in the east west and south.

Altitude: Varying from 180 metres to 7550 meters above the sea level.

Local Time: Six hours ahead of GMT and half an hour ahead of Indian Standard Time.

National Dress: Gho (Men) & Kira (Women).

NATIONAL EMBLEM (ROYAL CREST)

The National emblem, contained in circle, composed of a double diamond thunderbolt placed above a lotus, surmounted by a jewel and framed by two dragons. The double diamond thunderbolt represents the harmony between secular and religious power; which results from the Buddhist religion in its varying form. The lotus symbolizes the purity; the jewel-sovereign power; and the two dragons, male and female stand for the name of the country-the thunder.

NATIONAL DAY

National Day celebrated on the 17th December is commemoration of the ascension of Ugyen Wangchuk, the first King of Bhutan to the throne, at Punakha Dzong.

FLAG

The rectangular national flag of Bhutan diagonally segmented and depicts a wide dragon across the middle. The upper part of the flag is golden yellow, which represents the secular power of the King, while the lower part is orange, which is indicative of the Buddhist influence. The Dragon, whose white color associated with purity, represents Bhutan. It holds jewels in its claws, which represents the wealth and perfection of the country.