Bhutan, covers an area of 47,000 sq. kms with a population of less than 700,000 inhabitants. These figures, however do not reflect the incredible geographical & ecological diversity of the country nor its natural wealth. The range of altitudes revel its variety, rising from 300m on the Indian frontier to 7,300m on the Tibet border. The land is reminiscent of a gigantic staircase. The name Bhutan is said to be derived from the ancient Indian term Bhotana, which means the end of the land of the Bhots (the Sanskrit name of Tibetans). It could have also been extended from the Sanskrit word “Bhu’uttan” or high land. Ancient Tibetan writers called their fertile neighbour Lho Mon or Lho Yul, paradise of the South or the Land of the Monpas. The Bhutanese refer to their country as Druk Yul or land of the Peaceful dragon. Druk meaning dragon and extending from the predominant Drukpa School of Tibetan Buddhism.
Bhutan was not unified under a central authority until the 17th Century. However, religious presence in the country acted as a spiritual cohesion for many years. Guru Padmasambhava made his legendary trip from Tibet across the mountains flying on a tigress’ back arriving at Taktsang Monastery, Tiger’s Nest in the Paro valley. Guru Padmasambhava is recognized as the father of the Nyingmapa religious school. Many of Bhutan’s celebrated ancestors descend from the Nyingmapa School. Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, a Tibetan Lama of the Drukpa school designed the present systems of the intertwined religious and secular government. He fought and won battles against the Tibetans in 1639 and so unified the country and established himself as the country’s supreme leader. Within five years of his death the whole country had come under the control of the central government. At the end of 19th century, the Penlop of Tongsa overcame the Penlop of Paro and was afterwards recognized as the overall leader of Bhutan. Ugyen Wangchuck was elected the first King of Bhutan in 1907 AD. This Himalayan paradise is still wrapped in a time, recollected by many as “those good old days”.
Bhutan is still restricted and is accessed by us for you. With modern transportation facilities, you can now comfortably experience the warm hospitality of its friendly people, the carefree Bhutanese lifestyle and the culture of the peaceful heaven. Magnificent scenery, fortresses from the past that are awesome in design, monasteries that are out of the world. Here too, are treks in a mountainous wilderness and here too, are festivals as colourful as any artist’s palette and alive with traditional chants & dancing. Bhutan which is still tourist young and where there are palaces and huge fort like Dzongs. The impossible monasteries like Taktsang and the unspoiled green grandeur of the country have still to be discovered. Throughout the centuries, the Bhutanese have treasured their natural environment and have looked upon it as the source of all life. The National carrier Druk Air operates from the only international airport in Paro with 75-seater BAE-146, a four engine jet aircraft. It has scheduled flights to Kathmandu, Delhi, Calcutta, Bangkok & Yangon. By road, it is possible to drive via India to the Bhutanese town of Phuntsoling, gateway town in the southwest.
The Kingdom lies east of Nepal and west of the Indian state of Arunchal Pradesh, south of Tibet and north of the Indian state territories of West Bengal & Assam. Bhutan is a landlocked country surrounded by mountains to the north & west. The altitudes in the south range from 1000 to 4500 feet. From 4000 feet in the east around Tashigang to a high of 17,000 feet over the highest pass. The altitude at Thimpu, the capital is 7,700 feet.
Climate
Bhutan has four distinct seasons. The southern plains close to Indian borders are warmer and more tropical than higher central valleys. The winter months are fiercely cold subsiding around the end of February. Rhododendrons begin to bloom first in warmer east and by the height of Spring, the whole kingdom is lush with spectacular flaming white, pink and red of the Rhododendron blossom. The annual monsoon affects south & central regions.
People & Religion
Bhutan’s indigenous population is the Drukpa. The three main ethnic groups, the Sharchops, the Ngalops & the Lhotshampas (of Nepalese origin) make up today’s Drukpa. The national language is Dzongkha. The Buddhist faith has played & continues to play a fundamental role in the cultural, ethical & sociological development of Bhutan and its people. It permeates all strands of secular life. Bringing with it a reverence for the land & its well being. Annual Tsechus & Dromchoes are spiritual occasions in each district. Throughout Bhutan, stupas & chortens line in the roadside commemorating a holy place. Prayer flags are found fluttering on long poles maintaining a constant communications with the heavens. Bhutan retains the Tantric form of Mahayana Buddhism as its official religion.
Money
Bhutanese currency is the Ngultrum. US Dollars & traveller cheques are acceptable in large hotels & tourist shops. Indian currency is accepted everywhere.
Visa
All visitors to Bhutan require visas. For the Bhutan Visa procedure, we require the following information at least 30 days prior to the clients’ arrival in Bhutan:
1) Name as in Passport. 2) Passport Number. 3) Nationality 4) Date of issue & expiry of the passport. 5) Date of Birth. 6) Occupation.
Visa will be issued upon arrival in Paro airport. Individual tourist visas for a period of two week costs US$ 20 and an extension can be obtained at an additional US$ 20. Besides the visa fee, Tourism Services fee of US$ 10 along with 3 photographs will also be required.
PLACES TO VISIT IN BHUTAN
Paro
Journey by air to Paro is approx. one hour from Kathmandu or Calcutta. Paro is one of the most populated areas of the country. Because of its proximity to the airport, there are hotels & tourist facilities close by. The valley of Paro contains a wealth of attractions and requires a few days to be properly explored.
Drugyal Dzong
Drugyal Dzong means victorious fortress which was built in 1647 AD by Shabdrung Ngawang to commemorate his victory over the Tibetan invaders, led by Mongolian warlord, Gushri Khan in 1644 AD. Strategically built over the only passage into Paro valley, the Dzong helped to repel numerous invasions all through the course of Bhutanese history. The Dzong was gutted by an accidental fire in 1951. The ruins, as it stands today still attract tourists.
Taktsang Monastery
Literally means the Tiger’s Nest (den). This temple clings precariously to a granite cliff 800m above the Paro valley. Legend has it that the great Guru Padmasambhava flew to this spot on the back of a Tigress and meditated in a cave during the 8th century. The temple was built around the cave and is a hallowed shrine for Bhutanese pilgrims. A terrible fire in April 1998 destroyed Taktsang’s medieval wall paintings and all inner temples. A new construction has already begun by the Royal Government.
Rinpung Dzong (Paro Dzong)
Rinpung Dzong, meaning the fortress on a heap of jewels was built during the time of Shabdrung in 1646. The approach to the Dzong is through a traditional covered bridge. A walk to the Dzong offers a good view of the architectural wonder of the Dzong as well as life around it. The Dzong now houses the Paro monastic school and the office of the civil administration. It is also the venue of the great Paro Tsechu (festival) held once a year in spring.
Ta Dzong
The castle-shaped Ta Dzong was built in 1651 as a watch tower to defend Rinpung Dzong during inter-valley wars of the 17th century. Ta Dzong has housed the nation’s heritage in Bhutan’s National Museum since 1976. It holds a fascinating collection of arts, relics and religious Thanka paintings.
Thimpu
The modern capital of Bhutan lies at an elevation of 2,300m in a valley traversed by the Wang Chu. (river). Thimpu, perhaps the most unusual capital city in the world, is a bustling town on the banks of the Thimpu river & set gloriously in the hills of Thimpu valley. Thimpu is home to the revered Bhutanese Royal family, the Royal government, the judiciary and to several foreign missions and development projects.
Memorial Chorten
This stupa was built in 1974 in the memory of the late third King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck . The painting and images inside the monument provide a rare sight into Buddhist philosophy.
Tashichho Dzong (Thimpu Dzong)
It was initially built in the 17th century and was rebuilt in early 1960s by the third King Jigme Dorji Wangchuk. Tashichho Dzong is the main secretariat building which houses the throne room of His majesty and a summer residence of the central monk body. It is open to visitor during Thimpu festival and when the monk body moves to their winter home in Punakha.
Indigenous Hospital
Since Bhutan has its own brand of Himalayan medicine the Government has given equal emphasis to both allopathic and traditional medicines. The rich herbal medicine is prepared here. The old art of healing like acupuncture is still practiced today.
National Library
The history of Bhutan lies imprinted in archaic texts, which are preserved at the National library. Beside thousands of manuscripts and ancient texts the library also has modern academic books and printing blocks for prayer flags.
Painting School
It is the place, where young children learn the ancient art of paintings. One can actually see students at work. Education is free for the students. These children after passing out, are sent to different districts in the country to apply the same art form of traditional paintings in their areas, which is one reason that Bhutanese houses have almost the same type of colour and design.
Punakha
The road from Simtokha winds into pine forests and through small villages for 20 kilometers and then opens miraculously onto the northern ridge of the mountains. The view over the Himalayas from Dochula Pass at 3,200m is one of the most spectacular in all Bhutan. One of the most striking features of the valley is its abundance of crops and vast terraces of rice fields, which change from lush green in summer to golden yellow in autumn. Chime Lhakhang located on the hillock among the rice fields is picturesque and is pilgrimage site for childless couples. The temple is associated with the famous saint Drupka Kuenlay “The Divine Madman” who has built a Chorten the site during the 14th century. Punakha Dzong is home to the central monk body and the Je Khenpo (the spiritual leader) during the winter months. It was built between two rivers in the 17th century by the Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal. Punakha served as the capital of Bhutan until 1955 and is still the winter residence of the central monk body. In spite of the four catastrophic fires and earthquake that destroyed many historic documents, Punakha Dzong houses sacred artifacts and the embalmed body of Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal.
Wangdiphodrang
Wangdiphodrang Dzong lies towards the south of Punakha at an elevation of 1300 m. It is the last town on the highway before entering central Bhutan. This Dzong built during the 17th century played a critical role in unifying the western, central and southern Bhutanese districts. Further up is Gangtey Gompa, an old monastery dating from the 16th century. It is in fact the only monastery, which follows the Pelling Nyingmapa sect of school. This valley of Phobjikha is also a home of the rare Black necked crane, an endangered species that migrate from the Tibetan plateau in winter. There are about 450-500 cranes residing the Bhutan out of which 250-300 lives in this beautiful valley.
Bumthang
To the east of Trongsa lies the Bumthang valley at an altitude of 2,600 m. It has an individuality that charms its visitors and separates it from other regions. Comprised of four smaller valleys, the deeply spiritual region of Bumthang is shrouded in religious legend. Here tales of Guru Padmasambhava and his reincarnation known as Tertons still linger in most nooks and corners. The town of Jakar is the largest between Thimpu in the west and Trashigang in the east. Jakar is famous for honey production, cheese, apple juice and apricots. Visitors to Bumthang should plan to spend a few days taking advantage of the valley’s relatively gentle slopes to walk to nearby medieval temples and have a glimpse of Bhutan’s mostly rural population. It is also known for its woolen material (yathra), which can be seen hung outside of houses for sale. Further east there is the Ura valley in its center. Small but old Dzong and cobblestone paths give the village a medieval feel. Many excursions can be arranged from this valley like Tharpaling Monastery, Kunzangdra, Tang Mebartso and many more…
Jakar Dzong
It was founded by the great grandfather of Shabdrung. The Dzong was initially built as a Monastery in 1549 but was upgraded after Shabdrung had firmly established his power in 1646. The Dzong is now used as the administration center for Bumthang valley.
Phuntsoling
Phuntsoling is a border town to the south bordering the Indian State of West Bengal. It is a hub of commercial activity. Jaigaon, a small Indian town is located near Phuntsoling and one can make road connections from Jaigaon or Phuntsoling to the airport in Bagdogra or the railway station in Siliguri, both in the state of West Bengal (169 kms, a drive of about 4-5 hours) of India. There are also convenient connections to Nepal, border at Kakarvitta or Indian hill stations of Kalimpong, Gangtok & Darjeeling.
DAY-TO-DAY ITINERARIES – BHUTAN
Bhutan (4days/3nights)
| Day 01: | Arrival Paro and transfer to the Hotel |
| Day 02: | Morning sightseeing of Paro Drukgyal Dzong (ruined fort), Ta Dzong (National museum). After lunch drive to Thimphu enroute. visit Simtokha Dzong which house the school of Dzongkha (National Language). Check in to Hotel |
| Day 03: | Full day sightseeing of Thimphu including the Memorial Chorten, Tashichhodzong, handicraft emporium, painting school, National Library. Evening drive back to Paro and Check in to Hotel |
| Day 04: | Transfer to Airport for departure to Kathmandu |
Bhutan (5days/4nights)
| Day 01: | Fly Kathmandu to Paro. Transfer to the hotel. In day stroll around the little town of Paro if time permits. |
| Day 02: | Visit Drugyel Dzong, Rinpung Dzong, Ta Dzong.. After lunch, drive to Thimpu, Simtokha Dzong enroute. |
| Day 03: | In the morning, tour of Thimpu including National library, Painting School, Memorial Chorten & Tashicho Dzong. After Lunch, drive to Wangduephodrang via Dochula pass (3,050m). Check in hotel. |
| Day 04: | Visit Punakha Dzong. Then drive back to Paro. |
| Day 05: | After an early breakfast drive to the airport to board the flight. |
Bhutan (8days/7nights)
| Day 01: | Arrival in Paro The flight into the Himalayas reveals breathtaking views of the great peaks, taking you right into the Dragon Kingdom’s cloud scraping air-strip at Paro. If time permits, take a stroll around the little town of Paro. |
| Day 02: | Visit Drugyel Dzong. On a clear day, the 7,314m, white-domed peak of sacred Mt. Chomolhari (mountain goddess) looms overhead. Also visit Taa Dzong, the national museum and Paro Dzong. |
| Day 03: | Day excursion to Taktsang (ruin). Early morning, drive to Satsam Chorten & take a two hours hike to Taktsang till the viewpoint of the Monastery. Then, walk back to Satsam Chorten. |
| Day 04: | After breakfast, drive to Thimphu valley, the capital of Bhutan. After lunch, visit the National Memorial Chorten & Tasicho Dzong, the secretariat of the national monk body from outside. |
| Day 05: | Drive to Punakha through Dochula pass 3,100m – site of one of Bhutan’s most enchanting views. On a clear day the whole range of the Himalaya stretching from east to west can be viewed. View the Punakha Dzong from outside. This Dzong (fort) is set on the junction of the two rivers Phochu (male river) on the right & Mochu (female river) on the left with their waters merging right in front. Drive on to your hotel in Punakha or Wangdue. |
| Day 06: | Drive back to Thimphu. Visit the Painting school of Buddhist art, the National Library which holds a vast collection of ancient Buddhist manuscripts & the Indigenous Hospital, where centuries old healing arts are still practiced. Then, visit the handicraft emporium for a little souvenir shopping. |
| Day 07: | Drive to Paro leisurely via Simthoka Dzong. Overnight in your hotel. |
| Day 08: | After an early breakfast, drive to the airport to board the flight. |
Flight Details;
Kathmandu ~ Paro Every Monday, Thursday
Paro ~ Kathmandu Every Monday, Thursday
Paro ~ Bangkok Every Tuesday, Thursday
Bangkok ~ Paro Every Tuesday, Satruday
