ALL ABOUT KINGDOM OF BHUTAN

Purely Buddhist Himalayan Kingdom has unsurpassed scenic majesty and vibrant culture. The kingdom is still regarded as one of the last Shangrl-la's in the Himalayan region and is living heritage of Buddhism. Sandwiched in the Himalayas between India, Nepal and the Tibet region of China, shares the world's greatest mountains which makes it an exotic tourist destination. The Bhutanese have safeguarded their ancient way of life, beautiful Dzongs, temples and houses with architecture found nowhere else in the world, which adds up to the call to Bhutan. Thimphu is the capital city & Paro which is at a 2 hours drive from Thimphu is the only airport in the country. Phuentsholing is an Indo-Bhutan border town and is one of the entry point to Bhutan by surface from India.

Best time to travel: Bhutan has four distinct season, spring, monsoon, autumn and winter. Spring and autumn is the best time to visit Bhutan i.e. end of Febraury till end of March and September to November. If you love flowers, you will get plenty of them in May, June and July. November, December, January and February will be blessed with breath taking mountain views, sunny days and the morning/evening chills.

National Emblem: The National emblem, contained in a circle, is composed of a double diamond thunderbolt placed above a lotus, surmounted by a jewel & framed by two dragons. The double diamond thunderbolt represents the harmony between secular & religious power; which results from the Buddhist religion in its Vajrayana form. The lotus simbolises purity; the jewel - sovereign power; & the two dragons a male & female stand for the name of the country-the thunder dragon (Druk Yul).

National Flag: The national flag is rectangular & divided into two parts with a white dragon in the middle. The upper yellow half signifies the country's secular authority of the King & the lower saffron-orange half signifies the religious practice & spiritual power of Buddhism.

National Symbols:

National Tree : Cyprus (Cupresses Corneyana).

National Flower : Blue Poppy (Mecanopsis Grandis).

National Animal : Takin (Budorcas Taxicolor).

National Bird : Raven (Corvus Corax Tibetanus).

National Day: National day is celebrated on 17^th of December in commemoration of the accession of Gogsar Ughen Wangchuk, the first king of Bhutan to the throne in 1907, in Punakha Dzong.

People: Bhutanese are friendly & hospitable people. The large majority of Bhutanese people are a homogeneous group divided linguistically into three broad sub-groups. These are Sharchops, Ngalong & Lhotshampa.

Currency: Ngultrum, the currency of Bhutan, has the same value as Indian rupee, which is also a legal tender.

Food: Staple diet is red rice, buck-wheat, wheat, maize, pork, beef, chicken, yak meat, cheese & chilies (taken as vegetable – not as spice).

Arts & Crafts: Bhutan is known for handicraft items in bronze, silver & other metals. Sculpting of religious figures is widely practiced & every temple, houses are large brightly painted & gilded statues of the Buddha & other saints.

Dress: Bhutanese men wear “Gho”, which are longish robes tied around the waist by a cloth belt known as “Kera”. The women's ankle-length dress is known as “Kira”, which is made of bright colored fine woven fabric with traditional patterns.

Sports: The national sport of Bhutan is archery. Other traditional sports include Digor-a kind of shot put, darts, & wrestling.

Architecture: The castle-like Dzongs, with their gently tapering walls classic lines, large courtyards & beautiful galleries, are among the finest examples of Bhutanese architecture.

Living Culture: In almost every Dzongs (fortresses that house both the monastic & the Govt. administrative wings) there is an annual traditional festival (tsechus) that normally spans 3-4 days. Colorful & well choreographed mask dances are performed during the tsechus. Due to the nature of the lunar calendar, exact dates for tsechus vary from year to year. .

GETTING TO BHUTAN

By Air:

Paro is the only International operational airport in Bhutan and it is connected by Druk Air & Bhutan Airlines. Druk Air is the national carrier of Bhutan, which operates flights Indian cities of New Delhi, Kolkata, Mumbai, Gaya, Bagdogra & Guwahati all these Indian cities are conveniently connected with Domestic Indian Carriers with almost all parts of India. Bhutan Airlines operates regularly from Kolkata only.

By Road:

Bhutan is conveniently connected to India by surface through its south western border town of Phuentsholing and the nearest Indian towns from this border town of Phuentsholing are Hasimara, Alipurdwar, Jalpaiguri & Siliguri.

Bhutan is also connected to India by surface through its South Eastern Border of Samdrup Jonkar, and the nearest Indian city from this town of Samdrup Jonkar is Guwahati.

By Rail:

Though Bhutan does not have any rail link but it is conveniently connected by the Indian Railway to the nearest border city of New Jalpaiguri (Siliguri), Hasimara, Alipurdwar, & Guwahati they are well connected to the all major cities of India.

DISTANCE CHART WITH TRAVEL TIME

ENTRY FORMALITIES FOR INDIAN TOURIST

Indian Tourist traveling to Bhutan does not require any visa. However they need a Travel Permit to visit Bhutan.

Permits: There are 02 types of PERMIT.

A. Entry Permit: When you are entering Bhutan, you have to get the Entry Permit which can be procured at the entry point either in Paro airport (when travelling by flight) or in Phuentsholing Bhutan (when travelling overland either from Bagdogra or NJP). Entry permit cannot be made in advance as physical appearance is required at the immigration office. Entry permit is also a valid document to visit Thimphu and Paro.

B. Route Permit: If you choose your Itinerary to visit places (Punakha, Wangdue, Bumthang, etc) beyond Paro and Thimphu, you need to have a Route Permit. We need the scanned copy of either your passport or Voter ID card to make your Route Permit in advance. Route permit will ONLY be made in Thimphu on the working days between 09.00 – 11.00 hrs.

Travel Documents Required With Presence of the Guest:

1. Valid Indian passport (above 6 months validity) or Voters Identity Card (anyone) is a must for 18 years and above.

2. Child below 5 years (Birth certificate is required).

3. Child between 6 – 17 years academic School Identity Card is required.

4. 04 recent passport size photographs for each guest.

Entering Bhutan by Flight: While collecting your airlines boarding pass you are given 02 forms at Druk air counter.

A. Embarkation & Disembarkation Card (Blue Form): You are required to fill up the form completely and submit the same to the authority.the concern officer retains the disembarkation card and return the embarkation card back to you which is again required while exiting Bhutan. Please do not lose this card.

B. Immigration form (Yellow Form): You are required to fill and submit this form at the immigration counter while getting the entry permit at Bhutan airport.

C. Bhutan Entry Permit:

Passport Holder: Bhutan entry permit are stamped on the passport itself. It is must to carry your passport while traveling & taking inter point connection. You will not be allowed to leave the country without stamping the exit on it.

Voter ID Card: Bhutan entry permit are issued separately on papers after verifying Voter ID card. This document must be carried while traveling & taking inter point connection. You are also advised to make photo copy of the paper permit and keep it in safe custody as you will not be allowed to leave the country without surrendering this paper permit in original. This permit is also required to make the pink permit for visiting any other area other than Thimphu & Paro.

Exiting Bhutan by Flight: While collecting your airlines boarding pass you are given 02 forms at the Druk air counter.

A. Declaration from for Departing Passengers (Blue Form): You are required to fill it and submit at the immigration counter along with entry permit (original copy) and Embarkation card which is given to you while entering Bhutan.

B. Immigration Form (Yellow form): You are required to fill up this immigration form (Yellow form) and this form has to be submitted at the immigration counter at the final port of Disembarkation, ie Bagdogra, Kolkata, Delhi and other airport connected by Druk air in India.

C. Bhutan Entry Permit: This is the same Paper permit issued while entering Bhutan. You will not be allowed to leave the country without surrendering this paper permit in original.

Notes:

1. Declaration form basically states that you are not carrying any prohibited items out of Bhutan

2. Embarkation form is the left over form while entering Bhutan.

3. Yellow form is basically a self-declaration of items carried by you on flight i.e. number of check in baggage, hand baggage, duty & duty free items.

Entering Bhutan by Surface:

Bhutan Entry permit are issued from the immigration office at Phuentsholing only on working day (Monday-Friday) excluding Saturday, Sunday & Bhutan national holidays.

1. You are required to visit the immigration office along with your guide / driver at the Bhutan entry gate to obtain your Bhutan entry permit (personal presence is a must for obtaining the permit).

2. For surface traveler Bhutan entry permit are issued separately in papers after verifying the documents. This document must be carried while traveling and taking inner point connection. You are also advised to make photo copy of the paper permit and keep it in safe custody. As you will not be allowed to leave the country without surrendering the pink permit for visiting any other area other than Thimphu & Paro.

Exiting Bhutan by Surface:

While exiting from Phuentsholing you will have to surrender original entry permit which was given to you while entering Bhutan at immigration office, Karbandi, which is 5 km before Phuentsholing. You will not be allowed to leave the country without surrendering this paper permit in original, issued at Paro / Phuntsholing.

SIGHTSEEING PLACES IN BHUTAN

Thimphu:

Thimphu is a bustling town on the bank of Thimphu Chu & set gloriously in the hills of the Thimphu valley. The capital has an interesting combination of tradition and modernity, and includes some of the most advanced and remotest parts of the kingdom. It is the home of the Bhutanese Royal family, Civil servants & Expatriates. We will take you through temples, dzongs, chortens, museums, handicraft stores, nunneries, parks and many more.

Memorial Chorten: The Memorial Chorten, also known as the Thimphu Chorten, situated in the centre of Thimphu City. The chorten, built in 1974 to the honour of 3rd King of Bhutan, is a prominent landmark in the city with its golden spires and bells and also contains many religious paintings and tantric statues. It is popularly known as "the most visible religious landmark in Bhutan".

Changangkha Monastery: Changangkha Lhakhang is one of the oldest monasteries in the Thimphu valley. It was built in the 15th century by a descendant of Lama Phajo Drugom Zhipo, the man who spread the sect drukpa kagyu in Bhutan. The main statue at the temple is of Avalokiteswara (the eleven-headed Buddha manifestation with 1000 arms and 1000 eyes). The temple courtyard offers good views over the city of Thimphu.

National Zoo: It Contains national animal Takin. The Takin is a goat-antelope found in the Eastern Himalayas. Bhutan selected the Takin as the national animal based on both its uniqueness and its strong association with the country's religious history and mythology.

National Library: The National Library was established in 1967 to preserve many ancient Dzongkha and Tibetan texts. (9am – 4pm, Closed on Sunday, Monday & National Holidays)

BBS Tower: It is located North-West of the Thimphu Valley. The Places has the top hill which gives a clear view of the entire Thimphu valley in a nutshell and the feeling from there is just fantastic.

Folk Heritage Museum: The house replicates a traditional farmhouse and is furnished as it would have been about a century ago. A guided tour of this almost-living museum is included in the admission and provides a glimpse into traditional Bhutanese life. The house design and many of the implements are also reminders of how many rural Bhutanese still live today. Bring a torch (flashlight) as some of the rooms are quite dimly lit.

National Textile Museum: This museum is worth a visit to get to know the living national art of weaving. Exhibitions introduce the major weaving techniques, styles of local dress and textiles made by Bhutanese. (Everyday 9am – 4pm & Saturday 1pm – 4pm, Sunday 10am – 3pm, Closed on Monday & National Holidays)

School of Arts And Crafts: The School of Arts and Crafts, commonly known as painting school, offers an eight year course which provides instruction in many of Bhutan's traditional arts to boys throughout the country. (Everyday 2pm – 4pm & Saturday 9am – 12noon, Closed on Sunday & National Holidays)

National Institute of Traditional Medicine: This institute was established in 1978. It prepares and dispenses traditional herbal and other medicines. There is an impressive laboratory and production facility that manufactures quality products. All kinds of pills, tablets, ointments and medicinal teas from here are distributed to regional health-care units around the country.

Jungshi Handmade Paper Factory: It is a 1 km drive from main city of Thimphu to the factory. The factory manufactures the traditional Bhutanese paper using the bark of two tree species in the manufacture of traditional paper the Daphne tree and Dhekap. The entire process of traditional manufacturing of the handmade paper can be observed. It was previously operated by the government. Now it is run by a private entrepreneur.

Optional sightseeing with additional cost

Tashichho Dzong: Tashichho Dzong, "Fortress of the Glorious Religion", built on the hill above Thimphu in 1216 by the lama Gyalwa Lhanampa. It is the most stately and most impressive building in Bhutan. The dzong housed the original National Assembly and now houses the secretariat throne room and the offices of the King of Bhutan. Visit to Tashichho Dzong permitted only after office hours (4pm – 5pm) in winter months when the monk body is not in Thimphu.

Weekend Market: Every Saturday & Sunday most of the Thimphu population congregate on the banks of the river, where the weekend market is held. Here villagers from the valley & other nearby places come to sale their agricultural products.

Paro:

The beautiful valley is home to many of Bhutan's oldest monasteries & temples. The countries only airport situated is in Paro. The valley is also home to Mount Chomolhari (7300 meters.) situated at the northern end of the valley whose glacier, water forms the Pa Chu which is flowing through the valley.

Ta Dzong: It overlooks the Rimpung Dzong and was built in 1951 as a watch tower. It is anunique museum, which was established as the National Museum of Bhutan since 1967 with its wonderful and varied collection of arts, relics, religious thangkha, etc. It provides an excellent introduction to Bhutanese art and culture. (9am – 4pm, Closed on Sunday, Monday & National Holidays)

Rinpung Dzong: Means "fortress of the heap of jewels". The massive three hundred and fifty years old fort is the center of governance for the Province of Paro. The governor, the chief judge and other government official keep office within the walls of this fort following old traditions. Half the fort is permanently occupied by 200 resident monks. The fort host's one of the Bhutan's biggest Paro Tshechhu (festival) is held in spring.

The Ruin of Drukgyel Dzong: The dzong was built in 1646 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal to commemorate the victory over the Tibetan Invaders. This fort is fifteen minutes' drive from Zhiwa Ling and set on a hill with a spectacular view of the valley. It provides a wonderful architectural insight to the structure of forts in Bhutan. The dzong was destroyed by fire in 1951 and is now preserved as a heritage site. The Dzong is situated in Drukgyal, overlooking the beautiful village with Mountain Jumolhari in the background. Drukgyel is also the starting point of Bhutan's most famous trekking routes.

Kitchu Lhakhang (Monastery): It is one of the oldest monasteries in the country built in the 7th century by the Tibetan King Songsten Gampo. The story goes that a giant demoness lay across the whole area of Tibet and the Himalayas and was preventing the spread of Buddhism. To overcome her, King Songtsen Gampo decided to build 108 temples, which would be placed on all the points of her body. Of these 108 temples, 12 were built in accordance with precise plans. This is one of the oldest monasteries in Paro district. There's a belief that the two orange trees here in Kyichu Lakhang miraculously bears fruits throughout the year.

Taktsang Monastery (Full Day): Taktsang Monastery is situated on a nearly vertical cliff at 3000mtr altitude north of Paro in Bhutan. It is also known as "Tiger's Nest" the tantrum mystic Dorje Droloe who brought Buddhism to Bhutan, he came riding over a flying tigress in the 8th century and he meditated in a cave here for three months to subdue the evil and demon which were obstructing the spread of Buddhism in the Himalayas. The cave is said to be the origin of Buddhism in Bhutan.

Optional sightseeing with additional cost

Chele-La-Pass (Full Day): Chele-La-Pass, at an elevation of 13,088 ft., is considered to be one of the highest motorable pass in Bhutan. About an hour's drive from Zhiwa Ling it passes through lush valleys, pine and rhododendron forest. The pass provides stunning views of the sacred mountain Jomolhari and Jichu Drake.

Punakha:

Punakha served as the capital of Bhutan until 1955. It's the winter seat of the Je Khempo (Chief Abbot) & the monk body. It has a temperate climate & its rich fertile valley is fed by the Pho Chu & Mo Chu rivers.

Dochu-La-Pass: The most known pass in Bhutan, about 30 km drive from the Capital City Thimphu on the way to Punakha/Wangduephodrang. It is at around 3150 mtrs. height. On a clear day, spectacular view of the mighty Himalayas mountain ranges can be seen. You will admires the sterling view of snow-capped Himalayas and the hundreds of "broadcasting" prayer flags. During winter road to Dochula pass is covered with mild snow. Prime attraction to visit Dochula pass is 108 chortens / stupas. The sharp peak that stands at the Dochula pass is dominating the region.

Chimi Lhakhang: Chimi Lhakhang is a very popular temple built in 15^th century and revered temple that lies on the periphery of the fertile valley of Lobesa, where the borders of Thimphu, Punakha and Wangdue Phodrang districts meet. Being dedicated to Lama Drukpa Kuenley, the Divine Madman, the temple is popularly considered to be a temple of fertility.

Punakha Dzong: The Punakha Dzong was known in ancient times as the Druk Pungthang Dechhen Phrodang or “the palace of great happiness”. It was built in 1637 at the junction the Pho Chu and Mo Chu Rivers. This gigantic dzong was damaged 6 times by fire, once by flood and once by an earthquake. It is the second dzong to be built in Bhutan and was the seat of government when Punakha was the capital of Bhutan. Today, the dzong is the winter home for the clergy. The spectacular Kuenrey (assembly hall) in Punakha Dzong is unique which is now open for tourist. Closed in winter months when the monk body is in Punakha. The annual Punakha Tsechhu (Festival) is held here.

Wandgue Dzong: It's an easy drive to the very impressive 17th century Wangdue Phodrang dzong, home of over 200 monks and a monastic school. The dzong is the largest wood roofed dzong in Bhutan and the style and architecture is very grand.

Optional sightseeing with additional cost

Gantey Gompha & Phobjika Valley (Full Day): Situated south of the road and eastof Wangdue Phodrang, is Gantey Gompa, an old monastery dating back to the 17th century. The gompa, on the valley floor, is the village of Phobjika. This is the winter home of the famous black-necked cranes. The cranes migrate from the high plains of the Tibetan plateau in winter to the milder climate of Phobjika.

Trongsa:

Trongsa forms the central hub of the kingdom & historical place from where attempts at unifying country were launched.

Trongsa Dzong: It is The most impressive Dzong in Bhutan. The Dzong was built in 1648 by Chogyal Minjur Tempa, the official who was sent by Zhabdrung to unify Eastern Bhutan and enlarged at the end of the 17th century by Desi Tenzin Rabgay. Trongsa Dzong is the ancestral home of the Royal family. Both first & the second king ruled the country from this ancient seat. All kings hold the post of Trongsa Penlop prior to being crowned as King.

Ta Dzong: Perched above the Trongsa Dzong this is a watch tower which once stood guard over the Trongsa Dzong from the internal rebellion. It's now being turned into a heritage museum.

Bumthang:

This fascinating valley is the religious heartland of the nation & home to some of the oldest Buddhist temples & monasteries. Its gentle sloping hills offer plenty of walking opportunities to the many temples that dot this valley. The valley is also famous for its production of honey, cheese, apple & yathra- a woolen material that has multiple uses.

Jambay Lhakhang: It is one of the 108 monasteries built by King Songtsen Goenpo in the 8^th century to subdue evil spirits in the Himalayan region. In October one of the most spectacular festival, “Jambay Lhakhang Drup” is staged here.

Kurje Lhakhang: Kurje Lhakhang named after body print of Guru Rimpoche which is located just a few meters beyond Jambey Lhakhang. It is dedicated to the saint Guru Padmasambhava who was supposed to have meditated there in 8^th century.

Tamshing Lhakhang: Literally meaning the Temple of the good message, this monastery lies on the other side of the river opposite the Kurje Lhakhang. It was built in 1501 by Terton Pema Lingpa, a re-incarnation of Guru Padmasambhava. The temple was restored at the end of the 19th century.

Jakar Dzong: Literally meaning the Castle of White Bird. The Dzong was initially built as a monastery in 1549 by the great grand father of the Zhabdrung. It is now used as the administrative center for the Bumthang district. The Bumthang Tsechu is one of the most popular festivals. It is held mostly at night & is said to bring fertility to any woman wanting a child.

Mebar Tsho (Lake of Burning Fire): This is a sacred lake of the Bhutanese who believe that Pema Lingpa discovered religious treasures from this lake in the 12^th century. On auspicious days many Bhutanese offer butter lamps on this fresh water lake.

Ura Village: Ura lies in the Tang valley, a one & a half hours drive from Bumthang town. The drive is mainly through sheep pastures & along the way one can glimpse magnificent view of the Mount Gangkar Puensum from Ura la. The main characteristics of this village is the closely cluster houses of weavers and villagers. It is the last settlement before the climb to the highest road pass at Trumsingla.

THINGS TO REMEMBER - DO'S & DON'T'S

Photography (Please check with your guide):

a. Request permission before taking photographs of people, events or objects

b. Inside the premises of temples, dzongs or monastery, taking photographs is not permitted.

c. Taking photographs is only permitted in the court yard area.

Religious Artifact / Antique:

a. Please do not touch any religious artifact or antique.

b. Purchase of religious items especially antiques is prohibited.

c. Please do not climb on or do anything that would show lack of respect to Buddhist artifacts or antiques, large or small, ruined or not, they are regarded as sacred.

Dress Code:

a. Please take of hats while entering dzongs, temples or monastery.

b. Shorts / half pants are not permitted while entering a dzong, temple or monastery.

Communication:

a. Before entering a dzong, temple, monastery, please switch off all mobile phones or keep in the silent/vibrating mode.

b. Please speak softly within the religious premises.

The Bhutanese Way:

Always walk in clockwise direction while visiting religious places.

Please remember not to point with a single finger but use an upturned flat extended hand especially to indicate a sacred object or place.

Please throw rubbish only in designated areas.

Please refrain from touching any ritual objects or mural paintings.

Please do not walk over any clothes, books, hearth or materials left open in religious sites.

Please refrain from smoking or drinking while visiting religious places.

If you are not sure please ask the local people or the guide.

Please do not be too close to the lake or river if you visit to avoid any accidents.

Smoking / Tobacco Products:

Any tobacco products and cigarettes are forbidden in the kingdom. For personal consumption passengers are permitted to bring 200 imported cigarettes (10 packets) on payment of 200 percent duty and 100 percent duty on Indian make tobacco products. Alcoholic beverage up to 1 liter for personal consumption is allowed.

Currency Notes:

Indian currency Rs. 1000 & 500 are not acceptable in Bhutan. Few ATM Machines are available in Thimpu & Paro only.