TRAVELING TO THE KINGDOM OF BHUTAN

 

Tour operators can offer you some of the best package deals that show you some of the most breathtaking sceneries and soothing surroundings that are observed here in the Kingdom of Bhutan. This region has stayed honest to its Himalayan history and culture which is as large and incomparable as these majestic mountains themselves. Buddhism has survived the ages and marks an important aspect of this remarkable region.

This marvellous place sits snugly in the tallest mountains between the countries of India, the Tibet part of China as well as Nepal. The close proximity to these countries besides the endearing features and unique aspects of Bhutan is definitely an attraction for the tourists because they can easily visit several parts of these different countries during their travel and has definitely made Bhutan tourism very attractive.

Here, you can observe the unique Bhutanese identity and how they achieved it by growing it separately from Tibet to which it belonged in the past. The name Bhutan thus comes from Kachari and translates to a region of Bod that has given rise to several interpretations.

Here, you can view the lovely Dzongs, the exquisite temples and the marvellous houses that are fabricated using architectural styles that are not located anywhere else. Moreover, you can do so at very low costs by selecting budget hotels and group bookings that can provide you with some of the best hotel deals through your tour package.

The capital of Bhutan is Thimphu. Another noteworthy place is the city of Paro. This is situated very close to Thimphu and has the sole airport here. The town of Phuentsholing links India with Bhutan.

Location: In Eastern Himalayas, Bhutan shares its northern border with China and its northern border with Arunachal state of India. Sikkim, Assam and West Bengal also share their border.

Area: 38,398 km2

Altitude: Min. of 180 m to max. 7550 m

Population: 700,000

Capital: Thimphu

Local time: 6 hours more than GMT (30 minutes more than IST)

Religion: Hinduism and Mahayana Buddhism

Best season to travel: Bhutan is blessed with four seasons, namely, monsoon, winter, fall and spring of which the latter two are preferred for tour packages and travelling. This refers to months of February to March and the months from September to the month of November.

If you adore colourful flowers, May, June as well as July won’t disappoint you. If you are more of a mountain person and love the misty soothing surroundings, then January, February, November, and December are blessed with magical views. However, luckily, you will still be able to enjoy sunny days, though the morning and evening are usually chilly. Therefore, make sure to pack enough woollens! Tour packages and tour operators can provide you with further details.

National Pride of Bhutan While most of the Bhutan tourism sites and tour operators will fill you in all the rich aspects of Bhutan, here are a few examples.

Emblem: A diamond thunderbolt that sits on top of a lotus and surrounded by a jewel and two artistic dragons placed in a circular shape forms the national emblem.

The thunderbolt depicts harmony that exists between religious and secular powers. The delicate lotus and the jewel signify purity and sovereign power respectively while the dragons depict Bhutan’s name.

Flag: Rectangular in shape and consisting of two parts, Bhutan’s flag is made from yellow (denoting the king’s authority) and saffron (that stands for the spirituality of Buddhism) occupy the top and bottom half respectively.

National Symbols: 

Bird : Raven
Tree : Cyprus 
Animal: Takin.
Flower : Blue Poppy

National Day: 17th December 1907 was a very important day in Bhutan’s history since it marked the day when Bhutan’s first king occupied the throne. This significant event took place in Punakha Dzong. This day is celebrated every year with pride and glory. If you happen to travel around this date or month, Bhutan tour operators make sure you are able to see this grand day.

People: The people here are perhaps one of the most hospitable human beings you will encounter during all your adventures around the globe. Most of the Bhutanese belong to a homogeneous crowd who might speak different language. The three groups of languages here include Sharchops, Lhotshampa and Ngalong.

Currency: Ngultrum is used here and it holds the same worth as an Indian rupee. Based on the services offered by your chosen Bhutan tour package, you can be advised on how much of Bhutan’s currency you need to carry.

Food: Typical Bhutan diet involves red rice, maize, wheat, and buck-wheat. Meat includes chicken, pork, beef, yak meat. Chillies (that are used as a vegetable, not in the conventional spice form) and varieties of cheese are seen here too. Bhutan tourism and tour packages make sure you get a taste of their cuisine!

Arts and Crafts: The handicraft items made here show the skills of Bhutanese. They mostly use bronze, silver to make their crafts. The Bhutanese sculptures typically include religious figures and these items embellish most of the temples and houses. You need to ensure with your tour operators that you are able to view these artefacts and purchase them for your loved ones back home.

Dress: Men wear robes called “Gho”. A belt called “Kera” is made from cloth. Women can be seen in their long dresses or “Kira”.

Sports: Archery is the national sport. Digori is another sport seen here.

Architecture: The majestic Dzongs, their tapering walls, and courtyards in addition to grand galleries will astonish any architectural enthusiast. The schedules of Bhutan tour packages ensure you are able to witness the grandness and glory of their temples and monasteries.

Festivals: Tsechus is a festival which is based on the lunar calendar. It is celebrated annually for 4 days. Here, talented and colourful mask dances can be enjoyed. The tour packages can fill you in on any upcoming festivals in case your travel dates tend to coincide with any of these colourful days. Bhutan tour operators thus make sure you do not miss any of these colourful events.

ARRIVING IN BHUTAN

By Air:
Airlines that operate flights to Bhutan include Druk Air, as well as the National Air Carrier. These fly to and from Paro in Bhutan. Delhi, Kolkatta, Guwahati and Bagdogra can be used for your departure.

By Road:
Siliguri, Alipurduar, and Jalpaiguri are well connected to Bhutan’s border.

By Rail:
West Bengal in India harbours NJP (New Jalpaiguri), the nearest railway. Other stations such as Alipurduar, Hasimara and New Cooch Vihar can be used.

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

You need to be certain that you have all the paperwork you need to travel which makes this section highly important when you visit Bhutan. Customer representatives of tour packages can help you out on any issues you might have through their excellent customer service.

FOR INDIANS

Indians need a travel permit which is issued against passport but not a tourist visa.

There are 2 kinds of permits.

A. Entry Permit: This document is obtained when you enter Bhutan, at Paro airport or Phuentsholing, depending on your mode of travel. It is not possible to make this entry permit beforehand since you need to be physically present at the immigration desk. Moreover, you can use it to visit both Thimphu and Paro. If you have any questions, representatives of your tour operator can make sure you know all the details and any special requirements that might be applicable for your country.

B. Route Permit: If you intend to visit regions beyond Thimphu and Paro (Punakha, Wangdue, Bumthang are some examples), you need a route permit. To obtain it, you need to produce a passport copy or alternatively you can show your Voter identity. This way, you are able to get your route permit in advance. To make this route permit, you need to visit Thimphu and you can get it done only during the working days. The timings are between 9-11 AM. 

Travel Documents:

1. Indian passport or Voters card: this is essential if you are 18 or above. Also, a passport must be valid for 6 months at least.
2. For all children below 5, a birth certificate should be attached to the application
3. For any older child (6 – 17), a school ID is sufficient.
4. 4 Passport size photos for each visitor.

Arriving by air: 

When you collect the boarding passes, two forms will be provided when you depart and one when you arrive. Representatives of your tour operator can provide you any other details that might apply to your case depending on the type of passport and your travel plans. These tour operators have years of experience dealing with all kinds of cases and hence, they are usually excellent at helping everyone out.

1. Blue Form is the Embarkation - Disembarkation Card which is filled and submitted at the counter. The officer will keep the disembarkation form but make sure you receive the embarkation section since it will be required when you exit Bhutan.
2. Yellow Form is the Immigration form which must be submitted when you enter Bhutan, at the immigration desk.

Entry Permit:

• If you hold a valid passport, this is stamped on it. Make sure you have your passport with you when you travel within Bhutan. Similarly, to leave Bhutan, the exit permit has to be stamped on it.
• Voter ID: Separate papers will be obtained for your entry permit which must be safely kept and carried with you when you travel in Bhutan. In fact, to be on the safe side, a photocopy of this document should be made. In fact, to be on the safe side, a photocopy of this document should be made and used when travelling and the original stored in a safe location, for example at the hotel where you are staying.

This document is very important because if you plan to visit other places beyond Paro or Thimphu then you need to show this permit to make a pink permit that will grant you the permission to travel to other places within Bhutan. While the tour operators do advise you, it is still important to make sure you have all the information and instructions you need to follow when you visit Bhutan.

Depart by air: 

You will be provided with 2 forms in addition to your boarding passes when you decide to engage in Bhutan travel. Bhutan tourism sites usually have these details.

1. Blue Form signifies your declaration that you are indeed leaving Bhutan. This has to be filled and submitted at an immigration desk along with the original entry document as well as the Embarkation card that was supplied to you when you entered Bhutan. The purpose of Declaration form is to state that no prohibited items are being carried out of Bhutan
2. Yellow form is an Immigration document that you need to submit at an immigration desk once you arrive at the corresponding disembarkation port such as Bagdogra, Delhi or Kolkata. This document signifies a declaration made by you concerning the items carried on your flight. This includes the checked in luggage as well as hand bags and duty free products.
3. Entry Permit which was received when you entered Bhutan needs to be shown and you cannot leave without submitting the original copy. 

Entering by land:
Entry permits are provided at Phuentsholing only during working days, that is, from Monday to Friday. Also note that immigration offices are closed during national Bhutan holidays.

1. Physical presence is a must to receive this document. You can go with your driver or guide to obtain it.
2. These permits are given as a paper document if you travel by land. If you make an inner point type of connection, you need this document, therefore, carry it with you all the time.

Exit Bhutan by land:
The original permit for entry has to be given back to, Karbandi, the immigration office which is very close to Phuentsholing. Tour operators usually make sure you are able to access their offices without any hassle.

SIGHTSEEING

Thimphu: This is the capital and a significant place and is situated in a lovely valley which is shaped by the river Thimphu Chuu. Thimphu provides a home to the Royal Family here in addition to several civil servants as well as expatriates. The schedule of Bhutan tour packages will include showing you the several temples, dzongs, museums, chortens, and handicraft stores that can be seen here. Nunneries, and parks and others are filled with tourists throughout the year.

Thimphu Chorten or Memorial Chorten: This popular landmark embellished with bells and spires is located in Thimphu and dates back to 1974 and is always shown by Bhutan tour operators, to tourists.

Changangkha Lhakhang Monastery: This is a very old monastery here. Its origins trace back to the 15th century. The statue of Avalokiteswara is the main attraction here. Moreover,the courtyard provides a splendid view of Thimphu city and is usually never missed by any tour operator!

BBS Tower: This is situated in Thimphu Valley. This offers a truly remarkable view of the valley and should definitely be explored by all nature lovers.

Folk Heritage Museum: A tour is offered here which can provide you with invaluable insights into the traditions of a typical lifestyle of Bhutanese around a century ago. The design as well as several other aspects depicts how the current rural people live. Bhutan tour operators make sure you do not miss out on these unique visits.

Arts And Crafts school or painting school: A course that demands 8 years to complete trains many boys in the traditional Bhutanese arts. Tour packages can show you the various products produced by these talented individuals here.

(Visiting hours include Mon-Fri: 2 PM– 4 PM. Sat: 9 AM– 12 PM, Sundays, National holidays: closed)

Traditional Medicine Institute (built in 1978): Traditional herbal medicines are prepared here. It includes remarkable labs and facilities through which you can obtain tablets, ointment etc. Bhutan tour operators make sure you get a chance to see their products and give you the opportunity to purchase any during your Bhutan tour.

Jungshi Paper Factory: You can find impressive watermark paper, cards, envelopes, calendars, and lampshades here.

The National Library created in 1967 preserves several ancient Dzongkha as well as Tibetan texts. 

Visits can be made from 9 AM – 4 PM any day except Sundays, Mondays and National Holidays

The National Zoo lets you spot Takin, a goat-antelope and the national animal.

National Textile Museum: A trip to this museum during your Bhutan tour will form a worthwhile visit since it exposes you to weaving which is their national art. Exhibitions take place which include the techniques as well as the styles of textiles. 

Opened:
Mon- Fri: 9AM – 4PM
Saturday times: 1PM– 4PM
Sunday times: 10AM– 3PM

Mondays, National Holidays: closed

Optional (requires additional cost)

Tashichho Dzong (or Fortress of the Magnificent Religion): This marvellous building used to house the National Assembly. At the moment, the throne room can be located here along with the offices belonging to the King. The exact added costs can be obtained from the particular Bhutan tour package you are interested in.

To visit this building, you should try after their office hours (around 4– 5PM) during the winter season since these times the monks are not here in Thimphu.

Weekend Market (Saturdays and Sundays): Agricultural products are sold by several Bhutanese from far and near. Tour operators can let you know how much time you might have to make this trip at your own cost if you are interested.

Paro

Mount Chomolhari (7300 meters.) is located here. Its glacier melts to form Pa Chu which is seen in the valley.

Ta Dzong: A national museum that is home to Bhutanese culture and art and is situated within a fort that dates back to the 7th century.
Opens9 AM- 4 PMonly from Tuesday - Saturday

Rinpung Dzong: The massive 350 year old fort is the centre of governance for Paro. Governor, chief judge and other officials work from here. 200 monks reside here too. A very big religious festival takes place here annually, in spring, the details of which can be provided by your tour package.

The Ruin of Drukgyel Dzong is a fort which provides protection from Tibet. It offers a breathtaking view due to its location. Bhutan. The famous route for trekking in Bhutan starts here in Drukgyel.

Kitchu Monastery: is a very old monastery that dates back to 7th century! It was constructed by the King Songsten Gampo from Tibet.

Taktsang Monastery: Located at 3000 m height, this monastery is often called "Tiger's Nest". Legend has it that in 8th century, Guru Rimpoche flew back on a tigress. He practiced meditation for 3 months thus marking the beginnings of Buddhism here in Bhutan.

Optional (requires additional cost) 
Bhutan tour operators and tour packages are happy to show you plenty more of Bhutan. However, since there are so many options that can be added to your Bhutan tour, you are given the following options and they have their associated costs.

Chele-La-Pass (13,088 ft): A very high pass which gives a splendid view of valleys and forests filled with rhododendron and pine. Excellent views of mountains of Jichu Drake and Jomolhari can be enjoyed here.

Punakha: This place was the capital before 1955. The seat of Chief Abbot during winter, this place faces a temperate type of climate while soils are rich, fertile and replenished by the rivers of Pho Chu and Mo Chu.

Dochu-La-Pass (10,170 feet): Situated 16 km from Thimphu, this pass provides remarkable postcard perfect views of the Himalayas as well as the countless prayer flags. Furthermore, around 108 chortens and stupas are located here and prove to be the chief attractions of Bhutan as well as several tour packages. 

Chimi Lhakhang: This popular temple of fertility is devoted to Lama Drukpa Kuenley and it lies close to the Lobesa valley. Here, Thimphu shares its borders with Punakha as well as Wangdue and Phodrang districts.
Punakha Dzong or “palace of happiness”: It has stood the test of time since its creation in 1637 as well as the damage which was caused by fire almost 6 times! Nature has certainly not been kind to it either considering it has faced both a flood as well as an earthquake.
However, it is still one of the most significant dzongs here since it was the second one to be built here. It has also served as the seat of Bhutan government. Now, this is a winter home to the clergy.
The spectacular assembly hall here can be visited by tourists. Note that it is not open during winter since the monks reside in Punakha.

Wandgue Dzong: This large dzong with its wood roofing and splendid architecture contains a monastic place of learning and belongs to the 17th century. Around 200 monks reside here.

Phobjika and Gantey Gompha Valley: This monastery belongs to 17th century. Phobjika is in fact the winter domicile of the beautiful cranes. These black neck creatures arrive from the Tibet plateau to enjoy the relatively mild temperature during Tibet’s cold seasons.

Trongsa

Trongsa Dzong: This was constructed in the 1640s and it shelters the noble Royal family. In fact, the first as well as the second kings have occupied this seating and carried out their rule from here.

Ta Dzong: This landmark was once a watch tower which lies above Trongsa Dzong. However, now it is being converted into a museum.

Bumthang:
Tour operators can show you the many old temples, monasteries can be seen here. Honey, cheese, yathra and apple production is also carried out here.

Jambay Lhakhang: Built by a King named Songtsen Goenpo, this monastery dates back to 8th century.

Kurje Lhakhang: Situated close to Jambey Lhakhang, this monastery is devoted to saint Guru Padmasambhava.

Tamshing Lhakhang: Situated close to Kurje Lhakhang, this monastery is relatively recent and was constructed in 1501 to honor Terton Pema Lingpa.

Jakar Dzong: Built in 1549 as a monastery, it is now serving as an administrative center in Bumthang district. Here, watch out for the popular festival of Bumthang Tsechu.

Mebar Tsho: This translates to the lake of Burning Fire and is held sacred by Bhutanese because it is believed to have disclosed its religious insights to Pema Lingpa around the 12th century. Butter lamps are a common sight on auspicious and holy days.

Ura Village: Situated in Tang valley, here sheep pastures are a common site. Moreover, you are blessed with a spectacular view of Mount Gangkar Puensum that is never missed by tour operators and tour packages.

SOME DOS AND DON’T’S
Most of these will be emphasized time and again by your tour operators, but it is wise to be aware of them before you begin your travel.

Photography: Sometimes photography is allowed but permission must first be sought.

Photographs cannot be taken inside religious places, except, perhaps in the courtyard area which should first be verified with the guide. 

Religious Artefacts: Do not touch religious artifacts, antiques, paintings or ritual objects.

Religious items cannot be purchased.

Dress Code:
When you enter a dzong or monastery:

Hats must be taken off

Shorts and half pants will not be allowed

Speaking:

Whisper and do not talk too loudly in any religious places.

Cell phones must be switched off or kept on silent when you are inside any religious site. At other times, if you have any doubts about any action or customs, ask the guide.

Bhutan tour operators highly recommend and encourage all tourists to adopt the cultural and social ways when enjoying your Bhutan tour:

When visiting religious places, walk in a clockwise direction.

Pointing with one finger is frowned upon; especially when you are trying to indicate a sacred object, therefore, do not point. Instead, use a flat and extended hand.

Avoid littering

Walking over clothes, hearth books, or materials especially outside religious sites is considered disrespectful and should be avoided.

Do not smoke and drink when you visit any religious place.

To prevent accidents, if you are next to any lake, river etc, do not walk too close to it.

Tobacco Products:
Bhutan tourism strongly discourages Tobacco products, which are not permitted here. If you want them for personal use, the restriction is 10 packets of cigarettes. This is accompanied by a 200 percent fee in the form of duty if the product is imported and a 100 percent duty if it is an Indian product. The limit on permitted alcohols is 1 L.

Currency Notes:
Indian rupee notes of 500 and 1000 will not be accepted here. Also, there are few ATMs most of which are located only in Paro and Thimpu. Suggestions and useful advice regarding the amount of money you will need are provided by all Bhutan tour operators and tour packages.