Bhutan opened its door to tourism in 1974 coinciding with the coronation of our the 4th King Jigme Singye Wangchuck. It is one of the world's most exclusive tourists destinations. Travellers who visit this enchanted realm will soon discover that there is no other destination as mistifying as this land of pure and exotic mysticism.

Our flexible touring programs include inspiring cultural tours, exhilarating treks through majestic mountainous terrain, as well as a host of specialised options including bird watching, village walking, biking, photography, adventure tours and Buddhist pilgrimages.

The Tourism Policy of the Royal Government of Bhutan is based on a concept of "High Value & Low Impact". This concept is founded on the principle of sustainability, meaning that tourism must be environmentally and ecologically friendly, socially and culturally acceptable and economically viable. For this reason the number for tourists visiting Bhutan are kept to an environmentally manageable level through government regulated tourist tariff.

The policy also stipulates an all inclusive rate for foreigners for each night in Bhutan that covers all food, accommodation (excluding resorts such as Aman Kora, Uma Paro & Zhiwa Ling), transport and guide services. A portion of the fee, currently 35%, goes to the government and helps to sustain the provision of free medical care and education for everyone in the country. This kind of tax is also one of the main sources of foreign exchange for the Royal Government of Bhutan, in the absence of indirect taxes of tourist services such as value-added tax or sales tax.

All tour operators are subject to this all inclusive rate.

All tours and treks in Bhutan must be booked through recognised Bhutanese Tour Operator such as the
Bhutan Travel Bureau.

The best and most popular times of the year to visit Bhutan are during Spring (March to May) and Autumn (September to November). The weather is milder and many of the large festivals take place during these seasons. Spring can be cloudier and have more rain than Autumn, but the wildlife and flowers are at their most vivid. If your tour dates overlap with a major festival, we recommend you book at least 3-6 months in advance as it can be difficult to confirm flights and hotels.

Even though the summer (monsoon season) and winter are not highly recommended for travel to Bhutan, it does mean you can experience Bhutan with fewer tourists around. The winter months of December to February are also highly recommended for those wishing to get the most out of their trekking as the skies are at their clearest, and mountainous views at their most stunning. Be aware though that winter can be very cold, and it can be difficult to access the eastern areas of Bhutan such as Bumthang due to snowfall. Some treks are also closed.

2007 - The Year of the Fire Hog

January
2	Winter Solstice
February
18-19	Female Fire Hog Year
20	Traditional Day of Offering
21	Birth Anniversary of Fifth Druk Gyalpo
April
26	Zhabdrung Kuchoe
May
2	Birth Anniversary of Third Druk Gyalpo
31	Lord Buddha's Parnirvana
June
2	Coronation Day of Fourth Druk Gyalpo
25	Birth Anniversary of Guru Rinpoche
July
18	The First Sermon of Lord Buddha
September
17	Thimphu Drubchen
21-23	Thimphu Tshechu (Only in Thimphu Dzongkha)
October
21	Dashain
November
1	Descending Day of Lord Buddha
11-13	Birth Anniversary of Fourth Druk Gyalpo
December
17	National Day

The most striking expressions of Bhutan’s religion are the annual festivals held in each district known as Tshechus and Dromchoes. For local people, Tshechus are an occasion for reverence and blessing, feasting and socialising. There are various Tshechus all the year around at temples, Dzongs and monasteries throughout Bhutan.

They come to life with colour, music and dancing as villagers and townspeople dress in their best clothes and join together to rejoice. Rare masked and sword dances, as well as other rituals are performed in the dzongs courtyard and temples. Most of the dances date back to before the Middle Ages and have their own spiritual significance. At the end of some festivals, a large tapestry known as a "thongrel" of is hung from a wall in the dzong's courtyard. It is said that watching the unveiling of a thongrel will bring you good luck.

The most popular festivals are held in Paro in the spring and in Thimphu and Bumthang in the fall. These are the busiest times of the year for tourism in Bhutan. It is suggested that you book your trip well in advance if you wish to attend as accomodation and seat availability on Druk Air is extremely limited.

Bhutan Festival Schedule 2008/9
FESTIVAL	PLACE	DATES
PUNAKHA DROMCHE	PUNAKHA	FEB 13 - FEB 15
PUNAKHA TSECHU	PUNAKHA	FEB 16 - FEB 18
CHORTEN KORA	TRASHIYANGTSE	FEB 21 & MAR 07
THARPALING THONGDROL	BUMTHANG	FEB 21
TANGSIBI MANI	BUMTHANG	FEB 20 - FEB 24
BULLI MANI	BUMTHANG	FEB 22 - FEB 24
GADEN CHODPA	BUMTHANG	MAR 05 - MAR 07
GOMKORA	TRASHIGANG	MAR 14 - MAR 16
PARO TSECHU	PARO	MAR 17 - MAR 21
CHHUKHA TSECHU	CHHUKHA	MAR 19 - MAR 21
DOMKHAR TSECHU	BUMTHANG	APR 15 - APR 17
URA YAKCHOE	BUMTHANG	APR 17 - APR 21
PADSEL-LING KU CHOD	BUMTHANG	MAY 25 - MAY 26
NIMALUNG TSECHU	BUMTHANG	JUL 10 - JUL 12
KURJEY TSECHU	BUMTHANG	JUL 12
THIMPHU DRUPCHEN	THIMPHU	OCT 04 - OCT 09
WANGDUE TSECHU	WANGDUEPHODRANG	OCT 07 - OCT 09
THIMPHU TSECHU	THIMPHU	OCT 09 - OCT 11
TAMSHINGPHALA CHOEPA	BUMTHANG	OCT 09 - OCT 11
TANGBI MANI	BUMTHANG	OCT 13 - OCT 15
SHINGKHAR RABNEY	BUMTHANG	NOV 04 - NOV 08
JAKAR DZONG TSECHU	BUMTHANG	NOV 06 - NOV 09
JAMBAY LHAKHANG DRUP	BUMTHANG	NOV 13 - NOV 15
PRAKER DUCHHOED	BUMTHANG	NOV 14 - NOV 16
SUMDRANG KANGSOL	BUMTHANG	NOV 27 - NOV 27
MONGAR TSECHU	MONGAR	DEC 04 - DEC 07
PEMAGATSEL TSECHU	PEMAGATSEL	DEC 04 - DEC 07
TRASHIGANG TSECHU	TRASHIGANG	DEC 05 - DEC 08
TANG NAMKHA RABNEY	BUMTHANG	DEC 07 - DEC 08
JAMBAY LHAKHANG SINGYE CHAM	BUMTHANG	DEC 12
NALAKHAR TSECHU	BUMTHANG	DEC 12  - DEC 14
CHOJAM RABNEY	BUMTHANG	DEC 11  - DEC 15
TRONGSA TSECHU	TRONGSA	JAN 05 - JAN 7 (09)
LHUNTSE TSECHU	LHUNTSE	JAN 05 - JAN 7(09)
SHINGKHAR METOCHODPA	BUMTHANG	JAN 11 (09)
NABJI LHAKHANG DRUP	NABJI, TRONGSA	JAN 11 - JAN 15 (09)
Please note that all efforts have been made to confirm the festival dates with Asssociation of Bhutanese Tour Operators (ABTO). The dates of the festivals change from year to year because they are based on the lunar calendar, which itself changes every year.

It is difficult to generalise about the climate of Bhutan because of the variations in elevations and seasons. Spring in the higher valleys (March to May) has warm days (20°C) and cool nights. June marks the beginning of summer when day temperatures warm up to approximately 27 – 29°C. By July, the rainy season starts and continues until September. The autumn months of September to November are ideal for trekking with clear skies and mild weather. In December temperatures fall, but the days remain warm and the clear with azure winter skies. Southern Bhutan generally has a tropical climate with hot humid monsoons.

Months

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Trekking area

Bumthang

X

X

S

S

S

S

M

M

S

S

S

X

Gantey

S

S

S

S

S

S

M

M

S

S

S

S

Samteygang

S

S

S

S

S

S

M

M

M

S

S

S

Lingshi/Laya

X

X

S

M

S

S

S

S

M

X

X

X

Lunana Snowman

X

X

S

M

S

S

S

S

M

X

X

X

Gasa Hot Springs

S

S

S

S

S

M

M

M

M

S

S

S

Jhomolhari

X

X

S

S

S

S

M

M

S

S

X

X

Druk Path

X

X

S

S

S

S

M

M

S

S

S

X

Dagala

X

X

S

S

S

S

M

M

S

S

X

X

S = good Season M = moderate weather (chances of rain in these months) X = Closed due to snow

From	To	Distance	Driving Time (approx)
Thimphu	Paro	65 kms	2 hrs
Thimphu	Phuentsholing (South)	176 kms	6 hrs
Phuentsholing	Bagdogra (India)	170 kms	4 hrs
Thimphu	Wangdue Phodrang	70 kms	3 hrs
Thimphu	Punakha	77 kms	3 hrs & 15 min.
Punakha	Wangdue Phodrang	13 kms	45min.
Wangdue Phodrang	Trongsa	129 kms	4 hrs & 30min.
Trongsa	Bumthang	68 kms	2 hrs & 30 min.
Bumthang	Mongar	198 kms	7 hrs
Mongar	Lhuentse	76 kms	3 hrs
Mongar	Tashigang	90 kms	4 hrs
Tashigang	Chorten Kora	52 kms	1 hrs & 30 min.
Trashigang	Samdrup Jongkhar (South)	180 kms	6 hrs
Samdrup Jongkhar	Guwahati (India)	110 kms	3 hrs
Samdrup Jongkhar	Phuentsholing (South)	380 kms	9 hrs & 30 min.

BTB have carefully selected government approved accommodations with the best location, service, ambience and cuisine. Our standard range of hotels and guesthouses are clean, comfortable, simply furnished and generally rated tourist class. Most of these hotels and lodges are built in Bhutan's traditional architectural style. As you move further east from the capital, accommodation is more rudimentary but clean, comfortable and hospitable.

For those travellers who prefer to experience Bhutan in luxury we offer a boutique range of luxurious lodges and resorts such as Uma Paro, Zhiwa Ling Resort and the Aman Kora range of boutique resorts. Some of these include spa and yoga facilities.

We can mix and match your accommodation to suit your itinerary and complement your style of travel. It is important to note that during festival time hotels/lodges are in high demand and can be difficult to secure.

It is vital that you arrive in Bhutan with adequete clothing. Generally, cotton clothing is recommended for summer days, light woolen clothes for evenings and heavy woolens for winter. Keep in mind that even in the summer, it can be cool in Bhutan, particularly at night. Days can be quite warm, especially in the lowlands of Punakha and Phuentsholing, and you could start off driving in the cold of dawn and become uncomfortable midmorning. Use the layering system, starting with thermal underwear and adding a shirt, pile jacket and wind-breaker (or parka) as necessary.

Shorts for hiking and walking around town are fine. Out of respect, it is best to dress modestly (meaning no tank tops, short skirts, shorts except for hiking, or revealing clothing), and please don't wear shorts in public buildings or monasteries. Have a pair of long pants or longer skirt for these locations.

If your trip coincides with a festival, you may want to bring some semi-formal clothes (jacket and tie for men, dresses for women) as it is a social function.

The following are general items that you should bring depending on whether you are undertaking a tour or trek:

Cultural Tours

Trekkers

Maximum recommended load for trekking is 25Kgs (55lbs.), or 1/5th of body weight.

All hotels provide sheets, blankets or quilt, and a pillow. Unless you are trekking, you won't need to carry a sleeping bag. Hotels provide heating in winter, either an electric heater or a wood stove which will keep you quite warm. Toiletries are not provided in most hotels.

Please be aware that you should bring any prescription medications with you.

Essential Extras:

The national currency is the Ngultrum (Nu). 100 Chetrum = 1 Nu. Exchange rate is approximately US$ 1 = Nu. 45. Indian Rupees circulate at par. If you plan to make a large purchase of items such as textiles or artwork, most outlets dealing in these goods accept US dollars as well as credit cards (other than limited Handicraft stores and large Thimphu hotels, credit card acceptance is very limited). Alternatively, you can change currency (preferably US dollars, UK Pounds and the Euro) or cash travelers cheques at most hotels, the currency exchange counter at Paro Interational Airport and the Thimphu branch of the Bhutan National Bank. As your trip to Bhutan is fully-prepaid, you should not need much money other than to pay for drinks, laundry, souvenirs and tips.

Export of antiques, plants or animal products are strictly prohibited. Cameras, video cameras, computers and personal electronic equipment must be declared on arrival and will be checked upon departure.

Visitors are required to fill up the Custom Form and handover to concern on arrival.

Following articles are exempted from duty:
a. Personal affects and articles for day to day use by the visitor
b. 2 liters of alcohol
c. Instruments, apparatus or appliances for Professional use*
d. Photographic equipment, video cameras and other electronic goods for personal use*

* The articles mentioned under "c" & "d" must be declared upon entry. If such items disposed of in Bhutan by sale or gift, you are liable for a custom duty upon exit.

Import and Export of following goods are strictly prohibited:
a. Arms, ammunitions, explosives and military stores
b. All narcotics and drugs except medically prescribed drugs
c. Wildlife products, especially those of endangered species
d. Antiques.

Old Items, Antiques
Also visitors are to be cautious in purchasing old and used items.
They are to be certified as non-antique.

Plants , Soils, Etc...
Imports of plants, soils etc are subject to quarantine regulations. These items must be cleared on arrival.

The time zone in Bhutan is UTC/GMT +6 hours. There is no daylight savings in Bhutan. To view the current time, please visit www.timeanddate.com

It is recommended that you bring plenty of film, memory cards and batteries as photo outlets in Bhutan do not sell equipment or accessories of highquality. Only few things are available in some places.

The people of Bhutan are like other people, and prefer to be asked permission before their picture is taken. Ask your guide before taking pictures in Museums or Public Buildings. There are some places that are off limits to photography for religious and security reasons such as inside goembas and lhakhangs, military installations and the telecom tower above Thimphu. It is best to ask your guide so you can always be sure. After you take a picture, many people will give you their address so that you can forward them a copy of the photo. Please do not take their photo if you do not intend of sending a copy of the image back. Also, please refrain from handing out candy or small trinkets to children as a gesture of thanks for photographing them. Bhutanese people are very proud of the fact that there are no beggars in Bhutan and wish not to encourage this behavior of expecting anything from our guests. Small gifts to people you stay with and a tip for your guide are fine.

Acute mountain sickness is caused by a lack of oxygen when traveling to higher elevations. This usually occurs in individuals exposed to an altitude over 7,000 feet (2,100 m) who have not had a chance to acclimate to the altitude before engaging in physical activities. While individual tolerance varies, symptoms usually appear in several hours, with those in poor physical condition being most susceptible. Headache, fatigue, shortness of breath, nausea, and poor appetite occur initially. Inability to sleep is also frequently reported. In more severe cases thinking and judgment may become impaired. An uncommon but potentially fatal complication called high altitude pulmonary edema, caused by fluid build-up in the lungs, can also occur.

Preventing Acute Altitude Sickness
Avoid alcohol, sleeping pills or narcotics. They may decrease ventilation, intensify hypoxemia and make symptoms worse.
Drink plenty of fluids.
Avoid heavy exercise; mild exercise is okay.
Diamox® (acetazolamide) 125 mg. tablets taken twice a day is F.D.A. approved for prevention and treatment of A.M.S. Although it originally was released as a diuretic (water pill), it also helps you breath deeper and faster. This allows you to get more oxygen. Diamox is especially helpful with the sleeping problems and other symptoms of A.M.S.

if they become severe, they can be relieved with the administration of oxygen or descent to a lower altitude.

Tourist hotels generally present meals in a buffet selection, and provide a choice of Bhutanese, Indian, Chinese, Japanese and Continental food. Most meals are served with rice, either white or the wholesome local red variety and dal. Although traditional Bhutanese food is heavily seasoned with red chilies and can be quite hot, dishes at hotels are tempered to tourists tastes. However to get the most out of your Bhutanese culinary experience, we recommdned that you sample the national dish 'ema datse', a firey blend of Spicy chilies (ema) and cheese (datse) blended with a wide variety of vegetables, meats, poultry and fish.

During long drives, you may stop for meals at local restaurants, or enjoy a packed picnic lunch provided by the hotel.

Telephone and fax services are available in all towns in Bhutan. International connections are excellent. You can also buy a mobile phone kit (SIM card and phone number) from numerous outlets. Internet and e-mail facilities are widely available in most of the places. You can also send postal mail reliably from hotels and post offices.

To protect against unforeseen accidents and mishaps, we advise you to have Travel Insurance policy from your country. It should adequately cover helicopter evacuation and medical assistance. We regret the unavailability of such policies in Bhutan.

Fortunutely crime rate in Bhutan is very low, earning it the nickname of the Land of Peaceful Dragon. Even so there are police stations in almost all regions.

Bhutan has a wide range of traditional handicrafts available including textiles, jewelleries, baskets, masks, paintings and woodcarvings. There are a number of emporiums dealing in high quality arts and crafts, as well as stores stocking items of buddhist worship. As you shop, please remember that bargaining is not a Bhutanese tradition, and that it is illegal, and immoral to export antiques.