Bhutan often reversed as the 'Land of the peaceful Dragon' is still
regarded as one of the last "Shangri-La" in the Himalayan region
because of its remoteness, it's spectacular mountain terrain, varied flora
and fauna and it's unique ancient Buddhist monasteries. It is relatively
unexplored pockets of Asia, which allows only limited number of discerning
travelers to enter the country with special travel visa permits.
Bhutan's isolation has resulted its culture and traditions remaining much
the same for many hundreds of years. Our weekly departure allows you to
experience the stunning beautiful alpine valley flanked by step slopes and
terraced pastures dotted with temple.
Festival (Tsechus ) are held in Bhutan through out the year at difffrent
locations. These festivals are celebrations of faith, legends, mythsand
history of Bhutan in ancient rituals of colorful dance and music. To
coincide a visit to Bhutan during the festive season will be even better way
to observe the uniqude culture.
Bhutan
: ( Druk yul )
Population
: 6,00,000 ( 1995 )
Capital : Thimpu
Location : Bhutan lies between 89o and 92o E and 27o
and 28o N.
Time : 30 minutes ahead of Indian Standard time.
Language : Dzongkha
People : There are two main population groups in
Bhutan: the Dukpa ( 67 % ) of Tibetan and Monpa origin and Lhotsampa ( 30 %
of Nepalese origin ). The rest 3% comprise of indigenous tribal groups such
as Toktop, Doya and Lepcha of SW Bhutan.
Religion : Drukpa Kagyu school of Tibetan Buddhism is
the state religion but also Nyingma school is also well represented in the
central and eastern districts.
Climate : The monsoon starts in mid June and lasts
untill end of September. The climate within the mountain varies greatly
according to precipitations and wind conditions. In the Duars Plain and upto
1500m. The climate is sub-tropical with high humidity and heavy rain fall.
The climate of mid- mountain belt varies, such that low- lying parts of
Punakha, Mongar, Tashigang, and Lhuntse have cool winter and hot summer,
where as the higher valleys of Ha, Paro, Thimpu, Tongsa and Bhumthang
ranging from 3,000 - 4,000m endure a temperate climate with cold snowy
winter and some - what cooler summers.
Clothing : Cotton and light woolen in summer ( June -
Sept ). Heavy wollens and jackets the rest of the year. Take an umbrella and
comfortable shoes for the monsoon.
Economy : In 1995, the per capita income was estimated
as US 500 with the annual growth at 5%. Although these figures places Bhutan
among the least developed nations, the country is unlike others within that
category as no faine, little malnutrition, food housing, exists. Over 91% of
the population depends on agriculture and livestock rearing which together
account for some 50% of GDP, despite the fact that only 2% of the land is
arable.
Money : The National currency is Ngultrum ( Nu ) 100
Chetrum = 1 Nu. Exchange rate is approximately US $ 1 - Nu 35. Indian ruees
circulate at par.
NOTE : Please note that all booking has to be made
minium 21 days in advance & on conformation full payment has to be made
at Calcutta. Rate for accompanied children, upto two yeas - free, & from
02 - 12 years - 50% of the package cost without extra bed. Maximum two
children below 12 years are allowed to share room with parents. If the child
is found above 12 years, the respective hotels will charge the full adult
rate directly, and so communication in this regard will be entertained on
the same later on.
