About Bhutan
General information
Land area: 38,394square km
Forest area: 72.5 %
Altitude: between 240metres and 7541metres above sea level
Population: 634,982
National Language: official language “Dzongkha”, English widely spoken
Religion: Vajrayana stream of Mahayana Buddhism (Also known as Tantric Buddhism)
Currency: Ngultrum (equal to Indian Rupee)
Capital: Thimphu
National Tree: Cypress
National Bird: Raven
National Flower: Blue Poppy
National Sport: Archery
National Animal: Takin
Local time: Six hours ahead of GMT and half an hour ahead of Indian Standard Time
Currency
Ngultrum (Nu) is Bhutan’s currency of Bhutan is the Ngultrum. It is pegged with the Indian rupee (Rs). The value of USD in terms of Rs is the same in Nu. Tourists are advised to carry their money in form of travelers’ checks (preferably American Express) with cash (USD), which might be needed for incidental expenses.
Credit cards:
Credit Card is not advisable in Bhutan. But few handicrafts and shopping malls accept VISA & American Express Credit Cards.
Time
Bhutan time is six hours ahead of GMT and 30 minutes ahead of Indian standard time. There is only one time zone throughout the country.
Language
Dzongkha is the National Language of Bhutan. English is widely spoken in the capital city, Thimphu. It is, however, the medium of education in schools throughout the Kingdom.
Accommodation
Bhutan has comfortable hotels, lodges, and guesthouses. In terms of the standards, Western Bhutan has better hotels, while in central and eastern part of the country, accommodation establishments are simple and offer minimum facilities.
Bhutan has carefully selected a list of accommodation units with the best of location, services and ambiance. Away from the towns and villages there are also purpose-built huts on some of the primary trekking routes.
The following articles are exempt from duty
1) Personal effects and articles for day-to-day use by the visitor.
2) A liter of alcohol (spirits or wine).
3) 200 cigarettes, on payment of import duty of 200 percent.
4) Instruments, apparatus or appliances for professional use
Photographic equipment, video cameras and other electronic goods for personal use.
You have to complete the passenger declaration form at your port of entry. Visitors are advised to be cautious in purchasing old and used items, especially of religious or cultural significance because such items may not be exported without a clearance certificate. If you are importing any items to Bhutan, which are for sale or gift, they may be liable for customs duty. On departure, visitors are required to fill out a departure form, which will be asked for by customs authorities.
Import/export of the following goods is strictly prohibited
(a) Arms, ammunition and explosives
(b) All narcotics and drugs except medically prescribed drugs
(c) Wildlife products, especially those of endangered species
(d) Antiques
Import of plants and soil are subjected to quarantine regulations. These items must be cleared on arrival.
Tour escorts:
Trained, knowledgeable and English-speaking guides, certified by the Tourism Authority of Bhutan, escort all tours organized. The services of guides could also be provided with prior information and on additional cost.
Food
Bhutanese delicacies are rich and spicy. We have a list of select hotels and lodges, which offers delicious Chinese, Continental, Bhutanese and Indian Cuisine. Even on treks, Indostan Viajes Moto Adventure will provide trained cooks having expertise in preparing dishes suitable to western taste that ranges from continental to Chinese, and Indian, including Bhutanese.
Climate
The central valleys of Punakha, Wangdiphodrang, Mongar, Trashigang, and Lhuentsi enjoy a semi-tropical climate with very cool winters. Thimphu, Trongsa, and Bumthang receive heavy monsoon rains in the summers and heavy snowfall during the winters.
Winter starts mid November and goes on until mid of March. In this time of the year, the climate is dry with the daytime temperature sometime falling below zero Celsius.
The monsoon usually arrives in mid of June. It rains most of the afternoons and evenings during this season. At the end of September, after the last few heavy showers, autumn appears in its magnificent form. This time of the year is highly recommended for trekking. It could be extended until November.
Meanwhile, the southern Bhutan is tropical. In general, the east is warmer.
Clothing
Bhutanese clothing is unique and simple. Traditional wears have their way of expression in bright colours. Occasions such as festivals are fondly an illustration in dressing. Gho for men and kira for women is the national dress in Bhutan. However, Bhutanese are also open to western wears today. Jeans and t-shirts are most common casuals in the country, among youth and adults.
While visiting monasteries, dzongs (fortresses) and other religious institutions, we recommend you not to wear shorts and hats. If you want to experiment the traditional attire, Indostan Viajes Moto Adventure is always ready to bring you the best.
Photography
The photographic opportunities on all trips are amazing. You can also record on video local people, their houses, and shops. While visiting dzong, monasteries, religious institutions, and museums, please follow your guide’s instruction carefully. Ensure from your guide if it is okay to take the pictures in such places.
Shopping
Buying and selling of antiques is strictly forbidden in the Kingdom. You may buy country’s postage stamps for your own collection, hand woven fabrics, woven baskets, wood made products such as bowls, statues, handmade paper, scroll paintings (thangkas) and other available goods.
