By Air: Druk Air

Bhutan's national airline is the only airline service in the country. The airport is in Paro. During monsoons and winter, unpredictable weather forces can delay flights and travellers should consider including an extra day in their itinerary.

For detailed information on flights to Bhutan please check the Druk Air (http://www.drukair.com.bt/) website.

By Road

The nearest Indian airport is in Bagdogra, which can be reached by plane from Calcutta and Delhi. The road from Bagdogra connects to Phuentsholing, a border town in Bhutan. It is a 3-4 hour drive from the airport. It takes approximately 6 hours from Phuentsholing to Thimphu or Paro.

NOTE: Visa has to be obtained prior to arrival but will be processed by the operators through whom the tourist are coming to Bhutan.
 

Tourist Tariff

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Visa

Visas must be obtained before departing for Bhutan. Druk Air tickets cannot be purchased without visa clearance, which is issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Thimphu. Actual visa is stamped on arrival in Bhutan on payment of US$20 while visa is cleared in advance and a visa clearance number issued. Extension of visas, for up to 6 months, can be obtained in Thimphu at a cost of Nu. 510.

NOTE: Visas cannot be obtained at Bhutanese embassies.

Money

Bhutan unit of currency is Ngultrum (Nu.). 1 Nu. = 100 Chetrum. The Ngultrum is fixed at parity with the Indian Rupee.
Visa and American Express credit cards are accepted only in a few places. Visitors are advised to carry traveller checks (preferably American Express) with some cash (US Dollars).

Language

Originally spoken only in western Bhutan, Dzongkha is now the national language. English is widely spoken in main towns and it is the medium of education in all schools. Local people are also familiar with Hindi and Nepali.

Accommodation

Hotels, lodges and guesthouses are fairly comfortable at tourist destinations. Hotels in western Bhutan are better than those in the central and eastern part of the country where accommodation establishments are simple and offer minimum facilities. Hotels are not categorized according to international standards, and five star luxuries are not available. Some of the main trekking routes have purpose-built huts.


Food

Rice forms the main diet of a typical Bhutanese person, accompanied by generous helpings of hot chilies and cheese in almost every curry. Hotels and restaurants usually offer Bhutanese, Continental, Chinese and Indian cuisine.
 

Climate

The central valleys, namely Punakha, Wangdiphodrang, Mongar, Trashigang and Lhuntshi are characteristic of a semi tropical climate with very cool winters. Thimphu, Tongsa and Bumthang have a harsher climate with heavy snowfall that often blocks the passes leading into the central valleys during winter. Monsoon rains in summer are heavy. Eastern Bhutan is generally warmer than the western region, and southern Bhutan enjoys a tropical climate.

Mid-March to May is spring in the higher valleys with warm days (20° C) and cool nights. The summer season starts by June with day temperatures between 27° to 29° C. The rainy season starts in July and continues till mid-September. Clear skies and mild weather accompany the autumn months of September to November. Winter is from mid-November until mid-March. Day temperatures can vary between 16° and 18° C on sunny days, while night temperatures can fall below freezing.

Health information

Currently, there are no vaccinations required for travelling to Bhutan. However, visitors coming from an area infected with yellow fever are required to get a yellow fever vaccination and must be administered at least ten days before arrival in the country. Likewise, visitors arriving from a cholera infected are should get vaccinated, and anti-malarial medication is strongly recommended for travellers visiting rural areas bordering India. There is no hard and fast rule that service providers are tipped. It is up to the individual to decide if the service is worth rewarding.

Electricity

Electricity in Bhutan is reasonably reliable and runs 220/240 volts. An international converter kit with a set of adapter plugs may be required if travellers bring along electrical appliances.

Communications Facilities

Reliable telephone and fax services are available in all towns in Bhutan. International connections are excellent. Internet cafes are few in number and available only in a few places.

Time

Bhutan standard time is six hours ahead of GMT, and there is only one zone throughout the country.

Customs

The export of antiques, plants and animal products are strictly prohibited. Personal electronic equipment such as cameras, video cameras and computers must be declared on arrival and will be checked upon departure.

Photography

Photo shops in Bhutan do not offer quality equipment or accessories. 35mm colour print film is readily available but slide films are difficult to find. It is advisable to bring along enough lithium batteries if required.

Clothing

Cotton and light woolen clothes can be worn in the summer months. The monsoon months call for rain gear and comfortable shoes. The rest of the year requires heavy woolen and coats to keep out the cold.