BHUTAN - 8 Days

Bhutan adopts the policy of “High Value, Low Impact Tourism”
It’s known as the Last Shangri-La.
Education and healthcare are free for all.
It is one of the few countries without traffic lights.
It has the highest unclimbed mountain in the world.
Situated in a deep valley surrounded by mountains as high as 5,500 meters / 18,000 feet, Paro Airport is one of the world’s most difficult airports to land in. ONLY some Pilots are qualified to fly to Paro Airport.
The ONLY Carbon Negative Country in the World.
Gangkhar Puensum is the highest mountain in Bhutan and has never been conquered. It has an elevation of 7570 meters. Bhutan prohibits access to the mountain since 1987. Before that, many unsuccessful attempts were made to climb the mountain.
Bhutan has never been ruled by an external entity.
Bhutanese call their homeland “ Druk Yul” which translates to the Land of the dragon
Bhutanese Still Believe in the Existence of Yeti.
Women head the families and run all businesses from shops to farms. They even inherit properties, and a man moves into the house of his wife after marriage.
Polygamy is allowed in Bhutan, however becoming non-existent in Bhutan with time. Remarriages and divorces are common, though.
It is mandatory to wear the national dress of Bhutan (Gho for men and Kira for women) to schools, government buildings, or on any formal occasion.

Bhutan Climate: In Southern Bhutan, the climate is tropical in the monsoon season and may range from 15 degrees Celsius in winter to 30 degrees Celsius in summer. … The center enjoys a sub-tropical climate with very cool winters while the northern parts of the country have a harsh climate including snowfall two to three times every winter
Summer:
March to April. Temperatures –minimum 13 to maximum 32 degrees. The northern hill area is cool and pleasant. But southern plains are hot.
Monsoon :
Monsoon prevails from late June to early September. Pleasant but humid.
Autumn: October and November. 18 to 29-degree temperature range.
Winter:
From late November until March. Temperature ranges from 2 to 10 degrees. Winter sets in, with frost throughout much of the country and snowfall common above elevations of 3,000 meters. The winter northeast monsoon brings gale-force winds at the highest altitudes through high mountain passes.
Best Time to Visit:
October to December is the ideal time to visit Bhutan as the air is clean and fresh with sunny skies. January and February are colder, but from then until April the climate remains dry and pleasant and in late spring the famous rhododendrons bloom spectacularly, flooding the valleys with color.
Local Languages: The national language is Dzongkha, the native language of the Ngalops of western Bhutan. Dzongkha literally means the language spoken in the Dzongs, massive fortresses that serve as the administrative centers and monasteries. Two other major languages are the Tshanglakha and the Lhotshamkha. Hindi & English are widely spoken.
Clothing: The Himalayan kingdom has a national dress code: men wear ago which is a traditional knee-length garment, and women, a Kira that is an ankle-length sari-like garment. The dress code was strict in the 1990s; violators risked heavy fines. Today it is more relaxed. The national dress is only mandatory in government offices, schools, monasteries, and on special occasions. With Western fashion influences, people are beginning to wear jeans and T-shirts.

By air – Located in the Paro district at a height of 7300 ft. above sea level, Paro International Airport is the nearest airport to Bhutan. It is the only airport to enter the country from India by air. Druk Air is the only airline that operates regular flights to and from Bhutan to India. People also take flights from Bagdogra airport near Siliguri, West Bengal. Being one of the closest airports to Bhutan, one can take also avail of a cab or car service across Phuentsholing, and enjoy a tour to this enticing place.
By rail – Although, there are no direct rail routes to reach Bhutan from India, one can board a train from Hasimara station or New Alipurduar stations, which are 17 and 60 kilometers away from Phuentsholing, the border town of Bhutan. From there, tourists can book shared taxis, individual cabs, and buses to reach Bhutan
By road – One can also choose to go to Bhutan by road. Unlike other foreign countries, going to Bhutan by roadways from India is quite an easy task. There are only three land borders that are open for entry – Phuentsholing, Gelephu, and Samdrup Jongkhar. While Phuentsholing shares a border with the Terai region of West Bengal, the other two are along the Assam border. It takes around three hours from Guwahati to Bhutan by road and the same from Siliguri as well
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Moving around: There are not many options for moving around. Either you should hire a vehicle for the entire tour or short distances can be visited on foot. It’s only possible to travel by private car and driver. There is only one main road; the National Highway.

Permits-
Indian nationals intending to visit Bhutan are required to carry any of the two valid ‘Travel Documents’ (a) Valid Indian Passports having validity of a minimum of 6 months; and/or (b) Voter Identity Card, issued by the Election Commission of India. No Visa is required to visit Bhutan. If arriving by flight from India you must carry your passport. IF Arriving in Bhutan by road you need to have a permit which is checked at the border point. Contact your travel agent for permits.

Health Precautions-
Drinking Mineral water is recommended in Bhutan. If traveling to high mountain regions breathing issues can be a problem. Keep the necessary medicines handy. It is also advisable to visit a doctor before you embark on your journey. Owing to the zigzagging hilly roads, motion sickness is another challenge. Keep the necessary medication along with you. Keep yourself hydrated. If going trekking keep all the necessary medication with you. Hire a local guide for moving around and for adventure activities.

About Expenses –
Bhutan is expensive. The price per day may vary considerably between Rs 5000 to RS 7000 depending on your hotels, vehicles; sightseeing, etc. meal depends entirely on where you eat and what you order. A nice quaint restaurant will cost you between Rs.800 to Rs.1000 per person depending on what is ordered

ATM & Credit cards-
BDB offers ATM services through 45 locations nationwide. BDB is part of the Bhutan Financial Switch (BFS) & BIPS network and interbank transactions are available to carry cash for remote places & mountain sightseeing areas. Credit cards are now widely accepted in Bhutan. Most hotels and many handicraft shops, except in central/eastern Bhutan, but there will be a 2% service charge.

Mobile & Inetrnet Connectivity –
Mobile or internet connectivity is good in big towns, like Thimphu, Paro, Trongsa, Bumthang, etc. If you are traveling on the road between valleys, the network might be bad. In Phobjikha, there is a mobile network but not the internet. … You can think of getting a Bhutanese SIM card from the telecom in Thimphu If you try to call India from your phone it will be an International call.

Culture & Festivals –
There are many festivals celebrated in Bhutan. Thimphu Tsechu Festival, Jambay Lhakhang Drup Festival.Wangdue Phodrang Tshechu Festival .Punakha Drubchen and Tshechu Festival .Paro Tshechu Festival ,Haa Summer Festival ,Matsutake Festival ,Jomolhari Mountain Festival Nimalung Festival ,Nomad Festival .Sakteng Festival, Takin Festival, Ura Yakchoe, The Annual Black-Necked Crane Festival.

Shopping: There are numerous things to buy in Bhutan Cane and Bamboo Handicrafts. Dzi Beads- Himalayan Beads. Gold and Silver Jewelry. Dappa – Handmade Wooden Bowls. Hand-woven textiles. Colored Carved Masks. Sculptures and Buddhist Paintings, Bhutanese Handmade Paper.

Accommodation –
Bhutan offers a wide range of accommodations. Visitors can be assured of their comfort and traditional Bhutanese hospitality. Hotels. GuestHouses. Farm Stays. All Tour Operators are required to provide their guests with a minimum of 3 Star accommodations so you can be assured of your comfort. Most hotels provide their guests with Television, Room Service, Fitness Centers, a spa, and Wi-Fi. However, the exact services available will vary from hotel to hotel.