Bhutan known as “the Land of Peaceful Dragon” to the native is regarded as the last paradise on earth. Its isolation spectacular mountains, varied flora and fauna, ancient Buddhist monasteries, vibrant culture and mystic aura have made it so fascinating country for visitors.
Though small in size, the kingdom’s topography is one of dramatic contrasts. From the near-tropical south border with India at an altitude of 300m, the land rises to culminate to the over 700m peak of Himalaya in the north, which form a natural frontier with the Tibetan region of China. Bhutan, best known to the western world as the last Shangri-La has managed to remain in a jealously guarded isolation. The country has gently opened its door to the limited number of visitors who respect the delicate sensitivities of this pristine land and share the sacred values of its people.
Area
47,000 km²
Location
It is located amid the eastern end of the Himalaya Mountains and is bordered to the south, east and west by India and to the north by Tibet/China.
Capital
Thimpu
Language
Dzongkha
Population
Estimate 672,425 (2005)
Demonym
Bhutanese
Currency
Ngultrum (BTN)
Political system
Multiparty system.
Time
BTT (UTC+6:00)
Thimpu
Capital of Bhutan at 2350m, is the well preserved traditional architecture of its houses and buildings is particularly striking. Places to visit are Memorial Chorten – dedicated to the late king Jigme Dorje Wangchuk; Tashi Dzong - seat of the government of Bhutan and summer residence of the central monk body; Traditional Medicine Hospital, National Library, Changangkha , Lakhang, Simtokha Dzong - Bhutan’s oldest fortress which now houses a school for Buddhist studies.
Paro
Only airport of Bhutan is 65 km from Thimpu. Places to visit are Taktsang Monastery where Guru Rinpoche meditated to subdue evil spirits; Rinpung Dzong, Ta Dzong, Drukgyal Dzong built to commemorate Bhutan’s victory over Tibet, Kyichu Lakhang Dungtse Lakhang
Punakha
Punakha 77 km from Thimpu was the capital of Bhutan until 1955 and even today it is the winter home of the central monk body. The road crosses the 3,11m Dochula pass.
Wangdi Phodrang Dzong played a key role during the unification of Bhutan. Gantey Gompa is the biggest Nyingmapa monastery in Bhutan.
Bumthang is ideal for making excursions to the many monasteries and shrines and remote countryside.
Grade
Tour/ Trek
Days
Tour
Cultural Tour
4 days
Tour
Cultural Tour
8 days
Moderate
Chomolhari Trek ( trek 10 days)
16 days
Adventurous
Laya Trek ( trek 15 days)
19 days
Moderate
Druk Path ( trek 6 days)
11 days
Moderate
Bumthang Cultural Trek ( 3 days)
12 days
Please note all tours in Bhutan will be on full board with all sightseeing tours and land transfers, accommodation and services of local guides are inclusive.
