BHUTAN – THE LAST PARADISE

Known to the natives as Druk Yul (Land of the Thunder Dragon), Bhutan 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.

Though small in size, the Kingdom’s topography is one of dramatic contrasts. From the near-tropical southern border with India at an altitude of 300 m, the land rises to culminate in the over 7000-m peaks of he Himalaya in the north which form a natural frontier with the Tibetan region of Bhutan’s northern neighbor, China.

THIMPU

Lying in a valley (elevation 2,350 m), Thimpu is unlike any other capital in the world. The traditional architecture if its houses and building s is particularly striking.

The places to visit are the Memorial Choren, dedication to the late King Jigme Dorji Wangchuk; Tashichho Dzong, seat of the government of Bhutan and the summer residence of the central monk body; the Traditional Medicine Hospital where hearbal medicines are prepared; the National Library, a treasure trove of ancient texts; the Painting School where children learn the traditional techniques of drawing and painting; Dechenchholing to see traditional gold and silver smiths at work; Chahgangkha Lakhng which contains ancient scriptiure and thanka paintings; and Sitokha Dzong. Bhutan’s oldest fortress which now houses a school for Buddhists studies.

AROUND BHUTAN
WESTERN BHUTAN

Paro is 65 km (two hours drive) to the southwest of Thimpu. The Taktsang Monastery where Guru Rinpoche meditated to subdue evil spirits; Rinpung Dzong, venue of the Paro tsechu (festival); Ta Dzong which hours the National Museum, the ruins of Drukgyel Dzong built to commemorate Bhutan’s victory over Tibetan aggressors; Kyichu Lakhang, on the oldest and most sacred temples in Bhutan; and Dungtse Lakhang with its extraordinary collection of religious paintings, are the places to see in the valley.

Punakha, 77 km (three hours and 15 minutes drive) northeast of Thimpu, served as the capital of Bhutan until 1955 and even today, it is the winter home of the central monk body. The Punakha Dzong houses many sacred artifacts and temples. The road from Thimpu to Punakha crosses the 3,115-m Dochula pass.

Wangdi Phodrang (or Wangdi) is situated 70 km (three hours drive) southeast of Thimpu. The Wangdi Phodrang Dzong played a key role during unification of Bhutan. Enroute from Wangdi to Tongsa Nyingmapa monastery in Bhutan.



CENTAL BHUTAN

Trongsa is 129 km (seven hours drive) southeast of Bumthang. The road to Mongar crosses Thumshingla (3,800 m), the highest pass in Bhutan, The Mongar Dzong is relatively new compared to the other dzongs of the Kingdom.

Lhuntshi is 76 km (three hours drive) north of Mongar. The landscape here is spectacular with stark cliffs and gorges, and dense coniferous forests. This district is famous for its weavers and the fine quality of fabrics they produce.

The 90-km trip from Mongar to Trshigang, the easternmost district, takes four hours. Some 20 km before Trashigang is the Dametsi Monastery, the most important monastery of eastern Bhutan. After Thimpu, Trashigang is the largest urban center where the Trashigang Dzong stands over the Gamri River. Tashi Yangtse, north of Trashigang, has a Dzong and the Nepalese style Chorten Korea.


VISA AND TRANSPROT

Foreign travelers must posses a visa for Bhutan which is granted initially for 14 days. While th actual visa is stamped on arrival in Bhutan upon payment of US$ 20, visitors need to obtain visa clearance from the Tourism Authority of Bhutan (TAB) in advance. Visa can be extended in Thimpu for up to six months. The operator making your arrangements will handle the official formalities.

Transport is provided by tour operators who have their own fleet of luxury buses. All major places of interest are connected by paved roads.

GENERAL INFORMATION

Bhutan has a strip of plain in the south, a network of valleys in the central parts and over 7,000-m high mountains in the north.

Access: Druk Air, Bhutan’s airline operates flights to Paro from Bangkok, Kolkata, Dhaka, Kathmandu and New Delhi. There are two overland entry/exit points. One is from the Indian state of West Bengal into Phunsholing in south-west Bhutan. Phuntsholing is four hours drive from Bagdogra, the nearest Indian airport, and seven hours drive from both Gangtok (Sikkim) and Darjeeling. The drive from Phuntsholing to Thimpu takes six hours. The other point is Samdrup Jongkhar in the southeast, 110 km form Guwahati, India. An Inner Line Permit to enter Assam will also be required to enter/exit through Guwahati. Trashigang is six hours drive from Samdrup Jongkhar.

Tariff: The TAB has set minimum tariffs which are different for the high and low seasons. Individuals and groups of less than four persons must pay a surcharge. The rates are the same for both cultural tours and treks.

Season: March-May and September-November are the high season months, while June, July, and December-February comprise the low season. Bring cotton or light woolen wear in summer (maximum temperature 30 degrees Celsius) and heavy woolens and down jacket in winter (minimum 1.1 degrees Celsius).

Adventure: Trekking and mountaineering.

Accommodation: Modern hotels are available in Thimpu. The outlying areas have comfortable resorts and lodges.

For more information, contact Department of Tourism, P. O. Box 126, Thimpu, Bhutan; Tel: 00975-2-23251, 233252; Fax: 00975-2-23695.