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 the Himalaya in the north which from 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 of its houses and buildings is particularly striking.

The places to visit are the Memorial Chorten, dedicated 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 herbal medicines are prepared; the National Library, a treasure trove of ancient texts; the National Institute for Zorig Chosum for thanka painting, sculpture, wood and slate carving, gold works, embroidery and traditional boot making; Changangkha Lakhang which contains ancient scriptures and  thanka paintings; and Simtokha Dzong, Bhutan’s oldest fortress which now houses a school for Buddhist studies. You can also visit the smithy on the other side of the Thimpu river to see traditional gold and silver smiths at work, the Folk Heritage Museum, which showcases a typical Bhutanese farmhouse, and the taking sanctuary (taking is the national animal of Bhutan) above Motithang area.

AROUND BHUTAN 

(WESTERN BHUTAN)

Paro is 65 km (two hours drive) to the south of Thimpu. The Taktsang Monastery where Guru Rinpoche meditated to subdue evil spirits; Rinpung Dzong, venue of the Paro tsechu (festival); Ta Dzong which houses the National Museum; the ruins of Drukgyel Dzong, built to commemorate Bhutan’s victory over Tibetan aggressors; Kyinchu Lakhang, one of the oldest temples in Bhutan; and Dungtse Lakhang with its extraordinary collection of religious paintings, are the place 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 scared 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 the unification of Bhutan. Enroute form Wangdi to Tongsa is the Gangtey Gompa, the biggest Nyingmapa monastery in Bhutan.

CENTRAL BHUTAN

Trongsa is 129 km (four and half hours drive) east of Wangdi and crosses the 3,300m Pelela pass. The Trongsa Dzong, the ancestral home of Bhutan’s Royal Family, houses 23 temples. The watchtower, Ta Dzong, has a temple dedicated to King Gear, the hero of a grate epic.

Bumthang consists of the valleys of Chumey, Choekhor,Tang and Ura. It takes two and half-hours to reach Bumthang, 68 km northeast of Trongsa. Bumthang is ideal for making excursions to the many monasteries and shrines – Tharpaling, Choedrak, Tamshing, Kurjey, Jambey. Kunzangdra among others – as well as to Mebartso, ‘the flaming lake’.

EASTERN BHUTAN

Mongar is 198 km (seven hours’ drive) southeast of Bumthang. The road top Mongar crosses Thumshingla (3,800m), 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 form Mongar to Trashigang, 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 Kora.

 VISA AND TRANSPORT

Foreign travelers must possess a visa for Bhutan which is granted initially for 14 days. While the actual visa is stamped on arrival in Bhutan upon payment of US$ 20, visitors need to obtain visa clearance form 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 paves 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. The overland entry/exit point is form the Indian state of West Bengal into Phuntsholing is southwest Bhutan. Phuntsholing is four hours drive from Bagdogra, the nearest Indian airport, and seven hours’ drive from both Gangtok (Sikkim) and Darjeeling. The drive form Phuntshiling to Thimpu takes six hours.

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

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

Adventure: Trekking and mountaineering.

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