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General Information on Bhutan
Religion: Mahayana Buddhism of the Drukpa Kagyupa Sect
Languages: Dzone, July and August
Best Time To Visit:July and August
About Bhutan
Bhutan, "The land of the Thunder Dragon", this mountain kingdom
is still perhaps the worlds most exclusive tourist destination. An
unspoiled country with majestic mountains embued with a certain mystique;
a unique cultural heritage preserved intact and with a continuity of many
centuries; an architectural style like no other; a land of full of warm
hearted and friendly people.
Situated in the heart of the great himalayas, the world's mightiest
range; Bhutan is flanked on the north and north west by Tibet, the plains
of North-East India to the south and south west and the hills of India's
north eastern state of Arunachal Pradesh to the east.
Monarches Of Bhutan
The power of the succeeding Shabdrungs gradually eroded and gave way to
rivalry and functionalism amongst the various governors. On December 17,
1907 Ugen Wangchuck after taking control and unifying the country
established the first hereditary monarchy in Bhutan.
The present king, his majesty Jigme Singye Wangchuck the fourth of the
line was crowned in 1974. His father the late king Jigme Dorji Wanghuck is
considered the architect of modern Bhutan. Under his guidance the
political and administrative machinery was re-instructed and modernised
and a programme of five year development plans begun. To get to the
Tibetan capital, Lhasa, foreign travelers usually start from Chengdu in
Sichuan, Xining in Qinghai or Kathmandu in Nepal:
How to Reach Bhutan
Bhutan By Air
The only airport is at Paro and Bhutan's national airline, Druk Air, is
the only airline servicing Paro. It has connections with Delhi via
Kathmandu on Mondays and Thursdays. You can enter Bhutan from Delhi and
Kathmandu on Mondays and Thursdays; Bangkok and Kolkatta on Wednesdays,
Fridays and Sundays. Flights leave Paro for Delhi and Kathmandu on Mondays
and Thursdays; Bangkok and Calcutta on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays.
Bhutan By Road
The road from Bagdogra, which is the nearest Indian airport enters Bhutan
at Phuentsholing, the border town. It is a 3-4 hour drive from Bagdogra
airport, which can be reached by plane from Kolkatta and Delhi. From
Darjeeling or Gangtok, it can take 7 hour to Phuentsholing. It takes
approximately 6 hour from Phuentsholing to Thimphu or Paro. Places of
interest are now linked by buses. The department of tourism arranges
transportation for visitors. Buses run on several major roads but jeeps
are required on some of the smaller side roads. Bus service links Thimpu
and Paro one and half hour journey and Phuntsholing to Thimphu. Privately
hired vehicles are also available.
Visas & Passports for BhutanTourists in groups of six or more
may visit bhutan. Applications for visa should be made at least two or
three months in advance.
