Bhutan

One of the most coveted travel destination in Eastern Himalaya, with its scenic landscape, monuments and memorials connected with legends and folklore. It is a landlocked nation known as Druk Yul / land of the thunder dragon country in South Asia. Located in the Eastern Himalayas, it is bordered by Tibet Autonomous Region of China in the north, India in the south, the Sikkim state of India and the Chumbi Valley of Tibet in the west, and Arunachal Pradesh state of India in the east and Assam in the south. Bhutan is geopolitically in South Asia and is the region's second least populous nation after the Maldives. Thimphu is its capital and largest city, while Phuntsholing is its financial center. 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 China. Bhutan is separated from Nepal by the Indian state of Sikkim. Religion is Mahayana Buddhism, and the population is predominantly Buddhist, with Hinduism being the second. Population is maximum in the central highlands. The national language is Dzongkha. The script, here called Chhokey and is similar to classical Tibetan. English is the medium of instruction in school and Dzongkha is the national language.

We operate tours for our guests to Bhutan regularly. Guests coming to New Jalpaiguri (NJP) which is the major junction near Bhutan border town of Phuentsholing (160Kms - 4/5 hrs) are escorted to Phuentsholing / Jaigaon. Guests arriving at Bagdogra Airport are also escorted from Bagdogra Airport in Siliguri to Bhutan (Phuentsholing). Hasimara is another station which is very near to Phuentsholing but it has direct connectivity with Kolkata only. New Alipurduar is another Railway juntion near Bhutan border town of Phuentsholing. We do also receive our guests at Paro Airport in Paro (Bhutan) and help them for a good travel itinerary in the Druk country.

Cultivation is mainly Rice, buckwheat, and maize, and they are the staple foods of the country. Apple grows in plenty and there are a few orchards also. The diet also includes pork, beef, yak meat, chicken, and mutton. Soups and stews of meat and dried vegetables spiced with chilies and cheese are prepared. Emadatshi is very spicy with cheese and chilies may be the national dish for its ubiquity and the pride that Bhutanese have for it. Dairy foods, particularly butter and cheese from yaks and cows, are also popular, and indeed almost all milk is turned to butter and cheese. Popular beverages include butter tea, tea, locally brewed rice wine and beer. Bhutan is the only country in the world to have banned the sale of tobacco. Some of the lesser known destinations are Chukha, Gasa, Haa, Lhuentse, Pema Gatshel, SamdrupJongkhar, SamtseTrashi Gang, TrasiYangtse and Zhemgang.

The landscape ranges from plains in the south to the Himalayan heights in the north. North Bhutan consists of an arch of glaciated mountain peaks with extremely cold climate. Most peaks in the north are over 7000 meters / 23,000 feet the highest point is claimed to be the Kula Kangri at 24,780 feet / 7,553 meters, Gangkhar Puensum, is the highest unclimbed mountain in the world at 7,570 meters / 24,835 feet. It is watered by snow - fed rivers, alpine valleys in this region provide pasture for livestock, tended by a sparse population of migratory shepherds. The Black Mountains form a watershed between two major river systems, the Mo Chhu and the DrangmeChhu and the other rivers are Torsa, Raidak, Sankosh, and Manas flowing through this region. Peaks in the Black Mountains range between 1,500 meters and 2,700 meters / 4,900 feet and 8,900 feet. Woodlands of the central region provide most of Bhutan's forest production.

Eastern Bhutan is one of the least explored region and offers one of most authentic experiences for adventure-oriented tourists. The region is awash in unspoiled natural beauty, towering cliffs and pristine forests with great variations in altitude and climatic conditions. Other than the regular Buddhist festivals, guests will be able to experience some of the most ancient spiritual practices while observing Animistic and Bon religious rituals. The lush, breath taking environments of the eastern region make it a perfect location for day hikes or longer treks. The Eastern circuit includes the districts of Mongar, Lhuntse, TashiYangtse, Tashigang and SamdrupJongkhar. Places like Trashigang, Trashiyangtse, Mongar, Lhuntse, Khoma Village, SamdrupJongkhar, Radhi Village, Gangzur Village, Pemagatshel Dzongkhag are quite popular.

Central Bhutan is quite exciting destination, it includes some of the most significant historical and religious sites. The district of Trongsa has always been of great importance to the leaders of Bhutan due to its commanding location while Bumthang district has some of the most ancient and important temples and monasteries in Bhutan. Some places of interest are Kurje Lhakhang where the great Buddhist saint Guru Rimpoche meditated. Tamshing Lhakhang, the great religious treasure revellerTerton Pema Lingpa. MebarTsho is a sacred lake from which Terton Pema Lingpa discovered religious treasures hidden by Guru Rimpoche. Watchtower of Trongsa Museum, Chendebji Chorten is interesting and visually striking religious building with eyes painted towards the four cardinal directions. Other than the annual religious festivals (Tshechus) there are also many newer festivals showcasing the rich traditions of the region like the annual Nomad’s Festival and the Matsutake Mushroom Festival in Ura, Bumthang. Thrumshingla National Park is located in this region along with destinations like Burning Lake, Zhemgang, Sarpang, Gelephu, Trongsa, Jakarand & Bumthang.

Western part comprises of the six western Districts in the country that includes Thimphu, Paro, Haa, Wangdue Phodrang, Punakha and Gasa. Other than the Summer festival of Haa one can also enjoy the beauty of rare Himalayan flowers in bloom or take a daring trek to Nob Tsonapatra, immersing you in the interesting legends of the area. Thimphu has Takin Festival, meditation and wellness facilities. Guests can visit temples, dzongs (fortresses) and museums or attend a textile festival. Punakha Tsechu / festival. Various festivals are scheduled throughout the year and packages can be tailored accordingly. Experience the plantation of rice in early summer or the harvests with the golden hue of ripening rice fields is a photographers’ delight in autumn. Western Bhutan is home to some of the country’s finest museums, and you’ll not want to miss the opportunity to learn about our storied history and traditional culture. Paro museum (Tadzong) and the Folk Heritage museum are worth visiting. Popular destinations are Gelephu, Samtse Dzongkhag, Gasa, Chhukha, Phuentsholling, Haa, Layla Village, Lunana Village, Dagana, Adha & Rukha, Punakha, Do Chula, Thimpu and Paro

Popular treks includes Bumthang Cultural Trek, Bumthang Owl Trek, Chelela Trek, Dagala Thousand Lakes Trek, Dongla Trek, Druk Path Trek, Dur Hot Spring Trek, Gangjula Trek, Gangkar Puensum, Gantey Trek, Jomolhari Trek, Laya Gasa Trek, Lingmithang - Zhemgang Trek, Merak Sakteng Trek, Nabji Korphu Community Based Trek, Nubtsona Pata Trek, Punakha Winter Trek, Rigsum Goenpa Trek, Royal Heritage Trek, Sagala Trek, Samtengang Trek, Sinchula Trek, Snowman Trek and Wild East Rodungla Trek.

The Black Mountains in the central region of Bhutan form a watershed between two major river systems known as the Mo Chhu and the Drangme Chhu. Peaks in the Black Mountains range between 1,500 meters and 4,925 meters i.e 4,921 feet and 16,158 feet, and fast-flowing rivers have carved out deep gorges in the lower mountain areas. The forests of the central Bhutan mountains consist of Eastern Himalayan sub-alpine conifer forests in higher elevations and Eastern Himalayan broadleaf forests in lower elevations. Woodlands of the central region provide most of Bhutan's forest production. The Torsa, Raidak, Sankosh, and Manas are the main rivers of Bhutan, flowing through this region. Most of the population lives in the central highlands.The major national parks are Jigme Dorji National Park, Jigme Singye Wangchuck National Park, Royal Manas National Park and Thrumshingla National Park. Wildlife sanctuaries & nature reserves are Bomdeling Wildlife Sanctuary, Khaling Wildlife Sanctuary, Phibsoo Wildlife Sanctuary, Sakteng Wildlife Sanctuary, Toorsa Strict Nature Reserve

The roads are the only source of transportation as there are no railways. There is two entry points to Bhutan by road Phuentsholling in the Indian state of West Bengal and Samdrup Jongkhar in the Indian state of Assam. But the exit is from Phuentsholling on the West Bengal Border. The only other entry, exit point is Paro and mode is airways and the to and fro flight from Kathmandu to Bhutan is gives the most spectacular offering to the stunning views of the Himalayas, Mount Everest and Chomolhari. Bhutan’s main road is the East - West highway, known locally as the Lateral Road. The road starts in Phuentsholling on the Indian border and terminates in Trashigang in the Far East, with branches to other main centers such as Paro, Thimpu and Punakha. The Lateral Road traverses are a number of high passes, including Tremo La and Do Chu La. The highest pass on the road is at Trumshing La in central Bhutan at an altitude of over 3800 meters. The routes are scenic and enjoyable. Paro is the only International airport and is linked to four of the neighbouring countries including India. Tourist Visas - Visa has to be approved prior to air ticketing and your arrival in Bhutan. Indians do not need any visa to enter Bhutan. Inner Line permit is issued by the Indian Embassy in Phuentsholling. Voters ID card is required.

General Info

Places of Interest

Places of Tourist Interest

Thimpu

Paro

Punakha

Wangdue Phodrang

Bumthang

Samdrup Jongkhar

Phuentsholing

Trongsa

Jakar

Phobjikha