Quick Facts

Capital of Bhutan: Thimphu

Official Language: Dzongkha

Government: Constitutional Monarchy, Democracy (first democratic elections held March 2008)

King: Jigme Khesar Namgyal Wangchuck

Prime Minister: Jigmi Yoezer Thinley

Country Formed: Believed to be around 2nd B.C and the country was unified in the 17th Century by
Zabdrung Ngawang Namgyal.

Land Area: 38,816 sq. km

Population: 634,982 (density - 16 person per square km)

Currency: Ngultrum (Nu) (value is tied to the Indian rupee, which is also accepted)

Time Zone: GMT + 06:00

Religions: Bhuddism - 89%, Hinduism - 10%, Others - 1%

National Tree: Cyprus (Cupresses Corneyana)

National Flower: Blue Poppy (Mecanopsis Grandis)

National Bird: Raven (Corvus Corax Tibetanus)

National Animal: Takin (Budorcas Taxicolor)


Geography

The northern region of Bhutan consists of glaciated mountain peaks with an extremely cold climate at the highest elevations. Most peaks in the north are over 7,000 meters (23,000 feet) above sea level. Watered by snow-fed rivers, alpine valleys in this region provide pastures for livestock maintained by migratory shepherds.

In central Bhutan, the Black Mountains form a watershed between two major rivers, the Mo Chhu and the Drangme Chhu. Peaks in the Black Mountains range between 1,500 - 2,700 meters (4,900 - 8,900 feet) above sea level, and deep gorges have been carved out by fast-flowing rivers in the lower mountain areas. The majority of Bhutan’s forest production comes from the woodlands in the central region. The main rivers flowing through this region are the Torsa, Raidak, Sankosh and Manas.

The Shiwalik Hills in the south are covered with dense forests, lowland river valleys and mountains at 1,500 meters (4,900 feet) above sea level. The foothills descend into the subtropical Duars Plain. The Bhutan Duars is divided into the northern and the southern Duars. The northern Duars has rugged, sloping terrain and dry soil with dense vegetation and abundant wildlife. The southern Duars has moderately fertile soil, heavy savannah grass, dense, mixed jungle and freshwater springs. Mountain rivers, fed by melting snow and monsoon rains, emptying into the Brahmaputra River in India.


Exchange Rates

Getting to Bhutan

There are only two ways to get to Bhutan, by vehicle using Indian as your access point or by Druk Air, the national airline, which is the only airline that enters into Bhutan. All flights arrive in Paro, Bhutan via Kathmandu, Calcutta, Dhaka or Gaya. Originating cities include Bangkok and Delhi.



Weather & How It May Impact Your Travels

The best time to visit Bhutan is any time; the experience is unmatched. However, if you would prefer to avoid the monsoon season (late June through August) and the cold, then it is recommended to go in October, November and then April through mid-June. The climate varies with altitude, but generally speaking, Bhutan has five seasons: summer, monsoon, autumn, winter and spring.

The weather chart below provides average temperatures in various cities of Bhutan, but as anywhere else, the temperatures may vary greatly from year to year, and so this should just be used as a guide.

























Tentative 2010 Festival Dates

Please contact us to confirm the dates for the 2010 festivals.



Reading Materials

Bhutan Himalayan Mountain Kingdom
This book offers: Essential facts for the visitor including what to bring, how to book, visas, customs, climate, health and money; an in-depth treatment of each region of the kingdom (what to see, its history and significance); and an invaluable guide to trekking and mountaineering.

Bhutan: A Trekker's Guide, Bart Jordans
This guide provides a unique view of 27 treks throughout the country from a leading expert; covering the whole country with treks in the west (Jhomolhari) across the northern mountain barrier to Tibet, east and center of Bhutan with thorough planning information and the author's own photographs, and full-color sketch maps of each trek.


Our Partners

Yogani Studios is our partner for the Yoga Retreat & Cultural Tour program. We are very excited about this relationship, as we feel that yoga is a perfect compliment to the natural beauty and serenity of Bhutan. We invite our clients to embark upon a unique adventure that balances personal growth with relaxation practices while cultivating a sense of awareness and adventure in body, mind and spirit. To learn more about Yogani Studios and all of their offerings please visit them online.


Asian-Fusion.com is the all in one Asian portal that showcases the best of all that Asia has to offer. From tantalizing but easy to prepare Asian and Fusion dishes to travel information, the best restaurants and hotels, to authors and books, art and everything imaginable in between, Asian-Fusion.com is the one stop site for people interested in anything Asian. Whether you need a quick recipe, are planning a trip, want to find out dos and don’ts in a particular Asian country, are looking to purchase art, want to know where to eat at a certain destination, or where to get a massage or manicure, Asian-Fusion.com has it all. Asian Fusion was founded by Chef D, who is herself a fusion of Chinese and Russian. From an early age, Chef D has studied the culinary arts and traveled the world. Her deep love and passion for everything Asian led to the inception of Asian Fusion. Chef D hopes to share her excitement from her culinary and travel journeys with a worldwide audience, allowing people to have a vast database of information for everything Asian at their fingertips.