Basic Introduction

Bhutan is a Himalayan country that lies in South Asia and is nestled between two giant countries: China and India. It is a landlocked country and relatively smaller than other South Asian counties. Despite its size, the country has the richness of natural beauty with diverse topographical features. It is a Himalayan country and the great view of Himalayan beauty one can observe is quite amazing. Thimpu is the capital city of Bhutan and Thimpu is the only capital city in the world without traffic lights. The United Nation (UN) recognized Bhutan as a country only in 1974. Bhutanese have a long tradition of painting phalluses on their houses to serve as a symbol of fertility and good luck. It is the only one country in the world where citizens have a constitutional obligation to preserve and protect the environment. In the list of its own history, it has added another record is, the first country to switch the Gross Domestic Product to “Gross National Happiness”. A Large number of people in Bhutan follow Buddhism and it is the reason for the number of culturally and artistically rich gompas and monasteries around the cities and villages.

General facts

• Area:38,364 km²
• Capital: Thimpu
• Population: 697,000
• Climate: Moderate climate with dry winter and hot summer
• Religion: Buddhism (Majority), Hinduism
• Languages: Dzongkha, Sharchop, Nepali
• Currency: Bhutanese Ngultrum
• National Sport: Archery
• Main exports: Electricity, timber, cement, agricultural products, handicrafts

Getting into Bhutan:

By Road:

You can enter Bhutan by road from West Bengal in India. The road will take you to Phuntsholing, Bhutan. You can also exit Bhutan through Bagdora and to West Bengal. There is also the other option to enter Bhutan by road and it is through Guwahati. However, you will require permits to enter and exit through Guwahati.

By Flight:

There is only one Airlines Company operating in Bhutan and that is Druk Air. Tourists are allowed in Bhutan only through travel companies. There is a direct flight to Bhutan only from 6 cities: 1. Delhi and Calcutta (India); 2. Kathmandu (Nepal); 3. Bangkok (Thailand); 4.  Dhaka (Bangladesh); 5. Rangoon (Burma); 6. Singapore (Changi) 

• India: Delhi, Calcutta, and Bodh Gaya
• Nepal: Kathmandu
• Bangladesh: Dhaka
• Thailand: Bangkok
• Burma: Rangoon
• Singapore: Changi

Important information on Visa

• Bhutan visa is provided to foreigners only through travel and tour companies. Aiming Adventure will make necessary arrangements for it. For the visa procedure, you have to send us two passport size color photographs and a color copy of your passport. 
• Indian, Bangladeshis and Maldivian nationals can obtain a visa at the port of entry on producing a valid passport with a minimum of 6-month validity (Indian nationals may also use their Voters Identity Card (VIC)
• You will need to have the valid passport with at least six months of validity period remaining. If your passport has less than six months of validity period then you will not be provided the visa. In addition to the valid passport, you will have to provide us two passport sized photographs as well.
• A visa stamp will be issued on your passport after you land at Paro airport. If you are traveling by land you will be issued the visa at Phuntsoling. Bhutan visa can also be extended for 15 days if necessary, after making the minimum payment for it.

Custom Check

• There are strict custom rules and regulations in Bhutan.  It is compulsory for all the visitors to complete the customs form for all the valuable personal belongings should be registered and clearly indicated on the form.
• The baggage allowance by Druk Air is 20 kg in economic class and 30 kg in business class. An extra 5 kg allowed for storing in the overhead baggage bin or under the passenger’s seat. 
• There are certain items that are prohibited for import and export. Firearms and narcotics are prohibited for import whereas religious objects, antiques, manuscripts, are prohibited for export.

Staying Connected

There is postal service in Bhutan but is quite show. For faster communication, you may choose telephone and fax services. Most hotels in Bhutan provide telephone facility. Also, there are also some cyber cafes around the city that will help you to stay connected with your loved ones.

Accommodation

There are three stars to five-star hotels available around the larger cities like Thimpu and Paro which provide comfortable facilities. But around the remote areas and villages, there will be basic accommodation at the guest houses, and tourist lodges. Tourism is flourishing in Bhutan and government has set some rules on payment for the visitors. Aiming Adventure will brief you the detail before departure to Bhutan. Bhutan Government has categorized the hotels into A, B, & C category. Foreign visitors entering Bhutan as part of a tour have to pay the tariff set by the government around $250 per person per night in general. While on the trek, we provide tent or camping facility for the trekking group. 

Money Exchange

Banks and forex companies in Bhutan provide money exchange facility. You may as well exchange currency at the exchange counters in the airport. Some areas in Bhutan also accept Indian currency.

Health

As you will be traveling through higher altitude there are chances that you might suffer from Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS). To prevent this you need to have some form of light physical activity and get extra hydrated by drinking enough water and fresh juices. Also, you are advised not to drink tap water as they might be contaminated. You are advised to drink only bottled or purified water and eat at clean places during the journey.

Travel Insurance

Aiming Adventure does not provide you any insurance facility. You need to be insured before you get on the trip. Any emergency situation caused by health condition or any other factor that would require medical treatment or emergency helicopter evacuation should be accepted by the traveler themselves.

Electricity

Electrical sockets (outlets) in the Kingdom of Bhutan usually supply electricity between 220 and 240 volts AC. If you're plugging in an appliance that was built for 220-240 volt electrical input, or an appliance that is compatible with multiple voltages, then you will only need an adapter.

If you are in Bhutan for trekking in remote locations, it’s best if you do not bring heavy electrical appliances. As for your light-weight video camera, you can bring enough batteries to last the trek. However, if you are in Bhutan for tours in major townships, its best to carry chargers and adapters with you as you will be able to use them. For trips that combine both tours and treks, you can bring important necessary electrical items and use them when touring and leave them at your hotel during the trek.