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Best time to travel in Bhutan
Travel is possible at all times of year but from April to October is the best season.
Time Difference
Bhutan standard time [BST] is 6 Hours ahead of GMT.
Climate
The central valleys, namely Punakha, Wangdue, Mongar, Trashigang and Lhuntsi are characteristic of a semi tropical climate with very cool winters. Thimphu, Paro, Bumthang and Trongsa have a harsher climate with heavy snowfall during winter. Monsoon rains in summer are heavy. Eastern Bhutan is generally warmer than the western region, and southern Bhutan enjoys a tropical climate. Trekking season starts at the end of September until November.
Language
Originally spoken only in western Bhutan, Dzongkha is now the national language. English is widely spoken in main towns and it is the medium of education in all schools. Local people are also familiar with Nepali and Hindi.
Accommodation
Hotels, lodges and guesthouses are fairly comfortable at tourist destinations. Hotels in western Bhutan are better than those in the central and eastern part of the country where accommodation establishment are simple and offer minimum facilities. Hotels are not categorized accordingly to international standards and 5 star luxuries are not available.
Food
Rice forms the main diet of a typical Bhutan person, accompanied by generous helping of hot chilies and cheese in almost every curry. Hotels and restaurants usually offer Bhutanese, Continental, Chinese and Indian Cuisine.
Vaccination
Currently, there are no vaccinations required for travel to Bhutan. However, visitors coming from an area infected with yellow fever are required to get a yellow fever vaccination and must be administered at least ten days before arrival in the country. Likewise, visitors arriving from Cholera infected should get vaccinated, and anti-malarial medication is recommended for travelers visiting areas bordering India.
Communication Facilities
Reliable telephone and fax services are available in all towns in Bhutan. International connections are excellent. Internet cafes are few in number and available only in few places – especially in central and eastern Bhutan.
Money
Bhutan unit of currency is Ngultrum (Nu.). 1 Nu = 100 Cheltrum. The Ngultrum is fixed at parity with the Indian rupee. In January 2005, US$ 1 was equivalent to about Nu. 43.
Visa and American Express Credit cards are accepted only in a few places (handicrafts shops). Visitors are advised to carry travelers checks (preferably American Express) with some cash (US Dollars).
Clothing
From October to March warm clothes are required due to cold and from April to September only light clothes will be enough. However, a jacket and a sweater are advised through out the year as the weather may unexpectedly change at any time. The recommend items are: Rain coat or umbrella , water purification tablets, insect repellent, flashlight, comfortable walking shoes, utility knife, sun hat, sun glasses, sunscreen lotion, ear plugs, anti-motion-sickness medication etc.,
Souvenir
A great variety of artifacts like wood carving, scroll paintings (Thankas), textiles, wooden bowls, Bhutanese stamps and handmade paper products are available in Thimphu and other major tourist destination of Bhutan. |
Copyright©Bhutan Eco-Expedition, 2005
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