Bhutan is also known as the paradise for trekkers and the person who loves nature considers Bhutan as the best place to roam around. About 72.5% of the country is covered by forest and is home to rare and endangered flora and fauna.
The country with a stronghold in Vajrayana Buddhism offers peace and teaching to over 700,000 people. The country is a combination of old and new lifestyles and has remained distant from the world for a very long period. It is gradually opening to the modern world with a touch of ancient traditions.
Those who have visited Bhutan have always praised the beauty and serenity that they experience here. The spiritual and magical fragrance is highlighted in the culture of Bhutan and is the best adventure you will experience.
- Land area: 38,394 square kilometers
- Forest area: 72.5 %
- Protected land Area: 49.5 %
- Altitude: between 240 meters and 7541 meters above sea level
- Inhabitants: 788,615 (est.2022)
- Language: Official language “Dzongkha”
- Religion: Vajrayana Buddhism – 74.8 % (Also known as Tantric Buddhism)
- Hinduism – 22.6 %
- Currency: Ngultrum (100 Nu= 1.25 USD approx.)
- Capital: Thimphu
- National Tree: Cypress (Cupressus torulose)
- National Bird: Raven (Corvus coras)
- National Animal: Takin (Budorcas taxicolor)
- National Flower: Blue Poppy (Meconopsis Grandis)
- National Sport: Archery
- Local time: BTT (UTC+6) and half an hour ahead of Indian Standard Time
Accommodation.
Comfortable hotels are widely available in major towns such as Paro, Thimphu, and Phuentsoling whereas in small towns modest and adequate size hotels are available. The tour agent will make sure of the finest accommodation for you. The hotel standards and regulations are regulated by the Tourism Authority of Bhutan (TAB).
Food and drink.
If you love hot and spicy food then you can try traditional Bhutanese food which is hot and spicy. Indian, Chinese, and Continental food are usually served to the visitors. The national food of Bhutan, ema datshi made with red chili and cheese is also delicious and you can try it. Meals are generally served Buffet style and during trekking, we have a trained cook to prepare nutritious and fresh food.
The tour includes all food while in Bhutan as well as other requirements for trekking. Other requirements such as mineral water, laundry, souvenirs, and liquor will be at your expense. Optional tips to the guide, hotel staff, and driver are also your expense.
Transportation.
The transportation in Bhutan is quite comfortable as we use Japanese vans, jeeps, and cars. Our drivers are completely trained and well-experienced on the roads of Bhutan so you can rely on us for your safety. The hilly road where professional driving skill is required will be your most comfortable journey. The drivers in Bhutan are the friendliest people.
Guides.
You are accompanied by a well-trained and English-speaking guide and will have a vehicle and driver at all times. All the guides are trained by the Tourism Authority of Bhutan (TAB) and registered by the Government.
Mountain guides and cook receives additional training regarding safety and first aid. The Austrian government has offered support in the form of trainers and funds to provide the training program for tourist guides.
Tourist Seasons.
The best time to plan for the tour in Bhutan is from mid-September to May, however, you can also plan at any time. Bhutan has several tourists during spring and autumn. Spring is from April to June and autumn is from September to November. You can also enjoy many festivals in Bhutan in this period as the festivals in Bhutan are worth watching.
During the peak season of tourists, the facilities are almost packed as Bhutan has limited tourist infrastructure. If you want to avoid the busy tourist season then you can plan a tour from December to February.
Tour Costs.
Bhutan has permanently removed the Minimum Daily Package Rate (MDPR). Now, tourists must only pay a Sustainable Development Fee (SDF). The SDF is USD 200 per person per night. SDF charge is 50% for the kids from the age group 6-12. No SDF charge for kids below 6 years. The daily tour costs like accommodation, transportation, monument fees, personal expenses, and tips to a guide, hotel staff, and the driver are all up to you and depend on your expenses.