People

The country's population of 600, 000 is composed of three main ethnic groups. The Sharchopas, who are considered to be the earliest inhabitants of Bhutan, live mostly in Eastern Bhutan and they are of Indo-Mongoloid origin. The Ngalops populate mostly Western Bhutan migrated from the Tibetan plains and are the importers of Buddhism to Bhutan. The Lhotsampas who are of Nepalese origin settled in the southern foothills of the country in the early twentieth century. This ethnic diversity of the people has resulted in numerous dialects and languages that are spoken throughout the country. Dzongkha is the National language. English is the medium of instruction in schools and is widely spoken.

Religion

             Bhutan is the last bastion of the Mahayana form of Buddhism in the world today. It was in the 8th century AD that Guru Padma Sambhava introduced Buddhism to the country. Subsequently this was promulgated by various other religious figures who visited Bhutan. The dominant sect that came to be established in the country was the Drukpa Kargyu sect of Mahayana Buddhism, which is now the official religion of Bhutan.

          The Bhutanese are very pious people and religion plays an important part of their daily lives. Prayer flags fluttering in the wind, chortens (stupas), monasteries and twirling prayer wheels are a very common sight. Religion permeates all strands of secular life and this has brought about a reverence for the land and its well-being. Religious festivals known as 'Tsechus' and 'Dromchoes' symbolizing amity, peace and compassion, are held annually at various parts of the kingdom at different times of the year. These colorful festivals are a time for the people from various walks of life to congregate dressed in all their finery. The most popular festivals are Paro Tsechu (March/April), Thimphu Tsechu (September/October) and in Bumthang (October). During the festival, rare and sacred masked dances, sword dances and many rituals are performed.

Climate

                   Winter (December, January , and February )will be cold with temperatures dropping below zero. The day time would be pleasant with clear blue skies. Spring (March , April,May )would be the best time of the year with pleasant weather and plenty of greenery. Summer(June, July ,August) would be pleasant but wet due to the monsoon Autumn (September, October,& November)Is similar to spring but a bit warmer. In the valley November to march at day time is 16-18 degrees centigrade & the night time below freezing point. Mid March to beginning of June 18-29 degrees & July to November 16-24 degrees centigrade during the day time and cold during the night.

Flora & Fauna

       Bhutan has a rich diversity of flora and fauna. Blessed with unparalleled scenic beauty of majestic snow capped peaks, lush valleys and large tracts of virgin forest, Bhutan is home to numerous rare and endangered species of wildlife such as the blue sheep, musk deer, red panda, snow leopard, black bear, golden langur and the unique Takin, the national animal of Bhutan. The endangered Black Necked Cranes also migrate to Bhutan from Central Asia during the winter.

       The country has been identified as one of the 10 bio-diversity hot spots in the world and as one of the 221 global endemic bird areas. Its eco-system has some of the most exotic species of the Eastern Himalayas with an estimated 770 species of birds and over 50 species of rhododendron, along with an amazing variety of medicinal plants and orchids

Point Of Reference

  -  Bhutan can be entered by air & land. However the land route can take for either entering and exiting only. It is necessary that Druk air the National & only carier of Bhutan , he used at least once . the fares for the sectors that druk air operates.

  -  Bhutan can be entered by land through Phuntsolling . the boarder town with west Bengal in India.

  -  The local currency is the NEGULTRAM (NU)which is at par with the Indian rupees.

  -  The Bhutaneese visa fee us$20 & tourism tax $10 per person (subject to change) payable in cash at the point of entry .

  -  Airport tax is Nu 300 per person .

  -  Insurance on trip cancellation , medial , baggage etc is not available in Bhutan & visitors should arrange for their own in their home country .

  -  The infrastructure in Bhutan can handle only limited numbers of tourist at a time & hence bookings should be done as early as possible to avail of the best facilities.
Bhutan's time is 6 hrs ahead of GMT.

  -  Bhutan enjoys all four seasons but the tempearature varies from place within a short distance of each other due to the great difference in the altitude.