Bhutan
strictly limits the number of people who can
visit the country in a single year.
Entering Bhutan. The convenient way for visitors/
tourists to enter Bhutan is by air. Druk Air,
the Bhutanese national airline, operates flights
to Paro from Delhi, Kolkata, Bangkok, Dhaka,
Kathmandu and Rangoon. Passing directly along
the eastern end of the Himalayas, the flight
to Paro from Kathmandu offers remarkable views
of the Everest, Makalu and Kanchenjunga, as
well as the Bhutane0073e peaks of Chomolhari
and Gangkar Puensum. Another way to enter is
by surface through Phuntsholing, the gateway
town that is connected by road with the Indian
state of West Bengal.
Visas
To minimize the perceived threat to Bhutan's
unique culture, the government has established
a stringent set of rules. You must travel on
a pre-arranged itinerary and pay US$165-200,
depending on the time of year. All visa applications
must be channelled through the Department of
Tourism (DOT) from a selected tour operator.
With notification of approval and receipt of
full payment, visas are issued when you arrive
in the country. The system is extremely efficient
and you can set up a trip with as little as
10 days planning.
Money
The currency of Bhutan, Ngultrum has the same
value as that of Indian rupee. Approximately
one US$ is exchanged for 49 Nu. Dollars and
Travellers cheques are acceptable in larger
hotels and shops. A few shops and travel agencies
also accept credit cards like VISA and American
Express card. Travellers cheques are exchanged
at the Banks in Thimphu. The local currency
will be required for small purchases and expenses
outside the capital. Ngultrum can be bought
and sold at the airport on arrival and at all
of the bigger hotels. There are several schedule
flights from Kathmandu to Paro. Overland journey
from Silguri or Bagdogra is also possible. You
should check the situation. Travel to Bhutan
individually or in group is possible, but tourist
must travel on a pre-planned programme. There
is some flexibility when situation demands,
however prior information and advise from TAB
officials would help. Tourism Authority of Bhutan
(TAB) advises you to come in a group. The group
can be as small as one or two people. But there
is price advantage in group tour.
By Air: The easiest way to enter into
Bhutan is by air. Druk-Air, Bhutan's only national
carrier flies to Paro from Kathmandu twice a
week on every Mondays and Thursdays. You can
fly from Bangkok, Delhi, and Dhaka too. Druk
Air's fleet consists of two British Aerospace
jets, BAe 146s, Book early to avoid flight constraint.
Paro airport is located in the mountains. The
weather condition may prevent aircraft from
landing or take off. To avoid missed connection
allow extra day for delay.
By land: Bhutan is connected
by road that link its southern entry point-Phuntsaling
with Nepal eastern border town of Kakarbhita.
The overland journey between Kathmandu to Kakarbhita
is 605 km. (16 hour), and the drive to Phuntsaling
is about 4 hours. The other alternative is to
fly from Kathmandu to Bhadrapur (near Kakarbhita)
and drive onward from Kakarbhita.
Best Time
The best time to visit Bhutan is October and
November and during major festivals. The climate
is best in autumn, from late September to late
November, when skies are clear and the high
mountain peaks are visible. This is the ideal
time for trekking and for traveling throughout
the country. You're likely to get wet no matter
what the season, but avoid the monsoon, June-August.
|
|
