BHUTAN AT A GLANCE
BEST TIME TO VISIT
The best time to visit Bhutan is between October and December, when the air is clear and crisp with bright sunshine making the cliffside monuments and the yawning valleys look just perfect. The temperature is somewhat lower in January and February. Still, the climate remains dry and pleasant, and the valleys are ablaze with colours in late spring, thanks to the spectacular rhododendron blooming in joy.
AIRPORT
The Paro Airport is the only international airport in Bhutan. Booking flights to Bhutan can be challenging as limited flight services are available. Travelling domestically in Bhutan should not be difficult, given that there are three domestic airports: Gelephu Airport, Bathpalathang Airport, and Yongphulla Airport.
VISA REQUIREMENTS
Citizens of India, Bangladesh, and the Maldives do not require a visa to enter Bhutan. Whereas travellers from other countries are required to get a Bhutan visa, and tour operators or travel agencies can only apply for it for their clients.
DIALECT
Bhutan is home to over 19 different dialects, with Dzongkha being the official language, spoken by over 30% of the population. However, due to the country's largely isolated mountainous terrain, many Bhutanese people have their native tongue that is only spoken in their region. Khengkha and Bumthapkha are two dialects spoken by the Khengpas and Bumthang people of Central Bhutan.
CUISINE
Bhutanese cuisine is largely influenced by Tibetan and Indian food, with some influence from Nepalese and British cuisine. The most common ingredients are rice, buckwheat, potatoes, and red meat. Bhutanese cuisine is known for its spiciness, and its dishes often include chilli peppers. The Bhutanese people have a strong preference for stews and curries, which are typically served with rice.
CULTURE
The Bhutanese culture draws its roots from the Tibetan form of Mahayana Buddhism. Sharchop and Dzongkha are Bhutan's two most widely spoken languages out of the 19 other dialects active in Bhutan. One of the most distinctive aspects of Bhutanese culture is its art, characterised by its bright colours and intricate designs. The national dress for men is Gho and the Khira for women. The traditional code of conduct in Bhutan is called "driglam namzha."
ARCHITECTURE
The architectural style of Bhutan is primarily influenced by ancient Tibetan culture. Bhutan flaunts its unique dzong architecture, which is a type of fortified monastery. Some of Bhutan's popular dzongs are - Jakar Dzong, Trongsa Dzong, and Paro Dzong, to name a few.
SYSTEM OF GOVERNMENT
Bhutan is a democratic and constitutional monarchy, with the King of Bhutan being the head of state and the Prime Minister exercising all executive powers of the cabinet.
CURRENCY EXCHANGE
The currency in Bhutan is the Bhutanese Ngultrums (BTN) which has a value the same as the Indian Rupee (INR). Indian Rupee is widely accepted in Bhutan. Visitors can exchange currencies at the airport and Bank of Bhutan branches.
ELECTRICITY & VOLTAGE
The standard voltage in Bhutan is 230 V, and the frequency is 50 Hz. Type C, D, and G plugs can be used in Bhutan.
TELEPHONE
The country dialling code of Bhutan is "975". International roaming charges in Bhutan can be costly, but travellers can purchase temporary SIMs at the immigration counters at the airport.
FESTIVALS
Thimphu Tshechu is the national festival of Bhutan, where the Bhutanese people wear attractive clothes and enjoy the festive vibe by performing traditional dances. Another popular festival is the Haa Summer festival, dedicated to the Haa nomads.
SHOPPING
Norzin Lam Street, Town Square, and Thimphu weekend market are a few popular places in Bhutan for local shopping. The best picks from these markets are textiles, woven bags, beautiful stoles, paintings, traditional jewellery, cane and bamboo handicrafts, and many more.
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