BHUTAN

Bhutan, land of the Thunder Dragon, is the most mysterious and unknown of all the Himalayan kingdoms. Hidden in isolation behind the high peaks of the Himalaya, and for centuries forbidden to foreigners, this Buddhist kingdom has succeeded in preserving its timeless traditions and ancestral way of life.

This is due in no small part to the present hereditary monarchy, who continue to restrict the number of tourists entering Bhutan. Gross National Happiness is more important than Gross National Product, and policies are designed to protect the heritage of this profoundly traditional and religious society.

Bhutan is fascinating and beautiful. Sacred mountains, often unnamed and unclimbed, soar above tropical forests and richly cultivated valleys. Spectacular Cliffside monasteries, ancient legends and colourful festivals echo the unwavering Buddhist beliefs of the local people.

Druk Yul or the ‘Land of Thunder Dragon’, the country as called by Bhutanese is a land replete with myths and legends. This country of rolling hills and towering crags certainly exudes charm. The mountains are magnificent, the forest are dense, the people are delightful, the air is pure, the architecture inspiring, the religion exciting and the art superb. Like timeless images from the past, the traveler encounters the full glory of this ancient land through its strategic fortresses known as Dzongs, numerous ancient temples, monasteries and stupas which dot the countryside, prayer flags which flutter along the high ridges, wild animals which abound in dense forests, foamy white waterfalls which are the ethereal showers, and the warm smile of its friendly people. Each moment is special as one discovers a country which the people have chose to preserve in its magical purity.

The mountains of Bhutan also offer some of the finest trekking available in the Himalaya. The lower hills are cloaked in semi-tropical and alpine forest sustaining a wealth of plants and flowers, while above the treeline the country is wild and rugged with wonderful mountain views. Here, there is every chance of seeing bear, herds of blue sheep, takin and many species of eagle and vulture.

Life Away from Life and TravelZest together will be organizing 2 tailored trips to Bhutan both starting from 3 March 2007. Both are escorted trips and are planned to bring people with similar interests and tastes together.

Each trip will be for a group of maximum 10 to 12 persons. The trip details are as follows:

Glimpses of Bhutan: Is a 8 days 7 nights trip starting from the capital city of Thimpu and covering places like Trongsa, Bumthang, Punakha and it ends at Paro. This trip is mainly for those interested in the culture, history and the natural beauty of Bhutan.

Bumthang Cultural Trek: Is a 11 days and 10 nights trip trying to discover not just the natural beauty and culture of Bhutan but also includes a 3 days cultural trek. Though this is a short trek it is strenuous. This trip is mainly for those who are looking for a bit more of adventure.

Trip Details:

Trip dates :3rd March to 13th March 2007 ( 10 days)

Excursion Cost : Ex Kolkatta or Ex bhutan
To be mailed on request.
Last date for registration : Feb 5 2007

Cost includes
Airfare from Kolkatta to Bhutan ( optional land journey route is also possible), all meals ,tents for sleeping ,transportation to the trekking points and hotel stay in Bhutan

Cost not include
extra expenses like drinks,tips,medical and travel insurance, beverages etc.

Contact for participation
Prateek Deo
cell: 9869158351

email : prateekdeo@gmail.com

A Life Away From Life venture.
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Travel Guide:
Best Time to Visit:
October to May.

Visa Requirements:
Indian Nationals travelling between Bhutan & India do not need Visa. An identity document, be it either passport or an election commission I. D card is, however required for presentation at the immigration during entry, to obtain an entry permit along with 06 passport size photographs. An Affidavit from Supreme Court is needed for those who don’t have any of the above documents.

Safety:
Bhutan is generally a safe place and the streets are safe to walk around, however the visitors may find no reason to wander out late as the towns close early.

The high altitude may affect some visitors and the best remedy is to rest for a few hours and drink plenty of water. Trekkers who suffer from acute altitude sickness should come down to lower altitudes immediately. People with high blood pressure should carry their medication.

Getting There:
Bhutan’s national airline, Druk Air is the only airline that operates in and out of Bhutan. It connects the airport in Paro to several destinations: Delhi, Kolkata, Kathmandu, Dhaka and Bangkok.

Flying Time:
Kolkata 1hr 40mins

Local Time:
Bhutan IST + 30mins

Clothes:
From May to September, cotton clothes are sufficient, plus a woolen sweater or light jacket. From November to the end of April, however, you will need very warm clothes. Comfortable sports shoes are also recommended. Mountain boots are not necessary unless you are trekking.

Food:
Bhutanese delicacies are rich with spicy chillies and cheese but are normally tempered to the taste of the visitors. Most of the hotels and lodges offer delicious Indian, Chinese, Continental and Bhutanese cuisine. Hotels normally serve a mixture of vegetarian and non-vegetarian items on buffet style however pure vegetarian meals also served on request and prior information.

Currency:
The Bhutanese currency is called Ngultrum (Nu.) and is at par with Indian Rupee. Credit cards (Amex and Visa cards) are accepted by only few limited establishments and no ATM centers are available. Indian Rupee is acceptable all over Bhutan however it is also advisable not to carry Rs 1,000/ and Rs 500/ denomination currency notes.