
Capital: Thimpu
Area Total: 38,394 km2
Language: Dzongkha (official) along with English
Population: 742,737 –as per 2012 estimates
Currency: Bhutanese Ngultrumb (BTN)
Royal India Holidays Pvt Ltd provides Cheap Bhutan Tour Packages because Bhutan is often called extra ordinary tourist destination. This Himalayan mountain kingdom is replete with legends and myths and showcases an eclectic mix of ancient traditional cultures and the latest global developments -- with loads of enthusiastic flair.
Bhutan – An Overview
Officially referred to as the kingdom of Bhutan, this land locked nation in South Asia is located towards the Eastern fringes of Himalayas and embraced by surrounding states of China, India, Tibet, Nepal and Bangladesh .
With amazing mountainous landscapes, snow capped peaks standing tall over lush primeval forests, incredible fortress like dzongs and stunning monasteries; Bhutan succeeds in attracting tourists from the remotest corners of the world.
The country is also best known for its Buddhist architectural bounties, which appropriately embodies traditional Buddhist culture – and in more ways than one.
The spectacular religious dance performances and festivals of Bhutan are as attractive as its handicrafts and textiles, spectacular trekking trails, outrageous archery competitions and exotic collection of flora and fauna. All this and more sets Bhutan aside as the last great existing ‘Shangri La'.
Geography
Bhutan stretches across 300 km in length and 150 km in width and is bounded by India in the south-west and Tibetan and China in the North West and west respectively. Its spectacular landscapes are marked by gorges, lush valleys, rivers, foothills and the Mighty Himalayas.
Adventure and Bird Watching
Fast evolving as a premier destination for adventure seekers and sports aficionados alike, Bhutan boasts of the perfect location for hours of kayaking, mountain biking and fishing fun. Whether it is about speeding down crystal clear rivers fed by high glaciers or trekking along through the virgin forests fringing its lush valleys, this little kingdom provides one-of-a-kind experience for adventure lovers –in an unexplored and unspoiled environment.
While in Bhutan, you can zip across rugged mountainous landscape on both off/on road mountain bikes or cut across valleys and plains to enjoy the waters of Brahmaputra River in India –in your own colourful kayak. Bhutan’s beautiful wilderness also attracts cyclists, anglers, rock climbers and trekkers looking for gruelling adventures in its imposing glacial valleys, pristine mountain lakes and the mighty Himalayas.
Bhutan is also a paradise for ornithologists and bird lovers. With over 670 species of birds to its credit and many more waiting to be discovered, the country is indeed a haven for bird watchers. Over 50 species of its known birds are winter migrants and include waders, thrushes, finches,’ ducks, birds of prey, and buntings.
Surprises of Bhutan
Get ready to get surprised in Bhutan. Here it’s illegal to buy cigarettes, rice is red and chillies are the main ingredient in authentic cuisines. Travelling through the scenic terrains of Bhutan, you will find school kids donning the gho and kira and houses painted with traditional Buddhist art forms and other aesthetically appealing motifs. The population is fun loving, well educated and vibrant. Need you to ask for more?
Things to do in Bhutan
Apart from experiencing the magical charm of Bhutan’s enigmatic culture, festivals, cuisines, Buddhist influences, traditions, religion, royal political opulence and mesmerizing natural scenery; tourists in Bhutan also love to gape upon its majestic monuments, places of historical significance, wild life reserves and urban diversity.
After experiencing picturesque Bhutanese villages you can savour the concrete utilitarian bounties of Thimphu, Samdrup Jongkhar, Phuentsholing, Paro, Mongar and other cities (Trashiyangtse and Trashgang being notable exceptions). Remember to visit OIakar—the birthplace of Buddhism in Bhutan, Punakha which hosts the monastic body in chilly winters and Trongsa - famous for its Tower of Trongsa and dzong.
Wild life enthusiasts and animal lovers would like to visit Jigme Dorji National Park, Jigme Singye Wangchuck National Park, Royal Manas National Park, Phibsoo Wildlife Sanctuary, Bomdeling Wildlife Sanctuary and Thrumshingla National Park—along with many other locations flush with animal life and exotic species of birds and insects.
Climate
The central, western and eastern parts of Bhutan (Thimphu, Wandue, Ha, Paro, Trongsa, Bumthang, Lhuntse and Trashi Yangtse) experience winters from November to March with the rest of the year being pleasant and tourist-worthy. Southern Bhutan boasts of a sub tropical climate with isolated showers during monsoons.