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[BHUTAN -
History]
 Bhutan's early history is steeped in Buddhist tradition and
mythology. The medieval and modern times were a time of
warlords, feuds, giant fortresses and castles. The visit of
Padma Sambhava in AD 747 is an important landmark in the
history of the country. The recent history of the kingdom
begins with a hereditary monarchy, founded in the last
century. It continued the country's policy of isolationism.
Under the leadership of the third king Bhutan emerged from the
medieval past of serfdom and reclusion.
Despite the speed of modernisation, Bhutan has maintained a
policy of careful, controlled policy of development in order
to preserve its national identity. Though known as Bhutan to
the outside world, for Bhutanese Drukpa, the country known as
Druk Yul: The land of thunder dragon.
Geography:
Bhutan is a landlocked country with a land area of 47,000 sq.
km. Bordered with Tibet to the north, Indian states of West
Bengal and Assam in the south and Arunachal Pradesh in the
east, Bhutan is a land of soaring snow-capped peaks, alpine
meadows and densely forested hills and ravines abounding in
exotic flora and fauna, waterfalls and streams that gush in
wild abandon. From May to August, an awesome variety of
flowers decorate the hills.
Climate:
Bhutan's climate is quite unpredictable and varies
dramatically, with tropical climate in the south, temperate at
the middle and cold to the north of the country. In Thimpu and
Paro valleys, the winter daytime temperature averages 60
degrees Fahrenheit during clear winter days but drops below
freezing during the night. Western Bhutan during mid December
to early January can be beautifully clear and dry. Late
December to mid February is the period of heaviest snowfall in
the higher elevations.
Flora & Fauna:
One of the ancient names given to Bhutan, a botanical
paradise, was 'Southern Valleys of Medicinal Herbs'. To name a
few floras in Bhutan — rhododendron, junipers and magnolias
several metres high, carnivorous plants, rare orchids, blue
poppy (national flower), edelweiss, gentian, medicinal plants,
danphe, giant rhubarb, high-altitude plants, tropical tress,
pine etc.
Among the rare and exotic faunas found in Bhutan are — Golden
Languor, Red Pandas, black-necked Crane, Snow Leopard, Takin,
Musk Deer, Himalayan Brown Bear, Himalayan Marten, Tiger,
Hornbills, Pheasants, Mountain Goats and timid Blue Sheep.
Season:
One can visit to Bhutan any time of the year but mid September
to November and March to June are considered the best season.
During these months, colorful festivals brighten up the
country.
Religion/Culture:
 The state religion is Drukpa Kagyupa, a branch of Mahayana
Buddhism, has been institutionalized in the Dratshang (Central
Monk body), headed by the Je Khenpo (Chief Abbot), who is
chosen from among the most learned Lamas and enjoys an equal
rank with the King. Bhutan is the only country in the world to
have adopted Mahayana Buddhism in its Tantric form as its
official religion.
The Buddhist faith has played and continues to play a
fundamental role in the cultural, ethical and sociological
development of Bhutan and its people. It permeates all strands
of secular life.
People:
The total population of Bhutan is about 600,000. Bhutanese are
a Mongolic race of people who originally migrated into and
settled the country in the 7th Century AD. A nomadic and
pastoral society at first, they gradually turned to
agriculture in the fertile valleys.
There are three main ethnic groups — the Ngalongs in the
western and central regions are the descendants of Tibetan
immigrants, who arrived in Bhutan from the 9th century. The
Sharchops, who live in the east of the country, are recognized
as the original inhabitants of Bhutan. The third group known
as Lhotshampas represents the Nepali speaking ethnic group.
Language:
Dzongkha, "the language of the dzong", belongs to the Tibetan
families of languages. Originally spoken only in western
Bhutan, it is the Bhutan's national language. The written form
of the language was only devised a little over 30 years ago,
and is based on Classical Tibetan (known as Choekey in
Bhutan). It has prevailed as a religious language throughout a
vast geographical area (Tibet, Nepal, Ladakh, Sikkim, Mongolia
and Bhutan) since as long as the eighth century.
National Dress:
It is rare to see Western dress in Bhutan. Men still wear the
traditional knee-length, hand-woven fabric robe called "gho".
Women wear a longer, ankle-length robe called a "kira" with
the pattern usually being distinctive to particular valley or
area. It is mandatory to wear the national dress at all times
besides at the hour of sports.
TRAVEL INFORMATION
The most convenient
mode of travelling to Bhutan is by Air. Druk Air operates its
flights from Kathmandu to Paro twice a week.
Reservation & Visa:
Booking should reach
us at least 2 weeks in advance with all passport details with
25% of tour cost and full payment at least a month prior to
the beginning of the tour for confirmed booking. This is to
avoid last minute hassles especially in the high season APRIL
& OCTOBER, as the infrastructure in BHUTAN can handle only a
limited number of tourists at a time. Only upon confirmation,
we will process your BHUTAN visa.
Cancellation:
There will be a
cancellation charge of 50% for confirmed booking before 7 days
of trip departure. No refund thereafter even for NO SHOWS OR
DELAYED ARRIVAL or whatsoever reason.
Tour Operation:
Departures are
guaranteed for all programs for individuals and exclusive
arrangements for groups. However, they are subject to road
conditions.
Accommodation:
Best hotels in PARO &
THIMPU and in other places Guest House/Lodges in modest heated
rooms with attached bathroom. During peak seasons, there can
be a rush for hotel accommodation. Sufficient advance notice
to us for hotel reservation is advisable.
TRAVEL TIPS
What to bring:
 Bhutan's changeable climate means you have to bring an
assortment of clothes, including rain gear. Good walking shoes
or hiking boots are essential even if you are not hiking.
Because of the altitude, headgear, a hat or cap, bug repellent
and a good pair of sunglasses are essential. Warm clothes are
recommended for the evening, dress-up clothes for festivals.
First aid supplies, flashlight, Swiss knife, earplugs (and
spares) for when you sleep. There are many stray dogs in
Bhutan as the Bhutanese consider them as next humankind in the
cycle of life. Please do not wear shorts in public buildings
or monasteries.
For trekkers:
Sturdy trekking / hiking boots, sunglasses, sunscreen (highest
possible), headgear, rain gear, sleeping bag, torch
(flashlight), insect repellent, cotton trousers, cotton skirt
for women (at least one), down jacket — in winter, T-shirts or
short-sleeved cotton shirts and sandals.
Note:
April & October are
high season because there are full of colourful festivals with
excellent weather.
Environment Conscious:
Our Company is
environmentally very conscious. All non-biodegradable items
are brought back to the township for the disposal at the
dumping sites. Our staff respect ecological and cultural
heritage of our country. We would appreciate if our guests
co-operate us in this aspect.
Risk & Liability:
Sampurna Aventura will
put every effort to make your journey very smooth and
pleasant. However, all the programs in BHUTAN are conducted
strictly under the rules and regulations of BHUTAN TOURISM
AUTHORITY. Therefore, Sampurna Aventura Travel & Tours (P)
LTD. or its Bhutanese counterpart shall not be responsible for
any changes and alterations in the itinerary due to
unavoidable circumstances such as landslides, road blockade,
flood, snow and unrest, cancellation of flight, delay arrival,
sickness or accidents. Any extra cost incurring thereof shall
be borne by the client on the spot. It is most advisable that
all clients have full insurance.
Note:
For
trekking in Bhutan, a group of minimum of 2 pax is required.
For Tour Cost:
Tour cost will be
calculated according to tour and number of pax.
The Settled Cost Will
Includes:
Twin sharing room in
the best available accommodation mode (hotel or tourist
cottage), all meals, overland transportation within BHUTAN
(Japanese vehicles), sightseeing as per itinerary with English
speaking guide, necessary airport / hotel / airport transfer.
In TREKS, accommodation in the best available tents (MOSS),
with all meals air pillows, sheet, hot water bottle, dinning
tents, kitchen tents, toilet tents etc. backed by our skilful
and experienced crew.
Cost
Does Not Include:
Airfare, airport
taxes, BHUTAN VISA fee (USD 30 payable at airport upon
arrival), NEPAL re-entry visa fee, drinks at hotel / lodge and
expenses of personal nature such as laundry, tips, insurance
etc.
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