Food in Bhutan

Food

Bhutanese cuisine is influenced by Chinese, Tibetan and Indian culture. The main dish, which generally includes white or red rice, seasonal vegetables, and meat are often cooked. Famous Bhutanese dish is chilly mixed with cheese which is common Bhutanese dish, it is hot and spices. Another dish which is common as well potato mixed with cheese. 

ARCHERY GAME IN BHUTAN

Sport in Bhutan

Bhutan is a culturally rich country and as such, you can expect them to have a lot of activities or traditional sports that are an integral part of their society. The primary Bhutanese traditional sport is without any doubt archery.

They also played Degor which is similar to Discuss, Pungdo is shot put, Khuru is indoor sport dart, Soksum is Javelin-throwing and of course Keshi which is call wrestling.

The Modern sports favorite is definitely football and cricket which has increased in popularity among the Bhutanese

VISA Information

Visa is required for traveling to Bhutan. Following information along with full tour payment shall be emailed / faxed / couriered to us about 4 weeks prior to date of arrival in Bhutan, to process visa with the concerned authorities : Full Name, Permanent Address, Nationality, Date & Place of Birth, Profession / Occupation, Passport Number, Date of Issue, Place of Issue, Date of Expiry, Nature of Passport : Diplomatic / Official / Ordinary / UN Laissez Passer

On the basis of these information, visa is processed in Bhutan and upon approval, Visa Clearance is issued by Department of Immigration, Ministry of Home & Cultural Affairs, Royal Government of Bhutan and we email you the same copy. Tourists need to produce this Visa Clearance copy at the time of check-in for Druk Air flight while those entering Bhutan by surface via Phuentsholing, they are required to produce this Visa Clearance at the Immigration counter. Actual visa is stamped at passport, on arrival in Bhutan.

Visa fee is US $ 20 and Tourism development fee USD 10 which are charged along with tour cost.

Tourists entering Bhutan by surface via Phuentsholing also need to carry 02 copies of passport size photographs and handover it to our representative on arrival while for those arriving by Druk Airways, photos is not required.

Download VISA form here: Bhutan VISA

 

Tour Guide

Tour Guides

All our tours are escorted by well trained, knowledgeable guides who are certified by Tourism Council of Bhutan. We generally provide English speaking guides however the services of Japanese, French & German speaking guides can be provided with sufficient prior information and on an additional cost.

Culture Guide

Name of the Guide:   Tashi Penjor

Type of Guide:          Culture Guide 

License No:             TCB/2028/13

Specialist:               English Speaking Guide

For booking and reservation information email at bhutantraveler@gmail.com

 

Shopping

Shopping

Items that are most frequently purchased by travelers to Bhutan include postage stamps, lovely hand-woven fabrics, carved masks, woven baskets, thangkhas, wooden bowls, handmade paper and finely-crafted metal objects. In Bhutan, the buying and / or selling of antiques is strictly forbidden.

MoneyBhutanese currency is Ngultrum (Nu.) and is officially pegged to the Indian Rupee. Also Indian Rupee is acceptable all over Bhutan except Rs. 500/- and Rs. 1000/- currency notes.Credit Cards have limited acceptability and payment through credit card is accepted mainly by Deluxe hotels and few selected Handicrafts establishments only.There are ATMs in Bhutan but currently they only operate with their respective Bhutanese banks. Since these ATMs currently do not function with outside banks, so ATM facility can not be used by visitors. Traveler's cheques / cash  are best option if you need additional money.Cash and Travelers Cheques exchange facility is available for most of the main currencies including the US dollar, Euro, Indian Rupee, Japanese Yen, Thai Baht, Pound Sterling, Swiss Franc, Hong Kong dollar, Canadian dollar, Australian dollar, Singapore dollar, Danish kroner, Norwegian kroner, and Swedish kroner. Exchange rates vary.It is also possible to have funds wired with the services of Western Union but funds cannot be accessed in all locations, and are limited in amounts and days of availability.

Photography

Photography
Bhutan’s landscape, buildings and people are some of the most photogenic in the world. While photographic local people, it is always better to take permission first. There are certain places such as monasteries and temples, where photography is prohibited however there is no restriction on Photographing Dzongs and Goembas from outside. If you are uncertain about whether or not photography is permitted, please check with your local Guide. You should refrain from taking pictures of military installations.

Customs and Immigration

Paro Dzong

Customs and immigration

Visitors are required to fill up the Custom Form and hand over to concerned authorities on arrival. Following articles are exempted from duty:-

a) Personal affects and articles for day to day use by the visitor

b) 2 liters of alcohol, 400 cigarettes, 150 grams of pipe tobacco

c) Instruments, apparatus or appliances for professional use

d) Photographic equipment, video cameras and other electronic goods for personal use.

The articles mentioned under c & d). Must be declared in Custom Form and If such items disposed off in Bhutan by sale of gift, they are liable for custom duty.

Import and Export of following goods are strictly prohibited:-

a) Arms, ammunitions, explosives and military stores

b) All narcotics and drugs except medically prescribed drugs

c) Wildlife products, especially those of endangered species

d) Antiques

Also visitors are advised to be cautious in purchasing old and used items. Custom authorities will not allow any old / used items to be taken out of the country if they have not been certified as non-antiques. Imports of plants, soils etc. are subject to quarantine regulations. These items must be cleared on arrival.

Health Information

Health Information

No vaccination is currently required for entry into Bhutan. However if you are arriving from an area infected with yellow fever, you are required to have a yellow fever vaccination

If you are arriving from Cholera infected area then officials may ask for evidence of Cholera vaccination. Anti-malarial medication is recommended for all travelers to Bhutan who is visiting rural areas in the districts that border India

It is suggested that you assemble a traveler's medical kit appropriate to destination, length of trip and general health. On a tour in Bhutan, there are long drives, and roads are winding so medication for motion sickness is strongly suggested. You should also pack an adequate supply of any prescribed medications you may require while traveling

Travelers who plan to visit Bhutan should consult a physician about high-altitude travel. After a brief period of acclimatization, most people do not suffer from altitude sickness; but elderly travelers or those with high blood pressure or heart conditions need to exercise caution at high altitudes

Special Events

Government Holidays and Special Events

Winter Solstice	02 Jan
Traditional Day of Offering	09 Jan
Losar, Bhutanese New Year	08, 09 Feb
Birth Anniversary of His Majesty, the fifth King	21, 22 & 23 Feb
Shabdrung Kuchoe, Birth Anniversary of the Shabdrung	15 April
Birthday of the Third King	02 May
Lord Buddha's Parnirvana	19 May
Birthday of Guru Rimpoche, Trindha Tshechu	12 July
First Sermon of Lord Buddha	05 August
Dashain	09 Oct
Descending Day of Lord Buddha	19 Nov
Birth Anniversary of His Majesty the fourth King	11 Nov
National Day of Bhutan	17 Dec

List of Dzongs, Monasteries, Festivals, open for visitors

Not all religious institutions are open for visitors but still they get good insight into Kingdom's unique cultural heritage. The closure of religious establishments is to ensure that monastic life can continue unhindered and works of art can be protected and sanctity of such places can be preserved.

Western Bhutan

Paro: Ta Dzong (National Museum), Drukgyel Dzong, Bitekha Dzong (en route to Haa valley), Taktsang Monastery (view from Tourist cafeteria), Paro Tshechu

Thimphu: Trashichhoedzong, Memorial Chorten, Changlimethang Lhakhang and Jigmeling Lhakhang, Thimphu Tshechu

Punakha: Punakha Dzong (open in summer months when monks are in Thimphu), Punakha Dromche

Wangduephodrang: Wangduephodrang Tsechu, Wangduephodrang Dzong

Central Bhutan

Bumthang: Jakar Dzong, Wangduechholing Dzong, Member Tsho,Peling Sermon Chorten, Ura new Lhakhang, Kurje Tsechu, Nemalung Tsechu, Tamshing Phala Choepa, Tangbi Mani, Jambey Lhakhang Drup, Prakar Tsechu

Trongsa: Chendbji Chorten, Ta Dzong, Trongsa Tsechu

Eastern Bhutan

Mongar: Mongar Dzong, Mongar Tsechu

Trashigang: Trashigang Tsechu, Zangtho Pelri, Kanglung Lhakhang, Khaling Lhakhang, Radhi Lhakhang, Trashiyangtse Dzong

Samdrup Jongkhar: Zangtho Pelri Lhakhang

Phuentsholing: Kharbandi Goemba, Kamji Monastery, Zangtho Pelri Lhakhang

General Information

General Information

Bhutan is best known to the world today as the last Shangrila. The few visitors who make the rare journey into this extraordinary kingdom will discover that there is no other destination like this land of pure and exotic mysticism. In this country known as Druk Yul, or the 'Land of the Peaceful Dragon', the fortunate visitor will find a rare combination of harmony and accord, amidst a landscape of incredible natural beauty

The Royal Government of Bhutan recognizes that tourism is a world-wide phenomenon and an important means of achieving socioeconomic development particularly for developing countries like Bhutan. It also recognizes that tourism, in affording the opportunity to travel, can help in promoting understanding among peoples and building closer ties of friendship based on appreciation and respect for different cultures and lifestyles

Towards achieving this objective, the Royal Government, since inception of tourism in the year 1974, has adopted a very cautious approach to growth and development of the tourism.. The Bhutanese tourism industry is based on principle of sustainability that is 'tourism must be environmentally and ecologically friendly, socially and culturally acceptable and economically viable'

News Paper

Kuensel, Bhutan Observer and The Bhutan Times are the local news papers published in English. Kuensel is also published in local language Dzongkha and Nepali

Radio and TV

Bhutan Broadcasting Service has programme in Dzongkha, English and Nepali. Television started in year 2000 and various channels are now available for the viewers such as BBC, CNN, Discovery, Star TV, ESPN etc

Language

'Dzongkha', one of the Tibetan families of languages is Bhutan's national language. English is commonly spoken in main towns and also it is the medium of education in schools throughout the country

Detail Temperature Chart….. (Read more)

Distance

Distances and Driving Time between places of tourist interest

All mode of transport with in Bhutan is by road and there are no domestic airlines and trains. The motor-able roads are well maintained and connect most of the places. However the mountainous terrain and winding road restrict the average driving speed of vehicle to about 35 KM per hour.

Temperature

AVERAGE TEMPERATURE: - (In Degree Celsius)
Source: Meteorology Unit, Department of Power, Ministry of Trade and Industries, Thimphu, Telephone: 00975-2-323703

Food

Food and Drinks

Bhutanese food is generally good. Set meals for travelers tend to be on the bland side, because local food is heavily seasoned with red chilies and can be quite hot. Most hotels provide meals buffet-style. There are usually continental, Indian, Chinese and Bhutanese dishes. The food in hotels is often the best in town, but in main towns now there are few restaurants increasingly becoming popular. All tourist hotels have good selection of international and Bhutanese beverages.

Food provided during tour is quite elaborate and generally consists of followings:

On Cultural Tour

BREAKFAST; Canned juice with choice of orange, mango, pineapple, apple etc, Porridge/cornflakes/cereals, Fresh fruits, Sausages/bacon, Toast, butter and Jam, Eggs, Tea/coffee

LUNCH; Salad, Rice, 2 Non-vegetable items, 2 Vegetable items, Roti/Nan, Desert, Tea/Coffee

DINNER; Soup, Salad, Rice, Noodles, 2 Non-vegetable items, 2 Vegetable items, Desert, Tea/Coffee

EVENING TEA; Tea/Coffee, Cookies/sandwich, Biscuits/pasteries

On Trek

BREAKFAST; Canned juice with choice of orange, mango, pineapple, apple etc., Porridge/cornflakes/cereals, Fresh fruits, Sausages/bacon, Eggs, Tea/Coffee

LUNCH; Vegetable cutlet/sandwich/boiled potato, Chicken roast/roast beef, Boiled eggs, Roti/Naan, Fresh fruits, Canned juice, Boiled drinking water

DINNER; Soup, Salad, Rice, Noodles, 2 Non-vegetable items, 2 Vegetable items, Desert, Tea/Coffee

EVENING TEA: Tea/Coffee, Cookies/sandwich, Biscuits

Even though the locals drink water straight from the tap, we suggest visitors to drink only bottled water. On treks, we provide boiled and filtered water. A reasonable variety of both hard and soft drinks are available in hotels, restaurants and shops in most towns. Many Bhutanese enjoy drinking traditional homemade alcoholic brews made from wheat, millet or rice.

* Bhutan is the only country in the world to totally ban the import and sale of all tobacco products. You can bring in a reasonable amount of cigarettes for personal consumption, but you will be charged an import duty of 100%. Smoking is banned in all public places including restaurants and bars.

Clothing

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Clothing and Accessories

Comfortable clothing and sturdy, soft-soled shoes are essential for travel in Bhutan. Warm clothing is recommended; and except for summer months, down jackets and woolen sweaters are suggested. In summer, heavy cottons and lightweight woolens will be acceptable. Altitudinal differences account for a wide range of temperatures from day to night the year round. It is, therefore, suggested that clothing be layered so that you can adapt to the changing conditions.

While visiting temples and other religious places, you will need to dress conservatively. Slacks are more appropriate for men; and longer-length skirts are more appropriate for women. Shoulders must also be covered when inside religious buildings. Please keep in mind that shoes must be removed when entering temples. It is, therefore, suggested that you carry a pair of socks to wear inside religious buildings.

The items you should carry for this trip are: clothes as per season, sunglasses / spare glasses, pair of casual shoes, hat, umbrella, camera, films and accessories, insect repellent, hand cream, small sewing kit & safety pins, torch or flash light with spare batteries, mirror, scissor, sun cream, lip salve or soluble aspirin, antiseptic cream, anti-histamine cream, anti-diarrhea pills, a preparation for the relief of sunburn.

Camping Equipment Whilst on a trek

Whilst trekking you are provided with foam mats but we recommend you bring  a self-inflating mat pack called Thermarest.  This packs up small but when inflated gives very good insulation and is more comfortable than a single closed-cell foam mat.  We do not recommend you bring an airbed.

You should also bring your Sleeping bags which should be 4-seasons bags as the temperature will decrease especially at 4,000m camp sites.

Other useful items

It would be prudent to bring all essential items from home; razor blades (or battery operated shaver), toothpaste, shampoo, make-up etc., insect repellent, soap, alarm clock, binoculars, torch, sunscreen, sufficient reading material and plenty of batteries for all electrical appliances.

Laundry service is available in most of the hotels at main destinations. However, it is advisable to check the hotel's individual laundry return policy and pricing schedule before choosing to have laundry done at a hotel.

Accommodation

Standard Accommodation

In Bhutan, there is no star categorization of hotels however at all tourist destinations there are accommodation establishments approved by Tourism Council of Bhutan. The popular destinations such as Thimphu, Paro, Punakha, Wangduephodrang, Bumthang, Phuentsholing, have good standard hotels however accommodation is basic at Mongar, Trashigang, Gangtey, Samdrup Jongkhar. Interestingly all hotels / lodges / guest houses are built in traditional architecture offering good cuisine and reasonably decent, clean, accommodation. Away from main towns there are purpose built huts on some of principal trekking routes. Otherwise there is nothing like camping out under the clearest skies that you have ever seen. Wherever you spend the night, the warm Bhutanese hospitality will make you feel welcome

We have carefully selected the list of accommodation units with the best of location, ambience and service:

Phuentsholing: Lhaki Hotel, Hotel Druk, Centennial Hotel, Hotel Namgay, Sinchula Hotel & Central Hotel

Paro; The Village Lodge, Hotel Olathang, Kyichu Resort, Namsey Chholing Resort, Gangtey Palace, Hotel Eye of the Tiger, Janka Resort, Rinchen Ling Lodge, Hotel Silverpine, Hotel Valley View, Hotel Jigmeling, Tashi Namgay Resort, Dechen Cottages, Bhutan Resort, Pelri Hotel, Samdenchholing Resort & Hotel Lhaki Yangchak

Thimphu: Kisa Hotel, Hotel Druk, Hotel River view, Hotel Motithang, Hotel Pedling, Hotel Jumolhari, Hotel Pine Wood, Hotel Wangchuk, Hotel Taktsang, Druk Tshering Guest House, Hotel Kelwang, Bhutan Suites, Wangchuk Resort & Hotel Dragon Roots

Punakha: Hotel Zangtho Pelri, Hotel Meri Punsum, Y. T Hotel, Puna Tshangchu Cottages, Damchen Resort & Singye Lodge

Wangdue: Kyichu Resort, Tashiling Lodge and Dragon Nest Resort

Gagntey: Hotel Dewachen, Theckchenphodrang Lodge, Phuentshochholing Lodge & Gakling Lodge

Trongsa : Phuenzi Lodge, Norling lodge & Yankhil Resort

Bumthang: Mountain Lodge, Jakar Village Lodge, Swiss Guest House,Wangdichholing Resort, Wangdichholing hotel, Hotel Home, River Lodge, Gongkhar Lodge, Pelling Hotel, Kaila Lodge, Gadhen Resort, Rinchenling Lodge, Leki Guest House, Udee Guest House & Mepham Guest House 
Mongar: Shongar Lodge, Druk Zhongkhar Lodge, Hotel Wangchuk, New Lee Hotel & Samling Hotel.

Trashigang: Kelling Lodge, Hotel Doejung and Ranjung Guest House

Samdrup Jongkhar: Hotel Menjong, Hotel Dekling, Hotel TLT, Friends Hotel & Tashi Longched Trokhang Hotel.

National Dress

Kira 

GHO AND KIRA

If you want to try wearing a Bhutanese dress, you have many shops to choose from in Thimphu. Gyeltshen Dorji shop, just north of Tshering Dolkar’s handicraft shop, has ready-made gho and kira in a variety of patterns and qualities, including children’s sizes.

Gho range from Nu 800 for machine-woven cloth and Nu 1900 for hand-woven cloth to Nu 5000 for a silk gho.  A hand-made kira costs about Nu 1200, and a silk kira sells for Nu 6000 or more. You can find all the necessary accessories there to complete your Bhutanese outfit.

Donning a Gho

The gho, when first put on, should reach almost to the ground. Fold the sleeves of tego (shirt) back to form cuffs. Tuck the right front panel into the left and bring the left panel over to the right. Grasp the gho at the sides and fold towards the back. Gather the material at your waist until the hemline is above the knee (the king wears his below the knee).

The gho is secured with a kera (narrow woven belt) which forms a pouch. You need shoes and knee-high socks to complete the outfit. Pants are worn under the gho in winter and tucked into the long socks.

Gho

Wearing a Kira

The kira is first draped around the back under the right arm. Wrap it around the front and fasten on your left shoulder with a koma (silver hook). Fold it left to right across your front and then right to left. The remaining cloth is gathered under the left arm and wrapped around the back to the right shoulder, and fastened with a second koma. A kera is wrapped around the waist to form a pouch.

The kaymeto (widthways border) is always worn at the back.

A toego (jacket) is often worn with the kira, and the sleeves of the wonju (blouse) can be folded back over the toego to form cuffs.

Population

People of Laya, Gasa

Population and People

The estimated population of the country is 7, 00,000 with the growth rate of 3.1% per year.  The country is still predominantly rural and about 85% of the people live in villages.

Three main ethnic groups constitute its population:

Sharchops: live in eastern part of country are recognized as the original inhabitants of Bhutan and are Indo Mongoloid origins.

Ngalops:  Ngalops are descendants of Tibetan immigrants who arrived in Bhutan from 9^th century and settled in the western part of Bhutan.

Lhotshampas: Nepalese group, began settling in the southern part of Bhutan in the late 19^th century. The Lhotshampa represents different Nepali speaking ethnic groups primarily Brahman, Chettri, Gurung, Rai and Limbu.