History of Bhutan : - The history of Bhutan shows that country's based on Buddhist culture and traditions. In 836 to 842 Langdarma ruled , destroyed and banned Buddhism in Tibet. These people from Tibet took shelter in Bhutan as refugees in this period. During the period from 9th and 17th centuries number of ruling and Royal families emerged in Kingdom of Bhutan. In 16th century local chief controlling his own territory. Number of monasteries are competing for superiority and working to extend their influences to the east of country. In 1616 the story changed, when Ngawang Namgyal traveled throughout the country and strength his political status. Soon he comes out himself as a powerful religious ruler of country Bhutan with the title Shabdrung Rimpoche. British involvement in the Bhutanese rule, result to sign a treaty between Bhutan and British, they returned all the territory they had captured, if Bhutanese respect the East India company and allow to cut timber in the Bhutan.The King's rule started in 1907 in Bhutan.
Foreign Exchange / Currency :- Payment and Foreign Exchange process are bit different from the other countries. All the tours are on pre-paid basis as set by the Royal government of Bhutan.US$.200 per day per person and this includes your Accommodation , Meals , Land transportation with in Bhutan , Guide Charges and Porter Charges.
Population of Bhutan :- Bhutan population stands at 600,000 ( 1994 ) out of which 43% of the population is under 15 years of age. The growth rate of the population is very high as compare to the rest of the world @ 3.1% per year.
Religion of Bhutan :- The official religion of Bhutan is Drukpa Kagyu. The Buddhism is the main religion and practiced by most of the majority peoples in Bhutan. The People from Nepal and Indian descent practice Hinduism.
Language of Bhutan :- The official and national language of Bhutan is derived from the Tibet, which is very similar to Tibetan, the language is Dzongkha. English is the other means of communication and all the instructions and signboards , menus and books are in English. In south part of the Bhutan peoples generally speak Nepali.
Visa :- Visa process is totally different from rest of the world, most of the countries stamped visa for their country in abroad by their foreign mission office. Bhutan stamped the visa on arrival in Bhutan, but the process is different. You have to complete all the information's as mentioned in the visa form shall be forward to any Tour operator in Bhutan at least three to four weeks before your arrival in Bhutan. The Tour operator forward the application to the Tourism Authority in Thimphu. Ministry of Foreign Affairs is the final authority to grant the visa.
Time :- Bhutan is 6 hrs ahead of Greenwich Mean Time, 30 minutes later than India, 15 minutes later than Nepal.
Climate :- Bhutan's climate varies widely depending on elevation. Temperatures in the far south range from 15 degree C in winter to 30 degree C in summer. The high mountain regions bears the average temperature of 0 degree C in winter and may reach 10 degree C in summer. During the monsoon heavy rain falls almost every night and day may go without any rain fall.
Cities of Bhutan :- The dragon kingdom is all famous for its Buddhist Culture and adventure tours. Places to visit in Bhutan are Paro , Thimpu , Phuentsholing , Punakha , Bumthang , Trashigang , Wangduephodrang , Tongsa , Gangtey and Samdrup Jongkhar.
Restrictions :- Out side Thimphu and Paro valley all the areas are classified as restricted area. All the tour operators in Bhutan have to take the special permission and permit for the places as per the itinerary. Foreign tourist are not allowed to visit the Bhutanese Temples and Monasteries from inside, they have to take the special permission from the authority.
