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Bhutan General Information |
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Climate |
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Bhutan has four
distinct seasons. The southern plains close to
Indian borders are warmer and more tropical than
higher central valleys. The winter months are
fiercely cold subsiding around the end of
February. Rhododendrons begin to bloom first in
warmer east and by the height of Spring, the
whole kingdom is lush with spectacular flaming
white, pink and red of the Rhododendron blossom.
The annual monsoon affects south & central
regions.
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History |
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The
name Bhutan is said to be derived from the
ancient Indian term Bhotana, which means the end
of the land of the Bhots (the Sanskrit name of
Tibetans). It could have also been extended from
the Sanskrit word “Bhu’uttan” or high land.
Ancient Tibetan writers called their fertile
neighbour Lho Mon or Lho Yul, paradise of the
South or the Land of the Monpas. The Bhutanese
refer to their country as Druk Yul or land of
the Peaceful dragon. Druk meaning dragon and
extending from the predominant Drukpa School of
Tibetan Buddhism.
Bhutan was not unified under a central authority
until the 17th Century. However, religious
presence in the country acted as a spiritual
cohesion for many years. Guru Padmasambhava made
his legendary trip from Tibet across the
mountains flying on a tigress’ back arriving at
Taktsang Monastery, Tiger’s Nest in the Paro
valley. Guru Padmasambhava is recognized as the
father of the Nyingmapa religious school. Many
of Bhutan’s celebrated ancestors descend from
the Nyingmapa School. Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal,
a Tibetan Lama of the Drukpa school designed the
present systems of the intertwined religious and
secular government. He fought and won battles
against the Tibetans in 1639 and so unified the
country and established himself as the country’s
supreme leader. Within five years of his death
the whole country had come under the control of
the central government. At the end of 19th
century, the Penlop of Tongsa overcame the
Penlop of Paro and was afterwards recognized as
the overall leader of Bhutan. Ugyen Wangchuck
was elected the first King of Bhutan in 1907 AD.
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People &
Religion |
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Bhutan’s indigenous population is the Drukpa.
The three main ethnic groups, the Sharchops,
the Ngalops & the Lhotshampas (of Nepalese
origin) make up today’s Drukpa. The national
language is Dzongkha. The Buddhist faith has
played & continues to play a fundamental
role in the cultural, ethical & sociological
development of Bhutan and its people.
 It
permeates all strands of secular life.
Bringing with it a reverence for the land &
its well being. Annual Tsechus & Dromchoes
are spiritual occasions in each district.
Throughout Bhutan, stupas & chortens line in
the roadside commemorating a holy place.
Prayer flags are found fluttering on long
poles maintaining a constant communications
with the heavens. Bhutan retains the Tantric
form of Mahayana Buddhism as its official
religion
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Money |
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Bhutanese currency is the Ngultrum. US Dollars &
traveller cheques are acceptable in large hotels
& tourist shops. Indian currency is accepted
everywhere.
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Money |
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All
visitors to Bhutan require visas. For the Bhutan
Visa procedure, we require the following
information at least 30 days prior to the
clients’ arrival in Bhutan:
1) Name as in Passport. 2) Passport Number. 3)
Nationality 4) Date of issue & expiry of the
passport. 5) Date of Birth. 6) Occupation.
Visa will be issued upon arrival in Kathmandu,
Paro or Delhi airport. Individual tourist visas
for a period of two week costs US$ 20 and an
extension can be obtained at an additional US$
20. Besides the visa fee, Tourism Services fee
of US$ 10 along with 3 photographs will also be
required. |
