Bhutan

The legendary land of Bhutan was first settled in the 9th century by wandering migrants from the Tibet region of China. Called Druk Yul (Land of the Thunder Dragon) by its people, the strikingly beautiful Kingdom of Bhutan lies in the eastern Himalayas, sandwiched between China and India.This small, landlocked country, literally surrounded by mountains, is most difficult to navigate as there are few roads and no domestic (in-country) airlines or trains.

The country accommodates international travel via Druk-Air, and the only ground entry into the country is through the southern border town of Phuntsholing. Long influenced by the culture of India and the British government, it gained its independence from India in 1949. Today its major trading partner is India, however much of its people still live in poverty, with wide-spread illiteracy a major social problem.The capital city of Thimphu sits at an altitude of 7000 feet, on the banks of the Wong Chu river, and remains the site of royal government offices, and serves as a powerful magnet for adventure travelers from around the world.

Facts and Figures

Name: Bhutan (Kingdom of Bhutan)
Population: 2,232,300
Capital City: Thimphu
Currency: Ngultrum (BTN)
Languages: Dzongkha (official), and varied Tibetan and Nepalese dialects
Religions: Lamaistic Buddhist (75%), Indian and Nepalese-influenced Hinduism (25%)

Location

Bhutan is in both the northern and eastern hemispheres. It's positioned on the Indian subcontinent, a recognized geographical region of southern Asia. This landlocked country is bordered by China and India.

Coastline:

Landlocked

Land Area:

18,147 sq miles (47,000 sq km)

Bhutan is a rugged land of steep mountains and deep valleys. It is easily divided into three main geographical areas. The lowlands front its southern border with India; the lesser (or lower) Himalayas cover the central areas, and its northern border with China is dominated by the massive peaks of the Himalayas. Many mountain peaks in northern Bhutan reach heights of over 7,000 meters. Numerous small rivers drain the land, including the Dangme, Mangde, Sankosh and Torsa.

Highest Point:

Kula Kamgri - 24,783 ft. (7,554 m).

Lowest Point:

Drangme Chhu - 318 ft. (97 m)

Land Divisions:

18 districts, including: Bumthang, Chhukha, Chirang, Dagana, Geylegphug, Ha, Lhuntshi, Mongar, Paro, Pemagatsel, Punakha, Samchi, Samdrup Jongkhar, Shemgang, Tashigang, Thimphu, Tongsa and Wangdi Phodrang.

Climate

The weather in Bhutan varies from tropical in the south, to more moderate conditions in the central hills and valleys. In the far north, snowy days and cold temperatures are the norm. The summer monsoon season affects the entire country, so the spring and fall seasons are considered ideal, as they offer clear skies and low humidity. Summer high temperatures do approach 85f, south and central, while winter lows vary drastically by elevation.

Bhutan is at the same latitude as Miami and Cairo. The climate varies widely depending on the elevation. In the southern border areas it is tropical; at the other extreme, in the high Himalayan regions, there is perpetual snow. Temperatures in the far south range from 15°C in winter (December to February) to 30°C in summer (June to August). In Paro the range is from -5°C in January to 30°C in July, with 800mm of rain. In the high mountain regions the average temperature is 0°C in winter and may reach 10°C in summer, with an average of 350mm of rain.

Rain occurs primarily during the southwest monsoon season from June to September. Bhutan bears the brunt of the monsoon, receiving more rainfall than other Himalayan regions – up to 5.5m a year. During the monsoon, heavy rain falls almost every night; in the day there may be long periods without rain. Low clouds hang on the hills, obscuring views and, if they are too low, forcing the cancellation of flights at Paro airport.

Attractions

Bhutan, or Druk Yul, with its scenic landscapes and historic buildings is considered the last Shangri-La by many travelers. Thimphu, the capital city, sits on a hillside adjacent to the river by the same name. Within its boundaries, the Trashi Chhoe Dzong fortress and the Memorial Chorten monument are must visits. Add the city of Paro to your list, where the Taktsang (or Tiger's Nest) is located, as well as some of Bhutan's oldest temples and monasteries. In Bumthang, there are numerous dzongs, temples and palaces.

Important points-of-interest include the Black Mountain National Park; Satkeng Wildlife Sanctuary; cascading waterfalls in East Bhutan, and the Bumthang Valley.

Bhutan has limited connections with the outside world, thus making it somewhat difficult for foreigners to travel. Only a few thousand tourists are allowed in each year and are required to book their travel in advance through a registered tour operator in Bhutan.

Country Dialing Code:

975

Electricity:

Bhutan uses 230 volts AC (50 Hz)