About Bhutan
Climate

The southern part of Bhutan is tropical, and in general the eastern region of the country is warmer then the central valleys. The central valley of Bhutan also enjoys a semi topical climate with cool winters where as the western region experiences the colder climatic conditions. The western and the central region experiences snowfalls during the winter and monsoon rain during the summer, which sometimes blocks the passes. The tropical areas of southern Bhutan experiences the warmer climatic conditions with heavy shower of monsoon rain during the summer.

The monsoon usually arrives in mid-june, with light rain falling mainly in the afternoons and evenings. At the end of September the autumn arrives and it is magnificent season for trekking until November.


Language

Dzongkha is the national language of Bhutan, but in general Bhutan though small in size has 16 different dialects spoken over the different regions and the districts.

Time Zone

Bhutan time is 6 hours ahead of GMT and there is only one time zone throughout the country.

Health

No vaccinations and medical examinations are required for traveling to Bhutan. However the visitors coming from an area infected with yellow feverare required to have had a yellow fever vaccination atleast 10 days before their arrival. Cholera vaccinations are strongly recommended for visitors coming from the cholera infected areas. Anti-malarial medications is also recommended for all travelers who will be visiting rural areas of district towns bordering India.

All medical services are provided free of costs in Bhutan.



Money/Currency

Bhutan’s currency is Ngultrum (Nu.), the Ngultrum is fixed to the value of Indian rupee. The tourists are advised to carry their money in the form of travelers cheques (preferably American Express) with some cash (USD) which might be used for incidental purchases/expenses. There are bank branches in all major towns.

Electricity

Electricity in Bhutan runs on 220/240 volts with round hole two pin and three pin power outlets.

Communications

Internet facilities are widely available in almost all the town areas around the country with the speed of 1 mbps in Thimphu and minimum 56kbps in almost all the towns throughout the country. The clients can also make international (ISD) calls from almost all the places throughout the country. With the introduction of mobile phone facilities, you can also access to the reach of the mobiles from every places.

Accommodations

There are enough comfortable hotels, resorts and traditional Bhutanese settings throughout the country. The hotels and resorts are designed with the unique identity of Bhutanese culture incorporated in structural design and interior design with competent service facilities.

Your choice of lodging shall be determined based on your demand and choice of stay with different price range.

Food

Bhutanese delicacies are rich with spicy chillies and cheese commonly called as ‘EMADATSI’. All the tourists’ hotels and resorts serve delicious Chinese, continental, Bhutanese and Indian cuisine.
For trekking purpose, we do have trained cook with comprehensive experience assisted by other staffs.

Clothing

Considering the wide range of temperature and climatic conditions it is advisable to bring the thick cloths with wollen jackets, rain coats and trekking equipments with eye protection glasses. Dress properly and modestly while visiting the places of religious interest like monastries and temples. Hats and caps shall be removed while entering the premises (ie, monastries, temples, and governmental offices).

Photography

Bhutan offers you the all time opportunity for spectacular photo shooting. The natural scenery is superb with green virgin forests and fresh morning dews calling your day with fresh breathe of Himalayan air. Remember that photography in shrine rooms inside monasteries, forts (Dzongs) and temples are generally not permitted but it is always advisable to ask.

Antique Expeditions
Taba, Thimphu, Bhutan
Telephone: +975-2-365102 (r), +975-17602585
Fax: +975-2-324663
Email: info@bhutantourandtravel.com