| 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.
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