BHUTAN
Getting there
The Kingdom’s only airport is located in Paro. Druk Air, Bhutan’s national carrier, flies to Paro Airport from Delhi, Kolkata, Kathmandu, Bangkok, Dhaka and Bagdogra.
Immigration
Tourist visas are required and must be obtained prior to arriving in the country. The processing of visa applications will be arranged by your agent and requires approximately 14 days for handling. Indian nationals do not require a visa to visit Bhutan. However they must carry an Indian Passport, Indian Election Card or a letter issued by the Indian Government with indication that the carrier is of Indian nationality.
Climate
Bhutan is an all-season destination with a climate that varies widely from region to region. The dry autumn and winter months from September to mid-March offer warm days with temperatures ranging from approximately 12 – 20°C (54 – 68°F). Clear blue skies can be seen throughout the days in winter. Evenings and early mornings are cool with overnight temperatures falling to around freezing. The spring season (mid-March to June) offers warmer temperatures of around 16 – 30°C (61 – 86°F). During the summer (June to September) days are clear and warm with temperatures of around 22 – 26°C (72 – 79°F). Afternoon showers dispel some of the heat and temperatures fall to around 15°C (59°F) at night.
Language
The national language of Bhutan is Dzongkha. However, English is spoken widely due to its use as the primary language of education.
Currency
The national currency in Bhutan is the ngultrum (Nu) and cash is the most widely accepted payment throughout the Kingdom. Prices are usually quoted in ngultrum although US dollars are widely accepted and changed. Guests are strongly advised to carry cash in either currency as no ATMs are available. Only a few shops in Thimphu accept credit cards and if they do, it is mainly VISA only. At Amankora, VISA, Mastercard and Amex are accepted and currency exchange to Bhutanese Nu is available from the following currencies – US Dollar, Canadian Dollar, Pound Sterling, Euro, Japanese Yen, Swiss Franc, Hong Kong Dollar, Australian Dollar, Singapore Dollar, Danish Krone, Norwegian Krone and Swedish Krona. Cash advances on credit cards are not available and guests are advised to carry sufficient cash or travellers cheques for purchases outside of the Amankora lodges.
Health
The best facilities are available at the general hospital in Thimphu. Travellers are advised to avoid untreated or unboiled water. Water at the resort is fully treated and bottled water is also available. Altitude sickness can affect some travellers although accommodation is at around the same altitude as most ski resorts. General medicines are readily available but guests are advised to bring in their own requirements for the duration of their visit. Guests should consult with their doctors and arrange travel insurance prior to departure.
Electricity
Electricity is 230 volts. Bhutan is plus six hours GMT, ½ hour ahead of India and one hour behind Thailand. Clothing requirements vary depending on the season. Light, loose attire is appropriate for summer days with evenings requiring a sweater or jacket. From autumn through the end of winter, warm clothes are necessary. Trousers combined with layered clothing, fleeces or down jackets, a hat and gloves are recommended. Bring comfortable sports shoes for light touring and hiking boots for treks. When visiting dzongs, monasteries and Lhakhangs, appropriate attire is required, with nothing shorter than knee level. Shoulders should be covered, ideally to mid-upper arm. Sunscreen, lip balm and sunglasses are recommended for higher elevations.