GENERAL INFORMATION

VISA AND TRANSPORT: Foreign travelers must posses a visa for Bhutan which is granted initially for 14 days. While the actual visa is stamped on arrival in Bhutan upon payment of us$20, visitors need to obtain visa clearance from the Tourism Authority of Bhutan (TAB) in advance. Visa can be extended in Thimphu for up to six months. The operator making your arrangements will handle the official formalities.

Transport is provided by tour operators who have their own fleet of luxury buses. All major places of interest are connected by paved roads.

ACCESS: Druk Air, Bhutan's airline operates flights to Paro from Bangkok, Kolkata, Dhaka, Kathmandu and New Delhi. There are two overland entry/exit points. One is from the Indian state of West Bengal into Phuntsholing in southwest Bhutan. Phuntsholing is four hours' drive from Bagdogra, the nearest Indian airport, and seven hour's drive from both Gangtok (Sikkim) and Darjeeling. The drive from Phuntsholing to Thimphu takes six hours. The other point is Samdrup Jongkhar in the southeast, 110 km from Guwahati, India. An Inner Line Permit to enter Assam will also be required to enter/exit through Guwahati. Tashigang is six hours' drive from Samdrup Jongkhar.

SEASON: March-may and September-November are the high season months, while June, July and December-February comprises the low season. Bring cotton or light woolen wears in summer (maximum temperature 30 degrees Celsius) and heavy woolens and down jacket in winter (minimum 1.1 degrees Celsius).

ADVENTURE: Trekking and Mountaineering.

Bhutan is perhaps the one of the few pockets remaining of adventure destinations hithero untouched by modernization – A Shangri- La. Situated in the Great Himalayan range; it is bordered by Tibet in the north and to its south by India. As a purely Buddhist country, it has a rich and unique culture, tradition and way of life which still remains pristine. Travelling in Bhutan is like being transported back to medieval time and age.

We have prepared the following three itineraries for you but if you would like a tailor made itinerary please write to us at enquiry@sikkimhimalayas.com

Glimpse of the Dragon Kingdom
This is an introductory trip to Bhutan taking your to Paro and Thimpu. It is highly recommended as an extension trip to Tibet, Nepal or Sikkim. The sights of the various dzongs, the colourful people, their rich and unique cultural heritage and religious practice will simple baffle only discerning adventurer.

Discover Druk-Yul
This is an adventure trip taking you as far as Tongsa and Wangdiphodrang besides visiting interesting sights of Paro and Thimpu. On this trip you will encounter the glory of the pure and exotic land, ancient dzongs or fortress, monasteries and temples that dot the countryside, its imposing architecture and superb art.

Sacred valley of Bumthang
This is a complete tour of Bhutan taking you to the sacred valley of Bumthang. This trip offers spectacular views of virgin mountains, lush forested valleys, rhododendrons, ancient fortress, monasteries, temples, and rich diverse culture and traditions. A short trek in Bumthang will acquaint you with the life of the simple folks bringing you close to nature, peace and solitude.