[Part-1] Bhutan Planning

Trip to Bhutan was organised by Bangalore Adventures Team. When I saw that mail asking for registration, without any second thought registered for trip to Bhutan. Initially trip was planned for group of 10 people but we ended up with group of 25 members.  

Bhutan trip was bit special this time, special because the time we visited. Even though it was end of the season we planned, but we planned it to celebrate New Year in the HAPPIEST COUNTRY IN ASIA J  

Trip was not limited only for celebration, it included Bike ride to Highest Motor able road in Bhutan (Cha Valley), side seeing around Paro and Thimpu, and trekking to Tiger Nest and camping at Punakha.

Our Adventures trip was planned as below:

Day 1 : Phuentsholing

Day 2 : Paro

Day 3 : Trek To Tiger's Nest

Day 4 : Thimpu

Day 5 : Punakha

Day 6 : Phuentsholing

Day 7 : Back to Namma Bengaluru.

About Bhutan: Bhutan is no ordinary place, it is the last great Himalayan kingdom shrouded in mystery and magic. Besides the stunning natural scenery, the enduring image of the country for most visitors is the strong sense of culture and tradition that binds the kingdom and clearly distinguishes it from its larger neighbours. Bhutan is the only Vajrayana Buddhist nation in the world, and the profound teachings of this tradition remain well preserved and exert a strong influence in all aspects of life. Due to its pristine environment and harmonious society, the tiny Kingdom of Bhutan has been called "The Last Shangrila."  

Bhutan fun Facts:

• Origin of the name Bhutan may be derived from the Sanskrit Bhotanta which means “the end of Tibet,”
• Bhutan is the Happiest country in Asia.
• The capital of Bhutan is Thimpu. It is the only capital in the world without traffic lights. In fact when traffic lights were installed the people objected and the city reverted back to the use of white-gloved traffic police.
• Bhutan has the world’s highest unclimbed peak, Gangkhar Puensum, a mountain so sacred by the Bhutanese that the government has banned mountaineering on any peak above 19,685 feet.
• Healthcare and education is free in Bhutan for both residents and visitors.

Tourism & Entry Permit:

Tourism to Bhutan is not that simple. Unlike other countries you just can’t buy tickets, get your visa done, pack your bags and land up there. There are few more steps involved to get into Bhutan. Tourism to Bhutan is not open like other countries. Tourism in Bhutan is strictly controlled by the government and it is a government regulation that you must use a license Bhutanese Tour Operator to book your travel to Bhutan. The tourism sector is controlled by Tourism Council of Bhutan referred as TCB. TCB has set a minimum daily package. It’s $200 per person per night for off season (January, February, June, July, August & December) and $250 per person per night for high season (March, April, May, September, October & November).

Visitors from India, Bangladesh and Maldives are exempted from this rules mentioned above. Indians coming to Bhutan by road are required to obtain an 'Entry Permit' on the basis of valid Travel Document from the Immigration Office of Royal Government of Bhutan at Phuentsholing, located on the Indo-Bhutan border opposite Jaigaon, West Bengal. In case, you are not carrying a valid travel document, you should approach the Indian Consulate Office in Phuentsholing and apply for the "Identification Slip" with proper proof of Indian nationality. Similarly, Indians coming by air must process any one of the above mentioned Travel Document and get the Entry Permit at the Paro International Airport. The 'entry permit' allows an Indian tourist to visit Thimpu and Paro only. However, any tourist going beyond Thimpu and Paro need to acquire a 'special area permit' from the RGoB Immigration Office at Thimpu on any working days (Monday to Friday). Phuentsholing Immigration Office will be closed on Saturday & Sunday and Govt. Holidays.

Best time to visit Bhutan is Monsoon season J

Will be sharing all our trip experience in coming days J