Bhutan adventure and Travel with Tashi Gongphel Tours

Bhutan adventure and Travel with Tashi Gongphel Tours based in Thimphu, the capital city of Bhutan. It is registered with the Tourism Council of Bhutan, licensed by Royal Government of Bhutan, and a member of (ABTO) Association of Bhutanese Tour Operators.

About Bhutan(Kingdom of Bhutan)

Name of the country: Bhutan “The land of Thunder Dragon”

Language:Dzongkha(national language)

Area: 47,000 square Kilo-meter

Population (2005-2006):634,982

Currency:Ngultrum (Nu).

The national Animal:Takin

The national flower: Blue poppy

The national bird: Raven

The national tree: Cypress

International telephone country number: 975

Internet country cord: BT

Bhutan-Land of Thunder Dragon

Bhutan - Land of the Thunder Dragon is one of the most exotic destinations in the world today. This kingdom, often referred to as the last Shangri-la, is a land of outstanding people, remarkable scenery and natural wonders, and a proud and vibrant culture. Wedged between the world’s giants, India and the Tibetan region of China, Bhutan is today slowly opening up to the world through a sensitive approach to tourism.

You can now discover the cultural and natural wonders of this last remaining Mahayana Buddhist Kingdom of the Himalaya. Here is a kingdom that is just throwing off the veil of mystery, and opening its doors to visitors.

Bhutan has a pristine environment, almost no pollution, and a living culture where festivals and cultural events are a part of daily life and not creations for tourism. Let us take care of your needs on your tour of this little known kingdom.

History

The ancient period of Bhutan that dates from the beginning till the 8th century AD, was marked by rural settlement, domestication of animals, agriculture, the first advent of Buddhism and subsequent buildings of Buddhist temples.

The visit of Guru Padmasambhava and other Buddhists saints and scholars from India and Tibet marked the medieval Bhutan. Emergence of ruling clans and development of arts and architecture were also seen during this period.

Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, a leader of the Drukpa sect, came to Bhutan in 17th century. He introduced the dual system of Government and for the first time some degree of stability was maintained, which was unseen before. But this did not last long. After Ngawang Namgyal’s death, successors became victims of intrigues and rivalries. The instability continued till the early 20th century.

The country’s modern period began with the establishment of monarchy in Bhutan. The powerful Bhutanese Chief, Ugyen Wangchuk was crowned as the first hereditary ruler of Bhutan in 1907. The country’s self-imposed policy of isolation continued till the reign of the third king Jigme Dorji Wangchuk. He decided to shed this age-old policy and introduced the country to the outside world, bringing the country into the international mainstream.

Though the country is known as Bhutan to the outside world, to Bhutanese it has been known as Druk Yul ‘Land of the Thunder Dragon’. The people call themselves Drukpas.

Geography

Bhutan is a landlocked country wedged between the autonomous region of Tibet, China, in the north and India in the south along the lofty mountains of the eastern Himalayas. It is located between 88°45′and 92°10′ longitude east and between 26°40′ and 28°15′ latitude north. It covers 46,500 square kilometers and has population of 650,000 with seventy five percent of the population living on cultivation and livestock rearing.

The country can be divided into three major geographic zones: the southern foothills and plains with hot and humid climate, the hills and valleys in the center with moderate rainfall and the highland of the north with high mountains covered with snow almost through out the year.
Bhutan is the land of complex gorges and valleys, soaring snow-peaked mountains and steep slopes, humid jungles and foothills, magnificent lakes and waterfalls, fast flowing rivers and streams and the richest biodiversity of flora and fauna.

Democracy in Bhutan

In Bhutan, the eastern Himalayan kingdom, King Jigme Singye Wangchuk declared in December 2005 that he would abdicate the throne and adopt a parliamentary system of government by 2008. The 50 year-old king’s announcement that he would step down in favour of his son fifth king Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuk came as a shock to many. The constitution was drafted without representation from the dissident groups and remains vague about the monarch’s prerogative powers. It also lacks a provision for an independent judiciary and fails to properly acknowledge religious, linguistic and cultural freedoms (among others). At best, it envisages a two-party oligarchy based on the Drukpa vision of a homogenous nationhood.

The first-ever democratic elections in Bhutan were held on March 2008 after the draft constitution is passed in a national referendum. The fundamentals of democracy - limited government and civil liberties - are essential in any form of democracy, even in the context of the cultural nuances of popular rule. Bhutan fails on both accounts. The launch of three private daily newspapers in the capital, Thimpu, does signal a first advance in press freedom.

People & Dress

The people of Bhutan can be classified into three main ethnic groups: Sharchops, who live in east of the country, are believed to be the earliest inhabitants of Bhutan. They are Indo-Mongoloid origin and appear closely related to the inhabitants of northeast India and northern Burma. The Ngalongs are of Tibetan descendant migrated to Bhutan in the 9th century and settled west of the country. The third groups Lhotsampas are the Nepali origin that settled in the foothills of southern Bhutan in mid 19th century. There are other minority groups in Bhutan such as Layap, Brokpa, Doya, Lhopu, Dhakpa and Lepcha.

The men wear a knee-length garment called ‘Gho’ which resembles the Scottish Kilt. The women wear a long robe ‘Kira’, which is wrapped around the body covering it from neck to ankle. Women usually wear heavy silver and gold necklaces with coral, turquoise and other precious stones. Rings and earrings decorated with pearls and turquoise are also popular.

Religion

The early inhabitants of Bhutan practiced ‘Bonism’, a practice of making animal sacrifice and worshiping non-living objects such as mountains, lakes, rivers, trees and rocks. With the advent of Buddhism in 7th century the Bonism gradually disappeared from the country.

The country’s official religion is Drukpa Kagye, school of tantric Mahayana Buddhism, which is similar to Tibetan Buddhism but has unique beliefs and practices. The religious affair of the country is looked after by the Je Khenpo (Chief Abbot) who also enjoys equal power as the king.
The Bhutanese people of Nepali origin in the south practice Hinduism

Language

The national language of Bhutan is Dzongkha, which is widely spoken in western region. The eastern region of the country speak Sharchop, where as the people in the south speak Nepali.

English has been used as the medium of instructions in schools and institutes. The country’s national newspaper Kuensel is written in English, Dzongkha and Nepali.

Flora and Fauna:
Bhutan is a botanical paradise. One of the ancient names given to Bhutan was Southern Valleys of Medicinal Herbs’. To name a few floras in Bhutan- rhododendrons, junipers and magnolias several meters high, carnivorous plants, rare orchids, blue poppy (national flower), edelweiss, gentian, medicinal plants, daphne, giant rhubarb, high-altitude plants, tropical tress, pine and oak etc.

Among the rare and exotic faunas found in Bhutan are - Golden Langur, Red Pandas, Black-necked Crane, Snow Leopard, Takin, Musk Deer, Himalayan Brown Bear, Himalayan Marten, Tiger, hornbills, pheasants, mountain goats and timid blue sheep.

Government and Politics

politics of Bhutan.

Over the past decade, Bhutan’s political system has developed from an absolute monarchy into a constitutional monarchy. In 1999, the fourth king of Bhutan created a body called the Lhengye zhungtshog (Council of Ministers). The ‘Druk Gyalpo’ (King of Druk Yul) is head of state. Executive power is exercised by the Lhengye Zhungtshog, the council of ministers. Legislative power was vested in both the government and the former Grand National Assembly. On the 17th of December 2005, the 4th King, Jigme Singye Wangchuk, announced to a stunned nation that the first general elections would be held in 2008, and that he would abdicate the throne in favor of his eldest son, the crown prince. King Jigme Khesar Namgyal Wangchuk took the throne on December 14, 2006 upon his father’s abdication. Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck was adorned with Bhutan’s Raven Crown at an ornate coronation ceremony in Thimphu on Thursday, November 6, 2008, becoming the world’s youngest reigning monarch and head of the newest democracy.

The new democratic system comprises an upper and lower house, the latter based on political party affiliations. Elections for the upper house ( National Council) were held on December 31, 2007, while elections for the lower house, the 47-seat National Assembly, were held on March 24, 2008. Two political parties, the People ’s Democratic Party(PDP) headed by Sangay Ngedup, and the Druk Phuensum Tshogpa(DPT) headed by Jigme Y. Thinley, competed in the National Assembly election. The Druk Phuensum Tshogpa won the elections taking 45 out of 47 seats in the parliament.

Economy

The Ngultrum is the currency of Bhutan.

The Ngultrum is the currency of Bhutan and its value is pegged to the Indian rupee. The rupee is also accepted as legal tender in the country.

Though Bhutan’s economy is one of the worlds smallest, it has grown rapidly in recent years, by eight percent in 2005 and 14 percent in 2006. In 2007, Bhutan had the second fastest growing economy in the world, with an annual economic growth rate of 22.4 percent. This was mainly due to the commissioning of the gigantic Tala Hydroelectricity project. Bhutan’s economy is based on agriculture,forestry, tourism and the sale of hydroelectric power to India. Agriculture provides the main livelihood for more than 80 percent of the population. Agrarian practices consist largely of subsistence farming and animal husbandry. Handicrafts, particularly weaving and the manufacture of religious art for home altars are a small cottage industry



Getting into Bhutan

There are two ways through which you can enter Bhutan:

By Druk Air
The best way to enter Bhutan is by Druk Air, the national air carrier. The following cities are connected to Bhutan with Druk Air flights:

* India: Delhi (DEL), Kolkotta (CCU) & Gaya (GAY)
* Nepal: Kathmandu (KTM)
* Bangladesh: Dhaka (DAC)
* Thailand: Bangkok (BKK)

Druk Air is the only airline operating in Bhutan. As Druk Air flights may be delayed because of weather in the monsoon (July & August), it is advisable to keep a 24-hour gap before any onward international connections.

Tashi Gongphel Tours can assist you in arranging your Druk Air flights. For the Druk Air reservation, we would require your full names as in your passports. We will buy your Druk Air E-Tickets and send them to you in advance.

By Overland

There is one overland entry and two exit points:

* Both entry and exit can be done via Phuntsholing

You can enter/exit Bhutan overland from the Indian state of West Bengal into Phuntsholing, border town in southwest of Bhutan. Four hours drive from Phuntsholing will take you to Bagdogra in the state of West Bengal (India) which is the nearest airport from Phuntsholing. Phuntsholing serves as a convenient point for the travelers wishing to visit the Indian states of Sikkim, West Bengal along with Bhutan. The drive from Phuntsholing to Thimphu takes six hours.

* Only exit can be done via Samdrup Jongkhar

Samdrup Jongkhar is in southeast, 110 km from Guwahati, India, which is nearest to the Guwahati Airport. From Guwahati, you may fly into other Indian cities like Delhi, Bombay or Kolkotta and to your onward flight connections. This exit is more convenient if the travelers do not wish to travel back the same lateral route to Paro for the flights and who would like to combine Assam trips with Bhutan.



Planning the Tour to Bhutan

Steps to Plan Your Trip to Bhutan

1. Choose your Itinerary
Please see if you like any of the tour itineraries given in our website. We offer various cultural tours, trekking, festival tours, meditation tours, bird watching tours, textiles tours and adventure tours.
If you like something different, we can also customize based on your specific interest and timeframe.

2. Decide on your date of travel
For cultural tours you can visit Bhutan anytime of the year. Visitors tend to stay away during the monsoon months of June, July and August when the weather is sometimes a little wet for sightseeing.
For high altitude trekking, months of March, April, May, September and October are recommended. Low altitude trekking can be done in March, April, May & September, October, November, December, January and February.

There are many festivals throughout the country. If you wish to time your visit with any of the festivals, please see the Bhutan Festival Guide

3.Decide on your flight sectors

The Druk Air flies in and out of Bhutan from Bangkok, Delhi, Calcutta, Kathmandu and Dacca. For detail flight information, please visit the www.drukair.com.bt
We will assist you in arranging your flights for in and out of Bhutan. The Druk Air E-Tickets will be bought and sent to you in advance.

4.Contact Us
Send us an email and we will get in touch with you at the soonest.

5.Tour payment
Confirmation of your trip is subject to full advance payment. Once we receive your payment we will process your visa and the copy will be sent to you. We will also arrange your hotels, transport and guides.
If you wish us to arrange your Druk Air flights, you may need to send the tickets cost with the tour payment.

6. Start packing and board the plane for your trip to Bhutan!

TOURISM REGULATIONS

The tourism industry in Bhutan is founded on the principle of sustainability, meaning that tourism must be environmentally and ecologically friendly, socially and culturally acceptable, and also economically viable. For these reasons, tourism is carefully monitored and the number of tourists visiting Bhutan is kept to an environmentally manageable level.

Visitors may experience Bhutan only on all-inclusive package tours for which a fixed daily tariff is set by the Royal Government of Bhutan. This tariff covers the following services: accommodation & all meals, transport, guide, entrances fees to museums, monuments and cultural sites, and additionally a cultural program for visitors traveling in a group of three or above.

BHUTAN TOUR TARIFF:

The Royal Government of Bhutan recognizes that tourism is worldwide phenomenon and an important means of achieving socio - economic development particularly counties like Bhutan. It also recognizes that tourism, in affording the opportunity to travel, can help promoting understanding among peoples and building closer ties of friendship based on appreciation and respect for different cultures and lifestyles.

There are, however, problems associated with tourism which, if not controlled, can have devastating and irreversible impact on the local environment, culture and identity of the people. Realizing these problems and the fact that the resources on which tourism is based are limited, the Royal government of Bhutan recognizes the need to develop the Bhutanese tourism industry based on the principles of sustainability, which means it must be environmentally and economically viable.

Towards achieving this objective, the Royal Government, since inception of tourism in the year 1974, has adopted a very cautious approach to growth and development of the tourism industry in Bhutan. In order to minimize the problems, the number of tourists has been maintain at a manageable level and this control on number is exercised through a policy of Government regulated tourist tariff “ high value low volume”.

Peak Season Rates
Government Rates

* Cultural/Trekking - US$200/ - Per day per person

Surcharge

* Single Individual - US$ 40/- Per night halt per person
* Group of two - US$ 30/- Per night halt per person

Off Season Rates

* Cultural / Trekking - US$ 165 Per night halt per person

The Government fixes the tourist tariff rates.

The peak season Months: March, April, May, June, September, October, November, December, January & February.
Off season Months: July & August.
The tour package includes airport transfers, accommodation on a twin sharing basis, all meals, Land transport within Bhutan, Sightseeing, tour guide, museum fees.
Discounts

* 50% discount for one person with 11 persons paying
* 100% discount for one person with 16 persons paying
* 25% discount for diplomats accredited to Bhutan
* 50% discount for children between 6 to 12 accompanied by parents/ guardians
* 25% discount for students below 25 years of age with proper ID.

Tours Reservation

* All tours must be booked through a recognized Bhutanese Tour Operator such as Tashi Gongphel Tours, with entire land arrangements provided by one and the same operator.
* For Cultural Tours, booking arrangements must be completed 4 weeks in advance, but for Cultural Tours during festivals, arrangements must be completed 6 weeks in advance. The spring and autumn festivals are our peak times for tourism, and without early reservations it can be difficult to confirm flights and hotels.
* For Trekking groups, booking arrangements should be completed at least 8 weeks in advance, as this activity requires detailed forward planning. Tashi Gongphel Tours has built up impressive resources and can offer your clients a choice of the finest and best organized trekking experiences in the entire Himalayas

Flight Frequency & Airfares


Our national airline flies several times a week between most of its destinations, but flight timings and frequency vary according to season. Druk Air’s website www.drukair.com.bt includes details of current flight schedules and airfares. Please check the website or contact Tashi Gongphel Tours for the latest information when planning your travel arrangements. If you would like the current flight schedule sent to you, please let us know.
The spectacular mountain scenery en route is seen at its best in the winter months, when skies are generally very clear. The flight between Kathmandu and Paro gives the most extended view of the Himalayan massif, including the Everest region. Given suitable weather conditions, Mt. Kanchenjunga will be visible for some time on all routes. Flying in and out of Bhutan is an unforgettable experience, whatever route you take!
Customs


Visitors are required to complete a passenger declaration form for checking by concerned officers on arrival. The following articles are exempt from duty: -

* Personal effects and articles for day to day use by the visitor
* 2 liters of alcohol (spirits or wine)
* 400 cigarettes, 150 gms of pipe tobacco, 2 boxes of cigars (or 50 pieces)
* Instruments, apparatus or appliances for professional use
* Photographic equipment, video cameras and other electronic goods for personal use.

The articles mentioned under (d) & (e) must be declared on the declaration form. If any such items are disposed of in Bhutan by sale or gift, they are liable for customs duty. On departure, visitors are required to surrender their forms to the Customs authorities.
Import/export restrictions
Import/export of the following goods is strictly prohibited

* Arms, ammunitions and explosives
* All narcotics and drugs except medically prescribed drugs
* Wildlife products, especially those of endangered species
* Antiques.

Imports of plants, soils etc. are subject to quarantine regulations. These items must be cleared on arrival. Visitors are advised to be cautious in purchasing old and used items, especially of religious or cultural significance, as such items may not be exported without a clearance certificate. Tashi Gongphel Tours advice should be sought before committing to such purchases.

Why Travel with Tashi Gongphel Tours.

Local partnerships - community tourism

We at Tashi Gongphel Tours work in close partnership with local tourism service providers. The hiring of pack horses and yaks, trek assistants and the use of local farm houses and purchase of local food produce along the tour and trek routes are direct means of benefiting local communities’ right across the country. Tashi Gongphel Tours practices community tourism wherever feasible. This is our way of ensuring the tourism or eco-tourism makes a positive impact on everyone involved.

Tourism Royalty

Tourism is one of the main foreign exchange earners for Bhutan.
The tourism royalty of USD 65/- or about 35 percent of your tour payment paid to the government of Bhutan is your contribution to ensuring the sustainability of Bhutan’s public services, including the free education and health care services. Tourism earnings, therefore, benefit the people of Bhutan by improving their quality of life.

Environmentally friendly/ culturally conscious

Tashi Gongphel Tours is committed to conserving the environment. We promote responsible trekking and discourage even lighting fires at night. Our camp staff carries gas cookers for cooking camp meals, and we ensure that any litter generated is properly disposed. In keeping with the tourism policy of low impact tourism, we ensure that our visitors are well briefed and sensitive to local and cultural etiquette and beliefs. We discourage our visitors to give money, or candy to children in the villages.

Quality Service

Tashi Gongphel Tours ensures quality service in whatever tour or trek you choose. We do our utmost to secure a safe and comfortable journey for you by ensuring quality accommodation, meals and vehicles. Our experienced and knowledgeable guides will attend to your needs.

Itineraries

Our itineraries are planned in close consultation with you and your guides. Set itineraries have been fine tuned with feedback from previous visitors. Tashi Gongphel Tours also specializes in customizing itineraries for special interests.

www.bhutanvisitors.com

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