Small Group Adventure Tours - G.A.P Adventures

Bhutan Travel and Destination Guide

PRE-DEPARTURE INFO

Political Tension

Southern Bhutan has experienced a number of bomb attacks this year, and there is ongoing conflict between the police and Maoist groups. Most visitors to the country experience no problems, but extra vigilance is advised.


When to Go

The ideal time for trekking late-September to late-November when skies are generally clear and the high mountain peaks rise to a vivid blue sky. March-May is recognised as the second-best time to visit Bhutan for touring and trekking. Though there are more clouds and rain, the magnificent wildflowers are in bloom and birdlife is abundant. You're likely to get wet no matter what the season, but avoid the monsoon, June-August, when an average of 0.5m (1.5ft) of rain buckets down in Thimphu and up to 1m (3ft) saturates the eastern hills.

Winter is a good time for touring in western Bhutan, bird watching in the subtropical jungles in the south, and white water rafting. The days are sunny and cool but it's quite cold once the sun sets. From December to February the road from Thimphu to Bumthang and the east may be closed because of snow for several days at a time. It would be best not to plan to visit these regions at this time.

In recent years overcrowding has become an issue during the major tsechus (Buddhist festivals) at Thimphu and Paro, which coincide with the best seasons. You stand a much better chance of getting flights, accommodation and probably a more intimate and rewarding festival experience if you schedule your trip around one of the other cultural events.


Visas Overview

Despite popular mythology, you don't need special 'pull' to get a visa, neither is there a limit on the number of tourists allowed to visit. However, to minimise the perceived threat to Bhutan's unique culture, the government has established a stringent set of rules, which means you must travel on a pre-arranged itinerary and pay around 165.00-200.00, depending on the time of year, a night for the privilege, all costs included. Apart from that, the process is relatively straightforward and a good tour operator will be able to individualise your itinerary to suit your interests. All visa applications must be channelled through the Department of Tourism (DOT) from a selected tour operator, even if you are entering the land border crossing with India at Phuentsholing. With notification of approval and receipt of full payment, visas are issued when you arrive in the country. It's actually an extremely efficient system and you can set up a trip with as little as 10 days planning.


Electricity

230V 50Hz


Electric Plug Details
European plug with two circular metal pins


British-style plug with two flat blades and one flat grounding blade


South African/Indian-style plug with two circular metal pins above a large circular grounding pin


 ©2007 Lonely Planet Publications Pty Ltd. All rights reserved.
Sign up for bridging the gap!

ADVERTISEMENT