Bhutan, best known to the world as the last Shangril-la has a rare combination of harmony and accord amidst a landscape of incredible beauty.
Protected by mighty Himalayas from the rest of the world and enriched by the essence of Drukpa Kagyu School of Buddhism, Bhutan has managed to remain shrouded deeply in a jealously guarded isolation. A basic understanding of Bhutan's Buddhism is essential to understanding the Bhutanese.Her rich Himalayan flora and fauna, dazzling white peaks and lush valleys provide Bhutan’s stunning beauty and aesthetic grandeur. Bhutan has gently opened its doors to the visitors who respect the delicate sensitivities of this pristine land and shares the sacred values of its people. Bhutanese architectures in Dzongs, buildings and houses are very striking.

Bhutan is not an ordinary place and has many surprises; a visit to the country is a splendid adventure.

INSIDE BHUTAN

Phuntsoling : Form its vast views of the Indian Plains this overland gateway town is the start of a breathtaking drove round hairpin turns through lush forests to the towns and valleys of the Inner Himalayas.

paro : This beautiful terraced valley is home to many of Bhutan's oldest temples and its first airport. The national Museum is located in an ancient wathtower here and Taktsang Monastery clings to sheer cliffs 900 meters above the valley.

Thimphu : The capital city of Bhutan this center of government religion and commerece has grown alongside monasteries and forts. From the earliest fortress-monastery, Simtokha Dzong built in 1627.

Punakha : Spectacular views of the Himalayas can be seen on the road from Thimphu to Punakha Dzong where the Pho Chu and Mo Chu rivers converge below this winter home of the central monk body.

Wangdiphodrang : Below rich cattle pastures at the junction of the Mo Chu and Tang Chu rivers a striking dzong guard this windy valley.

Gangteng : This small village at the edge of the Black Mountain range is awash in golden hues-from its yellow roofed temple to the wheat fields where black neck crane begin their migration dance before soaring off to Tibet in the spring.

Tongsa : Through a long valley the ancestral home of Bhutan's royal family spectacular views frame the massive many leveled Tongsa Dzong strategically located to guard what has been for centuries the only east-west route through Bhutan.

Bumthang : Nestled in the barley fields and apple groves of the Bumthang valley ancient art-filled temples dating back to the seventh century mark the origins of Buddhism in Bhutan.

Mongar : A newly paved road cuts through high passes overlooking broad green valleys before reaching picturesque Mongar the secong largest town in the subtrpical east.

Climate

The southern part of Bhutan is tropical, and in general the east of Bhutan is warmer than the west of the country. The central valley of Punakha, Wangdiphodrang, Mongar, Tashigang and Lhuntshi enjoy a semi tropical climate with very cool winters, while Thimphu, Tongsa and Bumthang have a temperate climate, with monsoon rains in the summer and snow-fall in winter. Winter in Bhutan is from mid-November until mid-March, and at this time of year the climate is dry, with daytime temperature of 16-19 degree centigrade (with sunshine and clear skies) and nighttime temperature falling below zero. The monsoon usually arrives mid-June, with the rain falling mainly in the afternoons and evenings. At the end of September, after the last of the big rains, autumn suddenly arrives, and is a magnificent season for trekking-lasting until mid-November.

Getting there and away

Air
The best way to enter Bhutan is by Druk Air, the national air carrier. Following stations are connected with Druk Air flight

India	Delhi & Calcutta
Nepal	Kathmandu.
Bangladesh	Dacca
Myanmar	Yangoon (Rangoon)
Thailand	Bangkok

By Surface

Entry or exit is also possible through Phuntsoling, the southern Bhutanese border town. From here the nearest airport is Bagdogra in West Bengal (India). For travelers wishing to visit Indian states of Sikkim, West Bengal along with Bhutan, Phuntsoling serves as the convenient point.Exit from Bhutan can be also made through Samdrup Jongkhar, an important link for visiting further Northeastern states of India.However,Government rule of Bhutan has made it mandatory to use at least one way by air.

 

Visa & Transport

Foreign travellers mus possess a visa for Bhutan which is granted initially for 14 days. While the actual visa is tamped on arrival in Bhutan upon payment of Us $20, visittors need to obtain visa clearance from the Tourism Authority of Bhutan (TAB) in advance. The visa can be extented in Thimpu for up to six months. The operator making your travel arrangements will handle the official formalities.
Transport is provided by tour operators who have their own fleet fo luxury buses. All major places of interest are connected by paved road.