Bhutan Travel Handbook [Eng version]

Page 1

T R AV E L G U I D E T O The last Sh angr i-l a on E arth

Researched and designed by Best Bhutan by Triip team


GENERAL INFORMATION

Country name Area

Kingdom of Bhutan 2 47,500km

Population

753,947 (2013)

Time zone

UTC+6

Capital city Currency Country code Power suply Location

Thimphu Ngultrum (1BTN = 333VND) +975 220V, 50Hz in the Himalayas, next to China and India


MUST-KNOW NATURE

Bhutan is literally “on nine cloud” with the marvelous Himalayas covered in snow all year round Fresh and clean air thanks to 72% forest area and carbon negative ratio Biodiversity and natural wildness are well-preserved

CULTURE & PEOPLE

Ancient Buddhism has been isolated and preserved from other schools of Buddhism in the world. Friendly and good-mannered Bhutanese whose life philosophy is greatly impacted by Buddhism theories: simple and kind. Colorful festivals and mysterious customs Gross National Happiness is used to measure the country’s prosperity Dzong architecture combined with ancient monasteries


TRAVEL ESSENTIALS

VISA

Every single traveler coming to Bhutan has to earn a valid visa before departure. You have to get your visa via a legal local tour agency. It is impossible to get a visa yourself.

PROCEDURE Contact for consultation

Book tour and send photos of your passport to tour agent in Bhutan

Bhutanese government grants your visa and send to the local agency in 72 hours.

All paid fees are kept by Bhutanese government until the tour ends.

WEATHER Autumn ( sep - nov) blue sky and slightly sunny are perfect for outdoor activities Summer ( mar - may) greenier scenery with a wide variety of flowers


CUISINE DAILY FOOD Rice served with vegetables, meat stewed in chili or cheese and other side dishes

If you cannot eat spicy food, please tell your guide in advance because chili is a musthave in Bhutanese meals

Some western dishes are served: beef hotpot, French Fries, pizza… VEGAN FOOD Ema-datsi. A spicy cheese Kewa-datsi. Potatoes, cheese and chili Shamu-datsi. Mushroom, cheese and chili Khuli. Buckwheat cake/cookies - Bumthang’s specialty Cheese momo. A traditional dumpling with a cheese + cabbage + onion filling Puta. Buckwheat served with clotted milk - Bumthang’s specialty DRINKS Ara. is made from rice, maize, millet, or wheat, and may be either fermented or distilled Bia Red Pande


BASIC COMMUNICATION How are you? Ga Day Bay Zhu Yoe Ga? I’m fine! Nga Leg shom Bay Rang Yoey! I’m not feeling well Nga nau may! What’s your name? Chhoey gi Ming Ga chi Mo? I’m… Ngegi Ming ... Ein Hello!

Yes! Ong!

Kuzoozangpo La!

What is this? Ani ga chi mo? How much is this? Dilu gadem chi mo? Too expensive! Gong bom may! Where’re we going?

Lam dig a thay jow mo?

Where is the bathroom Chhabsang Ga Ti Mo? Is it far away from here? Tha ring sa in-na? Over here / there

Na / Pha

Good luck! Tashidelek! Thank you! Kaadinchhey La! Good bye! Log Jay Gay!


MAIN ATTRACTIONS Laya Jigme Dorji national paek

Trashiyangtse

Jakar

Punakha Trongsa

Thimphu Paro

Wangdue

Monga Manas national park

Phuentsholing

Sakteng national park Trashigang

Samdrup Jongkhar

Gelephu

POPULAR ATTRACTIONS Memorial Chorten

Takin national park

Buddha Point

Dochula pass

Tango monastery

Tiger’s Nest

National Institute for Zorig Chusum

Ta Dzong National Park


THINGS TO DO Hiking: Bhutan is literally “on nine cloud� with the marvelous Himalayas covered in snow all year round Festival: Colorful festivals and mysterious customs Meditation: join meditation sessions with monks at ancient monasteries Biking: the best way to see the rural Bhutan Archery: the national sport of Bhutan, weekly competitions are hold throughout the year Hot-stone bath: a ritual in Bhutan, rocks by the river bank will be heated until red-hot and to be sunk in a wooden bathtub with many traditional herbs. A wedding ceremony performed in Buddhism rituals


10 FUN FACTS 01

The first country in the world to totally abandon smoking

02

The only carbon negative country on planet Earth

03

One of the last country to use TV

04

The only capital without traffic lights

05

Penis is a sacred object

06

Free education and health care for everyone

07

Nylon was completely prohibited since 1999

08

Bhutanese army is trained by Indian army

09

Bhutan has no diplomatic relationship with China

10

Bhutanese must wear national costume to work


WHAT TO PACK? SHOPPING Dappa

Yathra

a handmade wooden bowl

colorful hand-made woolen cloth

Bangchung

Đông trùng hạ thảo

bamboo-craft bags

a high-value mushroom that is good for health

WHAT TO BRING? Passport, vital personal ID and some photocopies Winter clothes in case it is too cold and windy Flash light and rain coat Toilet paper Necessary emergency kit Sneakers or high-quality boots Address of your hotel and phone number of your local guide


NOTICE

KEEP IN MIND

x x x x

Some sight-seeing stops do not allow taking photo or filming, please respect and do as instructed Most of the sight-seeing stops are monasteries, pagodas or Buddhism related institutions; so please dress formally and politely. Take off your shoes before stepping inside. Do not bring cigarettes to Bhutan. It’s illegal and you might be fined for that Do not pick flowers, trees or kill animals because it is disrespectful to locals and you may be punished by the government

Tashidelek!


m.me/besttraveltobhutan singapore@triip.me (+65) 3163 7582 bestbhutan.tours


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