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