CLIMATE:
The monsoon starts in mid June and last until the end of September. The climate within the mountains varies greatly according to precipitation and wind conditions. In the Duars plain and upto 1500m. the climate is sub-tropical with high humidity and heavy rainfall. The climate of  mid-mountain belt varies, such that low-lying parts of Punakha, Mongar, Tashigang and Lhuntse have cool winter and hot summers, whereas the higher valleys of Ha, Paro, Thimpu, Tongsa and Bumthang ranging from 2,500 - 4,500m. endure a temperate climate with cold snowy winters and some-what cooler  summers.

Spring is rhododendron season in Bhutan.  The mountain-sides all over the country are ablaze in shades of red and orange.  Days are warm but nights are still cold.  As the monsoon rises from the Bay of Bengal, spring turns to summer and three months of heavy monsoon rains.  Arguably the loveliest time of the year in Bhutan, autumn brings clear skies & warm days.

ECONOMY:
In 1995, the per capita income was estimated at US$ 500 with the annual growth at 5%. Although these figures places Bhutan among the least developed nations the country is unlike others within that category as no famine, little malnutrition, good housing, exists. Over 91% of the population depend on agriculture and livestock rearing which together account for some 50% of GDP, despite the fact that only 2% of the land is
arable.

MONEY:
The National currency is Ngultrum (Nu) 100 Chetrum = 1 Nu. Exchange rate is approximately US$ 1- Nu 45/-  Indian Rupees circulate at par.

Additional Information on Bhutan

Festival Period – The flow of tourists in Bhutan has been increasing every year but there has been little change in the infrastructure.  Due to this we face room/guide/vehicle problems mainly during Paro Tsechu, Thimphu Tsechu, Wangdi Tsechu & Jambaylhakhang Drup.  Inorder to avoid such problems we suggest to our agents to try & avoid the main festivals and try to include other festivals like Punakha Dromche, Nimalung festival & Nalakhar Tsechu where the tourist inflow is much less.  The dances performed are similar in all the festivals.

Chukha Dzongkhag

• Phuentsholing Lhakhang, Phuentsholing
• Kharbandi Lhakhang, Phuentsholiing
• Kamji Lhakhang, Phuentsholing
• Chasilhakha Lhakhang, Bongo block
• Chima Lhakhang, Chima block
• Chapcha Dzong, Chapcha

Thimphu Dzongkhag

• Tashichhodzong (during winter when monk body is away in Punakha )
• Thimphu Tsechu Festival
• National Memorial Chhorten
• Changlimethang Lhakhang, Thimphu

Paro Dzongkhag

• Paro Tsechu Festival
• Ta Dzong Museum
• Drukgyal Dzong
• Taktsang Monastery (view from tourist cafeteria)
• Bitekha Dzong (en route to Ha)

Punakha Dzongkhag

• Punakha Dzong (when monk body is in Thimphu)
• Punakha Dromchen

  
Wangduephodrang Dzongkhag

• Gantey to observe the Black Necked Crane
• Wangduephodrang Tsechu festival

Trongsa Dzongkhag

• Trongsa Tsechu festival
• Chendebji Chhorten
• Ta Dzong

Bumthang Dzongkhag

• Wangdichholing Dzong
• Membar Tsho
• Peling Sermon Chhorten, Palrithang
• Ura new Lhakhang

Mongar Dzongkhag

• Mongar Dzong

Trashiyangtsi Dzongkhag

• Trashiyangtsi dzong

Trashigang Dzongkhag

• Trashigang Tsechu festival
• Zangtogpelri Lhakhang, Kanglung
• Kanglung Lhakhang
• Khaling Lhakhang
• Radhi Lhakhang

In order to take out special permit for visiting monasteries not listed above we need to submit letter to the Department of Tourism from any Buddhist Institute stating that the particular group/clients are interested in Buddhism or are devotees.  However, there is no guarantee that the permit is given.   

Visa– Visa approval paper is given by the Foreign Ministry 3-4days before the travel date which we pass on to the clients.  Though Druk-Air always gets one copy from the FM it is better if the clients carry their copy along in order to avoid last minute problems at the airport on the travel date.

• Clients entering or exiting from Phuntsholing should have Indian Visa, which they can obtain from their home ountry (from Indian Embassy) as it takes long to get it in Bhutan.
• Clients have to carry 2 passport sized photos along.

Master Card/Visa Card – Very few hotels and shops accept visa card hence, it is better if clients carry enough cash for shopping & paying the bar bills. 

Druk Air : While making reservation with Druk Air, it is very essential to have the correct names (as given in the passport).  

Insurance : To protect against unforeseen accidents and mishaps, we advise you to have a Travel Insurance policy from your country. It should adequately cover helicopter evacuation and medical assistance.