WHERE IS BHUTAN LOCATED ?
The Kingdom of Bhutan lies hidden in the folds of the eastern Himalayas between the two giant countries of China (Tibet) to the north and the Indian territories of Assam and West Bengal to the south, Arunachal Pradesh to the east and Sikkim to the west. With a total area of 38,394 sq. kilometers, Bhutan lies between 88° 45’ and 92°10’ longitude East and 26°42’ and 28°15 ’ latitude North. Bhutan is a mountainous country except for a small flat strip in the southern foothills with hot and humid summer. The valleys in the central and the northern parts are separated by mountains as high as 7200 meters.
HOW TO REACH BHUTAN ?
How to Reach Bhutan by Air ?
The national airline carrier, Druk Air, operates several flights per week from Singapore,Bangkok Thailand, ,India ( Delhi,Kolkotta,Guwahati,Mumbai,Bagdogra),Kathmandu,Nepal,Dhaka,Bangladesh to Paro ( Bhutan ) that offer spectacular views of the highest mountains in the world. The airport is an hour drive from the capital city Thimphu. Flight schedules, rates and other flight information are available at BHUTAN AIRLINES.
How to Reach Bhutan by Road ?
The town of Phuntsholing in the south – west and Samdrup Jongkhar in the east has the road access open for tourists.
Phuntsholing is approximately 170 kms from the Indian domestic Airport, Bagdora, West Bengal and 175 kms from Thimphu. The driving distance between Thimphu and Phuntsholing is about 5 hours through endless hair-pin bend and scenic mountain road.
Samdrup Jongkhar is approximately 180 kms from the Indian domestic Airport, Guwahati that is about 3 hours drive. The tourists have the option to plan for eastern Bhutan tour or visit central and western Bhutan and exit via either Paro or Phuntsholing. There is a domestic airport at Bagdora, West Bengal which is about 170 kms away Phuntsholing – Bhutan. Phuntsholing is about 175 kms from Thimphu and takes about 5 hours drive through endless curves and bends.
WHEN IS THE BEST TIME OF THE YEAR TO VISIT BHUTAN ?
The best seasons to visit Bhutan are during Spring (March, April & May) and Autumn (September, October & November). The major bhutanese religious festivals are held during these seasons and fine Spring and Autumn weather makes it an ideal time for trekking in Bhutan and for traveling throughout the country enjoying great views of Himalayan mountains peaks.
Nevertheless, it is possible to visit Bhutan throughout the year as Bhutan has 4 seasons in a year and each season has its own charm as given below:
Spring Season-March, April and May
In Spring the trekking season commences in moderate altitudes. Above 3000 metres spectacular rhododendron forests bloom. It is also the perfect time for a rafting tour. In Paro, one of the largest monastic festivals – Paro tshechu takes place.The temperature is pleasantly mild even up to the Alp regions. Rain comes only in May as the harbinger of the approaching monsoon.
Festivals in Spring:
Paro Tshechu ( Festival ) : 31st March-4th April 2015
Bumthang Ura yakchoe Festival : 30th April-4th May 2015
Summer Season- June, July and August
The Summer brings with it the monsoon, but this weather should not deter Bhutan travellers. In the settled areas of the medium ranges of Central and Western Bhutan, pleasant summer temperatures without heat or humidity can be found. Rain falls for short periods daily but is manageable with adequate planning and equipment provided by Bhutan tour Operators / Bhutan travel agents like World Tour Plan. Treks in high mountain areas, e.g. the Snowman Trek, are characterised by mild temperatures, verdant green meadows, and pastures of Blue Poppies and Edelweiss. Nomads tending their yaks in the high Alps are a common sight.
Festivals in Summer:
Haa Summer Festival from June 30-July 1, 2014
Autumn Season- September, October and November
Autumn is the traditional high season in Bhutan. September and October have the highest number of tshechus (monastic festivals). Trekkers particularly enjoy the clear view of the mountains in October and the low rainfall. Rice harvest means a picturesque landscape remarkable terraces and changing colour.
Festivals in Autumn:
Thimphu Drubchen: 28th Sept. – 2nd Oct 2014
Thimphu Tshechu: 3rd to 5th Oct 2014
Wangdue Tshechu: 23-25, 2014
Bumthang Thangbi Mani Festival : 29-October 1, 2014
Bumthang Jambhay Lhakhang Drup: October 29-November 2, 2014
Bumthang Prakhar Tshechu: October 30-November 1, 2014
Winter Season-December, January and February
In Winter the South beckons. Dry and pleasant conditions make this the best time of year for bird watching in the jungles, village to village trekking in the lower altitudes or a bicycle trip along quiet mountain roads. The trekking routes in the high mountains are covered in deep snow and are impassable at this time of year. The impressive and endangered Black Necked Crane spends the winter in the high valley of Bumdeling (in eastern Bhutan) and Phobjika (in central Bhutan).
Festivals in Winter:
Trongsa Tshechu from December 21-23, 2014
Punakha Domchoe from February 15-19, 2015
Punakha Tshechu from February 20-22, 2015
