Bhutan - Bhutan

Die Koninkryk van Bhutan (Dzongkha: འབྲུག་ ཡུལ་) is 'n klein land in die Himalajas tussen Tibet en Indië. Behalwe die pragtige natuurskoon, is die sterk beeld van die land vir die meeste besoekers die sterk gevoel van kultuur en tradisie wat die koninkryk bind en dit duidelik onderskei van die groter bure. Bhutan is die enigste Vajrayana Boeddhistiese nasie ter wêreld, en die diepgaande leerstellings van hierdie tradisie bly goed bewaar en oefen 'n sterk invloed uit in alle aspekte van die lewe.

Streke

Bhutan kan kultureel en geografies in drie streke verdeel word, wat verder in 20 distrikte of dzongkhag (enkelvoud en meervoud):

Stede

• 27.46666789.6416671 Thimphu (Dzongkha: ཐིམ་ ཕུ) - Die hoofstad
• 27.5590.7333332 Jakar (Dzongkha: བྱ་ ཀར) - 'n Administratiewe stad in die noorde en die geboorteplek van Boeddhisme in Bhutan.
• 27.27591.243 Mongar (Dzongkha: མོང་ སྒར) - Een van die grootste dorpe in die ooste van Bhutan.
• 27.43333389.4166674 Paro (Dzongkha: སྤ་ རོ་) - Die ligging van die internasionale lughawe en Taktsang-klooster.
• 27.61666789.8666675 Punakha (Dzongkha: སྤུ་ ན་ ཁ་) - 'n Voormalige winterhoofstad van Bhutan, bied nog steeds die monastiese liggaam in die winter aan.
• 26.8589.3833336 Phuentsholing (Dzongkha: ཕུན་ ཚོགས་ གླིང་) - 'n Dorp aan die Indiese grens. Vertrekpunt vir reisigers wat met die bus vanaf Kolkata.
• 26.91666791.6166677 Samdrup Jongkhar (Dzongkha: བསམ་ གྲུབ་ ལྗོངས་ མཁར་) - 'n Administratiewe stad in die suidooste, naby die Indiese grens.
• 27.33333391.5666678 Trashigang (Dzongkha: བཀྲ་ ཤིས་ སྒང་ །) - 'n skilderagtige administratiewe stad in die ooste.
• 27.51666790.59 Trongsa (Dzongkha: ཀྲོང་ གསར) - 'n Klein administratiewe stad wat bekend is vir sy dzong en die Toring van Trongsa

Ander bestemmings

Nasionale parke

• 27.7589.5166671 Jigme Dorji Nasionale Park
• 27.28272890.38442 Jigme Singye Wangchuck Nasionale Park
• 26.89944490.7580563 Royal Manas Nasionale Park
• 27.28305690.9777784 Phrumsengla Nasionale Park (Dzongkha: ཕྲུམ་ སེང་ རྒྱལ་ ཡོང་ གླིང་ ག)
• 27.81194490.6577785 Wangchuck Centennial Nasionale Park

Natuurreservate en natuurreservate

• 27.79722291.4377786 Bumdeling Wildreservaat
• 27.7972222291.437777787 Jomotsangkha Wildreservaat
• 26.79805690.0447228 Phibsoo Wildlife Sanctuary
• 27.2891.959 Sakteng Wildreservaat
• 27.32944489.06333310 Jigme Khesar Streng Natuurreservaat

Amptelike webwerf van nasionale parke en beskermde gebiede in Bhutan: [1]

Verstaan

Hoog in die Himalajas, is Bhoetan die wêreld se enigste Boeddhistiese land van Vajrayana. Verder, as 'n intiatief van die vierde koning, het dit die filosofie van Bruto Nasionale Geluk ontwikkel, waardeur ontwikkeling gemeet word aan die hand van 'n holistiese benadering van welstand, nie net gebaseer op die bruto binnelandse produk nie. As deel van hierdie filosofie ontvang alle burgers gratis onderrig en mediese sorg. Die verkoop van tabakprodukte is verbode en rook in openbare ruimtes is 'n strafbare oortreding.

Belangrike bronne van inkomste vir die koninkryk is toerisme, waterkrag en landbou.

Kultureel is Bhutan hoofsaaklik Boeddhisties met Dzongkha as 'n landstaal (alhoewel daar streeksvariasies is - soos Sharchopkha, die oorheersende taal in Oos-Bhutan), en 'n algemene kleredrag en argitektuurstyl. Bhutanese mense bestaan ​​hoofsaaklik uit die Ngalops en Sharchops, wat onderskeidelik die Wes-Bhutanese en Oos-Bhutanese genoem word, en Lhotshamphas (Suid-Bhutanese), 'n volk van Nepalese oorsprong. Die Ngalops bestaan ​​hoofsaaklik uit Bhutanees wat in die westelike deel van die land woon. Hul kultuur is nou verwant aan dié van hul buurman in die noorde, Tibet.

Bruto nasionale geluk

Die ideologie van Gross National Happiness was die geesteskind van koning Jigme Singye Wangchuck, wat 'n moderne opleiding in Indië en die Verenigde Koninkryk, besef dat blote ekonomiese sukses nie noodwendig vertaal het in 'n inhoudelike en gelukkige samelewing nie. Gevolglik het die jong koning, kort na sy kroning in 1974, begin om die idee te dryf om 'n nuwe stel riglyne te ontwikkel waarmee hy die land sou regeer. Hierdie idees het stadigaan gestalte gekry en in 1998 is die GNH-aanwyser opgestel. GNH staan ​​vir 'Gross National Happiness' en word gedefinieer deur die volgende vier doelstellings: om ekonomiese groei en ontwikkeling te verhoog, die kulturele erfenis te bewaar en te bevorder, 'n volhoubare gebruik van die omgewing aan te moedig en goeie bestuur daar te stel. Alhoewel die konsep van GNH baie internasionale lof ontvang en 'n groot trekpleister vir toeriste is, is die idee baie in sy inkubasiefase, en daar is baie min bewyse van GNH in die land.

Op 19 Julie 2011 het 68 lande by die Koninkryk van Bhutan aangesluit om 'n resolusie getiteld "Geluk: in die rigting van 'n holistiese benadering tot ontwikkeling" te borg, wat deur die VN se Algemene Vergadering met 193 lede aanvaar is. In die opvolg van die resolusie het die Koninklike Regering van Bhutan op 2 April 2012 'n vergadering op hoë vlak oor 'Geluk en welstand: die definisie van 'n nuwe ekonomiese paradigma' byeengeroep in die Verenigde Nasies se hoofkwartier in New York. Hierdie vergadering het die volgende stappe begin om die visie van 'n nuwe welstands- en volhoubaarheidsgebaseerde ekonomiese paradigma te verwesenlik wat ekonomiese, sosiale en omgewingsdoelstellings effektief integreer. Bhutan is steeds 'n voorstander van die resolusie en bevorder die konsep internasionaal.

Geskiedenis

Die eerste mense het waarskynlik 'n geruime tyd na die ystydperk aangekom, en daar is min bekend oor Bhutan se voorgeskiedenis. Historiese verslae het begin met die koms van Boeddhisme in die 7de eeu, toe Guru Rinpoche (Padmasambhava) Bhutan besoek en kloosters gestig het.

In 1865 het Brittanje en Bhutan die Verdrag van Sinchulu onderteken, waaronder Bhutan 'n jaarlikse subsidie ​​sou ontvang in ruil vir die afstaan ​​van 'n grensland. Onder Britse invloed is 'n monargie in 1907 gestig; drie jaar later is 'n verdrag onderteken waardeur die Britte ingestem het om nie in die Bhutanese interne aangeleenthede in te meng nie en Bhutan het Brittanje toegelaat om sy buitelandse sake te rig. Die onafhanklike Indië het na 1947 hierdie rol aanvaar. Twee jaar later het 'n formele Indo-Bhutanese ooreenkoms die gebiede van Bhutan wat deur die Britte geannekseer is, teruggegee, die jaarlikse subsidies wat die land ontvang het geformaliseer, en die verantwoordelikhede van Indië in die verdediging en buitelandse betrekkinge gedefinieer.

In Desember 2006 het koning Jigme Singye Wangchuck die mag oorgedra aan sy oudste seun, die kroonprins Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, wat die titel van die vyfde Druk Gyalpo toegeken het. Die kroning vind plaas in November 2008. Die Vyfde Koning is in Boston en Oxford opgelei en word in die hele land hoog aangeslaan.

Guru Rinpoche Dit is nie moontlik om ver in Bhutan te reis sonder om beelde te sien van 'n man wat 'n lang, uitgebreide hoed dra en met oop oë oop en vorentoe die ruimte in staar nie. Dit is die groot 8ste-eeuse wyse van Vajrayana Boeddhisme, Padmasambhava of Guru Rinpoche soos hy dikwels genoem het. Volgens die legende is Padmasambhava as agtjarige kind gereïnkarneer tot 'n lotusbloeisel, en van baie kleins af besit hy baie wysheid en insig. Verder het hy die elemente onder die knie gehad, en soos 'n pottebakker wat basiese klei manipuleer en dit in pragtige potte verander, kon hy skadelike werking en stowwe omskep in iets positiefs en voordelig. Guru Rinpoche se spesiale verbintenis met Bhutan het begin toe hy gereis het na die stad wat nou bekend staan ​​as Jakar op uitnodiging van 'n plaaslike koning om negatiewe magte te onderwerp. Die missie was 'n sukses, en vanaf hierdie ontmoeting het Boeddhisme deur die hele land versprei. 'N Liggaamsafdruk van die groot wysgeer bestaan ​​tot vandag toe in Kurjey Lhakhang in Jakar, en hy word ook geassosieer met baie ander heilige plekke in Bhoetan, met miskien die mees opvallende kliphangende Taktshang-klooster Paro.

Weer

Bhutan se weer wissel van noord na suid en vallei tot vallei, afhangende van die hoogte. In die noorde van Bhoetan, op die grense met Tibet, is dit altyd sneeu bedek. In die westelike, sentrale en oostelike Bhoetan (Ha, Paro, Thimphu, Wandue, Trongsa, Bumthang, Trashi Yangtse, Lhuntse), sal u meestal Europese weer beleef. Die winter duur hier van November tot Maart. Punakha is 'n uitsondering, want dit is in 'n laer vallei waar die somer warm is en die winter aangenaam is. Suid-Bhutan wat aan Indië grens, is warm en vogtig met 'n subtropiese klimaat. Terwyl die moeson Noord-Indië aansienlik beïnvloed, het dit nie dieselfde invloed in Bhoetan nie. Somermaande is geneig om natter te wees met uitsonderlike buie slegs in die aande. Die winter is verreweg die droogste periode, terwyl die lente en herfs aangenaam is.

Daar is vier verskillende seisoene in hul afdelings soortgelyk aan dié van Wes-Europa. Temperature in die verre suide wissel van 15 ° C in die winter (Desember tot Februarie) tot 30 ° C in die somer (Junie tot Augustus). In Thimphu is die wissel van -2,5 ° C in Januarie tot 25 ° C in Augustus en met 'n reënval van 100 mm. In die hoë bergstreke is die gemiddelde temperatuur 0 ° C in die winter en kan dit in die somer 10 ° C bereik, met 'n gemiddelde reën van 350 mm. Neerslag wissel aansienlik met hoogte en die gemiddelde reënval wissel van streek tot streek.

Wanneer om te besoek

Die beste tyd om Bhutan te besoek, is die lente- en winterseisoen. In die lente (Maart tot Junie) kan die jacaranda- en rododendronbome in volle blom gesien word. In die winter (Oktober tot Desember) kry besoekers 'n onbelemmerde uitsig oor die besneeuwde Himalaja-gebied wat Bhoetan omring as gevolg van helder lug met min of geen reën.

Nasionale vakansiedae

Bhutanese vakansiedae is gewortel in die Drukpa-afstamming van Kagyu-boeddhisme, die Huis van Wangchuck en die Tibetaanse kalender. Selfs sekulêre vakansiedae hou egter 'n mate van godsdienstige toon in, aangesien godsdienstige choreografie en seëninge hierdie gunstige dae aandui.

• 2 Januarie - Wintersonstilstand (fees in Wes-Bhutan)
• Januarie Februarie(1ste dag van die 12de maand in die Tibetaanse kalender) - Tradisionele aanbiedingsdag ('n dag om kos aan honger wesens aan te bied - gevier as nuwe jaar in Oos-Bhutan)
• 21–23 Februarie - Geboortedag van HM die vyfde koning Jigme Khesar Namgyal Wangchuck
• Februarie of Maart (1ste dag van die 1ste maand in die Tibetaanse kalender) - Bhutanese / Tibetaanse nuwejaar (losar)
• 2 Mei - Geboortedag van die derde koning Jigme Dorji Wangchuck
• April of Mei (10de dag van die 4de maand in die Tibetaanse kalender) - Shabdrung Kuchoe (herdenk die heengaan van Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal in 1651 CE)
• Mei of Junie (15de dag van die 4de maand in die Tibetaanse kalender) - Herdenking van Lord Buddha se Parnirvana.
• Junie of Julie (10de dag van die 5de maand in die Tibetaanse kalender) - Verjaarsdag van die geboorte van Guru Rinpoche
• Julie of Augustus (4de dag van die 7de maand in die Tibetaanse kalender) - Die eerste preek van Lord Buddha (draai van die Dharma-wiel)
• 'September (nie reg) - Thimphu Drubchen (slegs Thimphu)
• September (nie reggestel nie) - Geseende reënerige dag
• September of Oktober (1ste dag van die 6de maand (Ashvin) in die Hindi kalender) - Hindoe seremonie van Dashain
• September of Oktober (nie reg) - Thimphu Tsjoekoe (slegs Thimphu)
• 1 November (nie vasgestel nie) - Kroningsdag van sy majesteit die koning
• 11 November - geboortedag van Jigme Singye Wangchuck, die 4de koning van Bhutan, Grondwetdag
• November (22ste dag van die 10de maand in die Tibetaanse kalender) - dalende dag van Lord Buddha
• 17 Desember - Nasionale Dag ter herdenking van die kroning in 1907 van die eerste oorerflike koning van Bhoetan, Ugyen Wangchuck

Benewens bogenoemde nasionale vakansiedae, is daar ook Tshechu-vakansiedae wat regstreeks gevier word.

Lees en kyk

• Reisigers en towenaars, Bhutan se eerste internasionaal bekroonde speelfilm is in 2003 gemaak en wys die lewe in Bhutan.
• Anderkant die lug en die aarde (koop) - Jamie Zeppa skryf oor sy ervarings as 'n jong Kanadese onderrig by skole in Bhutan - baie onderhoudend en insiggewend.
• The Raven Crown (koop) - 'n Boek van Michael Aris oor die oorsprong van die Boeddhistiese monargie in Bhutan.
• Die sirkel van Karma - 'n uitstekende roman deur die bekroonde plaaslike skrywer Kunzang Choden - insigte in die lewens van Bhutanese vroue.

Adresse

Bhutan het nie adresse nie, hoewel strate in die groter dorpe, soos Thimphu, name genoem is, wat voor die agtervoegsel kom lam, wat straat of pad beteken. Norzin Lam is byvoorbeeld die hoofstraat in Thimphu. Kloosters word volgens hul spesifieke name genoem, gevolg deur die woord vir klooster of tempel in Dzongkha - Lhakhang of Goempa (Gompa). As voorbeeld is Khurjey Lhakhang 'n beroemde klooster in Jakar.

Gaan in

Bhutan het een van die mees beperkende visumbeleid ter wêreld, en reis na die land word sterk gereguleer onder die regering se "High Impact, Low Value Tourism" -skema. In ooreenstemming hiermee het feitlik alle nasionaliteite 'n visum nodig om die land binne te gaan, behalwe burgers van Indië, Bangladesj, en die Maledive.

Visums

Alle toeriste moet hul reis bespreek deur 'n plaaslike gelisensieerde toeroperateur (of internasionale vennoot). Visums word aanlyn deur u plaaslike toeroperateur aangevra en u hoef nie 'n Bhutanese ambassade of konsulaat te besoek nie. U vakansie moet ten volle betaal word, per bankoverschrijving, aan die Toerismeraad van Bhutan rekening voordat 'n toeristevisum uitgereik word. Sodra die volle betaling ontvang is, duur die visumklaring nie langer as 72 uur nie. Die visumfooi is US $ 40 per inskrywing wat u saam met u reispakket moet koop. By u besoekpunt sal die visum in u paspoort gestempel word. Verlenging van visums kan verkry word deur u plaaslike toeroperateur teen 'n bedrag van Nu.510 (1 Ngultrum = 1 Indiese Roepie), en die toeris sal ook onderhewig wees aan die daaglikse tarief vir die addisionele dae.

Visums word uitgereik na ontvangs van die volle betaling van u vakansie deur die Toerismeraad van Bhutan, en die vaste tariewe is gewoonlik ongeveer US $ 250 per persoon / dag, afhangend van die tyd van die jaar. Die geld bly by die Toerismeraad totdat u reis binne-in die land voltooi is voordat die plaaslike toeroperateur betaal word. Bhutan beperk nie meer toeristegetalle nie en voer 'n oopdeurbeleid uit.

Aangesien reis na Bhutan byna altyd ten minste een vlugverandering in Bangladesj, Indië, vereis, Nepal, Singapoer of Thailand, maak seker dat u aan die visumvereistes van die lande voldoen voordat u deurtrek. Nepal en Thailand bied visums by aankoms of visumafwyking vir baie nasionaliteite aan. Indië vereis gewoonlik dat visumprosedures voor aankoms voltooi moet word, en dit kan tot twee weke duur.

Bhutan Toegangspermit - vir Indiese toeriste

Slegs burgers van Indië, Bangladesj en die Maldive word visums uitgereik met die inskrywing. 'N Foto en 'n geldige paspoort (of slegs 'n kies-ID-kaart vir inwoners van Indië) word vereis (saam met 'n fotokopie van een van die twee). Vul die dokument met die doel "Toerisme". By landgrensoorgange kry u slegs 7 dae Paro en Thimphu. Vir verlenging van die duur, dien u in Thimphu by die kantoor vir immigrasie aan die noordekant van Norzin Lam. Om ander distrikte te besoek, moet u by dieselfde kantoor aansoek doen vir padpermitte. Dit word die beste in die oggend toegepas en u sal die dokument in die middag ontvang. As u 'n verdedigingsamptenaar is sonder 'n paspoort of 'n student sonder die bogenoemde drie aanvaarde identifikasiedokumente, kan u die Indiese konsulaat verder op versoek vra om u 'n dokument vir identifikasie te gee, maar dit neem tyd.

Alle plaaslike toeriste (burgers van Bangladesj, Indië en die Maldive) moet 'n roete-permit bekom voordat hulle Bhutan binnegaan. Streekstoeriste benodig permitte vir Bhutan, aangesien hulle nie 'n visum hoef te kry om Bhutan binne te gaan nie. Streektoeriste wat Bhutan via die lug binnekom, kan die toegangspermit by die Paro Internasionale Lughawe kry.

Wat is 'n toelatingspermit?

Streektoeriste wat Bhutan per pad binnekom, word gevra om 'n toelatingspermit te bekom en word gevra om dit in elke tjekposte in Bhutan te lewer. Toelatingspermitte word verkry deur die immigrasie-kantoor in Phuntsholing. Die immigrasie-kantoor is oop van 08:00 tot 16:00 van weeksdae en is op Saterdae, Sondae en openbare vakansiedae gesluit. Die middagete is van 13:00 tot 14:00 BST. BST is 30 minute voor IST.

Toegangspunte

Daar is drie punte om Bhutan via land in te gaan.

Phuntsholing (westelike Bhutan) Gelephu (sentraal Bhutan) Samdrup jongkhar (oostelike Bhutan)

Al die toegangspunte het dieselfde prosedure nodig om van die toegangspermit gebruik te maak.

Watter dokumente is nodig om die toelatingspermit te verkry?

• Paspoortkopie / Kies-ID-kaart 2 Foto's (dra ook originele vir verifikasie). Vir kinders jonger as 18 jaar sonder geldige paspoort, is geboortesertifikate en geldige skool-ID nodig om toegangspermit te kry. (Albei word vereis in geval van skoolgaande kind).
• 'N Bevestigingsbewys vir 'n hotel. Dit is om seker te maak dat alle toeriste wat Bhutan besoek, 'n behoorlike adres het. Bespreek dus 'n hotel voor u aankoms en laat u hotel 'n bevestigingsbewys stuur voordat u Bhutan binnekom.

Die toelatingspermit wat immigrasiebeamptes in Phuntsholing verleen het, is slegs geldig om in Thimphu en Paro te reis. Sodra u in Thimphu aankom, moet u aansoek doen om spesiale gebiedspermitte om ander plekke as Thimphu en Paro soos Punakha te besoek.

Nadat u in Thimphu aankom, neem u 'n fotokopie van u roete-permit na die immigrasie-kantoor in Thimphu en verwerk die spesiale areapermit. U moet 'n ander vorm invul en u roete-permit daarby aangeheg het. U kan u verlengingspermitte na 1 uur by dieselfde kantoor afhaal. As u met u eie voertuig ry, moet u die verlengingspermit gebruik by RSTA (verkeersveiligheids- en vervoerowerheid) langs Lutenzampa-skool / busparkeerplek.

Aadhar Cards word nie meer aanvaar om aansoek te doen vir 'n toegangspermit na Bhutan nie. As u nie 'n geldige reisdokument (paspoort / kieser-ID) het nie, moet u die Indiese konsulaatskantoor in Phuentsholing nader en aansoek doen vir die "identifikasiestrokie" met behoorlike bewys van die Indiese nasionaliteit. As u met u eie voertuig bestuur, moet u ook die permit vir die voertuig gebruik. Voer u rybewys uit om hierdie voertuigpermit te benut.

Vooraf Aanlyn Permit

'N Aanlyn permit kan gebruik word om Bhutan binne te gaan. U moet 'n minimum 3-ster-hotel bespreek, en u toer moet vergesel word deur 'n toergids. U moet u reis bespreek by 'n plaaslike toeroperateur in Bhutan. Laat u toeroperateur voor u reis 'n aanlynpermit gebruik. Die aanlynpermit verplig u ook om 'n paspoort met 'n minimum geldigheid van 6 maande voor die presiese reisdatum te hê. Kiesers- / adhar-kaarte word nie aanvaar nie.

Prosedure vir die verkryging van die toelatingspermit

Gewoonlik neem dit ongeveer 30 minute om alle formaliteite af te handel en u permit te kry. U moet 'n vorm invul, u foto's aanheg en by die eerste toonbank indien. U naam word by die volgende toonbank genoem. Sodra u naam by die volgende toonbank gebel word, moet u daar aankom om op u foto te klik en vingerafdrukke te gee. U kan u toegangspermit afhaal van die derde toonbank wat gestempel en onderteken is. Dit kan langer neem op Maandae, want kantoor bly oor naweke gesluit.

Geldigheid van die permit

Toelatingspermitte en spesiale gebiedspermitte is vir 'n maksimum van 7 dae geldig en as u langer as 7 dae wil spandeer, moet u weer die immigrasie-kantoor in Thimphu besoek en aansoek doen om verlenging van die verblyf. Dokumente benodig vir uitbreiding: 'n afskrif van die oorspronklike toegangspermit, 1 foto.

Daar is wel 'n immigrasie-kantoor in Paro, maar uitbreidings word slegs by die immigrasie-kantoor Thimphu aangebied.

Immigrasie kantoor by Thimphu vir verlenging van u verblyf of om permit vir beperkte gebiede te kry.

Boetes vir die verkryging van die toelatingspermit.

Daar is immigrasie-tjekposte op alle roetes, en dit is u verantwoordelikheid om u toegangs- en uitbreidingskaarte tydens die in- en terugkeer te laat stempel. In die geval dat u die pas nie stempel nie, is daar 'n stewige boete (op 'n daaglikse basis) en ook die kans dat u permitte deur die owerhede gekonfiskeer kan word. Maak dus seker dat u by al hierdie kontrolepunte stop by die in- en uitgang.

U spesiale permit sal in Hongtsho nagegaan word voordat u met die Dochula-pas aankom. Maak dus seker dat u vooraf die verlengde uitbreidings kry om ongerief te voorkom.

Fooi vir die verkryging van die toelatingspermit

Daar is absoluut geen koste verbonde vir die verkryging van toegangspermitte, spesiale areapermitte of voertuigpermitte nie, tensy u 'n plaaslike agent in diens neem om nie self die moeite te doen nie.

Hou u permitte gedurende u reis by u.

U magtig is 'n belangrike dokument terwyl u in Bhutan is, en u moet dit altyd by u hou. Dit word by verskillende immigrasiepunte nagegaan terwyl u tussen stede reis en ook toegang tot alle belangrike Dzongs en kloosters, insluitend Paro, Punakha & Thimphu Dzongs en Tiger's Nest-klooster.

Beskikking oor permit

Aan die einde van die reis moet u die toelatingspermitte en uitbreidings indien by die laaste immigrasiepunt tydens u vertrek.

Toeristetarief

Die Toerismeraad van Bhutan bestuur die daaglikse tarief vir alle toeriste wat die land binnekom. Dit is nie moontlik om Bhutan as toeris binne te gaan sonder om hierdie tarief te betaal nie, tensy u 'n burger van Indië, Bangladesj en die Maledive is.

Die daaglikse tarief dek:

• 'N Minimum van 3-ster akkommodasie - 'n ekstra koste kan gehef word aan luukse hotelle
• Alle etes - Ontbyt, middagete, aandete
• 'N Gelisensieerde Bhutanese toergids vir die omvang van die verblyf
• Alle interne vervoer - uitgesluit interne vlugte
• Kamptoerusting en vervoer vir trektoere
• Alle interne belastings en heffings
• 'N Tantieme van US $ 65 (wat by die tariefprys ingesluit is)

Die minimum tarief is (vir 'n groep van 3 persone of meer):

• US $ 250 per persoon per nag vir die maande Maart, April, Mei, September, Oktober en November.
• US $ 200 per persoon per nag vir die maande Januarie, Februarie, Junie, Julie, Augustus en Desember.

Die tariewe is van toepassing per toeris per nag stilhou in Bhutan. Groepe van twee of minder is onderhewig aan 'n toeslag, bo en behalwe die minimum daaglikse tariewe, soos volg:

• Individueel, US $ 40 per nag
• 2 persone, US $ 30 per persoon per nag.

Kinders tot 5 jaar betaal geen koste nie. Kinders tussen 6 en 12 jaar vergesel van ouers of voogde kry 50% afslag op die dagtariewe en 100% afslag op royalty. Voltydse studente onder die ouderdom van 25 jaar wat geldige identiteitskaarte van hul akademiese instellings besit, kry ook 25% afslag op die daaglikse tariewe. 'N Afslag van 50% op daaglikse tariewe word gegee aan een persoon in 'n groep van 11 tot 15 persone. 100% afslag word gegee aan een lid in 'n groep van meer as 16 persone.

Na die 8ste nag word 50% afslag op royalty gegee en na die 14de nag word 100% afslag op royalty gegee.

Dit Toer koste sakrekenaar gebruik die bogenoemde voorwaardes om 'n presiese tarief vir 'n reis na Bhutan te bereken en terug te stuur.

Dit is onwettig om tariefpryse te onderdruk, en enige toeroperateurs wat onderbreek, sal hul lisensie beëindig.

Die enigste ander opsie om die land te besoek, is om 'n uitnodiging van 'n Bhutanese burger te ontvang, waar 'n bewys van die verhouding aangebied moet word by die aansoek of deur 'n NRO.

Indië, Bangladesj en die Maldive-burgers is vrygestel van minimum tariefvereistes. Hulle sal ook nie die toerismetariewe betaal nie, en sekere belastings is deel van die daaglikse tarief.

Met die vliegtuig

Paro Internasionale Lughawe (PBH ^IATA) is die enigste toegangspunt na Bhutan per lug, geleë in die suidweste van die land naby hoofstad Thimphu. Vlagdraer Druk Air bestuur twee lugbusse wat roetes na Bangkok in Thailand; Delhi, Moembaai, Kolkata, Bodh Gaya/ Gaya, Bagdogra, Guwahati in Indië; Katmandoe in Nepal; Dhaka in Bangladesj en Singapoer. Bhutan Airlines bied daaglikse vlugte na Bangkok aan. Vir lugvaartliefhebbers is die inrit na die Paro-lughawe een van die moeilikste ter wêreld, omdat dit op lae hoogte deur 'n kronkelende, bergagtige vallei behels.

Die ander opsie is Bagdogra-lughawe (IXB ^IATA), wat die stad van dien Siliguri in die naburige Indiese deelstaat Wes-Bengale. Bagdogra is vier uur se ry vanaf die Bhutanese grensdorp Phuentsholing. Bagdogra ontvang gereeld vlugte vanaf groot stede in Indië, en Druk Air voer minstens weekliks vlugte uit Bangkok uit.

Met die motor

Daar is drie landgrensoorgange slegs langs die suidelike grens na Indië. Phuntsholing in die weste, Gelephu in die sentrale streek en Samdrup Jongkhar in die ooste. Geen grensoorgangs is oop langs die Chinese noordelike grens nie. Padpermitte is ook nodig; dit word egter verwerk deur u plaaslike toeroperateur, tesame met u visum.

Met die bus

• Van Kolkata: Die Koninklike Bhutanese regering het 'n diens aan Phuentsholing. Hierdie busse vertrek vanaf Kolkata's Esplanade busstasie om 19:00 op Dinsdag, Donderdag en Saterdag en vanaf die Phuentsholing Bhutan Poskantoor om 15:00 op Maandag, Woensdag en Vrydag. Die reis duur ongeveer 18 uur en kos ₹ / Nu.300. Die busse is gemaklik, maar omdat baie van die snelweg na Kolkata soos die maanoppervlak is, moet u nie veel slaap onderweg nie.
• Van Siliguri: Busse vertrek daagliks om 07:30 en 13:30 vanaf oorkant Golden Plaza op Burdwanweg (agter Air View More) na Phuentsholing. Kaartjies word by 'n toonbank naby die bus verkoop en die reis duur ongeveer vier uur.
• Van Phuentsholing: Daar is privaatbusse wat elke halfuur tot 16:00 vanaf die busstasie vertrek. Gedeelde taxi's is ook beskikbaar naby die busstasie.

Met die trein

Daar is geen spoorweë in Bhutan nie. Die naaste opsies (albei in Indië) is:

• Hasimara op die hooflyn van Kolkata / Siliguri na Assam is die naaste treinstasie na Phuentsholing, 17 km daarvandaan. Die trein trein 13149 en 4084 stop deur Indian Rail. Vanaf 2010 is sommige dele van die pad van New Jalpaiguri / Siliguri na Phuentsholing in 'n baie slegte toestand. As u 'n treinreis tot by Hasimara verleng, kan dit u varsheid vir Bhutan bespaar.
• Nuwe Jalpaiguri-stasie (NJP) in Siliguri is 'n gewilde keuse vir reisigers per land na Bhutan. Daar is direkte gedeelde taxi's vanaf NJP na Jaigaon, of daar is busse vanaf Siliguri-busstasie. 'N Taxi tussen die stasie en die busstasie kos tot £ 80. Alternatiewelik kan u ook 'n plaaslike trein neem na Hasimara, wat ongeveer £ 40 kos en ongeveer 3 uur duur. Treine vanaf NJP moet vooraf bespreek word, want dit is 'n gewilde stasie onder plaaslike inwoners. Daar vertrek geen treine vanaf hierdie stasie met 'n toeriste-kwota nie.

Kry rond

Roet permitte is nodig om in Bhutan te reis, en daar is tjekposte in die meeste distrikte oos en noord van Thimphu waar u van hierdie dokumente moet voorsien om voort te gaan. Roete-permitte word deur u plaaslike toeroperateur verwerk wanneer u vir u visum aansoek doen. Hierdie permitte word deur die immigrasie-kantoor in Thimphu (Noordelike punt van Norzin Lam).

Met die vliegtuig

Vliegreis is 'n vinnige en betreklik veilige alternatief om Bhutan se kronkelende paaie aan te pak, maar die skedules is skaars en vlugte word op die nippertjie gekanselleer. Druk Air en Bhutan Airways (ook bekend as Tashi Air) vlieg van Paro (Thimphu) na Yongphula-lughawe naby Trashigang en Bathpalathang lughawe in Jakar, Bumthang streek, en aan Gelephu naby die Indiese grens, in die suidelike sentrale streek.

Met die bus of motor

Die paaie wat die land oorsteek, word gekenmerk deur hul draaie, draaie en steil hellings, maar ondanks die moeilike topografie is dit oor die algemeen baie goed onderhou en veilig. Plaaslike busdienste en interdistrikte is nie so gemaklik nie en stop gereeld. U plaaslike toeroperateur sal 'n voertuig en bestuurder voorsien vir die duur van u verblyf. Hierdie koste is by die daaglikse tarief ingesluit. Reis met 'n plaaslike bus of taxi kan ook gereël word. Dit word aanbeveel dat u slegs in Bhutan ry as u ondervinding het in bergagtige streke. Die kwaliteit van die padoppervlak is wisselvallig met eindelose bergagtige haarnaalddraaie. Dit word aanbeveel dat u reisiektablette inpak.

Ryloop

Aangesien die openbare vervoer tussen dorpe in Bhutan min is, haakwerk is 'n baie algemene manier om rond te kom. Die duim in die lugsimbool word egter nie herken nie, en u sal 'n verbygaande voertuig moet vlag om een ​​te laat stop. Aangesien sommige bestuurders passasiers oplaai om hul inkomste aan te vul, is dit gebruiklik om betaling aan te bied wanneer hulle uit die voertuig klim (die bedrag hang ongeveer af van die afstand, maar dit is vergelykbaar met die koste van die bus). Die meeste bestuurders benodig egter niks nie, en is meer as bly om net 'n geselskap te hê en die geleentheid te hê om 'n nuwe vriend te maak. As u van plan is om baie vas te trek (en in sommige landelike gebiede is daar geen ander manier om rond te kom nie), is dit 'n goeie idee om 'n paar klein geskenke saam te neem om die bestuurders aan te bied as 'n blyk van u waardering.

Paaie

Weens die bergagtige terrein word paaie gereeld versper rotsstortings gedurende die somerseisoen. Daarom is dit die beste om te verhoed dat u lang afstande van begin Junie tot einde Augustus reis. As u egter op die oomblik moet reis, moet u genoeg gebottelde water en versnaperinge saamneem asof die grondverskuiwing dit kan 'n rukkie neem om die pad skoon te maak.

Op 'n hoogte van 3750 m is die gedeelte van die pad wat deur die Thrumshingla-pas verbind Bumthang en Mongar is die hoogste in die land en bied 'n skouspelagtige natuurskoon. As gevolg van die steil kante van die vallei is dit egter veral vatbaar vir rotsstortings. Wees dus voorbereid op lang wag gedurende veral nat periodes.

Sien

Die meeste toeriste doen 'kulturele toere' waar hulle belangrike bestemmings besoek. Paro, Thimphu, Punakha, Phobjikha, en Jakar is gewilde bestemmings. Verder is die onontginde streek Zhemgang (voëlkykersparadys, uitstekende wildkyk) en Oos-Bhutan pas oopgestel vir toerisme. As u 'n avonturier is en die onontginde wil ontdek, is die ooste van Bhutan die plek vir u. Hierdie unieke en tog ongerepte deel van die land bied die beste ervaring.

Kloosters

Taktsang-klooster (Tiger's Nest), Paro. Dit is een van die belangrikste Boeddhistiese terreine ter wêreld, en Guru Rinpoche het hier in die 8ste eeu besoek tydens sy tweede besoek aan Bhutan. Dit is die mees erkende en besoekende monument in Bhutan. Daar word geglo dat hy aan die agterkant van 'n gevleuelde tijgerin aangekom het, vandaar die naam Tigers Nest. Die tempel is op 'n krans van 1.200 meter gebou en is in 1692 gebou.

Honderde kloosters stip die landskap in sommige van die mees ongerepte en afgeleë gebiede.

Kurje Lhakhang, Jakar. 'N Tempel gebou rondom 'n grot met 'n liggaamsafdruk van Guru Rinpoche in die muur. Guru Rinpoche beoefen hier meditasie tydens sy eerste besoek aan Bhoetan en as sodanig is dit die vroegste Boeddhistiese oorblyfsel in die land.

Boeddha Dordenma is a gigantic Shakyamuni Buddha statue in Thimphu. The statue houses over one hundred thousand smaller Buddha statues, each of which, like the Buddha Dordenma itself, are made of bronze and gilded in gold. The Buddha Dordenma is located among the ruins of Kuensel Phodrang, the palace of Sherab Wangchuck, the thirteenth Desi Druk, overlooking the southern approach to Thimphu. At a height of 169 feet (51.5 m) it is one of the largest Buddha rupas in the world.

Dzongs (fortresses)

Die dzongs are ancient fortresses that now serve as the civil and monastic administration headquarters of each district. Apart from the architecture, which in itself makes a dzong worth visiting, they also hold many art treasures.

Dzongs dot the countryside and were built without the use of cement, nails or plans. Dzongs in Bhutan you can visit are:

• Punakha Dzong
• Trongsa Dzong
• Jakar Dzong
• Lhuentse Dzong
• Simtokha Dzong
• Gasa Dzong
• Rinpung Dzong
• Tashichho Dzong - Buddhist monastery and fortress on the northern edge of Thimpu; traditional seat of the Druk Desi (or "Dharma Raja"), the head of Bhutan's civil government (synonymous with the king since 1907) and summer capital
• Kagyu-Dzong
• Lingzhi Yügyal Dzong
• Drukgyal Dzong
• Changchukha Dzong
• Tsechen Monastery and Dzong
• Shongar Dzong
• Singye Dzong

Trek

Trekking is also extremely popular. The Druk path is the most commonly trekked from Paro, to the capital Thimphu. However, many other more impressive treks are available, see the complete list below. The Jomolhari, and Laya Gasa trek are also very popular and the Snowman Trek is reported to be one of the toughest treks in the world, taking an approximately 30 days. The recommended season for this trek is mid-June to mid-October.

Other treks include:

• Bumthang Cultural Trek. 
• Bumthang Owl Trek. 
• Chelela Trek
• Dagala Thousand Lakes Trek. 
• Dongla Trek
• Druk Path Trek. 
• Dur Hot Spring Trek. 
• Gangjula Trek
• Gangkar Puensum
• Gantey Trek. 
• Jomolhari Trek. 
• Laya Gasa Trek. 
• Lingmithang – Zhemgang Trek
• Merak-Sakteng
• Nabji Korphu Community Based Trek. 
• Nubtsona Pata Trek
• Punakha Winter Trek. 
• Rigsum Goenpa Trek
• Royal Heritage Trek
• Sagala Trek
• Samtengang Trek. 
• Sinchula Trek. 
• Gantey Trek. 
• Snowman Trek. 
• Wild East Rodungla Trek. 

Scenery

Bhutan's pristine environment offers ecosystem which are rich and diverse, due to its location and great geographical and climatic variations, Bhutan’s high, rugged mountains and valleys boast spectacular biodiversity, earning it a name as one of the world’s ten most important biodiversity hotspots.

Recognizing the importance of environment, conservation of its rich biodiversity is one of its development paradigms. The government has decreed that 60% of its forest resources will be maintained for all time by law. Today, 72% of the total land area is under forest cover and 26% is protected in four parks.

35% of Bhutan is made up of protected national parks. Namely, Jigme Singye Wangchuck National Park (1,300 km²), TrumshingLa National Park (768 km²), Royal Manas National Park (9,938.54 km²), Jigme Dorji National Park (4,349 km²), Bumdeling Wildlife Sanctuary (1,545 km²) and Sakteng Wildlife Sanctuary (650 km²).

Feeste

Festivals or Tshechu (“tenth day”) are another major draw card to Bhutan and are held every year in various temples monasteries and dzongs across the country. The Tshechu is mainly a religious event celebrated on tenth day of a month of lunar calendar corresponding to the birth day of Guru Rinpoche (Guru Padmasambhava). However the month of Tshechu depends place to place and temple to temple.

Tshechus are large social gatherings where people from various villages come together to witness the religious mask dances which are based on incidents from as long as 8th century from the life of Guru Padmasambhava and to receive blessings from lamas. The event also consists of colourful Bhutanese dances and other entertainments.

It is said that everyone must attend a Tshechu and witness the mask dances at least once to receive the blessings and wash away the sins. Every mask dances performed during Tshechu has a meaning or a story behind. In monasteries the mask dances are performed by monks and in remote villages they are performed jointly by monks and village men. Among many Tshechus in the country most popular are Paro and Thimphu Tshechus in terms of participation and audience. Besides the locals many tourists from around the world are attracted to this unique, colourful and exciting culture.

Traditionally, the Paro en Thimphu have been the most popular but tourists are fast realizing that the smaller more rural festivals are much more intimate.

Other festivals which happen throughout the year are:

• Black Necked Crane Festival. 
• Chorten Kora Festival. 
• Gomphu Kora Festival. 
• Haa Summer Festival. 
• Jampa Lhakhang festival. 
• Kurjey Festival. 
• Lhuentse Festival. 
• Merak Tshechu. 
• Mongar Festival. 
• Nimalung Festival. 
• Nomad Festival. 
• Paro Tsechu. 
• Pema Gatshel Festival. 
• Punakha Festival. 
• Sakten Tshechu. 
• Takin Festival. 
• Thimphu Festival. 
• Trashigang Festival. 
• Trongsa Festival. 
• Ura yakchoe. 
• Wangdue Phodrang Festival. 
• Bhutan Birds Festival 2019 : The second Bhutan Birds Festival (BBF) was held in Tingtibi, Zhemgang in November 2019. The BBF intends to encourage local community of Zhemgang to protect their rich forest and conserve high diversity of wildlife. Zhemgang is a popular birding destination.

Doen

• Trekking: Bhutan is a popular place for trekking, though the walks are generally quite tough as there are no places to stay or eat in the higher regions, and so all food and camping equipment must be carried in. Autumn and spring are the best seasons for undertaking a trek. In the summer, the paths are too muddy, while in winter they are snow-covered. However, despite the difficulties of the treks, all efforts and discomforts are more than compensated for by the stunning scenery and extremely friendly, gentle and hospitable people that are met along the way. See: Wilderness backpacking.
• Festivals: Tshechu is the largest religious festival in Bhutan and is celebrated in the late summer and autumn throughout the country (see city articles for local information), though Thimphu Tshechu is the most famous and attracts around 30,000 people. The highlight of the tshechu ceremonies is the masked dances by monks, which were developed according to precise instructions given by past Buddhist masters. According to Buddhist philosophy, all experiences leave an imprint in the mind stream that produces a corresponding result in the future, and so viewing these dances, which are imbued with sacred symbolism, is considered to be a very auspicious and sanctifying experience. While the event is not held in a solemn atmosphere and there is much merriment, visitors are reminded that it is still a religious festival that is of great importance to Bhutanese people, and so appropriate behavior is expected.
• Archery: This is the national sport of Bhutan and competitions are held throughout the country at most weekends. Visitors are very welcome to watch and also to add voice to the boisterous cheering that accompanies these events.
• Hot Stone Bath: The hot stone bath is a ritual in itself, riverside rocks are heated till red hot and gradually dropped into a wooden tub filled with water and scattered with Artemisia leaves. The burning rocks heat the water gradually and thus release minerals in to the water. Traditionally these bath are done near a river bed with plenty supplies of stones and water and preferably after dark in the open air.

Praat

Bhutan is a linguistically diverse country, with more than several languages spoken throughout the country.

Dzongkha, a member of the Tibetic language family, is the national language of the country and the mother tongue of most people residing in Western Bhutan.

In Eastern Bhutan, the major regional language is Sharchopkha (Tshangla), which derives much of its vocabulary from Classical Tibetan. The language is mostly used as a spoken language than a written language.

In the Bumthang region, the major regional language is Bumthangkha. To a large extent, the language is not lexically similar to Dzonghka.

Nepali is understood by a vast majority of Bhutanese and it is the most widely spoken Indo-Aryan language in the country.

English is widely understood by the vast majority of Bhutanese, as it is used as the medium of instruction in Bhutanese schools.

Due to the influence of Bollywood (Hindi-language cinema) and close relations with India, some Bhutanese people are also able to understand Hindi, but it is not as widely spoken as Nepali.

Aspects of talking in Bhutan include:

• La. The suffix 'la' is an honorific, and many Bhutanese feel that their remarks sound too harsh if it is not used, and this carries over even into English. So, don't be surprised if you hear expressions such as "Yes-la" or "I'm not sure-la". It just implies respect.
• Reach. In Bhutan, the verb 'reach' means to 'take' or 'accompany' (a person). For example: "I'll reach you to the bus station" means "I'll take/accompany you to the bus station."
• Cousin-brother, Cousin-sister. Extended families living under one roof are common in Bhutan. As a result, the dividing line between siblings and cousins is blurred, and so it is not uncommon to be introduced to a "cousin-brother" or "cousin-sister". Although these people are just cousins, the English word implies a more distant relationship than is the fact in Bhutan.
• BST. The exact meaning of this phrase is 'Bhutan Standard Time', but as Bhutanese people are notorious for being late or just not turning up at all, it has taken on the meaning of 'Bhutan Stretchable Time'. Therefore, when someone arrives late, they will often excuse themselves by saying that they are running on BST.

Koop

Geld

Exchange rates for Bhutanese ngultrum Vanaf 4 Januarie 2021: US$1 ≈ Nu.72.9 €1 ≈ Nu.89.3 UK£1 ≈ Nu.100 Indian ₹1 ≈ Nu.1 (fixed) Wisselkoerse wissel. Huidige tariewe vir hierdie en ander geldeenhede is beskikbaar by XE.com

The currency of the country is the Bhutanese ngultrum, denoted by the symbol "Nu."(ISO-kode: BTN). It is fixed to the Indian rupee at an exchange rate of 1:1, and small Indian rupee bills (₹200 or less) can be used interchangeably in Bhutan. (This is one-way only, since ngultrum are nie accepted in India.)

• US dollar: US dollars are widely accepted. Bhutanese currency is only needed for expenses personal in nature and buying small souvenir items.
• Credit cards: Visa, MasterCard and Visa Maestro are compatible with most ATMs in Bhutan, most of which are concentrated in Thimphu and Paro.
• Money exchange Banks and major hotels change major currencies.
• ATMs: The main banks operate ATMs that accept international cards such as Visa MasterCard. However, as the service it is not overly reliable, it is best to have other funds on hand.
• Western Union Money Transfer: Thimphu Post Office. This facility can receive transfer of funds from overseas, but cannot make payments from customers' personal accounts.

Inkopies

• Woven cloth. Bhutanese handwoven fabric is prized around the world, and is available stitched into clothing, wall hangings, table mats and rugs.
• Yathra. A brightly colored woven material made from wool and dyed with natural colors. It is sold in pieces or sewn into jackets, bags, rugs and wall hangings. Yathra is available in Thimphu and other cold areas, but is a specialty of the Jakar gebied.
• Dappa. Hand made wooden bowls. The halves of the bowl fit tightly together so they can be used to carry cooked food, which is their function in Bhutan. However, they also make excellent salad or cookie bowls. Dappa are a specialty of the Trashi Yangtse region, but can be purchased throughout the country.
• Bangchung. Small bamboo woven baskets with two tightly fitting halves. They are a specialty of the southern Bhutan, but available throughout the country.

Eet

Sien ook: South Asian cuisine

Rice is a staple with every meal; traditionally red rice, but white rice is now common too. Vegetable or meat dishes cooked with chili and/or cheese comprise the accompanying cuisine.

Bhutanese food has one predominant flavour - chili. This small red condiment is not only added to every dish but is also often eaten raw. So, if you don't like spicy-hot food, make this abundantly clear before ordering a meal. Otherwise, you'll be spending the next hour dousing your mouth with cold yoghurt or milk.

Bhutanese delicacies are rich with spicy chili and cheese. All the hotels, resorts and restaurants will offer delicious Bhutanese food, Chinese, Continental, and Indian cuisines.

Rice forms the main body of most Bhutanese meals. It is accompanied by one or two side dishes consisting of meat or vegetables. Pork, beef and chicken are the meats that are eaten most often. Vegetables commonly eaten include Spinach, pumpkins, turnips, radishes, tomatoes, river weed, onions and green beans. Grains such as rice, buckwheat and barley are also cultivated in various regions of the country depending on the local climate.

The following is a list of some of the most popular Bhutanese dishes:

• Ema Datshi: This is the National Dish of Bhutan. A spicy mix of chillis and the delicious local cheese known as Datshi. This dish is a staple of nearly every meal and can be found throughout the country. Variations on Ema Datshi include adding green beans, ferns, potatoes, mushrooms or swapping the regular cheese for yak cheese.
• Momos: These Tibetan-style dumplings are stuffed with pork, beef or cabbages and cheese. Traditionally eaten during special occasions, these tasty treats are a Bhutanese favourite.
• Phaksha Paa: Pork cooked with spicy red chillis. This dish can also include Radishes or Spinach. A popular variation uses sun-dried (known as Sicaam).
• Hoentoe: Aromatic buckwheat dumplings stuffed with turnip greens, datshi (cheese), spinach and other ingredients.
• Jasha Maru: Spicy minced chicken, tomatoes and other ingredients that is usually served with rice.
• Red Rice: This rice is similar to brown rice and is extremely nutritious and filling. When cooked it is pale pink, soft and slightly sticky.
• Goep (Tripe): Though the popularity of tripe has diminished in many countries it is still enjoyed in Bhutan. Like most other meat dishes, it is cooked with plenty of spicy chillis and chilli powder.

Vegetarian dishes

• Ema-datsi. Ema means chili and datsi is a kind of cottage cheese, so ema-datsi is similar to jalapeños with cream cheese.
• Kewa-datsi. A potato, cheese and chili dish.
• Shamu-datsi. A mushroom, cheese and chili dish.

Kewa-datsi and shamu-datsi tend to be less hot than ema-datsi; all three dishes are generally served with rice.

• Mutter paneer. Though not a Bhutanese dish, this Indian staple of curried peas and cheese is readily available throughout Bhutan and is therefore an additional choice for vegetarians.
• Cheese momo. A small steamed bun that traditionally contained cheese, cabbage and sometimes onion. However, these days other vegetables, including green papaya, may be substituted for cabbage.
• Khuli. Buckwheat pancakes - a specialty of Bumthang. They are often served with ema-datsi as an alternative to rice.
• Puta. A dish of buckwheat noodles usually served with curd - a specialty of Bumthang

Imtrat run canteens that sell excellent Indian dishes along with tea from 9:30AM–4:30PM. The quality of the food is very good, while the price is low. The canteens are located throughout the country, especially along main highways.

Drink

• Ara. A local spirit brewed from rice or corn. It is popular in rural areas, and often served in restaurants, particularly at the start of meals, poured from a special vessel.
• Tea. Located next to the tea growing regions of Assam and Darjeeling, a steaming cuppa remains the popular drink in Bhutan, with both the butter variety (suja) and sweet milk kind (cha) readily available throughout the country. The butter tea is very traditional but has quite a strong flavor and is similar to Tibetan tea, while the sweet milk kind is very drinkable and is like Indian chai.
• Koffie. The coffee culture that has swept most of the planet has taken root in the country, and there are a number of good cafes in Thimphu, Paro, en Jakar. However, outside these three towns, coffee means the instant variety and it is served simply white or black.
• Bier. The main local beers are from Bhutan Brewery (founded 2006), part of the Tashi Group conglomerate, and are sold in 650 ml bottles: Druk 11000 (8%) is cheapest and a lot of alcohol; slightly higher quality and lower alcohol are Druk Lager Premium (5%) and Druk Supreme (6%); none of these is particularly good. There is also sometimes Red Panda Weissbeer (wheat beer), which is rather good. Imported beers may not be available, as importing these is sometimes banned (to preserve foreign reserves).
• Whisky. There is some "Bhutanese whisky", though it is neither Bhutanese nor straight whisky. Rather, it is blended whisky, made of imported Scotch malt whisky blended with grain neutral spirits: it is blended and bottled in Bhutan, but not distilled locally. These are produced by the Army Welfare Project in Gelephu, and the main brand is Special Courier, which is surprisingly drinkable.

Slaap

All towns connected by motorable roads have hotels, though the standard varies considerably. International standard hotels are mostly found in tourist areas or major towns, while five star accommodation is only available in Paro, Jakar, Punakha, Gangtey and Thimphu.

The hotel rates shown on the city articles are only relevant to people who have residency, visa exemption (generally this only applies to Indian nationals) or who are visiting the country as an invited guest. Other visitors can only enter the country as part of a tour, for which the daily rates are set by the Bhutanese authorities at around US$250 per person per night irrespective of the hotel rates (except for very expensive hotels where a surcharge is added).

Leer

Boeddhisme

• It is possible to receive instruction on Buddhist practice at any monastery, though for discussions on Buddhist philosophy it is better to consult with the khenpos of loppons (teachers) at Buddhist colleges (shedra), such as, for example, Lhodrak Kharchhu Monastery in Jakar, Tango Monastery near Thimphu or Chokyi Gyatso Institute in Deothang.
• Deer Park Thimphu holds various Dharma related events in the capital, including weekly meditation sessions.

Weaving - Bhutanese woven cloth is prized throughout the world for its unique designs and high quality, and there is a weaving centre in Khaling in Trashigang.

Work

There are a few NGOs based in Bhutan, so it is possible to arrange volunteer work. However, Bhutan is very selective about who it engages in this field. In addition, it is highly unlikely that a position can be found while visiting Bhutan, so those interested in undertaking volunteer work here should first seek employment with NGOs overseas and then express a preference to be located in Bhutan.

Bly veilig

• While drug abuse is not uncommon in urban areas it will not affect tourists, and Bhutan remains one of the safest places in the world for travellers.
• Police in Thimphu are quite active, they keep doing rounds around the city late nights to ensure safety.
• Bears are a threat in remote mountainous regions.
• The sale of products containing tobacco (cigarettes, chewing tobacco, etc.) is banned throughout Bhutan, though a certain amount of these products can be brought into the country for personal use (receipts should be kept in case requested to produce evidence of purchase).

Stay healthy

• Hospitals and clinics are located throughout the country, even in the remotest areas. However, travellers should not expect hi-tech facilities, and at many of the Basic Health Units the resident doctor is often away.
• Indigenous medical facilities are located in all district capitals, with the largest being in Thimphu, so it is also possible to have ailments diagnosed and treated using natural herbal compounds while in Bhutan.
• Waterborne diseases such as diarrhea, dysentery, giardia and even typhoid are not uncommon in Bhutan, especially during the summer monsoon season. Tap water is not safe to drink. Therefore, ensure that all water has been thoroughly boiled or otherwise purified before consuming.
• In case of emergency, it is advisable to carry first aid material, which might include a few antibiotics and acetaminophen (paracetamol).
• Altitude sickness can strike at altitudes as low as 2,500m. Be aware of this before embarking on expeditions in the mountains. If you suffer palpitations, shortness of breath or severe headaches, inform your guide and head to a lower altitude immediately. Take altitude sickness seriously. It can and does kill.
• Die hygiene standard is acceptable in tourist areas. However, it is probably wise to prepare medicine for stomach upsets.
• Die Street dog population is very high in Thimphu (and to a lesser extent in many of the towns). Most of the animals are extremely docile and there are very few cases of tourists ever being bitten. Still, it is best to err on the side of safety and not to disturb the animals. Moreover, if bitten, immediately receive a rabies vaccination. Although incidences of the disease are uncommon, it inevitably proves fatal if left untreated.
• Malaria en dengue fever are not common problems in Bhutan, though there are outbreaks in the Indian border regions during the summer monsoon season.

Respect

• Die Bhutanese royal family is venerated in Bhutanese society. It is wise to bear this in mind when conversing with local people.
• Sacred objects. Always pass mani stones, stupas and other religious objects with your right side nearest to the object, and turn prayer wheels in a clockwise direction. Never sit on mani stones or stupas.
• Kleredrag. When visiting temples, remove shoes and headgear and wear clothing that expresses respect for the sacred nature of the site. You will need to wear trousers and long shirts.
• Donations. At monasteries, it is custom to make a small donation to the monks as a sign of respect; and also to the Buddhist statues as a means of developing a generous and spacious mind. There are many places in each temple where you can donate, and it is expected that you donate to each place. Remember to have small notes for this gesture. However, this is not mandatory.
• Rook. It is illegal to smoke at monasteries and in public places.
• Proselytizing is illegal in Bhutan, and has been punished by prison sentences of up to 3 years. Respect should be afforded to the state religion of Vajrayana Buddhism.

Hanteer

Ambassades en konsulate

Bhutan has a number of embassies and consulates, including those listed below [2].

• Indië: Royal Bhutanese Embassy - Chandragupta Marg, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi 110 021. Tel: 609217/ 609218, Fax:6876710
• VS: Consulate General of Bhutan - 2 UN Plaza, 27th Floor, New York NY 10017. Tel:(212) 826–1919, Fax:(212) 826–2998.
• Kanada: Honorary Consul of Bhutan - 146 Yorkville Ave, Toronto, ON M5R 1C2. Tel: (416) 960-3552 Email: [email protected]
• Hongkong: Honorary Consul of Bhutan - 32/F, New World Tower, 16-18 Queen's Road, Central, Hong Kong. Tel: (852) 28443117, 2844–3111, Fax: (852) 25247652 Email: [email protected]
• Thailand: The Royal Bhutanese Embassy in Bangkok - Jewelry Trade Centre Building, Rm. 1907, 19th Floor, 919/1 Silom Road, Bangkok 10500. Tel:2671722, 630119 - Fax:6301193.
• Kuwait: Royal Bhutanese Embassy, Adailiya-Block 3- Essa Abdul Rahman Al-Assoussi Street, Jaddah No. 32- Villa No. 7, Kuwait. Phone: 9652516640/50, Fax: 9652516550
• Bangladesh: Royal Bhutanese Embassy, House No.12 CEN, Road No.107, Gulshan, Dhaka-1212. Phone: 880-2-8826863/8827160, Fax: 880-2-8823939

Verbind

• The international dialing code for Bhutan is 975
• WiFi is readily available in the majority of hotels throughout the country, and most population centres have internet cafes, although they are relatively expensive.
• Most of Bhutan has mobile phone coverage, which is smart phone capable. B-Mobile has agreements with North American, some Asian and European countries on mobile roaming. Tashi Cell is another mobile company based in country.
• Tourists can now quickly and easily register for a B-Mobile SIM that is valid for 1 month. Simply take your passport to a B-Mobile office. The SIM card costs 50Nu, and comes with 50Nu credit. Ask them to activate 3G and data access while you are there, and test it works before leaving. There are no data plans per se, but the rate is affordable by international standards (0.0003Nu/KB). The only available SIM card size is the standard size, but some offices have sim cutters for the iPhone 4 & 5 (if you're worried, bring your own SIM cutter). B-Mobile recharge cards can be purchased in most general stores.
• The official tourism board in Bhutan is the Tourism Council of Bhutan, for more information on the destination you can find it on their website.

Media

• Kuensel. A partially government-owned newspaper with a forty-year history. Kuensel is published daily.
• BBS. The official TV broadcasting station.
• Radio Valley. Bhutan's first private FM radio station. A program called "With Love From Home" can be listened online.
• Kuzoo FM An English language radio channel - mixture of youth orientated music and discussion programs - FM 105.
• Centennial Radio An English and Dzongkha (national language) program.

Gaan volgende

• Kolkata - Druk Air (Royal Bhutan Airlines) flies between Paro and Kolkata. In addition, the Bhutan Government operates an overnight bus service from Phuentsholing on Monday, Wednesday and Friday. The buses depart from Bhutan Post office at 15:00, and the journey takes around 18 hours and costs ₹/Nu.300 Nieu-Delhi - Druk Air flies between Paro and Delhi. It also operates flights between other Indian cities of Guwahati, Gaya and Siliguri (Bagdogra Airport).
• Nepal - many travellers to Bhutan combine the visit with a trip to this other Himalayan country and Druk Airways operate flights from Paro to Katmandoe.
• Thailand - Druk Air operates daily flights from Paro to Bangkok.
• Dhaka - Druk Air operates 3 flights a week from Paro to Dhaka, capital city of Bangladesh. It is one of the major cities of South Asia.