Bhutan

Bhutan - The land of Thunder Dragon

Bhutan, a purely Buddhist Himalayan Kingdom is unsurpassed in its scenic beauty and vibrant culture. The kingdom shares with Nepal the world's greatest concentration of mountains and living heritage of Buddhism. The fifty-minute flight from Kathmandu to Paro can truly be described as a flight into fantasy. During the flight, a first hand close up view of Mt. Everest, Mt. Kanchenjunga and other famous peaks become reality. Bi-weekly flights (Mon/Thu) between these two Kingdoms have made it easier to travel to the long isolated Dragon Kingdom of Bhutan. Bhutan is one of the few countries in the world still untouched, a paradise for tourists interested in Buddhist culture and philosophy, flora and fauna, trekking and mountaineering. Due to the Royal Government's policy of controlled selective tourism, Bhutan receives less than 5000 tourists annually. Or… visit Darjeeling, mountain fortresses lush valleys and monasteries-popularly known as the "Queen of the Hills". On the slopes of the Darjeeling hills grow the best tea in the world and Gangtok, the capital city of Sikkim, is an awesomely beautiful land full of color.

Western Bhutan-4days, Western Bhutan-8days Walking Tour 1-7days, Chomolhari Trek-11 days and some tours lasts up to 15,18,25 days with trekking or through Darjeeling and Sikkim.

Geography

The Kingdom of Bhutan lies east of Nepal and west of the Indian state of Arunachal Pradesh. It is south of Tibetan region of China and north of the Indian states of Assam and West Bengal. Located in the heart of the high Himalayan mountain range, Bhutan is a land-locked country surrounded by mountains in the north and west. Altitudes in the south range from 1000 to 4500 feet. In the more populated central regions range from 400 feet in the east around Tarshigang to a high of 17,000 feet over the highest pass. The altitude at Thimphu the capital is 7,700 feet.

A population of 600,000 is made up primarily of indigenous Bhutanese known as the Drukpa. Three main ethnic groups, the Ngalops, Sharchops and the Lhotshampas make up today’s Drukpa. The Ngalops migrated from the Tibetan plains and are the importers of Buddhism into Bhutan. The Sharchops reside predominantly in eastern Bhutan and their origin can be traced to the tribes of north Burma and north east India. The lower southern regions are inhabited by Lhotshampas who are mostly agricultural workers. The geography of the land kept each ethnic group separate until the middle of this century when roads were built across the country. The contrasting ethnic diversity has meant that a number of different languages and dialects are spoken throughout the kingdom. The National language is Dzongkha which is taught in all schools.

Religion

The Buddhist faith has played and continues to play a fundamental role in the cultural, ethical and sociological development of Bhutan and its people. It permeates all strands of secular life, bringing with it a reverence for the land its well being. Annual festivals are held in each district which are important spiritual occasions. Festivals are becoming a major attraction to tourists visiting Bhutan.

Bhutan is perhaps the only country in the world to retain the tantric form of Mahayana Buddhism as its official religion. To ensure the perpetuation of Buddhism in the Kingdom, one son from each family normally attends monastic school. While the Dzongs are centers of administrative and government activities for all the valley, they are also predominantly the homes and temples of the monastic community/body.

Weather

Bhutan enjoys four seasons each having its advantages and disadvantages to the visitor. The southern plains close to the Indian border are warmer and more tropical than higher central valleys.

Spring is perhaps the most beautiful time of the year when the fierce cold that characterizes the winter months tends to subside towards the end of February with beautiful Rhododendron blooming with spectacular flaming red, pink and white colours. Summer months in the southern region are generally hot whereas in other parts of the country it is warm and pleasant with average maximum temperatures not exceeding 30 degrees Celsius and the minimum at around 10-15 degrees Celsius. The annual monsoon from the Bay of Bengal is also experienced around the country between June and September.

The autumn months from September to November bring shorter days and cooler evenings. The days are crisp with clear skies. Views over the Himalayas are usually the best during September to March. Beginning December the weather takes on its winter coat where days remain crisp and the nights turn cold. The southern regions however being much lower have a more temperate climate and considerably warmer winters.

Trekking Season in Bhutan

The best periods for trekking in Bhutan are October-November and March-May for all high altitude treks going over 4000 meters. Some the shorter treks like Druk Path, Bumthang, Gangtey can be undertaken almost every seasons. In the autumn clear warm days prevail affording the best mountain views. In the spring mixed weather pattern prevail with clear spells followed by occasional thunder showers and light rain. Spring is best for flowering rhododendrons along with magnolias and other flowering plants.

A Day on a Trek with Adventure Geo Treks

A trekking day usually consists of five to seven hours of walking. Pack animals, ponies, and yaks for the higher altitude treks, are provided to porter provisions, baggage and equipment. All necessary camping and kitchen equipment is provided and included in the trek cost.

All trekking parties are accompanied by a trained guide, a cook, an assistant and pack animal. At least one riding pony is always taken along just incase it is need. The support crew walks ahead of the trekking party each day and pitches camp before the trekkers arrive. A warm cup of tea or coffee waiting in the dinning tent is a most welcome treat after a days trek. All meals are carefully planned and prepared. Breakfast and dinner are served freshly prepared at camp and includes a choice of, at least, four dishes. During the day a picnic lunch is served at a pleasant and scenic place. All cooking and cleaning chores are taken care of by our trek staff so you can enjoy the trek fully.

What to Bring?

Things you would need to bring on trek include a warm sleeping bag, carrymat or Thermarest camping mattress, well broken-in trekking boots, caps/hats, sun glasses, sun block, flashlight, insect repellent, personal toiletries, medicine/first aid, rain gear, warm jacket, backpack, etc. A comprehensive Per Departure Information including a detailed list of clothing and personal equipment will be provided once you confirm to trek with us in Bhutan.