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Travel tips for Bhutan Bhutan is an independent Himalayan Kingdom in South Asia and is bordered on the south by the Indian states of Sikkim, West Bengal, Assam and Arunachal Pradesh (from west to east), and in the north by Tibet (China).
Since the proclamation of the constitution in 2008, Bhutan has formally become a constitutional monarchy with a bicameral system in which the upper house is called the National Council and the lower house is the National Assembly. Head of State is still the King (Druk Gyalpo). The democratic elections for the lower house took place on 24th March 2008.
The country opened its doors to tourism only very cautiously. The public infrastructure, hotels and transport network are still scarce and expensive. Last year, the Buddhist Kingdom recorded fewer than 20,000 visitors. Tourists, however, have the chance to explore a culture that has changed little for thousands of years.
The overall geography of Bhutan is determined by the Himalayas. Over 80 percent of the land is above an altitude of 2000 m (6000 ft). The country is divided into three regions. In the south near the Indian border, is the Duar savannah, a narrow valley, which is on the foothills of the Ganges-Brahmaputra lowlands. North of here, the hills rise very steeply. The 2000 to 3000 m high mountains of the Himalayan front are the main area of human settlement. On the border with China there is the high mountain area Lunana. The highest mountain in the country is the Kula Kangri with an altitude of 7553 m (24,700 feet).
Paro International Airport is located 6 km south of Paro, a small town 70 km west of the capital, Thimphu. There are two ways to get to Bhutan. Indian Airlines offers flights via New Delhi to Bagdogra, from where a three hour drive to Phuentsholing (border) is possible. Alternatively, tourists can fly to Bangkok (5 x per week), New Delhi, Kathmandu, Dhaka or Calcutta (5 x per week) and then continue with Druk Air (Bhutan's national airline) to Paro (2-3 times a week). If booked in advance, Bhutanese agencies will also arrange to pick visitors up in India.
The capital, Thimphu (2400 m or 7600 ft above sea level) is situated in the west of the country by the river Wang Chu. Directly on the banks of the river is one of the most impressive buildings in the country, the Tashichho Dzong. Tashichhodzong Palace is the most important administrative and religious centre in the country. The building has 100 large rooms, in which the National Assembly convenes. The throne room of the King and the largest monastery in the country are also located in the palace. Also worth seeing in Thimphu is the traditional painting school where the traditional techniques of Bhutanese painting and the production of thangka is taught.
Phuntsholing, commercial and industrial centre and gateway to Bhutan, Punakha, once the capital of the country, Trongsa, the traditional residence of the royal family.
Bhutan is probably the most mysterious and archaic country in South Asia. Tourists are only permitted to visit limited and specific regions. The main attraction of the country are cultural tours through the villages and monasteries of the region Dar. The Manas Game Sanctuary is a game reserve in south-eastern Bhutan. Here visitors can see a number of wildlife species. Special permits are required in order to visit the rock monasteries Dzong and the Manas Wildlife Reserve.