“Better to see something once than hear about it a thousand times.”
TRAVEL INFORMATION
GETTING INTO BHUTAN
Bhutan’s only international airport is located in Paro, western Bhutan. Visitors can travel to Bhutan by taking flights from Bangladesh (Dhaka), India (Delhi, Kolkota, Guwahati, and Bagdogra), Nepal (Kathmandu), Singapore (Changi), and Thailand (Bangkok). For now, two airlines fly into Bhutan, namely Drukair and Bhutan Airlines.
All visitors can also enter via land from Phuentsholing in the south, while Indian guests can enter Bhutan via other land entry points such as Gelephu, Samdrup Jongkhar, and Samtse. There are domestic flights to Bumthang (Central Bhutan), Gelephu, Sarpang (Southern Bhutan), and Yonphula, Trashigang (Eastern Bhutan).
Best time to visit bhutan
March, April & May – Spring season
March, April & May are the best time to visit Bhutan. There is a riot of colors, of resilient greenery and vast blue skies. These months also feature colorful cultural festivals. You could go on short day hikes or just wander around soaking in the many beauties of the land. These spring months lift your spirits and if you’re seeking some insights into the Buddhist way of life, you will possibly want a reflective moment or two.
June, July and August – Summer
It brings monsoon showers and is less predictable for long travel in Bhutan. Days remain bright but could suddenly give way to light showers. Sometimes, a late monsoon may spare the month of June from showers which would mean the best time to visit Bhutan. Moreover, these months fall inside the non peak season.
Sept, Oct & Nov – Autumn
Autumn season (September, October and November) is another best time to visit Bhutan. It is the much sought after peak season spell for visitors wanting to explore Bhutan’s hinterlands. To trek further up into the Himalayas or hike across its easy but undulated trails. The season has many magical cultural festivals in each calendar year. From religious mask dance festivals to traditional folk culture, the country becomes a great cultural bazaar. If you are a photographer, then visit to Bhutan is a must.
CLOTHING
For tourists, full attire of your discipline is required when you enter dzongs and government offices. If you are anywhere near the national flag of Bhutan, you should remove your caps or hats. With specification, you may require to remove your footwear when you enter a holy place or temple.
CURRENCY
Bhutan’s currency is the Ngultrum (Nu). The Ngultrum is officially pegged to the Indian Rupee. The Indian Rupee is acceptable all over Bhutan except for the Rs.2000 denomination.
As of date, only American Express Card, Mastercard, and Visa Cards are accepted in the country, and that too at very limited-service establishments. We would also like to recommend all travelers bring along sufficient cash/traveler’s cheques for personal/shopping expenses.
FOOD & BEVERAGE
The Bhutanese use simple staples, like chili, cheese, and rice, to create phenomenal dishes. In fact, Bhutanese cuisine offers a number of specialties that are perfect for winter entertaining and weekend comfort food. Bhutan features different culinary traditions: both its own specific dishes as well as cuisines influenced by surrounding countries.
Our favorite dishes are variations of a combination of potatoes, chili, cheese, and meat served with rice. Bhutan is a beautiful place for not only having new life experiences but also for tasting several new dishes.
TRANSPORTATION
Bhutan’s main highway is about 1.5 or 2 lanes wide, with lots of beds and bumps. There is constantly some road work going on as the road is being widened, or resurfaced. However the scenery on your drives will make up for any inconveniences and our drivers have a reputation to making everyone feel safe. Average speed at which our vehicle drive on Bhutan is approx 35-50 kms per hour. To ease the discomfort and to keep the fatigue at bay, comfortable transport is the priority. At Wind Horse we regularly update our fleet of transport, upgrade/custom their seats, upholding comfort and safety at the pinnacle.Wind Horse guest can travel in Bhutan with medium-sized buses (20-22 passenger seats), small buses (8-12 passenger seats) , Vans (up to 5 guests, 1 driver & 1 Guide) or SUV for up to 2 people and pick-up truck for multi adventure trips so that the bikes and gears can fit.
Larger SUVs such as Land Cruisers, Land Cruiser Prado, Range Rover are available at premium