All Access Bhutan :: About Bhutan

All Access Bhutan > about Bhutan

Links and further reading...

Here are some of our favorite links for reading more on travel and life in Bhutan. Enjoy!

Traveler's information:

Druk Air the National Airline of Bhutan

Ian and David's Bhutan Travel Tips Tips from two Seattle travelers.

Lonely Planet Online discussion on Lonely Planet's Thorntree.

Guidebooks:

The Lonely Planet Guide to Bhutan, by Stan Armington a good guide and easily available.

Bhutan: Himalayan Mountain Kingdom, by Francoise Pommaret is even better, but a little hard to find.

News:

Kuensel Online Bhutan's National Daily, be sure to check out the forums for lively local discussions!

South Asian Media Net: Bhutan News Another good site for current events in Bhutan.

BBC Overview and News of Bhutan Excellent news reporting and a country guide from the BBC.

Government:

Royal Government of Bhutan Official site with a wealth of information

Druknet The telecom provider of Bhutan, with many links.

Bhutanese Constitution Online resource.

Other Links:

Wikipedia: Bhutan The online encyclopedia entry on Bhutan.

Friends of Tamshing A US based organization helping Tamshing Monastery in Bhutan

Core of Culture A US based organization documenting Bhutanese dance.

VAST Bhutan Breaking Boundaries Through Art.

Bhutan Studies Website of the Center for Bhutan Studies.

Essential Information...

Location:
Southern Asia, between China (Tibet) and India

Area: 47,000 sq km

Capital: Thimphu

Government: Monarchy.
In March 2005, (then) King Jigme Singye Wangchuck unveiled the government's draft constitution, which introduces major democratic reforms and is scheduled to come intro effect in 2008.

Population: approx. 900,000
Ethnic groups: Bhote 50%, ethnic Nepalese 35%, indigenous or migrant tribes 15%

Climate:
Bhutan has four seasons. Monsoon season is June and August with temperatures between 45-72F (8-22C). The higher the altitude the lower the temperature. Days are generally pleasant and warm and nights are cool and crisp.

In brief, the climate is a bit like the high desert in the US. Days are most often clear and sunny. September-November and March-June are excellent times to visit. The winter months will be a little colder but still quite pleasant and you may feel like you have Bhutan all to yourself!

Time difference: UTC+6 (11 hours ahead of US EST) Current time in Bhutan is displayed to the left of this page.

Religions:
The official religion of Bhutan is Drukpa Kagyu Buddhism which followed by most people in Bhutan. Elements of pre-buddhist Bon practices still survive and many Bhutanese of Nepali descent practice Hinduism.

Languages:
Dzongkha (official) and 24 local dialects. English is the unofficial second language and is taught in all schools. Most Bhutanese under the age of 40 speak some English, many quite fluently.

At All Access Bhutan we only employ guides with excellent English language skills. We can also provide French, German, or Japanese speaking guides.

Currency: Ngultrum (the Indian Rupee is also legal tender and at par with the Ngultrum)
Appx. Exchange rates: (early 2007)
Ngultrum per USDollar: 44,
Ngultrum per Euro: 58
Ngultrum per UK Pound: 86

Telephone Country Code: 975

Administrative divisions (Dzongkhags):
Bumthang, Chhukha, Chirang, Dagana, Geylegphug, Ha, Lhuntshi, Mongar, Paro, Pemagatsel, Punakha, Samchi, Samdrup Jongkhar, Shemgang, Tashigang, Thimphu, Tongsa, Wangdi Phodrang

Economy overview:
The economy is based on agriculture and forestry, which provide the main livelihood for more than 90% of the population.
Agriculture consists largely of subsistence farming and animal husbandry. Rugged mountains dominate the terrain and make the building of roads and other infrastructure difficult and expensive. The economy is closely aligned with India's through strong trade and monetary links.
Model education, social, and environment programs are underway with support from multilateral development organizations. Each economic program takes into account the government's desire to protect the country's environment and cultural traditions.

Click below for more reading, travel tips and off-site links:

Bhutan awaits you...

Protected by the Himalayas and a benevolent King, Bhutan is an environmentally pristine land the size of Switzerland with fewer than a million inhabitants.

A land where tradition runs strong and deep, and where strangers are treated like family, Bhutan is a tourist’s dream.

The natural beauty of Bhutan defies description. Lush valleys, spectacular waterfalls, snow-capped peaks and wild rivers delight at every turn. Colorful farms and temples dot the landscape, their architecture traditional and perfectly suited to the land.

Untouched by rampant development, Bhutan affords today’s visitor the chance to experience an intact and thriving culture. The people are open, friendly and genuinely welcome visitors as valued guests, (rather than guests of value).

Since you are visiting our site, Bhutan has likely already captured your imagination. As you learn more about the Dragon Kingdom, you may enjoy our Essential Info and Links sections.

Tashi Delek!

click images for a larger view

Current time in Bhutan: