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BHUTAN:
THE LAND OF THUNDER
DRAGON |
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Hidden
on the southern slopes of the Himalayas, this tiny kingdom,
virtually unknown to the outside world, offers the most
fascinating yet untouched natural beauty, unique cultural
and ancient tradition. Centuries long, isolated,
inaccessible and forbidden, this Himalayan Kingdom
cautiously opened its border to the outside world.
Bhutan is perhaps the most pristine of all remote lands in
the world. Surrounded by high mountains, following a culture
that is strange and interesting, ruled over by a king,
protected by Druk Yul, the thunder dragon, the country still
retains the flavor of the past. As you walk on the streets,
view the deep green hills about you, see the dances and
festivals and talk to the people, you feel that this place
is somehow different, more precious, perhaps the Shangri –
La of James Hilton.
Drukyul, the land of Thunder Dragon, as Bhutan is locally
known is sandwiched between two of its great neighbors,
China in the North and India in the South. It is as big as
Switzerland, but is sparsely populated. The Kingdom is
spread over 47,000 kms with varied climatic conditions
ranging from sub – tropical to the frigid reaches of almost
25,000 feet snow capped ranges of the Tibetan border.
Bhutan follows the Drukpa sect of Tibetan Buddhism, with
Hinduism concentrated in the South. The religion here is
strong and its traditional ways are still intact. The
festivals and the masked dancer’s are a powerful expression
of their beliefs and the monasteries, the fortresses and the
hamlets of the Bhutanese people give a clear idea of how
life was in the kingdom centuries ago and how it is now.
Also the sight of chortens, fluttering prayer flags; prayer
wheels turned by water, gold-gilded monasteries dot the
landscape and emphasize the deeply religious aspect of
Bhutanese life. With over 80% of the population engaged in
agriculture or raising livestock, Bhutan remains a rural
country devoid of industry.
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Bhutan Town |
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Spiritual Monks |
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Shangri-la in the Himalayas |
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Drukpa
Kagyu |
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With magnificent mountains, dense forests, crystalline air,
self sufficient and friendly people, precariously placed
buildings, large palaces, ruins, stone work, with superb art
and arresting architecture, without beggars and crime,
Bhutan is truly very near to Paradise.
VISA PROCEDURES
To obtain the Bhutanese visa, we will require the following
passport details at least 04 weeks prior to departure. As
flights are mostly overbooked during the season time, an
earliest possible booking will help avoid disappointment.
FULL NAME, NATIONALITY, SEX, OCCUPATION, DATE OF BIRTH, HOME
ADDRESS, PASSPORT NUMBER, PLACE & DATE OF ISSUE, DATE OF
EXPIRY & PHOTOCOPY OF PASSPORT by Fax. You are also
requested to bring 03 passport size photographs upon arrival
to Kathmandu or Bhutan. On the receiving the above, it will
be forwarded to our Bhutanese agent who in turn will advise
us once the visas are confirmed. Kindly note that air
tickets can not be issued till the visas are fully
confirmed.
The Bhutanese Visa Fees of US$ 20 and tourism Tax of US$ 10
per person (subject to change) is payable in cash at the
point of entry.
ENTER / EXIT
Bhutan can be entered by air and land. However the land
route can be taken either for entering or exiting only. It
is necessary that DRUK AIR the national and only carrier of
Bhutan, be used once.
CURRENCY
The local currency is NGULTRUM which is at par with the
Indian Rupees.
INSURANCE
Insurance is highly recommended, but as insurance on trip
cancellation, medical, baggage, etc is not available in
Bhutan, visitors should arrange for their own in their home
country.
TERMS OF PAYMENT & CANCELLATION
Full payment should reach us at least two weeks prior to the
commencement of the tour. There will be a cancellation
charge of 50% for confirmed bookings upto 7 days prior to
departure, whereas no refund thereafter. No refund for
no-shows, delay arrivals and flight delays whatsoever the
reasons.
As per the rules stated by DRUK AIR, we will also require
the full airfare payment in advance to obtain confirmed
flight seats. The airfare is not refundable should the tour
be cancelled prior to its operation |
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