Bhutan

Best time to go: March to May and September to November.

The most popular times to visit Bhutan tend to be the spring months of March, April, and May and the autumn months of September, October, and November because the weather is more mild and many of the largest festivals take place during these months.

In the autumn the skies are clear and blue, affording views of the high Himalayas from passes and various other vantage points. Autumn is also the time of year when the black-necked cranes migrate to central and eastern Bhutan for the winter. The skies are less clear during the spring, but the flowers are in bloom. The downside of traveling during these peak months is that there are more tourists in general, and Druk Air reservations need to be made well in advance to ensure availability.

The summer months of June, July, August, and even early September are typically the monsoon months, so you may encounter rain. The winter months of December, January, and February can be cold, but the skies are clear and blue. Some treks are closed during these months due to the weather conditions. The upside of traveling during the off-peak months is that reservations are easier to secure, and there will be fewer tourists around. But truly, Bhutan is spectacular any time of the year, and your trip will be a great adventure no matter when you decide to visit!

Thimpu, Tongsa and Bhumthang ranging from 3,000 - 4,000m endure a temperate climate with cold snowy winter and some - what cooler summers.

Visa Formalities

Other than Indian, Bangladeshis and Maldivian nationals, all visitors to Bhutan require a visa; all visas are issued from Thimphu; visas are only issued to tourists booked with a local licensed tour operator. Mystic India will make all the arrangements required to have your visa ready for you arrival into Bhutan. Visa clearance takes at least 10 days to process. Air tickets to Bhutan cannot be purchased without visa clearance. At your point of entry the visa will be stamped in your passport on payment of US$20, two passport photos will also be required. Visas are issued for a 15 day period; extensions can be obtained in Thimphu at a cost of Nu.510.

Health Information for Travellers to Bhutan: http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/bhutan.htm

Capital: Thimphu

Government: Constitutional Monarchy; special treaty relationship with India

Population: 646,852 (2006 census)

Language: Dzongkha (official), Bhotes speak various Tibetan dialects, Nepalese speak various Nepalese dialects, Sharchop.

Religion: Vajrayana Buddhist 75%, Indian and Nepalese-influenced Hinduism 25%

Electricity: 220 V

Dialling Code: +975

Time Zone: GMT +6

Currency: Nigultrum (Nu) is equivalent to one Indian Rupee. The Indian Rupee is also legal tender.

National Day: 17^th December

National Anthem: "The Thunder Dragon Kingdom"