Bhutan in stijl

Consistently voted the happiest country in the world, the little nation of Bhutan is set at the far eastern end of the Himalayas, between India and China. Bhutan only began to open its doors to outsiders in the 1970s and still has a strict sustainability policy regarding tourism. As a result, it has retained a deep cultural authenticity and has preserved its environment admirably, making it one of Asia’s most beguiling and unforgettable destinations. Highlights include incredible forts and temples perched on sheer mountain cliffs, a rich (predominantly Buddhist) culture, and spectacular scenery – ranging from temperate sub-tropical plains and valleys cloaked with dense forest to lofty sub-Alpine mountains capped with snow.

Currency

1 Ngultrum (BTN; symbol Nu) = 100 chetrum (Ch). The Ngultrum is pegged to the Indian Rupee (which is also acccepted as legal tender). Notes are in denominations of Nu500, 100, 50, 20, 10 and 5. Coins are in denominations of Nu1, and 50, 25 and 20 chetrum. Smaller denomination notes and coins have been discontinued but are still in circulation and are legal tender. US Dollars are also widely accepted.

There are no restrictions on the import or export of local or foreign currency, but foreign currency must be declared upon arrival.

Leading foreign currencies are accepted but traveller's cheques are preferred and receive a better exchange rate. Major hotels in Thimphu, Paro and Phuentsholing will also exchange foreign currency.

Banking

Banking hours: Mon-Fri 09h00-15h00, Sat 09h00-12h00.

Most credit cards have limited acceptability. ATMs only accept Bhutanese bank cards.

Travellers cheques can be exchanged in any branch of the Bank of Bhutan or at all BTCL hotels. Travellers are advised to take traveller's cheques in US Dollars.

There are no domestic airline routes within Bhutan.

The country has a fairly good internal road network with well over 3,000km (1,800 miles) of surfaced road. Cars are driven on the left side of the road. The average speed is less than 40kph (25mph).

The main routes run north from Phuentsholing to the western regions of Paro and Thimphu, and west-east, across the Pele La Pass and Thrumshing La Pass to the central valleys and eastern regions.

The northern regions of the High Himalayas have no roads.

Tour operators will typically arrange all internal travel for tourists, which will usually be by road.

Water used for drinking, brushing teeth or making ice should have first been boiled or otherwise sterilised. Mineral water is widely available. Milk should be boiled. Powdered or tinned milk is available. Only eat well-cooked meat and fish. Vegetables should be cooked and fruit peeled.

There is a fair choice of restaurants in Paro and Thimphu but most tourists eat in their hotels where hygiene is good and chefs temper the spicy Bhutanese dishes to suit Western tastes. Rice is the staple (sometimes flavoured with saffron or of the red variety) apart from in central Bhutan where the altitude makes rice cultivation difficult. Buckwheat is more common here. The country is replete with apple orchards, rice paddies and asparagus, which grows freely in the countryside and there are over 400 varieties of mushroom including orchid mushrooms.

Meals are often buffet-style and mostly vegetarian. Meat and fish are now imported from nearby India, and Nepali Hindus living in Bhutan are licensed to slaughter animals. Usual precautions apply.

Tipping is not widely practised.

The climate varies with altitude, with the highest temperatures and rainfall occurring in the south which bears the brunt of the monsoon between June and September.

Temperatures drop dramatically with increases in altitude though days are usually very pleasant with clear skies and sunshine. Nights are cold and require heavy woollen clothing, particularly in winter. Generally, October, November and April to mid June are the best times to visit - rainfall is at a minimum and temperatures are conducive to active days of sightseeing. The foothills are also very pleasant during the winter.

Lightweight cottons, linens and waterproof gear are recommended. Light sweaters and jackets are advisable for the evenings. Upland areas: thick, warm clothing for evenings, particularly during the winter months.

For the most part, electrical sockets (outlets) in Bhutan are one of three types: the 'Type C' European CEE 7/16 Europlug, the 'Type G' British BS-1363 or the 'Type D' Indian 5 amp BS-546. If your appliance's plug doesn't match the shape of these sockets, you will need a travel plug adapter in order to plug in. If it's crucial to be able to plug in no matter what, bring an adapter for all three types.

Electrical outlets in Bhutan usually supply electricity at between 220 and 240 volts AC. If you're plugging in an appliance that was built for 220-240 volt electrical input, or an appliance that is compatible with multiple voltages, then an adapter is all you need.

But travel plug adapters do not change the voltage, so the electricity coming through the adapter will still be the same 220-240 volts the socket is supplying. If your appliance is not compatible with 220-240 volt electrical output, a voltage converter will be necessary.