Location  A small mountainous kingdom located in the eastern Himalayas between the giants of China (Tibet) to the north and India to the east, south and west stretches from 150 km from north to south and 300 km from west to east, covering about 47,000 sq. km.

With an estimated population of 658,000 in 2000, according to the Central Statistical organisation, the population density of Bhutan is among the lowest in Asia, and there still remain large tracts of unoccupied land.

Geographic Coordinates  Lying entirely in the Northern Hemisphere, the Country extends between 26°40' and 28°15'. latitudes north of the Equator, and 88°45' and 92°10' longitudes east of it.

Bhutan Time (BTT) is the time zone of BhutanTime  GMT + 06:00

Area  38,394 sq. km

Telephone Country Code +975

Border Countries It is bordered to the north by China and to the south, east and west by India. To the west, it is separated from Nepal by the Indian state of Sikkim, while farther south it is separated from Bangladesh by the Indian states of Assam and West Bengal.

Coastline  0 km (landlocked)

Climate The climate of Bhutan varies; tropical in southern plains; cool winters and hot summers in central valleys; severe winters and cool summers in Himalayas

There are five seasons:

• Dry spring starts in early March and lasts until mid-April.
• Summer weather commences in mid-April with occasional showers and continues to late June.
• The heavier summer rains last from late June through late September which are more monsoonal along the southwest border.
• Autumn, from late September or early October to late November, follows the rainy season. It is characterized by bright, sunny days and some early snowfalls at higher elevations.
• From late November until March, winter sets in, with frost throughout much of the country and snowfall common above elevations of 3,000 meters. The winter northeast monsoon brings gale-force winds at the highest altitudes through high mountain passes, giving Bhutan its name - Drukyul, which in the Dzongkha language mean Land of the Thunder Dragon.

Terrain Mostly mountainous with some fertile valleys and savanna.

Natural Resources   Geological surveys have revealed an array of valuable mineral deposits in Bhutan, but mining remains a slow-growing portion of the economy. Calcium carbide—the country’s main mineral export—limestone, dolomite, gypsum, coal, marble, quartzite, and talc are the primary products of the country’s mining activities. Other minerals, extracted in smaller quantities, include slate, beryl, pyrite, and various gemstones, as well as a number of metals, such as lead, copper, tin, iron, and silver.

Natural Hazards Violent storms from the Himalayas are the source of the country's name, which translates as Land of the Thunder Dragon; frequent landslides during the rainy season.

Environment - Current Issues   traditional firewood collection, crop and flock protection, and waste disposal, as well as modern concerns such as industrial pollution, wildlife conservation, and climate change that threatens Bhutan's population and biodiversity. Land and water use have also become matters of environmental concern in both rural and urban settings. In addition to these general issues, others such as landfill availability and air and noise pollution are particularly prevalent in relatively urbanized and industrialized areas of Bhutan. In many cases, the least financially and politically empowered find themselves the most affected by environmental issues.

Environment - International Agreements  Within the Bhutanese government, the independent National Environment Commission (NEC) and Bhutan Trust Fund, as well as the executive Ministries of Health (for chemical and radioactive waste), Economic Affairs, and Agriculture and Forests (Department of Forestry Services) are tasked with addressing environmental issues. Waste disposal issues often fall to local governments, Bhutan's dzongkhags and thromdes.

Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Ozone Layer Protection, signed, but not ratified: Law of the Sea

Geography - Note Bhutan is a landlocked country in South Asia at the eastern end of the Himalayas.

Download various maps of Bhutan Administrative Map of Bhutan,

• Population  Bhutan's population, as on 1 July, 2010 stood at 716,939.00 ( 384,735.00 males and 332,204.00 females).
• Population Growth Rate The average annual exponential growth rate stands at 1.95 per cent during (2010 Actual Data)
• Birth Rate The Crude Birth rate was  19.9 births/1,000 population in 2012.
• Death Rate The Crude Death rate was 6.5 in 2012.
• Life Expectancy Rate 65.8 years (Males); 68.1 years (Females) in the period 2006-2011.
• Sex Ratio 115.81 females per 100 males according to 2010 census
• Nationality Bhutanese (singular and plural)
• Ethnic Groups Ngalop (also known as Bhote) 50%, ethnic Nepalese 35% (includes Lhotsampas - one of several Nepalese ethnic groups), indigenous or migrant tribes 15%.
• Religions  Lamaistic Buddhist 75.3%, Indian- and Nepalese-influenced Hinduism 22.1%, other 2.6% (2005 est.)
• Languages  Sharchhopka 28%, Dzongkha (official) 24%, Lhotshamkha 22%, other 26% (includes foreign languages) (2005 est.)
• Literacy According to the estimated results of the 2005 census, the literacy rate in the Country stands at 52.8 per cent, 65% for males and 38.7% for females.

Country Name Kingdom of Bhutan; Druk Gyalkhap

Government Type Constitutional monarchy.

Capital Thimphu

Administrative Divisions 20 districts (dzongkhag, singular and plural); Bumthang, Chhukha, Chirang, Daga, Gasa, Geylegphug, Ha, Lhuntshi, Mongar, Paro, Pemagatsel, Punakha, Samchi, Samdrup Jongkhar, Shemgang, Tashigang, Tashi Yangtse, Thimphu, Tongsa, Wangdi Phodrang.

Independence  1907 (became a unified kingdom under its first hereditary king)

Constitution  previous (various royal decrees); first constitution drafted November 2001 - March 2005, ratified 18 July 2008 (2011)

Legal System Civil law based on Buddhist religious law.

Executive Branch Chief of State: King Jigme Khesar Namgyel WANGCHUCK (since 14 December 2006); note - King Jigme Singye WANGCHUCK abdicated the throne on 14 December 2006 and his son immediately succeeded him; the nearly two-year delay between the former King's abdication and his son's coronation on 6 November 2008 was to ensure an astrologically auspicious coronation date and to give the new king, who had limited experience, deeper administrative expertise under the guidance of his father

Head of Government: Prime Minister Tshering TOBGAY (since July 2013)

Cabinet: Council of Ministers (Lhengye Zhungtshog) nominated by the monarch in consultation with the prime minister and approved by the National Assembly; members serve fixed, five-year terms; the leader of the majority party is nominated as the prime minister

Elections: the monarchy is hereditary, but the 2008 constitution grants the Parliament authority to remove the monarch with two-thirds vote; election of a National Assembly last occurred in July 2013, resulting in the transfer of power to the former opposition party

Legislative Branch Description: bicameral Parliament or Chi Tshog consists of the non-partisan National Council or Gyelyong Tshogde (25 seats; 20 members directly elected in single-seat constituencies by simple majority vote and 5 members appointed by the king; members serve 4-year terms) and the National Assembly or Tshogdu (47 seats; members directly elected in single-seat constituencies by proportional representation vote to serve 5-year terms)

Elections: National Council election last held on 23 April 2013 (next to be held in 2017); National Assembly election (first round) held on 31 May 2013; second round on 13 July 2013

Election Results: National Council - independents 20; note - all candidates required to run as independents; National Assembly - first round poll held on 31 May 2013 - percent of vote by party - DPT 44.52%; PDP 32.53%; DNT 17.04%; DCT 5.9%; second round poll held on 13 July 2013 - percent of vote by party - PDP 54.88%, DPT 45.12%; seats by party - PDP 32, DPT 15

Judicial Branch Highest court(s): Supreme Court (consists of 5 justices including the chief justice); note - the Supreme Court has sole jurisdiction in constitutional matters

Judge selection and term of Office: Supreme Court chief justice appointed by the monarch upon the advice of the National Judicial Commission, a 4-member body to include the Legislative Committee of the National Assembly, the attorney general, the Chief Justice of Bhutan and the senior Associate Justice of the Supreme Court; other judges (drangpons) appointed by the monarch from among the High Court judges selected by the National Judicial Commission; chief justice serves a 5-year term or until reaching age 65 years, whichever is earlier; the four other judges serve 10-year terms or until age 65, whichever is earlier

Subordinate Courts: High Court (first appellate court); District or Dzongkhag Courts; sub-district or Dungkhag Courts

Flag Description  Divided diagonally from the lower hoist-side corner; the upper triangle is yellow and the lower triangle is orange; centered along the dividing line is a large black and white dragon facing away from the hoist side; the dragon, called the Druk (Thunder Dragon), is the emblem of the nation; its white color stands for purity and the jewels in its claws symbolize wealth; the background colors represent spiritual and secular powers within Bhutan: the orange is associated with Buddhism, while the yellow denotes the ruling dynasty.

National Days National Day (Ugyen WANGCHUCK became first hereditary king), 17 December (1907)

• The proposal indicates the best existing price. Bookings are made once you accept the proposal  and  send  your  names  and  other  details  required.  Your  booking  form  should  include the Name and Surname as they appear in the passport along with the age of the passengers. This is very important as change of names due to   error is not allowed and the booking must be cancelled to issue new tickets and new rates might be applicable. Holding tickets without the day of travel and correct names is now allowed by the airlines.
• Airlines may also modify airfares at any time till the time of issuance of the tickets. If such a case does happen, we shall inform you of the new rates applicable and these shall apply.
• Airlines  may  decide  to  change  or  cancel  flights,  without  prior  notice  and  Indior  Tours cannot be held liable for this. We shall, however do our best to maintain the original program and would inform you of any discounts or supplement rising from a situation beyond our control.
• Baggage  trolleys  are  available  at  the  airports.  Should  you  require  extra  services  of  a porter to move your luggage from the carousel to the vehicle or from the vehicle to the check-in counter please let us know in anticipation so that we can check with the airport authority or the airlines if such service is availability and arrange it.
• Our representative will meet and assist you on your arrival and departure within the area permissible to them under security regulations of the Airport Authority.

• Checked Baggage: Baggage exceeding in size, the sum of the 3 dimensions (length + breadth + height) in excess of 45 inches or 115 centimeters, cannot be treated as hand baggage and will have to be checked in. The following are the permitted allowance:

         First Class                                                                         40 Kgs.

         Executive Class                                                                 35 Kgs.

         Economy Class (Y,B,M & H)                                              20 Kgs.

         Economy Class (K,Q,V,W,G,L,U,S,T,X, N & E)               15 Kgs.

         Infants not entitled to a seat (All economy classes)          Nil

• Infants will be entitled to 1 collapsible stroller/carrycot/infant car seat.
• The maximum  weight  permissible for  a  single  piece  of  baggage  is  32  kgs.  This  rule  is applicable on the entire Air India network
• Cabin Baggage:  The  Government  of  India  regulations  permit  only  one  piece  of  cabin baggage  on  board.  The  dimensions  of  which  should  not  exceed  115  linear  cms  and weight  should not exceed 7 kgs. The  dimensions  of  the  hand  baggage  should  not exceed 55 cm X 35 cm X 25 cm totaling not more than 115 linear cms for Boeing as well as  Airbus.  The  hand  baggage  dimensions for  ATR  should  not  exceed  50  cm  X  45  cm X  20  cm  totaling  not  more  than  115  linear  cms.  Trolley  bags  with  the  above  specified dimensions will be allowed.
• An infant carrying basket is allowed per infant traveling within India.
• Guests travelling on flights originating from Jammu, Srinagar and Leh stations will not be
• Contours  are  available  at  all  airports  to  check  the  dimensions.  If  it  exceeds  these
• Gels,  alcohol,  liquids,  creams,  lotions,  and  sharp  articles,  etc.  are  not  permitted  in  the
• If you are arriving at Delhi and Mumbai from an international flight and then in transit to
• Please note that you can carry electronic items like camera etc. but without the batteries. allowed to carry any hand baggage. specifications,  you  will  be  requested  to  check  your  bag  into  the  baggage  hold.  Hand baggage is accepted in the  cabin  subject to availability of  space in the Over Head Bin. Restricted stowage space is also available under the front seat. In the event of no space being available in the aircraft to stow hand baggage, it will be necessary to remove and load the same in the baggage hold as per safety regulations. hand baggage. another flight (international or within India) you may not be permitted to carry liquids more than 100 ml in their cabin baggage when going through security at these airports. Batteries  should  be  taken  out  and  placed  in  the  check-  in  baggage.  Otherwise  the security personnel at the airport shall remove the batteries and throw them away.
  • Indior Tours suggests the following:
    • Take small toiletries in your cabin luggage so that you are not left without supplies in case your checked luggage is lost by the airline.
    • In  case  of  special  medical  prescription  -  pacemaker  :  please  carry  the English translation for the prescription with you in the cabin baggage.
    • Remember to take more medication than necessary for your stay in case you get stuck in place.
    • Also take all your medicines in the cabin luggage.
    • Take your chargers, phones, cameras etc. in the cabin luggage.

• All arrangements made by Indior Tours are in the capacity of an agent only. Indior Tours will not be liable for  claims or expenses arising from  circumstances beyond its  control  such as accidents, injuries, delayed or cancellation of flights & acts by forces of nature.
• Force  Majeure:  Indior  Tours  shall  not  be  liable  to  pay  any  compensation  where  the performance  or  prompt  performance  of  our  contractual  obligations  is  prevented  or  affected  by or  you  otherwise  suffer  any  damage  or  loss  as  a  result  of  “force  majeure”.  In  these  Booking Conditions, “force majeure” means any event which Indior Tours or the supplier of the service(s) in  question  could  not,  even  with  all  due  care,  foresee  or  avoid.  Such  events  may  include  war or threat of war,  riot,  civil  strife, actual or threatened terrorist activity, industrial dispute, natural or  nuclear  disaster,  adverse  weather  conditions, fire  and  all  similar  events  outside  our  control. Indior  Tours  and  its  associates  are  not  liable  for  any  compensation  for  damage  caused  by  a force  majeure  or  other  unforeseen  events  that  Indior  Tours  or  its  associates  could  not  have prevented even through utmost care. Indior Tours would notify our clients/agents timely of such force  majeure  events  as  and  when  feasible  and  will  aim  to  limit  the  damage  and  supplement cost  befalling the  clients/agents for making  alternate  arrangements  deviating from the  planned program.
• We  suggests that apart from  regular travel insurance,  you  should also take extra  cover for cancellation, natural and man-made disasters, technical hazard that can cause any significant or non-significant physical damage and destruction or loss of time, life and property.

Local  festivals  may  fall  on  the  date  of  travel  and  it  is  possible  that  the  visits  to  places of  interest  are  modified  by  the  local  government  or  authorities  for  which  we  cannot  be  held responsible. The program would be amended accordingly so that none of the visits included are missed on an alternative provided.

(Wildlife Safari/ Boat ride/ Desert & Rural Safari/ Bicycle & Rickshaw Ride/ Animal Rides)

• Please  be  aware that  local  laws  governing transportation  safety  in Indian Subcontinent may differ from those in your country. As per your itinerary, you may indulge in an activity that includes  alternate  mode  of  transport  including  canters  and  jeeps,  bicycle  and  auto-rickshaws, camels,  elephants  and  horses  and  a  variety  of  All  passengers  participating  in  village/desert safaris  should  be  ready  for  a  rustic  experience  as  local  jeeps  may  have  side  facing  seats (seats placed along the length of the vehicle). Also, please be informed that most of the Wildlife Safari  vehicles are open and as  such  vehicles like jeeps/canters used for  safaris and for other sightseeing tours / excursions may or may not have seat belts. All guests must acknowledge that they are aware of the risks involved depending on the type of tour taken.

Boats: To take part in any boat ride, you need to be of average mobility to be able to climb on and  off  all  these  boats  unaided;  able  to  disembark  onto  makeshift  docks  without  handrails,  or onto muddy and slippery riverbanks.

Canters: These are large, open trucks with wooden bench seats in the back and used for safaris on sharing basis in the national parks.

Elephant ride at Amber Fort (Jaipur): Elephant rides can either be taken to the fort or from the fort based on the directives  received from the Rajasthan State Tourism Board and are booked on first come-first serve basis. As such for Elephant ride at Amber Fort, an early departure from the hotel is recommended. Also note Elephant ride to or from the Fort is subject to same being operational and may be stopped due to various reasons by Rajasthan State Tourism Board

Important: At all times, our Tour Managers, Local Guides, and Representatives will assist and brief  guests  about these  activities  but  cannot  guarantee the  uninterrupted  services  during their stay in Indian Subcontinent. All guests must bear full responsibilities for such activities releasing Indior Tours, its associates, its directors, its agents of any claim. It would be in your interest to buy a suitable insurance to cover all risks associated with such travel.

• Our advice for men and women alike would be to concentrate on trekking/outdoor clothing and fairly lightweight but sturdy walking shoes.
• Wear long sleeves and pants and use a good insect/mosquito repellent.
• merino wool is a good choice to wear against your skin as it naturally helps to regulate your body temperature. It keeps you warm in the cold, wicks away moisture when it's hot, and doesn't retain odours - even after prolonged wear.
• Good walking boots with ankle support are a must, as is a comfortable change of shoes. You may need to wear these second shoes if you get blisters, so choose carefully. A pair of heavy sandals which can fit socks underneath can be a good option too.
• We like Thorlos hiking socks - they're especially designed to keep your feet dry and comfortable when trekking in hotter climes.
• Sandals with the rugged bottom are good for hiking around town and to wear in showers.
• You will need to remove your footwear before entering any Buddhist site, so a pair of sandals or flip flops that slip on and off will make life easier (try Hotter shoes, for a range of styles and they're amazingly comfy).
• Good sunglasses and sunhat are a must and take plenty of sunscreen (we love the Riemann P20 range for 10 hour protection) with you as it's difficult to find and expensive.
•  

• Body revealing clothes should be avoided. Leave shorts at home - you will feel uncomfortable if you wear them. Opt instead for 3/4 length pants or a long skirt.
• Camisoles are useful in the heat, but when visiting places of worship your body, legs and shoulders must be covered. A pashmina or sarong is a versatile must-pack item.

• There are no specific things to bring to your attention, check out our packing list for our suggested capsule wardrobe.

• Climate variations are dependant on altitude rather than seasons.
• June, July, August, and September is the monsoon season, so not peak times for tourists, but if you do go then be prepared! Pack a lightweight raincoat - it doesn't have to be warm, you can layer up underneath it.
• In fact it can rain at any time and our advice would be to pack a lightweight waterproof and small travel umbrella.
• We love the Weather+ app - it gives an accurate 6 day forecast for day and night, which when you're planning from home is really helpful. You can keep all the places you've been to too - a nice way to remember your trip :) Download for iPad/iPhone or Android

• You will need your own toiletries including anti-bacterial handwash. And you are advised to take your own little medical kit, sewing repair kit, and a good torch (with spare batteries).
• If you are trekking or staying in more basic accommodation then take a sleeping bag liner, mosquito net, microfiber travel towel and your own toilet paper.
• A bag or soft-sided rucksack is a more practical option than hard cases when traveling around the country, and using packing cubes can help to keep your belongings tidy whilst compressing the volume too.
• Combine your bag with a fold away day sack that will carry your essentials on day trips.
• Don’t drink or even brush your teeth in tap water. Consider taking a Water-to-Go Filtration Water Bottle.
• Look after your mobile phone with a phone bunjee - it protects against loss, theft and damage and is especially useful when trekking.
• To use electrical gadgets you may need a travel adapter plug, and also a step down voltage converter if your devices are not designed for the local voltage (230V).
• Avoid paying unexpected baggage fees - use an accurate luggage scale to ensure you keep within the weight allowance. Don't forget to leave room for souvenirs on the way home! Look for items actually made in Bhutan rather than imported from surrounding Nepal, Thailand or India - tapestries and thangkas (Buddhist paintings) are good buys.
• Take US dollars in small bills to tip your drivers and guides.