There are 19 languages spoken in Bhutan, but the national language is Dzongkha. English is used throughout Bhutan’s education system, so it is widely used and understood.
Bhutan is a year-round destination. There are four seasons: summer (June to August), autumn (September to November), winter (December to February) and spring (March to May). But because of the range of altitudes in the country, and the influence of the north Indian monsoons, the climate is incredibly varied.
In the south, the humid, subtropical climate is fairly consistent year-round, with temperatures between 15oC and 30oC. Central Bhutan, with its temperate forests, has a more seasonal climate, with warm summers and cool, dry winters. The northern regions are much colder during winter. Because of the high altitude, mountain peaks are snowy year-round and the lower reaches remain cool in summer.
In summer, the Indian monsoon season runs from late June or July to late September, mostly affecting the southern regions. Most farming activities take place in the summer, when crops thrive in verdant landscapes.
Autumn, from late September or early October to late November, follows the rainy season. It is characterised by bright, sunny days and some early snowfall at higher elevations. It’s the season of feasts and festivals as farmers reap the fruits of their work.
From late November until March, the crisp, clear and sunny winter sets in, with frost throughout much of the country and snowfall common above elevations of 3,000 metres. The winter northeast monsoon brings gale-force winds at the highest altitudes through high mountain passes, giving Bhutan the name Drukyul, which means Land of the Thunder Dragon in Dzongkha (Bhutan’s national language).
Bhutan’s generally dry spring starts in early March and lasts until mid-April. It is a botanist’s delight, with nature in full bloom. Summer weather commences in mid-April with occasional showers and continues to late June.
The Kingdom of Bhutan is a small landlocked country located in the southern foothills of the Himalayan mountain range, sandwiched between the China in the north and India in the south.
It is a sovereign nation, with a total land area of 38,394 km² and a total population of around seven lakhs.
Through the ages our Country assumed different names which kept on changing over the period. The oldest name assumed by the country is believed to be Ri Drag Gi Yul (The Country of mountainous terrain) then, Menjong Norbui Ling (Precious land of medicinal herbs) followed by Tshenden Jong and Mon Kha Zhi. Then later, in 13th century, the country came to be called Druk Yul (-Land of the Thunder Dragon). This has emerged from the fact that the Drukpa Kagyud school of Mahayana Buddhism has been the country’s state religion. The people are then called Drukpas, the followers of Drukpa Kagyud and the native people of Druk Yul.
In 1907, Ugyen Wangchuk was unanimously elected as hereditary ruler of Bhutan, crowned on 17th Dec, 1907 and appointed as head of state Druk Gyelpo (Dragon King). In 1926, his son Jigme Wangchuk became next ruler (2nd King of Bhutan). Succeeded in 1952 by his son Jigme Dorji Wangchuk (3rd King), Bhutan began to slowly emerge from its isolation and began a program of planned development. Bhutan became a member of the United Nations in 1971. In 1972, Jigme Singye Wangchuk (4th King) ascended the throne at the age of 20. He emphasized modern education, decentralization of governance, the development of hydroelectricity and tourism and improvement in rural developments. He was perhaps best known internationally for his philosophy of “Gross National Hapiness”. In 2006, his son Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuk became the 5th King of Bhutan.
Today, our country is known to the outside world as Bhutan (derived from Sanskrit words ‘Bhu-uttan’- meaning high land) and its people are known as Bhutanese. Bhutan is the only country which has been independent throughout the history, never conquered, occupied, or governed by an outside power.
The physical variations such as altitude and orientation of mountains and valleys have created different climatic zones within Bhutan. Bhutan can be divided into four different zones:
This great geographical diversity combined with equally diverse climate conditions contributes to Bhutan’s outstanding range of biodiversity and ecosystems.
Bhutanese currency is Ngultrum (Nu.) and is officially pegged to the Indian Rupee. Also Indian Rupee is acceptable all over Bhutan except Rs. 500/- and Rs. 1000/- currency notes.
Credit Cards have limited acceptability and payment through credit card is accepted mainly by Deluxe hotels and few selected Handicrafts establishments only.
There are ATMs in Bhutan but currently they only operate within their respective Bhutanese banks. Since these ATMs are currently do not function with outside banks, ATM facility cannot be used by visitors. Traveler’s cheques/cash are best option if you need additional money.
Cash and Travelers Cheques exchange facility is available for most of the main currencies including the US dollar, Euro, Indian Rupee, Japanese Yen, Thai Baht, Pound Sterling, Swiss Franc, Hong Kong dollar, Canadian dollar, Australian dollar, Singapore dollar, Danish kroner, Norwegian kroner, and Swedish kroner. Exchange rates vary.
It is also possible to have funds wired with the services of Western Union but funds cannot be accessed in all locations, and are limited in amounts and days of availability.