An introduction to Bhutan. Travel on a Group Holidays with Wendy Wu Tours
Known as Druk Yul, ‘Land of the Thunder Dragon’ to the Bhutanese, Bhutan opened for tourism in 1974 and is perhaps the world’s most exclusive tourist destination. This fascinating ‘Dragon Kingdom’ is credited with successfully retaining its distinct cultural entity in its original form enabling travellers to experience the full glory of this ancient land.
It is embodied in its monastic, strategic fortresses (known as dzongs), ancient temples (lhakhangs), monasteries (gompas) and stupas (chortens), which dot the countryside with prayer flags. The Bhutanese Government applies levies and taxes on all visitors to the country. This makes travelling to Bhutan more expensive than travelling to its neighbouring countries and as a result mass tourism has not affected the country.
Time - Bhutan is 4 hours behind Australian EST
Language - Dzongkha is the official national language, however, English is also widely spoken as it is taught in all schools. The contrasting diversity of the main ethnic groups has meant that a number of different languages and dialects are also spoken throughout the kingdom.
Entry Requirements - Passports must be valid for six months beyond the length of stay. Visas are required for Australian travellers, the price of which is already included in the fully inclusive price of all our group tours for Australian passport holders (providing all applications are received by Wendy Wu Tours within the required visa processing time frame). The Bhutanese visa is issued by our operators in India as they are not available from Australia. A visa authority letter is issued after your travel arrangements have been paid in full and the actual visa is entered into your passport on arrival at Paro airport or at the Phuentsholing border crossing.
Cities
PARO
Set in the Paro Valley, the town of Paro is home to many sacred sites and historical buildings scattered throughout the area. Paro is the gateway to Bhutan as it has the
only international airport in the country.
THIMPHU
Thimphu is famous for being the most unique capital city in the world because of its untouched natural beauty alongside modern development. Established as the
capital around 1955, it lies in the valley along the banks of the Wang Chhu (river). The city’s charm is influenced by its wealth of museums and places of historic
interest. Wander along the main street and into shops, all of which are decorated in a traditional Bhutanese-style, to really appreciate the uniqueness of Thimphu.
|
![[Logo] Wendy Wu Tours](/site/images/WWLogo_180x115.gif)
