Bhutan - Lindsay Brown [200]
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EMBASSIES & CONSULATES
It is not possible to apply for a Bhutanese visa through a Bhutanese embassy. All tourist visas must be channelled through a tour company and the Department of Tourism (DOT) in Thimphu, and from there through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Bhutanese Embassies & Consulates
Bhutan does not have a wide network of resident embassies abroad.
Bangladesh ( 02-882 6863, 882 7160; fax 882 3939; House No 12 (CEN), Rd No 107, Gulshan Ave, Dhaka 1212)
India ( 011-26889807, 26889230; fax 2687 6710; Chandragupta Marg, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi 100021)
Kuwait ( 2516640; fax 2516550; Adailiya-Block 3, Essa Abdul Rahman Al-Assoussi St, Jaddah No 32, Villa No 7, Kuwait)
Switzerland ( 022-799 0890; fax 799 0899; Palais des Nations, 17-19 Champ d’Avier, CH-1209 Geneva)
Thailand ( 02-274 4740; fax 274 4743; 375/1 Soi Ratchadanivej, Pracha-Uthit Rd, Samsen Nok, Huay Kwang, Bangkok 10320)
USA ( 212-682 2268; fax 661 0551; 763 United Nations Plaza, 1st Ave, New York, NY 10017)
Embassies & Consulates in Bhutan
Only a handful of foreign countries have an official presence in Bhutan. Bhutan’s relations with other countries are handled through its embassies in Delhi and Dhaka.
Bangladesh ( 322539; fax 322629; Thori Lam, Thimphu)
India Phuentsholing ( 252635, 252992) Thimphu ( 322280; www.eoithimphu.org; India House, Zhung Lam)
Korea ( 02-323027; fax 323666; PO Box 423 GPO Thimphu; Clocktower Sq, Thimphu) Inside Tashi Tours & Travel.
Thailand ( 02-323978; fax 323807; PO Box 1352 GPO Thimphu; Doendrup Lam, Thimphu)
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FESTIVALS & EVENTS
The New Year is called Losar, and is celebrated according to the lunar Bhutanese calendar. Losar usually falls between mid-January and mid-March. To complicate matters further, there are different dates for the New Year in various parts of the country.
On an auspicious day near the end of the monsoon season the people celebrate Blessed Rainy Day. This is the day when khandromas (celestial beings) shower blessings on the earth in the form of rain to wash away bad luck. People wash their hair and shower to help wash off evil and sins.
On the first day of the 10th month the Thimphu rabdey (district monk body) moves to Punakha. The procession includes the Je Khenpo (the Chief Abbot of Bhutan), the four lopons (senior monks) and the entire monk body. The Khamsum Zilnoen, a sacred image of the Zhabdrung, and other relics are also moved with the monks. Local people line up outside the dzong to get blessed with the image and relics. The rabdey returns to Thimphu on the first day of the fourth month.
The Black-Necked Crane Festival in Phobjikha (Click here) is always held on 12 November, the day after the king’s birthday.
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FOOD
Since most travel in Bhutan is via an all-inclusive package, you can expect to eat most of your meals in your hotel dining room. Most hotels cater to groups and habitually provide buffet-style meals. There is usually a continental dish, and sometimes an Indian, Chinese or Bhutanese dish. There is almost always rice, either white or the local red variety, and dal. If you are in a small group, or have booked your tour directly, you can specify that you want to order from the menu, though sometimes the buffet meals offer a wider selection. Most experienced Bhutan travellers recommend that you stick to Bhutanese or Indian food rather than Western fare.
Drinks, including mineral water, are usually charged as extras, and payment is collected at the end of the meal or the following morning when you check out of the hotel.
On long drives or hikes you will not return to your hotel for lunch, and most tour operators arrange packed lunches from the hotel. These tend to be an uninspired collection of sandwiches, boiled