Bhutan General Information

General days are normally warm. Nights can at times be very cold, and during winter it can go below Freezing. Monsoons shower occur in Summer and sometimes even in Spring and Autumn, however, the heaviest are in July and August. The most visited months are March, April, May, and September, October, and November. During those months one can expect mostly warm days and cold nights, however, there is always a chance of Rain and Snow.

Population Of Bhutan

The population of Bhutan is estimated at 700000 as of 1996. As in most developing countries, the proportion of the population under 15 is as high as 43%. As this age group enters the reproductive period, the population growth rate is likely to rise above the current 3.1% unless family planning is more widely practiced. With this in view, various family planning options with the latest techniques are made freely available, accompanied by a family planning information campaign.

Capital: Thimpu

Location: Bhutan lies between 89 degrees and 92 degrees E and 27 degrees and 28 degrees N.

Settlements Of Bhutan:

Bhutan is one of the least populated countries in South Asia. Most of the population is concentrated in the valleys, while large areas at higher altitudes in the north of the country are virtually empty except for nomadic herders. 

Most Bhutanese still live in villages in an extended family system or maintain strong links with their rural families. The average size of the household or family is estimated to be 5.6. The number of houses per village varies from 2 to 100 with an average of 43. Thimpu in Western Bhutan is the capital with an estimated population of 30,000 - 40,000 people. The other main urban settlements are Gelephu, Phuntsholing, and Samdrup Jongkhar, all of them in the south. Towns are developing in all the 20 dzongkhag (districts) headquarters.

People & culture:

The people of Bhutan are hardworking, simple, hospitable, and straightforward. They can be categorized into three broad ethnic groups: the Sharchops, Ngalungs, and those of Nepali origin. The Sharchops are believed to have been the earliest inhabitants of Bhutan. A majority of them have been living in the eastern parts of the Kingdom. The Nagalungs are the descendants of the Tibetan immigrants, who came to Bhutan from about the 9th century onward. They have been staying primarily in the western part. The people belonging to Nepali origin are the third category of people. They have been living in the southern belt of Bhutan. When Bhutan was closed to the outside world and had no development, these Nepalese origin people were taken by the Bhutanese government to accelerate the developmental activities. However, it is pity to say that more than 100,000 Nepali origin Bhutanese were evicted from their own homeland by the Bhutanese government in charge of demonstrating democracy and fundamental human rights. At present, they have been leading a pathetic life in the camps in eastern Nepal. The southern Bhutanese are the followers of Hinduism, while the Sharchops and Ngalungs follow Buddhism. The national language of Bhutan is Dzongkha and its national religion is Buddhism. More than 75 percent of the people in Bhutan have adopted agriculture as their main occupation. Until now, the culture and social life of Bhutan have remained unaffected by modernity.

The men's attire is called "Gho", while "Kira" is the attire of women. However, the Nepalese origin people wear "Gho" and "Kira" only when visiting offices. Jewelry is mostly made from pearls, corals turquoise, and agate set in well-crafted gold and silver.

Meat, cereals particularly rice, vegetables, and herbs are the major food items in Bhutan. Meat dishes include mainly mutton, pork, and beef, which are lavishly spiced with chilies. Salted butter tea is served to all the visitors as they enter any house. Other famous beverages include Chang, a local beer, and Arra, a type of sprite distilled from rice, maize, wheat, or barley. As a customary greeting, "Doma" or betel nut is offered to every visitor.

Archery is the national game of Bhutan. So, it has gained popularity across the country. The Bhutanese people play it with zeal and enthusiasm throughout the year with the traditional bows and arrows. In Bhutan, the ancient and traditional art, music, and dances of the different ethnic groups have been protected in an effective manner.

Festivals:

In this dragon kingdom, Tshechus are the main annual religious festivals of Bhutan that are celebrated to honor Guru Padmasambhava, also known as "Guru Rimpoche". Tshechus are considered as an occasion for reverence, feasting, socializing, and blessing by the people. Staged at different times of the year in different parts of the Kingdom, Tshechu is a unique experience to the outsider. Apart from Tshechus, Dashain and Tihar are also celebrated in Bhutan. Primarily, Dashain and Tihar are celebrated by the Nepali origin Bhutanese.

Art and Craft:

The Bhutanese people have a strong sense of aesthetics, art, craft, and architecture. Primarily, Bhutan's art and craft are broadly influenced by Tibetan art and craft. Dzongs, chortens, and monasteries can be seen everywhere. Some of the Lhakhang and Gompas are even made on high peaks. Basically, chortens are constructed in memory of an eminent lama or to ward off evil spirits. These structures are beautifully decorated inside and outside with woodcarvings and paintings in a riot of colors and patterns.

The walls of temples and shrines are decorated with the paintings and carvings of Buddha and various deities. The "Tashi Tagye" or eight auspicious signs are found painted on buildings. Thankas are hung on the walls for attractions. They offer the Thankas as souvenirs when tourists pay their visit. Articles for daily use are not touched by the influence of modernization and commercialization. Traditional craftsmanship has been handed down from generation to generation. Craftsmen of Bhutan are skilled in bronze and precious metals, wood and slate carving, and clay sculpture.

Flora and Fauna:

Bhutan is best known for its richness in flora and fauna. The journey to Bhutan offers one the unique opportunity for being familiar with scenic beauty. There is no doubt that Bhutan is a storehouse of biodiversity. The Druk Kingdom is not only home to beautiful flowers and plants such as Rhododendron, Junipers, Magnolias, Orchids, Gentians, Daphne, and the rear Blue Poppy and others rare medicinal herbs and exotic mushrooms but also faunal diversity.

Bhutan boasts 500 species of birds. Some of them include Monal Pheasant, the Tragopan, wild Pigeons and doves, the rare Rufus-necked hornbill, and the endangered Black-necked crane are the major fauna. The population of butterfly fauna is abundant in Bhutan. Bhutan holds rich wildlife like- Snow leopard, Blue sheep, Musk deer, Takin, the Himalayan Black Bear, Tiger, Rhinoceros, Gaur, the Great Indian Water Buffalo, the Golden Langur, and many more. Local fish and brown trout can be found in the northern rivers and the mountain lakes, while Mahseer can be found in the south-east rivers.

Best Season to Visit:

March-May and September - November

Early May: Kurjey Tsechu, Bumthang

Early June: Nemalung Tsechu, Bumthang 

Early July: Wangdue Tsechu, Wangdue 

Late September: Thimphu Dromchoe, Thimphu 

Late September: Thimphu Tsechu, Thimphu 

Early October: Tamshing Phala Choepa, Bumthang 

Late Sept/ Early Oct: Thangbi Mani, Bumthang