This blog is intended to provide true information for anyone who intends to visit Bhutan.
Bhutan, the land of Druk(Dragon) is an amazing place, it is bound to captivate anyone who loves nature and peace.
This country is known to be the land of highest gross domestic happiness (GDH).
There are truly amazing things, that make it possible, here are a few to mention :
- Men to women ratio is 1:3
- Women do all the work, let it be in shops, cafeterias, bars, hotels, even as mechanics. Hence, less sloppy
- Men do as little work they have to, most of them are government employees / house makers(Yes, its true!)
- Inheritance in family continues on the female side, just opposite of all cultures
- There is plenty of time available for everyone, and all seem to be relaxed, be it any time of the day
- Food, almost all food is pure, free of fertilizers or pesticides
- Strict government rules, citizens abide by them, fines are very high
- Finally, the generosity and kindness of a general citizen is astounding. Free help
There are some things to be catious about as well:
- Cash, it is important to carry enough cash as ATMs are scarce, and most of them provide Indian Rupees / Bhutanese Nu
- The per day cost for western tourists is higher at $250. In general everything is costly compared to neighbour countries, except gasoline
- Smoking is banned publicly
- Driving more than 50kmph or 32mph is prohibited, there are cameras even on highways
- Mechanics are rare, so vehicles must be regularly checked before starting for the day. Thimpu and Paro have better options in this case
- All roads are one directional, with some by passes at certain points in Thimpu
- Driving without helmet / seatbelt is prohibited
- Petrol stations are also scarce, so fill up whenever you get the chance
- Do not go to Dragon’s Inn in Paro. It sucks
- Keep your identification documents(permits/license/passport) with you always
- Carry medicines
Trip details:
Bikers:
- Saumik, that is me.
- Nilanjan
- Abhishek
Motorcycles:
- Pulsar 180
- Royal Enfield 500
- Royal Enfield 350
Dates: 17th – 26th October 2015
Starting point : Darjeeling, West Bengal.
Expense per person: Rs 30000 / $600
Pre-booking for motorcycles is necessary as they are not available on demand, and we faced trouble due to this. There are 3 starting points, Darjeeling, Siliguri or Phuntsholing(in Bhutan). Booking in Bhutan can be costly but the bikes would be at great condition.
People travelling from Kolkata can make permits there itself to avoid the waste of time at Bhutan border. The Bhutan consulate in Kolkata is at Tivoli Court, Beck Bagan.