Another one of those 'next big tourist destinations', Bhutan has only recently been opened up to the world and its ruling king (who is alright as absolute monarchs go) is keen to control the influx of foreigners. Independent travel is not really possible in Bhutan so all visitors will have to join a tour group.

Even though the capital city is Thimpu, the main entry point into Bhutan is Paro International Airport. There are no direct flights into Bhutan. Thai (via Bangkok, connecting with Druk Air, Bhutan’s national airline) offers the best indirect route.

The currency is the Bhutanse Ngultrum ( Approximately 34.76 BTN to 1 Australian Dollar)

Bhutan, ‘the Last Shangri-La’ or the ‘Land of the Peaceful Thunder Dragon’ offers a host of attractions to tourists from all around the world. From its stark and striking mountains, to its lush green forests, fertile valleys, ancient ruins and uncorrupted ancient culture.

The capital of Bhutan Thimphu, is a storehouse of Bhutanese culture. The Trashi Chhoe Dzong or the fortress of Glorious Religion, and the Memorial Chorten are some of the old sites worth a visit. The town of Paro in western Bhutan also attracts tourists with its scenic locales, beautiful landscapes, wooded villages and historic buildings. The Rimpung Dzong or Paro Dzong stands on a hillside above the gently meandering Paro River. The Ta dzong is an ancient watchtower where the National Museum has been housed. The National Museum and the famous Taktshang Monastery are both located here.

The spiritual heartland of Bhutan, Bumthang, is where the most ancient and precious Buddhist sites are located. Lying in the centre of Bhutan, Trongsa is of great importance in the history of Bhutan. It lies on the borders of the Black Mountain National Park that is one of the most important wildlife preserves in Bhutan. The wild east of the Bhutanese kingdom can be explored from Punakha, Trashigang, Wangdue Phodrang and Gangtey Gompa, which are some of the favorite tourist sites.

All persons entering Bhutan must do so on an organized tour and tour companies will arrange visas as part of the tour cost, they can take up to 3 months to process.

There is no Australian representation in Bhutan. Australian passport holders should contact The Australian Embassy in India if they need assistance.

Australian High Commission,

Australian Compound,

No. 1/50 G Shantipath,

Chanakyapuri, NEW DELHI 110 021

Telephone (+91) 11 4139 9900 Fax (+91) 11 2687 2228

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