Rising from the Indian plains in the south into a succession of steep ridges reaching 26,000 ft in the Tibetan plateau, the physical area of Bhutan belies a landscape that feels immeasurable by modern calculation.
The result of a country separated by steep ridges is a culture as diverse as the landscape itself. Mountain streams and rivers cascade down vertical slopes, occasionally pausing to spin the paddle of an enormous Buddhist prayer wheel. From yak herders on remote mountain slopes to farmers tilling the subtropical valley soil, to the relatively few urban centers, the people of Bhutan are connected to each other as though a hidden mystery permeates the land.
LANGUAGE
The national language is Dzongkha. English is widely spoken in major towns and is a medium of education in schools. Other widely spoken languages are Nepali, Bumthap, Sharchop and Hindi. There are a host of local dialects spoken in small villages within the country.
MONEY
The unit of currency is the ngultrum (Nu), which is equivalent to one Indian Rupee. The Indian rupee is also legal tender. Major convertible currencies and travelers' Checks can be exchanged at banks in all major towns. Certain credit cards (MasterCard, Visa, & American Express) are accepted at a few large hotels and some shops.
WEATHER/CLIMATE
The central valleys of Punakha, Wangdiphodrang, Mongar, Trashigang and Lhunsthi enjoy a semi tropical climate with very cool winters, while Thimphu, Paro, Tongsa and Bumthang have pleasant summer, cold winters, with monsoon rains mainly from June-August.
At the end of September, after the last of the big rains, autumn suddenly arrives, and is a magnificent season for trekking until November.
Winter in Bhutan starts towards the end of November until February, and at this time of the year the climate is dry, with daytime temperatures sometimes falling below zero Celsius.
The southern part of Bhutan is tropical, and in general the east of Bhutan is warmer than the west of the country.
SHOPPING
The traditional form of arts and crafts in Bhutan have been passed down through generations since the 15th century. The crafts are painting, carpentry, carving and engraving, sculpture, metal casting and metal work, rattan work, weaving and embroidery, leather work and paper making. Indigenous carpets are made at recently established workshops in Phuntsoling and Phobjika.
ARCHERY
Archery is the most popular sport in Bhutan and the one which brings more Bhutanese competitors to the Olympic Games than any other. Weekend competitions take place throughout the country, and they are know for their partisan rivalry.
FOOD
Bhutanese cuisine is spicy, consisting of rice as the staple, with vegetable and meat curries. The national dish emadatse, consists of hot chilies and melted cheese served with rice. Buckwheat pancakes and noodles are popular in the Bumthang area, corn in Tashigang, and roasted barley or wheat (tsampa) in the nomadic areas of the northern mountains.
