SANOG XXIII
13-21 January 2014, Thimphu, Bhutan

About Bhutan

Bhutan has many places which would interest people with different tastes. There are lots of monasteries, temples, stupas, dzongs etc. However, all these places are restricted to tourists and one needs a permit to visit such places. It should also be noted that traveling within Bhutan is restricted and for those who want to see other places while in Bhutan would need a special permit.

The Weather in Thimphu
Thimphu is located at an altitude of about 2300 meters above sea level. Though most visitors do not have a problem adjusting to the high altitude, however if you are not used to it, then you might want to take the necessary steps. Although SANOG is going to be held during the Winter season, it should be noted that during these cold days the temperature can be lower than 10 C.

Currency
The mode of exchange in Bhutan is Ngultrums. However, the Indian Rupee (at par with the Ngultrum) is also a legal tender. Dollars and other foreign currencies can be exchanged at the local banks at the existing exchange rate. VISA, Mastercard and other forms of credit cards are not accepted widely. But the major hotels will accept them.

Flight Information
One can enter Bhutan through Druk Air, The Royal Bhutan Airlines and also Bhutan Airlines, which have flights from Kathmandu, New Delhi, Calcutta and Bangkok. However there are no daily flights to Bhutan from the above mentioned cities- therefore it would be advisable to plan your trip well. For a complete flight schedule, please refer to the Druk Air flight schedule (www.drukair.com.bt) or Bhutan Airlines (http://bhutanairway.com).

Main Places of Attractions

Thimphu:
Thimphu, the capital of Bhutan lies at an elevation of 7,600 feet in a valley transversed by the Thimphu River. The city of Thimphu is nothing like what a capital city is imagined to be. Nevertheless, for Bhutan it is a fitting and lively place. While in Thimphu, one can visit the National Memorial Chorten, a monument dedicated to the Third King of Bhutan or the Handicrafts Emporium, which boasts of a wide assortment of beautiful hand woven and crafted products. Another fitting past time would be a walk through the streets of Thimphu, where modern technology blends in with traditional Bhutanese architectural style.

Paro:
If ever there was a place where nature and man conjured to create their dearest image, it must be the Paro Valley. To the north Mount Jhomolhari (mountain of the Goddess) reigns in white glory and the glacier waters from its five sister peaks plunge torrentially through deep gorges finally converging to form the Paro River that nourishes the rice fields and fruit orchards of Paro valley.
Paro valley has monasteries and dzongs galore. One should however make it a point to visit the National Museum and Taktsang (The Tiger's Nest), both of which are tourist hot spots!

To see more of the tourist attraction places with a plethora of images and pictures, click here