RSS
than in the local market. Look for papier-mâché masks, prayer wheels, decorative motifs, silk-screened handmade paper, rings and ornaments for clothing, and woven wool or silk clothe. Other important items that you can look for in the markets are precious stones and postage stamps (available at the General Post Office).
WHERE TO STAY
Not many hotels are there in Thimphu as in other capital cities of the world, but accommodation certainly is not a problem. With the smaller number of tourists being allowed to visit, there is not much of an accommodation crisis, except in the high season. Most of the hotels are good and operate with all the modern facilities. Constructed in the traditional Bhutanese style these hotels provide you the experience of living in an ethnic village.
WHERE TO EAT
Thimphu is the heaven for buffet lovers. Most of the good restaurants are in the hotels and cuisine is mainly vegetarian. Dartsi (cow’s milk cheese) and Ema dartsi (red chillies cooked in melted cheese) are some of the favorite cuisine items in Thimphu. Remember that red chilly is going to be the most important ingredient in any dish in Thimphu and if you don’t like chilly ask the staff to decrease the amount to an acceptable amount.
TRANSPORT RESOURCES
Air Travel Resources
Unfortunately, Druk Air (national air carrier) is the only air service operating out of Bhutan. Paro International Airport is the only airport in Bhutan connecting it with Kathmandu, Calcutta, Bangkok, Dacca, and New Delhi. Most convenient connection is from Kathmandu and this journey also gives some breathtaking views of the Himalayas. Take a minibus to Thimphu from Paro spending around two hours in this road journey.
Land
From Bagdogra in India, it is possible to drive the 175 km land route to Phuentsholing, the entry point in Bhutan. From Phuentsholing there is a tiring 179 km journey to Thimphu although the journey gives you a great chance to appreciate the natural beauty of the country. It is also possible to travel to Phuentsholing from Siliguri and Calcutta by bus. In most of the cases your trip to Thimphu is going to be arranged by a tour operator who is supposed to take care of all your travel requirements including transport. If you are traveling on your own than make sure that you have a tourist taxi on your disposal.
TRAVEL RESOURCES
Tourist information
Bhutan Tourism Corporation Ltd (BTCL)
PO Box 159
Thimphu, Bhutan
Tel: 00 975 2 24045, 22647, 22854
Fax: 00 975 2 23392, 22479
Airlines
Druk Air Corporation Ltd.
P.O.Box 209, Thimphu, Bhutan
Tel: 00 975 2 22215,22825,23420
Banks
Most of the banks in Thimphu exchange AMEX traveler’s checks as well as foreign currencies. Indian rupee is widely accepted in the shops, hotels, and all other establishments.
Medical services
Thimphu has some of the best hospitals in the country including General Hospital and referral hospitals. Medical treatment has been made free by the government and you will certainly get a good service, but remember that these hospitals are not equipped to treat complex diseases and conditions.
