Nepal & Bhutan

Nepal– The currency of Nepal is the Nepalese Rupee (NPR). Credit cards are widely accepted in major cities and there are ATMs to withdraw local currency. Be aware there are ATM withdrawal limits and it’s advised to use ATMs affiliated with prominent banks.

Bhutan– The local currency is the Ngultrum (BTN, equal to Indian Rupee). You can exchange money at the airport or at a local bank. Credit cards are accepted at some hotels but not all of them, so it is safer to carry some local currency. There are ATM’s, but they are unreliable.

Credit cards are now widely accepted in Bhutan. Most hotels and many handicraft shops, except in central/eastern Bhutan, will now accept Visa and MasterCard with a fee.

The major banks now have ATMs and you can withdraw local currency via Visa or MasterCard and some debit cards. However, the ATM’s do not always work and usually you will only be able to withdraw small amounts in any single transaction. The best practice is to have enough cash with you before entering Bhutan and not rely on ATMs and credit cards.

For the most up-to date conversion rate click here or download the app- https://www.xe.com/.

Nepal– Your passport must have six months remaining validity or more at the time of entry and at least one blank visa page (not endorsements page) required for entry visa. You can purchase a tourist visa upon arrival or apply online before travel http://online.nepalimmigration.gov.np/tourist-visa.

Bhutan– All US citizens must have a visa to travel to Bhutan, and the visa is required in order to purchase a plane ticket to this destination. The only way to obtain this visa is through a licensed tour operator in Bhutan. Make sure your US passport is valid for at least 6 months after the date you plan to exit Bhutan and has one blank page.

For more information, please visit the State Department website here.

Nepal– The power plugs in Nepal are type D, C, and M.

Bhutan– The power plugs and sockets used in Bhutan are of type D, F and G, usually with three round pins with either small or large pin sizes. Type F is also known as ‘Schuko’ and also works with plug C and plug E.

Voltage fluctuations are very common in Bhutan, so it is always advisable to use an adapter with quality power surge protector.

Click here to purchase your adapter/converter and see other travel accessories that will be great for this trip.

Before your trip, a Happy Ambassador will reach out to you about tipping our local guides. Plan to budget at least $100-$150. Happy Ambassadors are already compensated, the tip money will go to local guides and driver.

Weather
Nepal– Overall the months of October through November are the best time to visit Nepal. With clear blue skies, pleasant warm temperatures and an abundance of vegetation post monsoon, these months are the optimum time to visit Nepal.

Bhutan– One of the best months to visit is October, when days are normally sunny, clear, and fairly warm, though some areas may have snow. The springtime offers the additional advantage of the rhododendrons in bloom, but the blooming season is subject to occasional storms.

What to Wear
General Clothing:

Generally speaking we are in a fairly conservative region. We recommend not wearing clothing that is too short, tight, or revealing. Unless you are traveling to a village or rural area, shorts, skirts and dresses are acceptable.

We recommend you pack 2- 3 shirts, 1-2 shorts/skirts, 2-3 T-shirts, and underwear.

A light jacket (good for 60°-65°F) or layering is best to sustain the varying temperatures. You may also consider purchasing local clothing. Besides being affordable, the fabrics are beautiful and generally made to accommodate the local weather.

Shoes – Comfortable for some walking, with good traction. Sandals (preferably closed-toe) are a good option, but they still need to support your feet with good rubber soles for extensive walking on uneven surfaces.

Scarf / Shawl – A head cover may be required for women and men at certain sacred sites and places of worship.

Hat or Cap – Protection from the sun is essential in the region!

Toiletries and Personal Items

Hand Sanitizer – Many public restrooms may not have soap available.

Tissues – Have a small pack available in your purse or daypack, make it handy.

Sunscreen/Mosquito Repellent – bring it or you may also purchase this at a local shop.

Personal Hygiene – There is a limited selection of tampons and maxi pads. The cost is also at a premium.

Photocopies of Travel Documents – Remember to make copies of your passport and visa and keep them secure in a separate bag from where the original is stored. If the bag is lost or stolen, you will have a secondary copy available.

Nepali food incorporates elements of Tibetan, Indian, and Central Asian culinary traditions, creating a unique blend of flavors and spices.One of the most popular Nepali dishes is “Dal Bhat,” which is considered the national dish of Nepal. It is a simple combination of lentil soup, rice, and vegetables, but it is flavorful and filling. Another popular Nepali dish is “Momos,” which are steamed dumplings filled with meat or vegetables. They are a popular street food in Nepal and are also found in many restaurants around the world.

Other popular Nepali dishes include “Chow Mein,” a stir-fried noodle dish, and “Samosas,” crispy deep-fried pastry pockets filled with spiced vegetables or meat. “Sel Roti,” a sweet, deep-fried bread, is a staple food during festivals and special occasions. “Tandoori Chicken,” a spicy grilled chicken dish, is also a popular Nepali dish that is enjoyed by many.

Bhutanese food is spicy and varied, and has strong Tibetan and Indian influences. Most meals are served buffet style and consist of several dishes. Staples are Bhutanese rice—red and other varieties—or noodles. Try momos (small Tibetan dumplings filled with cheese or meat), emadatsi (chili peppers in cheese sauce or with potatoes), or paksha paa (sliced pork, chilies and radishes). Beef and pork curries are also plentiful. In Bumthang, buckwheat pancakes and noodles replace rice as the favorite staple.

Except for the Swiss Bakery and restaurants in some of the larger hotels in Thimphu, most restaurants don’t offer much in the way of international cuisine. However, several fine restaurants, such as Plum’s Cafe, serve delicious local fare. Be sure to visit the Bhutan Kitchen (a reservation should be included in tour price). The restaurant has the minimalist decor of a fine Japanese restaurant and features a mini museum representative of Bhutanese village kitchens and storehouses. The menu features the most authentic Bhutanese fare available in a modern restaurant, and the owner and chef, Leki Dorji, personally selects and procures the ingredients from villages in various parts of the country.

Drinks include buttered and sweet teas and delicious fruit juices. Bhutan’s alcoholic drinks include chang (brewed from fermented cereals) and arra, which is stronger and distilled from either rice, barley or wheat. Locally produced beer and whiskey can also be found in some places.

The Kingdom of Nepal is bordered by India on the west, south and east, and by the Tibetan region of the People’s Republic of China in the north. Nepal occupies an area of 54,718 square miles and has a population of about 17 million. Mt. Everest the highest mountain in the world (29,028 feet – 8848 meters), is located in the northern part of Nepal, and part of the Ganges plain is included in the south.

Records mention the Gopalas and Mahishapalas believed to have been the earliest rulers with their capital at Matatirtha, the south-west corner of the Kathmandu Valley. From the 7th or 8th Century B.C. the Kirantis are said to have ruled the valley. Their famous King Yalumber is even mentioned in the epic, ‘Mahabharat’. Around 300 A.D. the Lichhavis arrived from northern India and overthrew the Kirantis. One of the legacies of the Lichhavis is the Changu Narayan Temple near Bhaktapur, a UNESCO World Heritage Site (Culture), which dates back to the 5th Century. In the early 7th Century, Amshuvarma, the first Thakuri king took over the throne from his father-in-law who was a Lichhavi. He married off his daughter Bhrikuti to the famous Tibetan King Tsong Tsen Gampo thus establishing good relations with Tibet. The Lichhavis brought art and architecture to the valley but the golden age of creativity arrived in 1200 A.D with the Mallas.
During their 550 year rule, the Mallas built numerous temples and splendid palaces with picturesque squares. It was also during their rule that society and the cities became well organized; religious festivals were introduced and literature, music and art were encouraged.
After the death of Yaksha Malla, the valley was divided into three kingdoms: Kathmandu= (Kantipur), Bhaktapur (Bhadgaon) and Patan (Lalitpur). Around this time, the Nepal as we know it today was divided into about 46 independent principalities. One among these was the kingdom of Gorkha with a Shah ruler. Much of Kathmandu Valley’s history around this time was recorded by Capuchin friars who lived in the valley on their way in and out of Tibet.
An ambitious Gorkha King named Prithvi Narayan Shah embarked on a conquering mission that led to the defeat of all the kingdoms in the valley (including Kirtipur which was an independent state) by 1769. Instead of annexing the newly acquired states to his kingdom of Gorkha, Prithvi Narayan decided to move his capital to Kathmandu establishing the Shah dynasty which ruled unified Nepal from 1769 to 2008.
The history of the Gorkha state goes back to 1559 when Dravya Shah established a kingdom in an area chiefly inhabited by Magars. During the 17th and early 18thcenturies, Gorkha continued a slow expansion, conquering various states while forging alliances with others. Prithvi Narayan dedicated himself at an early age to the conquest of the Kathmandu Valley. Recognizing the threat of the British Raj in India, he dismissed European missionaries from the country and for more than a century, Nepal remained in isolation.

During the mid-19th Century Jung Bahadur Rana became Nepal’s first prime minister to wield absolute power relegating the Shah king to mere figureheads. He started a hereditary reign of the Rana Prime Ministers that lasted for 104 years. The Ranas were overthrown in a democracy movement of the early 1950s with support from the-then monarch of Nepal, King Tribhuvan. Soon after the overthrow of the Ranas, King Tribhuvan was reinstated as the Head of the State. In early 1959, Tribhuvan’s son King Mahendra issued a new constitution, and the first democratic elections for a national assembly were held. The Nepali Congress Party was victorious and their leader, Bishweshwar Prasad Koirala formed a government and served as prime minister. But by 1960, King Mahendra had changed his mind and dissolved Parliament, dismissing the first democratic government.
After many years of struggle when the political parties were banned, they finally mustered enough courage to start a People’s Movement in 1990. Paving way for democracy, the thenKing Birendra accepted constitutional reforms and established a multiparty parliament with King as the Head of State and an executive Prime Minister. In May 1991, Nepal held its first parliamentary elections. In February 1996, the Maoist parties declared People’s War against monarchy and the elected government.
Then on 1st June 2001, a horrific tragedy wiped out the entire royal family including King Birendra and Queen Aishwarya with many of their closest relatives. With only King Birendra’s brother, Gyanendra and his family surviving, he was crowned the king. King Gyanendra abided by the elected government for some time and then dismissed the elected Parliament to wield absolute power. In April 2006, another People’s Movement was launched jointly by the democratic parties focusing most energy in Kathmandu which led to a 19-day curfew.
Eventually, King Gyanendra relinquished his power and reinstated the Parliament. On November 21, 2006, Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala and Maoist chairman Prachanda signed the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) 2006, committing to democracy and peace for the progress of the country and people. A Constituent Assembly election was held on April 10, 2008. On May 28, 2008, the newly elected Constituent Assembly declared Nepal a Federal Democratic Republic, abolishing the 240 year-old monarchy. Nepal today has a President as Head of State and a Prime Minister heading the Government.
The Constituent Assembly made significant progress to accomplish the mandate of writing a new democratic constitution of Nepal during its first 4 years term. The country also had an extensive democratic exercise in that direction including collection of public inputs on the contents of the new constitution and intense deliberations in the Assembly. However, due to political disagreements on some of the contentious issues like federal provinces and form of government, the first CA could not accomplish the historic task and there was natural termination of its mandate in 2012. The election of CA II was held in November 2013 and in its first meeting, leaders of political parties set the timeline of 1 year to complete the task of writing the new constitution.
Devastating earthquake of 7.8 magnitude hit Nepal in April 2015 followed by several powerful aftershocks causing loss of life, infrastructure and property in an unimaginable scale. Most mid hill districts of Nepal including Kathmandu valley saw massive devastation. This terrible experience created a sense of urgency among political parties to expedite the constitution writing so that a political process would come to a meaningful conclusion and country can divert all its focus on post disaster reconstruction.
After weeks of zeroing in on most contentious issues, political parties sorted them out paving the way to finalize the constitution. The new constitution of Nepal was promulgated through an overwhelming majority of the votes of CA members on September 20, 2015. With this historic achievement, the decades-long dream of Nepali people to have a constitution made through an elected representative body has now been realized. As per the provisions of the new constitution, elections of the new President, Prime Ministers and some other State positions have been successfully held.

Bhutan is the only country in the Himalayas where the Vajrayana Buddhist culture survives intact. However, the fall of other kingdoms that represent this vibrant culture, such as Tibet, Sikkim and Ladakh, and the encroachment of globalization make the survival of this tiny Buddhist nation increasingly fragile and poignant.

In Bhutan, trekkers will find an alternative to the overcrowded trails of Nepal. Serious photographers will be impressed with the country’s traditional architecture and abundant wildlife. Herds of yaks graze in its high-country valleys, and rare snow leopards, blue sheep
and black-necked cranes can sometimes be spotted in its farthest reaches. Others can find pleasure in the elaborate tsechus (religious festivals) that are held throughout the year at various dzongs (fortress monasteries). Nearly everyone who visits Bhutan will be awed by the unsurpassed majesty of the Himalayas.

But it’s neither easy nor cheap to visit Bhutan, which is tucked in between India and China (Tibet). No independent travel is allowed in the country—all visitors must book their trip through a state-licensed travel office or a foreign travel agent who deals directly with the government. The government charges all travelers 9,000 Nu a day, to which the Bhutanese company may or may not add its own operating costs.

On the brighter side, your trip is usually free of the hassles associated with travel in other countries in this region, as the fee covers lodging, food, tours and comfortable transportation in well-maintained buses, SUVs or cars. The fee also includes a guide with whom you can plan your itinerary.

Bhutan boasts of being the world’s last Vajrayana Buddhist kingdom. Its Buddhist tradition began in the eighth century, but its roots as a country date back to the 1600s, when a Tibetan refugee, Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, transformed the area from a collection of rival fiefdoms into a unified nation and built the extensive system of dzongs. Following the Shabdrung’s death, penlops (governors) and dzongpons (chiefs) who had settled in regional dzongs were involved in numerous power struggles until the late 1800s. Ugyen Wangchuck, Penlop of Tongsa, finally emerged as the first king (Druk Gyalpo).

For most of the 20th century, the tiny landlocked kingdom called Druk Yul (Land of the Thunder Dragon) was virtually unknown to outsiders: Telephones, electricity, paved roads, airports, hospitals, formal education, postal service and foreign relations were nonexistent. Business was conducted on the barter system. It was only in the 1960s that these elements of infrastructure were put in place, and only in 1974 were tourists allowed into the country. King Jigme Singye Wangchuck, the fourth king, who ruled 1972-2006 (his son, Jigmen Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, replaced him), was considered a progressive-minded leader who encouraged the sensitive process of opening Bhutan to modern influences. In 1999, he allowed his country access to television and the Internet. The same year the nation’s first feature-length film was released. (The Cup depicts a burgeoning soccer craze among Buddhist monks.) Another film, Travelers and Magicians, by the same director debuted internationally in 2003. The film is a delicate fable about the illusory world of dreams and the true nature of reality as taught in Buddhism.

Other initiatives have been calculated to ensure that Bhutan is not overwhelmed by the modern world. Maintenance and restoration of the nation’s dzongs are high priorities—not merely as historical artifacts, but as functioning monastic and governing communities. All new buildings constructed by private and government agencies or individual homeowners must receive approval from the state Division of Works and Housing, which is responsible for the standardization of architectural styles and regulations. Designs for new buildings must incorporate an officially regulated number of traditional elements aimed at preserving Bhutanese aesthetics as well as the livelihood of the artisans who specialize in the traditional designs.
The king also passed into law a decree requiring the maintenance of 60% of the kingdom’s total area under forest cover—for all time. Among other measures to protect the culture, traditional robes must be worn by all citizens in government buildings and at official functions, under penalty of a fine. And tourism, although encouraged, is controlled by the governmental regulation of high tariffs. Even today, the vast majority of the people are subsistence farmers, and the Bhutanese, who call themselves Drukpas (Dragon People), hold strongly to ancient traditions.

Wangchuck (the fourth king) also tried to make the monarchy more democratic. The National Assembly can now revoke the royal title with a no-confidence vote, and according to his wish, the first democratic elections were held in 2008.

Less certain is the future of ethnic Nepalese who fled Bhutan in the late 1980s. The Bhutanese government says they were illegal aliens; the Nepalese say they had lived in Bhutan for generations and were the victims of an arbitrary and discriminatory campaign. Whether they left of their own accord or were forced to flee depends on which group you ask. However, after difficult and lengthy negotiations, resettlement of refugees encamped in eastern Nepal to Bhutan’s western countries began in 2008 under the auspices of the UNHCR (United Nations High Commission for Refugees).

A sliver of a country in the Himalayan range, Bhutan is bordered on the north by Tibet and the south by India. Though highly mountainous, Bhutan has a surprisingly diverse topography. Much of the country is heavily forested, and the central region has abundant farmland. The southern part of the country, which is closed to visitors, is temperate and semitropical.

Most visitors see western Bhutan, which contains the country’s main cities and most of its people. The area has steep hills, lush valleys and a number of winding rivers. Many fabled Buddhist monasteries are in central Bhutan, which is divided from the west by the Black Mountains—excellent terrain for trekking. Eastern Bhutan, which has steep slopes but lower altitudes and a warmer climate, contains extensive farmland and is renowned for handwoven clothes and textiles.

Nepal was known to the Ancient Indians. It was mentioned in classical Indian literature. In the 3rd century BC, the great Indian Emperor introduced Buddhism into Nepal. Nepal was also in contact with China. About 200 AD a people called the Lichavis took power in Nepal. Under them Nepal flourished and great temples both Hindu and Buddhist were built.

However, the Lichavis eventually declined and a new era began in 879 AD. They were replaced by a series of kings called the Thakuris. n From the 12th century a series of kings whose surname ended in Malla reigned in Nepal. In the 14th century one of them, Jayasthiti Malla introduced the caste system into Nepal. The power of the Malla dynasty reached a peak in the 15h century under Yaksha Mall.
However, after his death in 1482, his kingdom was divided between his 3 sons. Nepal was reunited in the 18th century by a man named Prithvi Narayan Shah. He was suspicious of the growing power of the British in India and decided to isolate his nation.
However, in the 19th century, the Nepalese were forced to come to terms with the British. In 1814-1816 they fought a war after which the present boundaries of Nepal were drawn. Then in 1860 Nepalese soldiers began serving in the British army.
Meanwhile, in 1846 a man named Rang Bahadur seized power and declared himself Rana or prime minister. Afterward, the kings of Nepal were only figureheads and the Rana held the real power. Finally, in 1923 Britain and Nepal signed a new treaty.

Modern Nepal
In 1950 the Rana was overthrown and royal authority was restored. Then in 1959 elections were held in Nepal. However, the king quarreled with the elected Congress and dismissed it in 1960. Under a new constitution of 1962, the king had all the real power. However, in 1990 widespread protests led to the restoration of democracy. Nepal gained a new constitution and in 1991 elections were held.
Then in 1994, a minority Communist government took power. However, in 1995 the Supreme Court nullified the election results and reinstated the previous parliament.
In 1996 a Maoist (Communist) insurgency began in Nepal which severely damaged the economy. However, a peace accord was signed in November 2006. In April 2008 elections were held and a coalition government came to power. In May 2008 the monarchy was abolished and Nepal became a republic. Nepal gained a new constitution in 2015.
Today Nepal remains a poor country. Most of the people live by farming. However, tourism in Nepal has great potential. In 2020 the population of Nepal was 29 million.