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Bhutan’s beauty in the sense that what visitors see is all natural and there is no artificial creations. The closed-door policy till 1960 has been a great boon to the preservation of Bhutan’s natural, social and cultural heritage.

Few valuable tips.

Explore like an expert.

Travel Insurance

Our tour package cost does not include travel insurance in Bhutan and we highly recommend all travelers to obtain comprehensive medical and travel insurance policies from your home country for any unpredictable circumstances.

What to Pack?

Comfortable clothing and sturdy, soft-soled shoes are necessary for travel to Bhutan. Warm clothing recommended and except for summer months, down jackets and woolen sweaters are suggested. In summer, heavy cotton and light weight woolens are comfortable. Altitudinal differences account for a wide range to temperatures from day to night so suggested that clothing to be layered so that you can adapt to the changing conditions. While visiting temples and other religious institutions, dress modestly and respectfully.

The following is fairly exhaustive list of what you should pack for the trip ; clothes as per season, sunglasses / spare glasses, pair of casual shoes, knife, hat, insect repellent, hand cream, small sewing kit & safety pins, torch or flash light with spare batteries, mirror, scissor, sun cream, lip salve, soluble aspirin, antiseptic cream, anti-histamine cream, anti-diarrhea pills, a preparation for the relief of sunburn and any medication you take regularly.

Clothing

Due to wide altitude variations, weather is quite erratic in Bhutan. The prime consideration for clothes to bring on Bhutan trip is that they should be comfortable and appropriate to weather conditions you are likely to face. You should be prepared and equipped to deal with different temperature zones. We also suggest visitors to dress modestly and respectfully especially while visiting monasteries, Dzongs and other important institutions. 

Etiquette

Please note that due to its unique culture and religious traditions, the Bhutanese people possesses different social behavior than normal westerners. Locals don’t mind taking their pictures but better to politely ask their permission, giving anything directly to children is strictly discouraged, dress respectfully particularly while visiting religious institutions or walking through villages and public places, remove your shoes before entering to religious sites, do not touch, walkover or sit on any religious text, objects, refrain from smoking in public places.

Hotels

In western & central region of Bhutan, tourism infrastructure is relatively well developed and there are wide range of accommodation available at these locations. However, there is limited accommodation option in eastern part and south eastern border town. Though all sincere effort is made to provide best available accommodation but in terms of quality and standard even the best may not be comparable to same level international standard hotels, but ground team will its best to make your stay and experience as comfortable as possible.

Food

Bhutanese, Indian, Chinese & continental cuisine available at most of the tourist hotels and restaurants. There is a fair choice of restaurants in Paro, Thimphu, Punakha & Wangdue, Bumthang, Phuentsholing but at other locations, its recommended to take meals at hotels of your stay. Almost at all destinations, there is an excellent choice of picnic lunches at picturesque locations. 

Road condition

All tourist towns are well connected with motorable road, those are nicely maintained though winding roads restrict the average speed of vehicles. All along Bhutan, the road journey is amidst nature’s bounty and refreshing to your eyes.

Medicines

It is highly recommended to bring your own medicines as you may not be tuned to Asian drugs. If you are susceptible to car sickness, motion sickness medication is suggested. Sometimes dog barking can be annoying at night and advisable to bring ear plugs with you.

Money

Bhutan’s currency is Ngulturm (Nu.) and that’s at par with Indian rupee. Credit cards are acceptable at 5 star and luxury hotels, but it has limited acceptability at 3- and 4-star hotels. Similarly, the souvenir shops in main town may accept credit cards but it’s not prevalent in smaller towns. So, it is recommended to carry travelers’ cheques or cash for incidental expenses. ATMs are available at certain locations and travelers may withdraw local currency.

Phone/Internet

Mobile phones with international roaming facility will work in Bhutan. Further, it is more practical and economical to buy a local SIM with internet package. All the cities have mobile phone network and 4G facilities available in major cities. Almost all the hotels will have WiFi facilities too.

Electricity

Almost all towns are well connected with electricity that run on 220/240 volts with round hole two-pin and three-pin power outlets however always advisable to bring your adapter plug. Bhutan’s energy is clean and green generated b hydropower.

Time

Bhutan’s standard time is 6 hours ahead of GMT and there is only one time zone throughout the country.

Baggage

  • The free baggage allowances on Bhutanese airlines is as follows:
    BUSINESS CLASS: 40 kg (68 pounds) 
    ECONOMY CLASS: 30 kg (44 pounds)

Cabin baggage allowance is 5 kg (11 pounds) and overall dimension is limited to 45 + 35 + 20 cm (17 + 13 + 8 inches)

Shopping

Bhutan is well known for its colorful textiles made of silk, wool and cotton. Also popular are woodcraft, jewellery, thangkha paintings, postage stamps, carved masks, handmade paper and finely crafted metal objects.

Photography:

There is plenty of photo opportunity all along Bhutan tour. It is always better to take permission first while photographing local people. There are certain places such as monasteries and temples, where photography is prohibited however there is no restriction on photographing Dzongs and Goembas from outside. If you are uncertain about whether or not photography is permitted, please check with your local guide. You should refrain from taking pictures of military installations.

Customs

Visitors are required to fill up the Custom Form and hand over to concerned authorities on arrival. Following articles are exempted from duty:

a). Personal affects and articles for day to day use by the visitor

b). 2 litres of alcohol, 400 cigarettes, 150 gms of pipe tobacco

c). Instruments, apparatus or appliances for professional use

d). Photogrphic equipment, video cameras and other electronic goods for personal use.

The articles mentioned under c) & d). must be declared in Custom Form. If such items disposed off in Bhutan by sale of gift, they are liable for custom duty.

  • Bhutan is non-smoking country and smoking at public places is prohibited however tourists can smoke inside their hotel room. Also 200% duty payable on tobacco products. 

Import and Export of following goods are strictly prohibited:

a). Arms, ammunitions, explosives and military stores

b). All narcotics and drugs except medically prescribed drugs

c). Wildlife products, especially those of endangered species

d). Antiques

Also, visitors are advised to be cautious in purchasing old and used items. Custom authorities will not allow any old / used items to be taken out of the country if they have not been certified as non-antiques. Imports of plants, soils etc. are subject to quarantine regulations. These items must be cleared on arrival.

Season

Bhutan is year-round destination though climatically better months are Mar, April, May, September, October & November. Winter in Bhutan is from mid Novermber to mid-March and at this time of the year, climate is dry and sunny for the most parts with perfect blue sky & temperature peaking at 15 degree in daytime and falling below zero at night. The monsoon usually arrives in mid-June, with rain mainly falling at late afternoon and nights.

Language

Bhutanese speak a variety of languages, but Dzongkha is the national language and widely spoken. English is also medium of communication and most Bhutanese speak good English. Communicating in English especially with urban goers will enhance your knowledge on Bhutan.

Gratitude

Gratitude are not included in your tour price and its at your discretion especially for your guide, driver and hotel staff. Also, the tipping is appreciated for ground team.

Safety Precautions

Though Bhutan is extremely safe destination but still it is recommended to exercise all possible precaution. We advise you to avoid roaming after 9 PM on the street alone. You can always take companion of your guide or driver.

Flight Schedule

It is always recommended to confirm your flight timing and schedule and your can refer to airlines’ website for this purpose: www.drukair.com.bt / www.bhutanairlines.bt