Bhutan Travel Notes

Travelers Flying via Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport
The Bhutan & Druk Air check-in desk at the Bangkok Suvarnabhumi International airport is at Row W at the far end of the concourse, to save time ask your driver to drop you at that end. Please check-in with your airline ticket receipts we have enclosed and mailed within your pre-tour packet. A backup digital copy has also been uploaded to your Dropbox folder.

Travelers Flying via India
All passengers flying to and from Bhutan via Kolkata or Delhi must apply for an Indian Visa prior to their departure if they intend to stay overnight – if they remain in transit no Indian visa is required.

Hand Baggage Allowance
Bhutan Airlines and Druk Air requests that passengers limit their hand baggage to one piece, the size not exceeding 45+35+20 cm (17 ½ +13 ½ +8 inches) and the weight not exceeding 5 kg (11lbs).

Checked Baggage Allowance
Economy Class: 20 kg (44 lbs) Business Class: 30 kg (66 lbs)

Due to the limited hold space baggage is often left behind, most often from Bangkok. Bulky items should be booked ahead as unaccompanied baggage/cargo.

CLIMATE

Though you may be traveling at a warmer period of the year, you will be traveling over high-mountain passes which can be dramatically cooler than the valleys. Please see our packing list which emphasizes layers for the changes in temperatures. You may expect some drizzle year-round as well.

The Kingdom is a year round destination which in general experiences warm days and cool nights with temperatures only getting below freezing at Uma Paro on winter nights.

SPRING
March, April, May – warm days and cold nights (max 75°F/24°C vs min 37°F/2°C ) with some chance of rain. Camping Trek Season (temperatures can drop below freezing at high camps).

SUMMER
June, July, August – warm days and balmy nights (max 79°F/26°C vs. min 57°F/14°C) with the chance of rain. Best time for flowers and bird life.

AUTUMN
September, October, November – warm days and cold nights (max 73°F/23°C vs min 37°F/2°C ) with some chance of rain. Camping Trek Season (temperatures can drop below freezing at high camps). Autumn begins in September. The end of monsoons brings clear Himalayan skies and festival season, with several big celebrations this month. Weather is typically very mild and clear with fall colors everywhere and the sky at its clearest, affording magnificent views of the Himalayan range.

WINTER
December, January, February – crisp sunny days and cold dry nights (max 73°F/20°C vs. min 25°F/-4°C ) Best time for Mountain Views - snow may fall but won’t settle for long at Uma Paro. In the Himalaya, conditions can be unpredictable. While we endeavor to run all activities as they are described below, and at all times of the year, our guides may suggest an alternative if the weather turns. This is for your comfort and safety.

HEALTH & MEDICAL

The Effects of Altitude
At 2,300 meters above sea level, most of our trips lie below the height where Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) might begin to affect people. It is caused by going too high too fast and in some rare cases can be fatal if the warning signals are ignored. It is important to take care, allowing your body time to adjust to the smaller quantities of oxygen. Some people adjust quickly, while others take longer, but very few people are incapable of acclimatization, given sufficient time. All our itineraries are designed with easy days at the start and some become more challenging towards the end, after acclimatization has occurred. To aid the process drink lots of water (3-4 liters a day), listen to your body and avoid over exertion.

We do advise that all guests over the age of 55 years or with a pre-existing condition consult their doctor about their travel plans. To fully enjoy this hiking destination, trip preparation is vital (see below).

IMMUNIZATIONS

Please consult with your doctor or traveler’s medical clinic to discuss for recommendations (Hep A and Typhoid may be recommended). Boosters for Tetanus and Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR). Malaria does not occur in typical itineraries (see map below), unless crossing over from lowland India. source for travel advice on malaria or other health risks. Always consult your physician for the latest advice prior to travel.

AIR EVACUATION

In the event of a serious medical emergencies, air evacuation to Bangkok is recommended. This can be an expensive service and we recommend taking out International SOS insurance or similar coverage (ask us).

TRAVEL INSURANCE

It is strongly recommended that you be insured against medical and personal accident risks (including repatriation costs, air ambulance/evacuation and helicopter rescue services) and that you also take out cancellation insurance. You should be aware that some policies restrict coverage or do not cover travel to Bhutan and may not cover activities such as trekking and mountain biking. Please ensure that your policy provides a sufficient level of protection and covers you for the activities involved. You must carry proof of insurance (e.g. your insurance certificate) with you to Bhutan.

TIME

GMT + 6 hours (13 hours+ of PST), one hour behind Thailand. Bhutan does not observe any Daylight saving time.

MONEY MATTERS

Bring new US Dollars for your trip. Credit cards are not widely accepted. Given your trip is almost all-inclusive, you won't need to carry much more cash than for some meals, laundry, tips, souvenirs, and drinks. A hundred dollar bill gets a higher exchange rate than smaller bills or traveler's checks. The Bhutanese unit of currency is the Ngultrum and 1Nu = 100 Chetrum. The Ngultrum is pegged to the value of the Indian Rupee and at 01/08/2010 was worth the following:

1 $US = 44.30 Nu
1 UKP = 72.00 Nu
1 Euro = 62.80 Nu
1 $Sing = 34.95 Nu
1 Japanese Yen = 0.50 Nu

There are foreign currency exchange services at the front desk of larger hotels but please note that while very few businesses in Bhutan take credit cards and there are still no international ATMs, though the Uma Paro and other large chains now have the facility to do so. Please also note that while Indian Rupee currency can be used in Bhutan the Bhutan Monetary Authority does not allow 500 and 1,000 Rupee notes to be traded in Bhutan. Also please note that Thai Baht cannot be exchanged in Bhutan by order of the Bhutan Monetary Authority.

ELECTRICITY

Current is 230V, 50Hz (unlike U.S. 110 volts) but almost all camera, phone and laptop batteries automatically adjust to. Electric sockets are an unusual three round pins set in a triangle or French-style round pin, two-prong plugs. Adapters are provided in better hotels and also sold cheaply in local shops. Most hotel rooms have limited electrical plugs bring a multi-purpose plug if you are using many devices such as laptops, tablets and mp3 players, one with USB ports like this handy one.

COMMUNICATIONS & INTERNET

Bhutan enjoys a robust GSM cell phone access for roaming mobile phones in almost the entire region between Paro and Punakha. Bhutan Country Code: 975 (from US dial 011+975+number). Most foreign cell or mobile phones will work in the Kingdom. Bhutan has a good GSM mobile phone network due to the broad expanse and mountainous areas of the country. Check with your provider regarding roaming coverage (typically very high) or bring an unlocked GSM phone to use a local chip. Wireless, broadband Internet access is available in hotels and a few Internet cafes in larger cities, though expect degraded performance and sporadic outages in this remote country.

LANGUAGE

Dzongkha is Bhutan’s official language and there are countless dialects, although English, taught in schools, is widely spoken in larger city shops and tourist hotels.

PACKING (non-trekking)

Bring clothes that are comfortable, appropriate for varied weather conditions, including light rain, and activities for your trip. For protection against cold, a number of relatively thin layers are better than fewer thick ones, and easier to add or peel off as you move from lower to altitudes to higher and back down again. Wide variation in temperature is a feature of travel in Bhutan.

By all means pack older, well-worn clothes rather than rushing out to buy new ones since they will probably get fairly rough treatment in Bhutan. You may have to wash & dry clothes in less than ideal conditions, such as trekking, so wicking fabrics like wool may be best for your trip. Women travelers should pack at least one skirt or sarong for temple visits.

Recommended Packing List (PDF)

Documents

• 2 Passport-sized photos and US$40 cash backup for visa (you should not need either)
• Copy of passport, stored separately (for quick replacement of a lost passport)
• Visa clearance letter (from Indochina Travel)
• Airline tickets receipt
• Pair of slippers/sandals

Clothes

• Bandannas
• Hiking boots or trail shoes (not new)
• Comfortable walking shoes
• Wool socks
• Ponchos or rain gear (June-September)
• Sun hat with wide brim
• Cold-weather gloves
• Synthetic or Wool long under wear (base layer-top and bottom)
• Fleece Coat
• Sweater
• Jeans
• Long shorts
• Short & long-sleeved shirts
• Water Proof Rain Jacket and Pants (pants optional, a poncho can also suffice)
• Long Underwear
• Sleepwear
• Sandals for hotel
• Gloves

Pack warm layers of clothes for the dramatic differences in altitude as you cross the country's high passes, especially between cooler November and March.

Gear & Supplies

• Sleeping Bag (for overnight trekking)
• Thermarest (for overnight trekking)
• Camera/gear backpack, light or heavy
• Small day-pack
• Mosquito repellent (for May-August)
• Small packable umbrella (for June through early Sept)
• Penknife and lighter for emergency
• Flash light, headlight, extra batteries
• Cold water detergent (for trekking)
• Wet wipes
• Sunscreen and lip balm (Bullfrog gel in spray bottle)
• Sunglasses
• Water bottle (for light trekking and festivals)
• Earplugs (for barking dogs)
• Waterproof non-plastic Bags (trekking: to pack clothes)
• Duffel bag is recommended for trekking rather than suitcases. Luggage may be left at our hotel while trekking.

Books are essential in Bhutan as most hotels are located away city centers and evening activities are non-existent aside from Thimphu and Paro. You may also want to load music or podcasts to your music player for the long drives.

Bring an electrical multi-plug. Most hotel rooms have limited electrical plugs so you will need a multi-plug if you are using a number of devices such as laptops, tablets and mp3 players. It's also wise to bring a universal travel adapter.

Pack Dramamine or other medications to prevent nausea if you are prone to motion sickness during long drives.

Plastic bags are banned in Bhutan and are not available there. Hotels in Bhutan do not provide combs, toothbrush, toothpaste or cosmetics. High altitudes may affect contact lens wearers, please also bring a pair of glasses. Also see specific day packing list for festivals.

Photography Packing List

• Camera: With wide angle for landscape- 16-35mm and 24-70mm or lenses within this range
• Lens for portraiture-zoom 70-200, or something within this range
• Filters: polarizing, neutral density, and graduated neutral density
• Light tripod, mono-pod
• As many memory cards as you can afford
• Extra batteries & charger
• Portable power strip to charge multiple devices with one outlet
• Light but sturdy laptop to review and store images
• External hard drive back-up
• Waterproof rain hood
• Waterproof bags for camera equipment (Please note that plastic bags are not allowed in Bhutan)
• Adobe Photoshop and/or Lightroom (any version)

Trip Preparation

Being prepared and enjoying even light hiking at altitude in the Himalayan kingdom requires some preparation. At least a few months before your departure, gradually increase your hikes from a half hour up to about ninety minutes, a couple of times a week. Mix in some short, harder efforts during these hikes. This a good time to break in new hiking shoes as well. About two weeks before your trip, taper your efforts with easy and shorter maintenance hikes to arrive well rested. After arrival, even if you are feeling spry and ready to go, please take it easy the first couple of days to acclimatize.

WALKING CONDITIONS

Our walks and lighter treks are mostly on established trails, and there are no particularly difficult sections, although some of the trails are steep and rocky and can be muddy and slippery after rain. Sturdy trail shoes or light boots with ankle support and a trekking pole are recommended.

BIKING

We can arrange both on-road and off-road biking trips to suit all interests and abilities. We have access to range of KONA mountain bikes, helmets and gloves so if you are interested in biking with us please advise us of your height as soon as possible to secure a bike for your size.

TRANSPORT

For transfers and tours we use small private minibuses and 4 x 4 vehicles such as Hyundai Santa Fee depending on the size of the party. Be prepared for long driving days when crossing over passes.

Language: The official language in Bhutan is Dzongkha. However, English and Hindi is widely spoken and most signs are bilingual.

The first thing that strikes you after arrival in Bhutan is the dress that everyone around is wearing. The colorful dress of the men is called the gho which is something similar to the Scottish kilt. With length up to the knee, and the upper part of the dress wraps around the body and loosened as per the size & fitting. There are many pockets in the inside. Its surprising how much can be stored in these pockets. The women wear the kiras which are full length unstitched garments fastened at the shoulders by two hook like clips called komas and a waistband which is also of a similar cloth. Added to this is a blouse and a jacket which completes the dress. The range of colors is varied and the dress material fine. By law, and custom, every government worker, every teacher and almost everyone holding public office has to wear the traditional dress. Even school uniforms conform to this dress code.

You'll soon no doubt notice that this same uniformity spills over into architecture; every building has to have the basic traditional form. This is mandated by law so there are no "modern" looking buildings. There is a degree of uniformity and tradition that shows through.

SHOPPING

Shopping is quite limited but improving and includes textiles, wooden handicrafts, paintings, prayer flags, prayer wheels, prayer beads and very colorful stamps. Bhutan has silver and gold jewelry that can be bought or ordered within a week’s time. Carpets are also highly regarded as are traditional textiles which can be expensive. If you are buying anything that looks antiquated or is expensive, make sure to obtain receipts to avoid customs problems at the airport. Textiles are recommended in Thimphu or in eastern Bhutan. Woolen fabrics are recommended in Bumthang (central Bhutan). Paro Market day is every Sunday and Thimphu Market (with an extensive handicraft and artifact section) opens on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Some bargaining may be done when shopping, but don't expect the deep discounts offered in other parts of Asia. Generally speaking, prices between shops does not differ much.

Extra Expenses and Spending Money

Apart from extra massage therapies and activities, drinks, souvenirs, tips, essential items and the items for sale in the Uma Paro shop there is little available to spend your money on.

BUSINESS HOURS

Saturday and Sunday are the weekly days off for all Government Offices and some shops are closed however in the private sector the day off is Sunday. Please note that the National Museum in Paro is closed on Sundays and Mondays.

TIPPING

There is no tipping in restaurants and hotels. Guide and driver gratuities are customary although there is no set formula for what amount. We suggest about US$25 per day for your guide and about half this for your driver.

GOVERNMENT

The government of has recently transitioned from a Constitutional Monarchy to a democratic elected one.

CULTURAL CONSIDERATIONS

Bhutanese are by nature friendly and have no strict, regimented customs. It’s a silly notion of the travel press you must adhere to local customs or risk causing offense, but observance of the following will make your visit more sensitive to local customs:

• Bhutanese practice typical Asian courtesy and behavior in respect for religion, Monarchy, modest dress, and no public display of affection.
• Bhutanese use their right hands or both hands to receive and give things and avoid using fingers to point at somebody, statues of deities, or important persons or pictures of such but use their open palm facing upwards (sky wards) to point.
• When visiting temples, monasteries, and official building, hats should be removed and umbrellas closed. Trousers, not shorts, and skirts with shirts that do not expose skin should be worn. For both genders, a “polite shirt” or one with a collar is appropriate. For some places carry a light jacket that covers up to your wrist before entering. It is customary to remove shoes at the door. Photos may not be allowed inside, but ask your guide. It is also customary to leave a small offering of money at the altar as an offering. Bhutanese circle religious structures clockwise.
• Like in so many other Asian countries, feet should be kept on the floor. While sitting if you cannot sit cross-legged like the Bhutanese kneel down with your feet folded backwards, or if that is difficult sideways so that your feet are not pointing directly.
• Here too in Bhutan, people prefer suggestions, instead of being told something directly, particularly if the issue is a difficult one.
• Most Bhutanese do not mind and rather enjoy having their picture taken but some may not agree if not dressed properly; please ask beforehand.
• If you are invited to a local’s home please take a small gift. Ask your guide for advice and suggestions.

FESTIVALS

Please note that no hats or umbrellas are allowed at the tshechu—please carry sunscreen. There are no water facilities, so also carry bottles as well as snacks. A light weight poncho is useful if rain rolls in. Carry lots of small change to donate to clowns. Keep all valuables and documents at your hotel.

Book to pack

The Raven Crown, The Origins of Buddhist Monarchy in Bhutan.

See our Bhutan Books & Film page for more details on these and other books.

Film

Travellers and Magicians – a wonderfully evocative Bhutanese made film Little Buddha – some of the scenes for this Hollywood film were shot in and around Paro The Cup (DVD, 2002). For children.

Login & Download PDF file of Bhutan Departure Notes