It can be difficult and costly to bring too much on Druk Air flights because of the strict luggage weight restrictions of 30 kg (66lb) for economy class and 40 kg (88lb) for business class. Even if you pay extra for baggage, it may still be offloaded and travel standby. As with all travel, packing light makes moving about easier and reduces the possibility of losing items. It is advised to pack adequate attire due to the vast variation of climate and temperature conditions. Cotton clothing is sufficient from May to September, along with a wool jumper or lightweight jacket. You will need very warm clothing, such as long johns or woolen tights to wear over your pants and down jackets or coats, from October to the end of April. You should be properly attired and refrain from wearing shorts and caps when visiting monasteries, Dzongs, and other religious institutions. In general, casual attire is preferable, while formal attire may be useful for festivals or in the unlikely case that you are invited to a Bhutanese home or social gathering. Since you’ll spend a lot of time outside, you may also want to bring sun protection items like lip balm, sun cream, sunglasses, and hats. If you are traveling from June through August, when the monsoon season occurs, you should pack rain gear.
Travel insurance is not included in the package price. Since Bhutan does not offer travel insurance policies, it is advisable that all travelers obtain their own coverage. Should anything unexpected or unfortunate happen while you are visiting Bhutan, travel insurance will come in handy.
The Department of Tourism has authorized and educated our tour guides. To lead any size of group, our trekking guides undergo additional mountain guide training that includes safety and first aid instructions. Throughout your entire stay, a driver, English-speaking guide, and a car will be at your disposal.
Although tipping is not required, if you value the assistance provided by our guides, drivers, and service employees, you are welcome to do so.
The national currency of Bhutan is Ngultrum. It is at par with Indian rupee which is widely accepted in Bhutan except for the denomination of 500 notes which are banned in Bhutan because of counterfeit. You can exchange your money with Ngultrum at the airport, hotels or from the Bank of Bhutan and Bhutan National Bank.
There are few ATM centers which cater to withdrawal of money. Credit cards are accepted in very few hotels and shops. All credit card transactions take extra time and are cumbersome to use. It is preferable to use cash dollars.
The Department of Tourism has certified and regulated all hotels in Bhutan that are deluxe and three stars or higher. We’ll book you into the top hotels Bhutan has to offer. Although a few luxury hotels have opened recently and would add to your tour fees, visitors are warned not to expect luxury or five-star accommodations.
Bhutanese food is hot and spicy. For our visitors, however, Chinese, Indian and Continental foods are also served. The more adventurous can try hot Bhutanese dishes. For visitors on trek we serve simple but nutritious and tasty dishes. Meals are normally served in buffet style in hotels.
Rice is a staple with every meal. Vegetable or meat dishes cooked with chili and/or cheese comprise the accompanying cuisine.
Bhutanese food has one predominant flavor – chili. This small red condiment is not only added to every dish but is also often eaten raw. So, if you don’t like spicy-hot food, make this abundantly clear before ordering a meal. Otherwise, you’ll be spending the next hour dousing your mouth with cold yogurt or milk.
Ara is a native liqueur made from either rice or corn. In rural places, it is frequently consumed.
Tea. Located next to the tea growing regions of Assam and Darjeeling, a steaming cuppa remains the popular drink in Bhutan, with both the butter variety (suja) and sweet milk kind (cha) readily available throughout the country.
Coffee. The coffee culture that has swept most of the planet is just beginning to creep into the country. However, for the most part, coffee in Bhutan means the instant variety and it is served simply white or black.
We use comfortable and modern Toyota cars, land cruisers, SUVS and coaster buses for all group sizes. Every vehicle is rechecked properly before every tour to ensure the safety and comfort for all clients.
It runs on 240v system. The power supply is generally good but it may fluctuate sometimes.
Bhutan is six hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time and one hour ahead of India.
All visitors are required to complete a customs form upon arrival at Paro airport. The following items are exempt from customs duty:
Bhutan is the first country to ban usage of tobacco products. Smoking is prohibited in the public places. Cigarettes may not be bought or sold in the country however visitors can bring in 200 cigarettes (1 cartoon) on 100% customs duty and 100% sales tax.
There are wide array of hand woven textiles, handmade paper products, woven baskets etc… the most popular purchases made by tourists are postage stamps which is world renowned in the philatelic community. Please note that buying and selling antiques in Bhutan is strictly forbidden.
Every district in Bhutan has a general hospital and is staffed with competent doctors and offer basic health services however, you should come well prepared with all the necessary medicines like anti-nausea pills, anti- diarrhea pills, oral dehydration packets , eye drops, anti biotic ointment, and anti -histamine ointment.
The rules and rates for filming in Bhutan differ from that of normal rates of tours and treks.
Tourists or professionals intent on filming in Bhutan must abide by Bhutanese Filming Regulations 1995 available with the implementing agency (Tourism Council of Bhutan) . The regulation does not apply to feature and cinematography films.
Application for a filming permit must be submitted to the Department of Tourism (DoT) at least 30 days in advance. The application must be accompanied by
In addition a security of $5000 must be deposited with DoT. The deposit will be refunded upon completion of the film to the satisfaction of Department of Tourism.