Travel Tips & FAQs
Travel and Medical Insurance
It’s highly recommended to have travel and medical insurance for your Bhutan trip. The Royal Insurance Corporation of Bhutan (RICB) offers a travel and medical plan exclusively for visitors. Your Bhutanese travel agency can provide details, or you can visit the RICB website at www.ricb.com.bt for more information.
Electricity
Most towns in Bhutan are connected to clean, green energy from hydropower, providing electricity at 220/240 volts. Power outlets are generally two- or three-pin round sockets, so travelers may need adaptors.
Packing Essentials
Bhutan’s climate varies widely by region and season. Summers are warm, averaging 20-25°C, while winters can drop below 15°C, especially in higher regions. Bring warm clothes, comfortable walking shoes, and attire suited for activities like hiking and sightseeing. Don’t forget to pack for dinners or formal events.
Additional useful items include:
- Sunglasses, sunscreen, and a hat
- First aid essentials: antiseptic cream, anti-histamine cream, anti-diarrhea pills, altitude and motion sickness medicine
- Insect repellent, flashlight (with spare batteries), umbrella, and camera gear
Photography
Bhutan is a paradise for photographers, especially for landscapes, traditional architecture, and daily life. While outdoor photography is encouraged, indoor photography at religious sites such as dzongs and temples is often restricted. Check with your guide to ensure you’re following guidelines.
Shopping
Bhutan offers a variety of unique crafts and souvenirs, including handwoven textiles, masks, cane and bamboo baskets, and carved wooden items. Other popular purchases include thangka paintings, handmade paper products, and Bhutan’s famous postage stamps. Remember that buying and selling antiques is strictly forbidden.
Appropriate Dress
Due to Bhutan’s diverse climates, dress comfortably and prepare for sudden weather changes. Modest attire is expected when visiting religious sites, and hats should be removed inside sacred spaces. Respect local customs, particularly where the national flag is displayed.
Time Zone
Bhutan operates on Bhutan Standard Time (BST), which is GMT +6, with no time zone variations across the country.
Health and Vaccinations
Before traveling, it’s recommended to get vaccinated for tetanus, typhoid, and hepatitis A.
Safe Drinking Water
Avoid unboiled or untreated water, as most sources are untreated despite originating in the mountains. Bottled water is widely available in towns and is generally safe for consumption.
Tobacco and Smoking Restrictions
Bhutan has strict regulations on tobacco and smoking. Visitors are advised to adhere to restrictions and avoid bringing in excess tobacco products. Customs checks may occur, so please cooperate with officials.
Accommodations
Bhutan offers a variety of accommodations, from comfortable three-star hotels to luxury five-star properties in towns like Thimphu, Paro, Punakha, Gangtey, and Bumthang. Outside major towns, travelers may also opt to camp or stay in trekking cabins along certain routes.
Food and Cuisine
Bhutanese cuisine is rich and spicy, often made with cheese and chilies. Most hotels and restaurants offer a variety of Chinese, Indian, and Continental options, with vegetarian and non-vegetarian selections. Adventurous eaters can try traditional Bhutanese dishes like ema datshi (chili and cheese) or momos (Tibetan dumplings).
Safety Tips
While Bhutan is generally safe, it’s best to avoid walking alone late at night, particularly in the capital, Thimphu, where there has been a slight increase in street crime. Keep valuables like passports, wallets, and cameras secure to avoid potential issues.
Guides and Interpreters
Bhutan has a trained team of guides who are well-versed in history and fluent in English, with some speaking Japanese, Thai, and European languages. All guides are certified through the Department of Tourism and provide valuable insights into Bhutanese culture and heritage.
