Bhutan Travel Guide

Bhutan

• How do I get to Bhutan for a trek?

  Getting to Bhutan can be tricky as the only direct flights are from India, UAE or Nepal. This means flying via Kathmandu, Dubai, Delhi or Kolkata and, unless you are lucky with flight timings, you will probably need an overnight stop. None of the Bhutanese airlines are on the online flight search engines, so the flight into Bhutan has to be booked separately from the main international flights. When planning your journey, you will need to allow enough time to collect your bags and check-in again for your final flight to Bhutan. If you are travelling via India, you will need a transit visa which must be arranged before you travel. If you need help booking your flights, speak to one of our adventure travel consultants.
  

• How do I get a visa for a Bhutan trek?

  The short answer is you don't, we do. Only licensed Bhutanese tour operators can obtain visas, as unguided travel is not allowed in Bhutan. The visa fee is included in our trip costs and once you have booked, we will apply for a visa on your behalf.
  

• What kit do I need for trekking in Bhutan?

  As with all of the Himalaya, there are big swings in temperature during the day and between seasons. Coping with this is all about layering - you can find a list of recommended clothing and equipment in your trip dossier for your trekking adventure in Bhutan. 
  

• What is the hotel accommodation like in Bhutan?

  Tourism in Bhutan is heavily regulated by the government. There is no 'star' system but all hotels need to be approved by the Tourism Council of Bhutan. You can expect reasonably decent lodgings, which are clean and comfortable, in Western Bhutan and in the Southern town of Phuentsholing. Food and services are generally very good. There are a few international luxury hotel chains namely Aman, Taj and COMO, where we can offer upgrades, but these are incredibly expensive.
  

• Can I book additional nights?

  We can arrange additional nights in Bhutan for you but they are expensive. The Tourism Council of Bhutan's has a policy of "High Value, Low Impact" tourism. Tourists can only buy a Minimum Daily Package. This can cost from $250-$350 per person per night. This covers standard hotel accommodation, all meals, all internal transport (excluding flights) and the services of a tour guide for each day of your trip.
  

• What is the local currency of Bhutan?

  Ngultrum is the local currency of Bhutan. It is pegged to the Indian Rupee, which is frequently used in place of Ngultrum. All major currencies such as US Dollars, Sterling Pounds and Euros can be exchanged at Paro Airport, or at Banks and Hotels in major cities. Nepalese currency is not accepted in Bhutan. Credit and debit cards have limited acceptability. There are ATMs in Bhutan but currently they only operate with their respective Bhutanese banks. Traveller’s cheques / cash are the best option for your travel monies.
  

• What is Bhutan's timezone, dialling code and electricity voltage?

  Bhutan has only one time zone. It is six hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (+6 GMT), half an hour ahead of India (IST) and one hour behind Thailand. Bhutan is eleven hours ahead of New York City. The country dialling code is 975. Electricity runs on 220 / 240 volts, with circular two‐pin and three‐pin power outlets.
  

• What food options are readily available?

  Most Bhutanese meals consist of steamed rice with a varied choice of spicy curries. These can be either meat or vegetarian. Most hotels provide meals in a buffet‐style setup. There are usually Continental, Indian, Chinese and Bhutanese dishes. The food in hotels is often the best in town, but in some of the main towns, other restaurants are becoming popular. All tourist hotels have a good selection of international and Bhutanese drinks. Most dietary requirements can be catered for in Bhutan but please let us know in plenty of time before the start of your trip so that we can be sure to have everything you will need.
  

• Can I get a helicopter?

  Short answer, yes. There are sightseeing flights from Paro Airport over the Chomolhari region. These can be booked at the airport if you wish to do this prior to or after your trip. 
  

  Helicopters are also used for emergency rescues in Himalayan Bhutan, which is why you must ensure to have helicopter rescue in your travel insurance. Helicopters will transfer you to medical assistance in Paro then it will be down to your insurance as to where you go from there.  
  

• Are there any do's and don'ts in Bhutan?

  The Bhutanese  are very conservative and you must respect their traditions. Here are some do's and don'ts:
  

  
  

  • In public areas avoid displays of affection (like hugging / kissing)
    
  • When visiting monasteries, temples and dzongs do not take pictures inside
    
  • Please take off your hat when you enter religious sites
    
  • Sneakers, jeans, sleeveless t-shirts, mini skirts and shorts are not allowed
    
  • Smokers have to declare their cigarettes at the airport and pay 200% tax. You will be given a receipt to smoke. Smoking without a receipt is illegal in Bhutan and smoking is not allowed in public areas. There are designated smoking areas.
    
  • Always walk in a clockwise direction while visiting religious places or objects like temples, monasteries, Stupas, prayer flags etc.
    
  • Do not point a finger at a sacred object or place. It is considered to be disrespectful.
    

• What travel insurance will I need?

  For all our treks you will need a specialist trekking insurance policy that will cover you for emergency evacuation. Policies vary depending on the highest altitude you will reach.
  

• Can I get a local SIM card?

  Yes! You can buy local SIM cards from a counter at the airport when you arrive. You will need a copy of your passport and your usual SIM must be unlocked from your current network. Staff at the counter will set the SIM up for you and you will be able to use it straight away. 
  

  
  

  You can usually buy a one or two week package with a limited amount of data and call minutes.

• Can I rent any trekking or camping items in Bhutan?

  There are no rental shops in Paro and it is not possible to rent items such as sleeping bags or trekking poles once from our team in Bhutan. You must bring all items on the packing list with you. It can get pretty cold at night and if you do not have a suitable sleeping bag, you may wish to consider renting one from your home country as this is often a relatively inexpensive option.