It can be difficult and costly to bring too much on Druk Air flights because of the strict luggage weight limits of 30 kg (66 lb) in economy class and 40 kg (88 lb) in 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. Pack for a wide range of temperatures, as the climate varies a lot. Cotton clothing is sufficient from May to September, along with a wool jumper or lightweight jacket. You will need very warm clothing, from October to the end of April, such as thermal underwear, woollen layers and a down jacket or coat. You should be properly attired and avoid shorts and hats 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 travel from June to August, during the monsoon, pack rain gear.
Travel insurance is not included in the package price. Since Bhutan does not offer travel insurance policies, all travellers should buy their own cover before they arrive.
All our guides are trained and licensed by the Department of Tourism. Our trekking guides also complete mountain-guide training in safety and first aid. Throughout your entire stay, a driver, English-speaking guide, and a car will be at your disposal.
Tipping is not required, but if you have enjoyed the help of your guide, driver and hotel staff, you are welcome to tip them.
The national currency of Bhutan is Ngultrum. It is at par with the Indian rupee, which is also widely accepted, although shops may refuse large Indian notes, so carry smaller ones. You can change money into ngultrum at the airport, at hotels and at the Bank of Bhutan and Bhutan National Bank.
ATMs are found in the main towns, but they do not always accept foreign cards. Credit cards are accepted in some hotels and larger shops, often with a surcharge, so it is best to carry cash in US dollars.
The Department of Tourism has certified and regulated all tourist hotels in Bhutan, which are rated three stars or higher. We book you into well-reviewed hotels that suit your budget, and we can arrange luxury hotels at an extra cost.
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. On treks, we serve simple but nutritious and tasty meals. Hotel meals are usually served buffet style.
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 local spirit made from rice or maize, popular in rural areas.
Tea. Bhutan lies next to the tea-growing regions of Assam and Darjeeling, and a steaming cup of tea 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, modern Toyota cars, Land Cruisers, SUVs and Coaster buses for every group size. Every vehicle is checked before each tour for your safety and comfort.
Bhutan uses 230 V electricity. The power supply is generally good but can fluctuate. Bring a universal adapter.
Bhutan is six hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time and 30 minutes 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:
Smoking is not allowed in public places in Bhutan. Tobacco is sold only through licensed outlets, and visitors may bring a limited amount for personal use, on which customs duty may be charged.
There is a wide range of handwoven textiles, handmade paper, woven baskets and other crafts. Bhutan’s postage stamps are also famous among collectors. Please note that buying and selling antiques in Bhutan is strictly forbidden.
Every district in Bhutan has a hospital with qualified doctors offering basic health services. Even so, bring any medicines you need, such as anti-nausea and anti-diarrhoea tablets, oral rehydration salts, eye drops, antibiotic ointment and antihistamine cream.
The rules and rates for filming in Bhutan differ from the normal rates for tours and treks.
Tourists or professionals intent on filming in Bhutan must follow Bhutan’s filming regulations, available from the Department of Tourism. These rules do 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 include:
In addition, a security deposit of US $5,000 must be paid to the Department of Tourism. It is refunded once the film is completed to the Department’s satisfaction.
🌳 Travel that plants trees
We pledge 2% of every tour to The Happiness Farm’s mission to plant one million trees, offsetting your travel footprint and greening the earth. Join the world’s first Tree Membership: adopt a fruit tree, and we donate its harvest to charity.