Bhutan Visitor Guide
Page updated: 22 January 2025
Bhutan is a wonderful destination…...
Make it an even better experience by thoroughly reviewing this visitor information document and especially please read the sections listed just below very carefully.
- Cancellation Charges & Travel Insurance
- Communications in Bhutan
- Currency & Credit Cards
- Deposits
- Hotel Accommodation & Meals in Bhutan
- Tipping Guide
OR CALL THE BHUTAN TRAVEL EXPERTS:
James – 0412 416 111, Nicola – 0413 598 669
Airline Baggage Essential Information:
We remind travellers that powerbanks and spare or loose batteries are considered ‘Dangerous Goods’ and must only be packed in your carry-on baggage. Please do NOT pack these into your checked baggage.
- Please only check-in your baggage at the Drukair/Bhutan Airlines counter immediately before your flight to Paro, Bhutan.
- When departing Bhutan, it may be possible to check your baggage through to your home destination. Contact Bhutan & Beyond for guidance.
- Warning!!If you are connecting on to a low-cost airline, or an airline not supported for baggage interlining, you must have no less than 4+ hours connection time between your flights. You will need to collect your baggage & clear immigration (at Bangkok for example) before checking in for your next flight which may be from a different terminal or even a different airport.
Bartering:
A fixed price system prevails in Bhutan and bartering is not generally part of Bhutanese culture. The only exception is some market places. Please seek the advice of your guide.
Cancellation Charges & Travel Insurance:
The Drukair / Bhutan Airlines air flight component of your tour package will be partially non-refundable once tickets are issued & depending on the class and time of cancellation. Your Bhutan land arrangements are subject to the cancellation fees below.
Travel insurance, which includes cancellation cover, emergency evacuation & repatriation & COVID-19 related medical cover, is strongly advised when travelling to Bhutan. Your insurance should be purchased no later than the day you pay your tour deposit or international airfares for your protection.
Failure to purchase adequate cancellation insurance by the time your deposit is paid could result in serious financial loss should you be forced to cancel your journey.
- Deposit date until 60 days prior arrival in Bhutan-Land tour deposit is refundable less B&B service fees.
- 60 Days or less prior to arrival in Bhutan – No land tour refund permitted.
Please Note: If upgrading to 4* or 5* & luxury hotels additional deposits will be required & we will provide you with the hotel’s own terms & conditions, should you need to cancel prior to your final payment due date.
These conditions cover land travel arrangements only, not airfares, which are subject to their own cancellation conditions.
Climate:
WARNING! Most weather websites list very inaccurate temperature and rainfall data for Bhutan. Please use the guide below.
Average daytime highs and nighttime lows in Celsius:
TOWN | JAN | FEB | MAR | APR | MAY | JUN | JUL | AUG | SEP | OCT | NOV | DEC |
Paro | 9.4 | 13 | 14.5 | 17.6 | 23.5 | 25.4 | 26.8 | 25.3 | 23.4 | 18.7 | 13.9 | 11.2 |
Thimphu | 12.3 | 14.4 | 16.4 | 20 | 22.5 | 24.4 | 25.9 | 25 | 23.1 | 21.9 | 17.9 | 14.5 |
Punakha | 17 | 19 | 22.8 | 26.2 | 29.1 | 29.2 | 30.4 | 29.1 | 27.5 | 26.1 | 22.6 | 19.1 |
Trongsa | 13.0 | 13.9 | 16.7 | 20.1 | 21 | 22.2 | 25.3 | 23.8 | 22.6 | 21.8 | 19.8 | 18.2 |
Choekhor | 10.8 | 10 | 16.2 | 18.7 | 21.3 | 22.5 | 24.1 | 23 | 21.6 | 19.5 | 16.1 | 12.3 |
Mongar | 15.5 | 15.9 | 20 | 22.8 | 25.1 | 26.1 | 27.1 | 25.4 | 24.7 | 22.7 | 19.9 | 17.7 |
Trashigang | 20.4 | 21.7 | 24.8 | 28.3 | 30 | 30.7 | 31.5 | 30.2 | 30 | 29.1 | 26.1 | 23 |
Global Climate Change
Climate has made weather patterns unpredictable, and Bhutan is no exception. Please always prepare for the possibility of extreme weather events regardless of the season you are travelling in. Please always carry warm clothing, even in the summer months, to guard against lower-than-average temperatures.
Coffee!
Bhutan has made big steps in coffee quality and presentation over the last few years. Excellent coffee shops are springing up in Thimphu and Paro and quite a few of the 3-star hotels now have Illy coffee machines. If you are keen to stop and enjoy a coffee during the day just let your guide know and he’ll factor in time for you. Coffee at local shops is at your own expense.
Communications in Bhutan:
To avoid high global roaming fees ensure your smartphone is set on flight mode & just use it to connect to hotel/local Wi-Fi networks which are generally free. We recommend use of a VPN for any sensitive data transactions, no matter where you are travelling.
The WIFI will probably be accessible about 80% of the time you are in Bhutan due to network disruptions.
- Local SIM Cards: If you need to be contactable at all times you can purchase a local sim and call credits at a kiosk in the arrival’s terminal at Paro airport. You must have a scanned copy of your passport photo page and note you will be assigned a new Bhutanese telephone number.
Cuisine, Beverages & Drinking Water: Please Read This!
Many Bhutanese exist on rice, chillies and some vegetables 3 times per day. So, if you want to eat like a local that’s what you’ll get! More generally the Bhutanese diet consists of a little meat and poultry, dairy, grain (particularly red and white rice) and vegetables. Ema datse (chilli pepper and cheese stew) is considered the national dish with many interpretations to this recipe throughout the country. Salted butter tea (suja) is served on all social occasions. Chang, a local beer, black mountain whiskey and Arra, a spirit distilled from various grains, are also common and widely favoured. A very good Scotch blended whiskey called K5 is worth trying. Bhutanese wine is constantly improving and inexpensive.
The standard tourist class hotels generally offer a mix of Bhutanese/Indian & western style breakfasts. Bhutanese style lunches & dinners slightly adjusted to western tastes. Increasingly Indian style food is also on the menu. At Luxury Resort & Lodges, a higher quality gourmet experience is on offer.
The Bhutanese eat very simply and, whilst tourists are offered a wider range than the locals enjoy, please expect basic but wholesome fare with an emphasis on rice and vegetables.
Water is generally safe from the hotel tap for brushing teeth. Bottled water is recommended for drinking and you will be provided with safe bottled water daily.
Culture & Adherence:
Bhutanese culture is accessible, unique, and immersive. Tourist visitors enjoy authentic Bhutanese culture from arrival to departure.
Please find some tips below.
- It is not permitted to enter a Lhakhang, Dzong or Govt building without your guide accompanying you.
- Some Dzongs and Lhakhangs are not open for visits by tourists. This is to ensure monastic life can continue unhindered and also for environmental reasons.
- Please be wary when purchasing antiquities as souvenirs, as many are not permitted to be exported and will be confiscated without a letter of certification.
- Special Note – Photography is generally not permitted inside Lhakhangs (temples) and only in the courtyards of most monasteries. Please consult your guide for advice as the rules are constantly changing!
- Please refer to the Dress section for additional information.
Currency & Credit Cards: THIS IS A MUST READ.
Cash remains KING in Bhutan however it is important to carry plenty of small denomination notes as change is not always available.
- Bhutan uses three currencies. USD, India Rupees (INR) & Bhutanese Ngultrum (BNU, which is pegged to the same value as INR)
- BNU has no value outside of Bhutan.
- BNU can be obtained at the airport bank on arrival, city or town banks & ATM’s.
- New generation bank Travel Cards (foreign currencies incl Australian dollars) can be used in Bhutan’s ATM’s providing smaller amounts are being requested.
- Guides and Drivers prefer their tips in USD or INR where possible.
- POS machines suffer regular communications outages and your credit card may not always be accepted for payment as a result.
Here are some useful tips on currency & credit cards.
- Consider a budget of US$35-60 per person per day. This will cover Lhakhang donations, drinks & small handicraft purchases.
- US$100 bills do receive a much better exchange rate when exchanging money at local banks, shops or at hotels.
- NOTE! US$100.00 dollar bills issued before the year 2000 will NOT be accepted!
- Bhutan now has fewer ATM machines, due to the introduction of local banking apps, so it is essential you carry USD and/or INR to cover your purchases while in Bhutan.
- There is no airport banking facility for exchanging unused Nu when departing Paro.
- There continues to be an on-going problem with Credit Card acceptance. Please carry extra US$/INR currency.
- Australian dollars can be exchanged for Bhutanese Ngultrum at the Paro airport bank.
- During Festival periods banks will be closed for up to 4 days at a time – please be prepared!!
Visa & MasterCard (and occasionally American Express) are now frequently accepted in the larger handicraft shops and in most hotels except in eastern/central Bhutan. When using your credit card please check with the merchant first to ascertain their merchant fee surcharge.
IMPORTANT & ESSENTIAL: Please advise your bank of each country you are travelling to, and the dates, before your departure from Australia or your country of residence. You can generally now do this on-line. That way your ATM debit and credit cards will be accepted without interference or extra security checks as you travel.
Dogs:
In November 23 Bhutan achieved a global milestone, due It had vaccinated and desexed all stray dogs. As a result, dog numbers are reducing, and their general health is much improved due to a successful and an ongoing program for canine rehab run by the Government.
There are still occasional problems with stray dogs. Caution, and avoiding personal contact is suggested and please follow the instructions of your guide. Dogs can be noisy at night…especially in the capital Thimphu and Paro town. You might consider carrying ear plugs if you are especially sensitive to noise at night.
Dress for Bhutan:
Dress For Bhutan:
The official word is dress should not be too formal. Plain, simple and inoffensive adventure style clothing is the key. No singlet tops or short shorts please. Remember to pack warmer clothing for the evenings and try and take just 2 pairs of footwear. A pair of comfortable walking shoes or light boots (unless high altitude trekking) will see you right for day use (including valley hikes) and a more suitable pair of shoes for about the hotels in the evenings.
Dress Code for Entering Dzongs, Monasteries & Lhakhangs: (Temples)
Depending on whom you talk to the exact dress code for Dzongs, Monasteries & Temples can differ. Use the following details to assist with your packing/planning and we recommend you discuss each days’ visits with your guide to reconfirm the appropriate attire.
It is essential you adhere to the dress code guidelines below, to avoid offence to the Bhutanese, and we kindly ask all travellers to respect these requirements and listen to advice from your guide.
- Please wear shirts with collars, (shirts can be long or short sleeved.)
- Women can wear a pashmina, or scarf, in lieu of a collared shirt to cover neck & shoulders.
- Please do not wear tight leggings unless in conjunction with a long top. Please nothing revealing!
- Full long pants or long skirts – ankles must be covered ladies!
- NO hats, umbrellas, slippers, T-Shirts without collars, knee length or short skirts, ¾ pants or shorts please, when visiting Dzongs, Monasteries & Lhakhangs.
- In many religious sites you will be required to remove your shoes. We recommend carrying thick long socks to cover your ankles which you will appreciate on the often-cold stone floors.
Suggested Clothing Guide (trekkers please refer to the separate guide):
- Light rain/windproof jacket any time of year.
- Warm clothes, hats, gloves and a scarf for winter (mid-November to mid-March).
- Comfortable jeans, trousers or long skirts.
- Comfortable collared shirts; Polo style shirts with a collar for warmer months of May-Sep.
- A jumper & jacket are essential at all times of the year due to both traversing high passes & potential unseasonal weather.
- Comfortable walking/hiking shoes for day use and a second pair for evenings at hotels.
- Sun hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, lip balm and moisturiser (essential all year round).
Duty Free Allowances:
Duty Free Allowances:
The following allowances are per person for bring items into Bhutan:
- Two litres of spirits or wine (rigidly enforced)
- 100mls of perfume
- Gifts/Souvenirs – up to US$150.00
Please note:
- The exportation of genuine antiquities, religious objects, and manuscripts is strictly forbidden.
- Bhutan does not seal liquor & it may be confiscated from you in Bangkok or Delhi so pack it in your checked luggage!!
- Visitors may import up to 200 cigarettes, 50 cigars or 250grams tobacco.
However, a duty will apply to bring cigarettes and tobacco products into Bhutan of 200%. No receipt will result in confiscation of tobacco products.
Duty Free Disclaimer: It is not the role of Bhutan & Beyond to provide accurate duty-free information and we do so as a general guide for our travellers, convenience. It is up to the individual traveller to further research the latest regulations for their intended destinations.
If you purchase duty free liquids (liquor/perfume) at a foreign airport, they are subject to confiscation at any intermediate airport you may transit or stopover in, en-route.
Drinks Prices:
Approximate costs in US$ at standard 3* hotels. Prices can be much higher in luxury hotels & upmarket restaurants.
- Large bottle of Mineral Water – US$0.75
- Local Beers – US$2.50-3.00
- Imported Beers – US$3.50-4.00
- Bottle of Local or Indian Wine – US$7.00-15.00
- Bottle of Imported Wine – US$35-40.00 +
Electricity:
Bhutan operates on 230 volts, 50 cycles AC system, which is generally reliable although short duration power outages are not uncommon. The standard socket is the Indian style round pin socket, however these come in a variety of sizes and there’s no assurance the plug you have on your appliance, or converter, will fit the socket in your hotel. Most European round-pin plugs work, albeit loosely in the socket. Take an adapter with you and if you are still having problems there are plenty of electrical shops in Thimphu who can assist with a local version. Power points are often unreliable, and too few, so do consider taking a power board with you.
Bhutan & Beyond recommends all travellers to south Aisa carry a multinational adaptor as per the LHS image below, along with a four-pin power board. (which must be carried in your checked baggage ie must not be carried onboard the aircraft.)
Emergency Numbers in Bhutan:
Ambulance 112; Police 113; Fire 110.
Home Stay & Farmhouse Stays:
A stay in a traditional Bhutanese home or farmhouse is possible in several valleys. This is a genuine & rustic experience and ‘not for everybody’. It is best considered outside winter months as Bhutanese homes are not well heated. We recommend you take your essential luggage in a small sports or duffel bag for ease on steep, narrow, Bhutanese stairs which do not lend well to large suitcases! Usually, you will get a western style toilet but washing will largely be restricted to a basin of warm soapy water and you should carry your own hand towel & flannel. Please note – some farm stays offer a traditional hot stone bath experience (at additional cost US$18 pp). Consider carrying a torch or use the flashlight in your smartphone for farmhouse stays.
Festivals:
Festivals in Bhutan have reputations for being raucous, joyous affairs. The most popular for tourists are those held in Thimphu & Paro and those seeking a more intimate Bhutan experience should consider avoiding these major festivals as they mark the busiest time of the year for the tourism industry. Festivals in Bhutan.
Gifts/Donations:
The Bhutanese frown on frivolous gifts for local people, including children, as they are believed to encourage begging which the Bhutanese Government is determined to avoid. The very best gifts are reading glasses of different strengths (readily available from low-cost shops), oral hygiene kits (preferably individual kits incl floss, toothbrush, mouthwash, toothpaste, body wash or soap); ‘over the counter’ non-prescription medicine products, such as Paracetamol & Strepsils, and functional shoes, or warm clothes. These can be left with your guide who will pass them to our charity organizers in Bhutan – The Tarayana Dragons. Coloured pencils, pens, paints & pastels are always welcomed however, best to give them to your guide, or other adults to distribute, rather than to the children themselves. Stick pins/fluffy koalas are a novelty but of little practical value so best left at home.
Health & Personal Fitness Requirements:
Whilst Bhutan is a relatively safe country to visit, There are no mandatory vaccinations to enter Bhutan, however, please note public health facilities are basic in some regions. There is a low-level rabies risk in the entire south Asia region plus there is a malaria risk in some regions. It is your duty to seek professional health advice (from either your GP or nearest travel medicine vaccination centre) at least 8 weeks prior to your departure. We also encourage all travellers to ensure that their hepatitis & tetanus vaccinations are kept up to date at all times.
Your nearest Travellers Medical Alliance Clinic in Australia can be contacted by telephoning: 1300 421 142.
Personal Fitness No matter your age, we recommend a level of fitness that enables you to be agile enough to climb & descend steep stairs and to walk over uneven ground. Cultural touring in Bhutan often requires short walks and/or steep stairs to access temples and dzongs. Undertaking any of the hiking options we offer in our itineraries is completely optional.
Altitude & Motion Sickness If you fly into Bhutan you will arrive at an altitude of 2250m, it is advisable to avoid any strenuous exercise until day 3, unless you are at least moderately fit and do not suffer from any lung related conditions such as asthma. In this case you can consider a light hike on day 2.
As a precaution, those travelling at altitudes of over 3500 m may consider carrying a small amount of Diamox for altitude sickness. As the medication is not readily available in Bhutan. If you suffer from altitude sickness please descend as quickly as possible and drink plenty of fluids. Diamox (Acetazolamide) maybe combined with Ibuprofen or Paracetamol and after initial treatment, symptoms may last for a few days.
Motion Sickness Bhutan’s roads are winding and for those susceptible to motion sickness, medication is recommended as a precaution. In our experience most people who believe they have altitude sickness actually suffer from motion sickness.
Hiking Poles; Snacks & Boots/Shoes:
If you wish to use a quality hiking pole, please take one from your home country. The only hiking poles available in Bhutan are made from branches collected in the forest and are not readily available at all hotels. It is also a good idea to consider taking a snack with you when hiking. Such snacks will be at your own expense and your guide can assist with purchasing these. Please clean your hiking shoes before departing Bhutan!
Opening Times for Major Institutions in Thimphu
Please note – Opening Times For Major Institutions in Thimphu, all timings listed are subject to change at short notice! Bhutan Public Holidays 2025
- The National Library: Mon – Fri 9.00am to 5.00pm. Closed Sat, Sun & Public Holidays.
- Royal Textile Academy: Mon – Sat 9.00am – 4.00pm. Closed Sun & some PH.
- Institute of Traditional Medicine: Mon to Fri 9.00am to 5.00pm. Closed Sat, Sun & PH. Visitors only permitted to the museum & library.
- Centenary Market: For clothing, homewares & souvenirs/ religious items (Fri-Sun)
- Kaja Throm: fresh produce market open daily.
- Thimphu Postal Museum & Shop: Mon to Fri 9.00am to 5.00pm. Sat 9.00am – 1.00pm, Closed Sun & PH.
- Handmade Paper Factory: Open Mon – Sat Fri 9.00am till 5.00pm. Closed Sun & PH.
- Simply Bhutan: Living museum based on a traditional village. Open daily.
- Folk Heritage Museum: Open daily. (closed Sun & PH)
- Zorig Chusum – The Institute of the Thirteen Arts & Crafts: Selected hours, please consult your guide. Closed Sun, PH & School Holidays.
- Nado Incense Factory: Mon to Fri 9.00am to 5.00pm. Closed Sat, Sun & PH.
- Gagyel Lhandrup Weaving Centre: Mon to Sat 09.00am to 5.00pm, Closed Sun & Public holidays.
- Biswa Art Gallery: Mon to Sun 09.00am to 5.00pm
- Tashichodzong: Open for visits only in Winter from 4.15pm, weekdays & Summer from 5.15pm week- days. Open Weekends & PH 9.00am to 5.00pm Summer & 9.00am to 4.00pm in Winter.
Passport & Visa:
Passport & Bhutan Visa: (MUST READ)
You must enter Bhutan using the same passport detailed on your Bhutan e-Visa, or you may be denied entry as your e-Visa will be invalid. If you are permitted to board your flight to Bhutan, on an invalid visa you will be fined up to US$330.00 by Bhutan Immigration on arrival in Paro airport.
Personal Security:
Bhutan remains an extremely safe destination with an exceptionally low risk of theft or harassment. However, we do recommend you keep all cash & valuables either on your person or in your vehicle where they will be safely managed by your driver whom you can trust implicitly. Please do NOT leave cash/valuables on display in hotel rooms.
Public Holidays:
Most important cultural sights will remain open to visitors on public holidays . However we recommend you seek further information from your guide as regulations can change at short notice.
Road Conditions:
The road widening works along Bhutan’s National Highway, are largely complete. However the summer monsoon (July-Sep) often results in some landslides on the highway. This may inconevenice travellers over these months, although are usually cleared away quickly. Drive times can still be slower for a number of reasons and flexiability is the key.
Shopping:
Shop for genuine Bhutanese regional handicrafts at the Craft Bazaar in Thimphu. Some handicrafts sold in Bhutan come from Nepal so check first. The best weavings and textiles will generally be Bhutanese and can be quite expensive as they are top quality. For general trinkets and handicrafts, the cheapest place to buy is from the traders along the Taktsang Monastery hiking trail. Thimphu and Paro main streets generally offer the best shopping. Paro is good for inexpensive local jewellery. The weaving centre in Chhume Valley, central Bumthang region, also offers some of the best weavings, handicrafts and textiles shopping in the Kingdom.
Speaking Dzongkha:
Dzongkha is the official of Bhutan. Here are a few basic phrases to help you along the way. Your guide, along with most Bhutanese up to around 55 years of age, will generally speak very good English.
- Kuzuzangpo La – Respected Greetings. (use this when meeting new people – drop the ‘La’ for friends)
- Tashi Delek – May all good things come to you. (use this as a farewell)
- Kardenche La – Thank you.
- Goempa – Meditation Centre.
- Lhakhang – Temple.
- Chapsa – Toilet.
- Chuu – Water.
- Arra – Whiskey or locally brewed spirit.
- Bang Chhang – Beer.
Smoking:
Regulations on smoking in Bhutan are vague and seemingly changing regularly as at JAN 2025.
- Smoking is generally frowned on and only possible in strictly designated locations. Please seek assistance from your guide or hotel staff.
- It is now possible to purchase tobacco products from selected authorised local vendors. Your guide will assist.
- Please DO NOT barter or sell tobacco products to local Bhutanese.
Taktsang Monastery (Tigers Nest):
The hike to Taktsang Monastery is a culturally significant ‘pilgrimage’ with each step along the trail counting as merit points toward a Buddhists next life.
- Access to Taktsang Monastery is by advance purchase ticket only. Your guide and driver will attend to this and the cost is usually included in your prepaid tour package.
- It is possible, but not recommended, to hire a horse to take you as far as the first Monastery viewpoint on a ascent only. It is not possible to descend by horse as too steep.
- The one-way horse ascent costs US$16.00 per person and must be pre-arranged the day prior and the cost is to be paid direct. This is an option you must elect to take at your own risk & please ensure your travel insurance provides coverage for horse riding!
- Taktsang hike should be commenced early in the day, to avoid crowds and take into account the Monastery closes at 3.00 pm each day.
Tipping Guide: including Porters & Temple Donations!
Except for your guide, driver and, more recently, hotel porters (where you feel the need), please avoid tipping. It is generally accepted that accompanied children do not need to be included in the tipping formula. The tips for your guide and driver should be paid to them directly on the last afternoon of your stay in Bhutan. You can pay in either USD, INR or local Ngultrum (Nu). Tips for hotel porters, often young ladies, should be paid direct at the time and only in exceptional circumstances.
These are suggested tips for your guide & driver and are at your discretion, however tipping is expected!
1-2 adults travelling: US$8-10 per person per day for your guide & US$5-7 per person per day for your driver.
3-8 adults travelling: US$6-8 per person per day for your guide & US$3-5 per person per day for your driver.
8-16 adults travelling: US$4-6 per person per day for your guide & US$3-5 per person per day for your driver.
For travellers visiting Bhutan for more than 8 nights we recommend a slightly lower daily rate is paid for your guide and driver tips and again at your discretion.
Porters: US$1.00 per bag. This equates to approx 85 Indian rupees or Bhutanese Ngultrum @ 20JAN25. Please only tip a porter if you feel they have gone to extra effort ie carrying heavy bags upstairs.
Temple Donations: Each time you enter a temple it is customary to leave a small donation. Nu100/INR100 (approx US$1.20) is sufficient.
Tipping Guide When Trekking: Please refer to the trekking section of this guide.
Travel Insurance:
It is essential to have travel insurance when travelling to Bhutan. We recommend that you have your travel insurance in place at the time of paying your Bhutan travel deposit for your protection. Bhutan & Beyond can assist you with quotations & purchase of travel insurance from GO Insurance.
MUST READ PLEASE: Bhutan & Beyond has no legal authority to provide guidance on what travel insurance policy is right for you. It is your personal responsibility to carefully review travel insurance ‘Product Disclosure Statements’ (PDS) to ascertain that you understand the cover and cover exclusions on offer. Failure to do so could result in financial loss.
Please ensure your travel insurance has coverage for cancellation; emergency evacuation & repatriation & hiking to at least 3200m.
Many travel insurance policies no longer cover selected adventure’ activities such as motorcycling; high altitude trekking; white-water rafting etc. and often only cover hiking up to 2000m (In Bhutan hiking can regularly reach 4000m). If you intend to undertake these activities in Bhutan please ensure you purchase an insurance policy covering all such activities. Neither Bhutan & Beyond, nor our regional suppliers, will accept responsibility for any accident, loss or death resulting from such adventure activities. Motorcyclists MUST hold a travel insurance policy which will cover them whilst riding a motorcycle of up to 500 cc . Please note that many policies DO NOT provide this cover, however Bhutan & Beyond may be able to assist in selected cases.
Trekking:
High altitude trekking involves accommodation in tented campsites and is not possible mid-June to early October, when it is too wet or from 15 November to early April when it is too cold, and snow may prevent traversing mountain passes.(with the exception of some lower altitude valley treks) Professional trekking guides, horsemen (with horses) & a cook/ helpers support trekking groups. Campsites are set up in advance and trekkers enjoy the magnificent scenery & culture, requiring only a daypack to carry binoculars, camera, sunscreen, insect repellent, sunglasses, lip balm & snacks. Horses will carry the remainder of your baggage. A comfortable pair of hiking boots and warm clothing are essential. Many treks take you to high altitudes and the air is thin. Altitude sickness is a potential threat and should be considered when planning your itinerary.
You must provide your own sleeping bag (a quality sleeping bag rated -25 to -45 degrees Celsius is recommended). An extra sleeping mat is recommended as only a thin mat is supplied unless you purchase our ‘Premium Trek’ option. Please also consider a Thermarest self-inflatable mat for longer treks.
If you require a quality hiking pole, please take one from your home country. The only hiking poles available in Bhutan are made from branches collected in the forest.
Other necessary items to carry with you.
Please refer to our separate essential trekking equipment list which will be provided in advance to all trekkers.
Tipping Guide When Trekking:
At the end of each structured trek component of your stay in Bhutan (not applicable to day hikes) you will also need to tip your trekking cook, helpers and horsemen. Your trekking guide will normally be your guide throughout your entire journey so wait and tip guide and driver at the end of your stay in Bhutan using the formula in the previous section.
Recommendations for tipping trekking crew: These figures below are the total tips to be offered and not per person. You can arrange to pay these tips via your trekking guide who will assist with this process.
Treks of 5 trekkers or less:
Short Treks of 4 nights or less: Total US$100 to the 2 cook/helpers and total US$80 to the 2+ horsemen /porters.
Longer Treks of 5 nights plus: Total US$150 to the 2 cook/helpers and total US$100 to the 2+ horsemen /porters.
Treks of 6 trekkers or more:
Short Treks of 4 nights or less: Total US$150 to the 2 cook/helpers and total US$120 to the 4 horsemen /porters.
Longer Treks of 5 nights plus: Total US$200 to the 2 cook/helpers and total US$150 to the 4+ horsemen /porters.
Premium Trek Tips: Please add 15% on to above suggested tipping regimes if you are taking our ‘Premium Trek Equipment’ option. This is due there is more work for the crew to set up and pack up the campsites.
Visas for Bhutan, India & Nepal:
Bhutan Visa: All visitors to Bhutan must hold a valid visa and this will be pre-arranged for you by Bhutan & Beyond.
Warning: If you obtain a new passport, without alerting us, or enter Bhutan on a different passport to the scan you have sent us, you will invalidate your visa and be fined up to US$330.00 which you must pay on the spot to be granted entry to Bhutan. You MUST enter Bhutan on the passport that you have emailed us in advance.
To obtain a Bhutan visa we require a scanned copy of your passport photo page. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months longer than your journey. Your scanned passport photo page must be emailed to us as follows.
- Your passport scan must be in colour & under 2MB file size.
- Your scan must be exceptionally clear with no shadows, reflections or fingers in the image.
- The outer edges of the passport photo page must be inside the image.
In addition, a recent headshot image is now required, taken against a plain background. This may be taken as a selfie of your head and shoulders.
Bhutan visa costs are included in your travel package. An e-Visa is issued after prepayment for your travel arrangements and the actual visa is entered into your passport on arrival at Paro Airport or at one of the land border crossings. When entering Bhutan through a land border crossing two passport sized photos are also required.
Nepal Visa: There seems to be constant changes to the Nepal advance online visa process. As a result, Bhutan & Beyond is unable o provide clear guidance on this process, and we will discuss it directly with travellers at time of booking.
India e-Tourist Visa: Please only use the website below to obtain an advance clearance for your India e-Visa. It is up to the individual traveller to arrange their own India e-Visa. Travellers who have purchased India land tour arrangements with Bhutan & Beyond will be provided with a ‘Visa Processing Guide’ to assist with this process. https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/evisa/tvoa.html
Or for those who do not qualify for an e-tourist visa please use this web link for visa application information.
Wildlife in Bhutan:
Despite a plethora of National Parks, and wildlife refuges, spotting wildlife in Bhutan is more a matter of good luck and vigilance. As at JAN24 the Bhutanese govt has announced a series of eco lodges will be constructed in coming years and located in southern central Bhutan close to the Indian border.
Trekkers in other regions of Bhutan also have the opportunity to spot wildlife such as deer, mountain goats, monkeys, languars & yaks. Bird life is common and very rarely a leopard, bear or tiger is spotted. Please do not factor in a guarantee of major wildlife encounters on your Bhutan visit.
Tashi Delek – May All Good Things Come to You.
