Health
No particular inoculations are required to enter Bhutan. Still, you are advised to be up to date on vaccinations such as tetanus, typhoid, and hepatitis A and B. Diarrhoea and upper respiratory infections (colds) are the most common illnesses acquired by travellers to Bhutan. This is basically due to changes in diet or climate. Be self-sufficient with all your usual medicines, in addition to a thermometer, sleeping pills (altitude and time change can hamper your sleep), anti-nausea pills, anti-diarrhoea pills, water-purifying tablets, oral rehydration packets, eye drops, antibiotic ointment, and antihistamine ointment.
Clothing
Because of the different climates, you may experience different weather in one day, so choose clothes that can be layered. Put on more clothes or take off layers depending on the weather. In general, all the seasons are warm during the daytime and chilly by evening, so bring warm clothes, including long underwear and a warm coat. We strongly recommend comfortable sports shoes and mountain boots if you plan to hike or come on a trek. Remember to include an umbrella, rain jacket, sunscreen (you can get sunburnt quite quickly), hat, sunglasses, and barrier cream for your nose and lips in your packing list.
Language
Dzongkha is the national language. However, most people speak English. The language of education in schools is English, so most educated people speak it fluently. All over the country, books, signs, road signs, menus, and even government official documents are written in Dzongkha and English.
Currency
Bhutan's unit of currency is the Ngultrum, which is at par with the Indian Rupee, which is also legal tender in Bhutan.
Exchanging Money
Use the money exchange counters at the airport or withdraw cash from an ATM.
Tipping and Gifts
It is customary to bring a gift if you are invited to a Bhutanese home. Small gifts are significant in Bhutanese tradition. Long-angle socks, ready-to-wear garments, books, pens and pencils, reading glasses, key chains, and other small souvenirs are highly appreciated. At the end of your trip, your tour guide and driver will appreciate a tip. Besides some money, you may also leave some of your used garments and personal items that you do not wish to carry back home.
Courier
Bhutan Post (EMS) and DHL provide efficient international courier service to and from Bhutan.
Shopping & Photoshop
Bhutan has beautiful postage stamps and attractive handmade products like Thangkha paintings, wooden masks and bowls, bamboo products, silver crafts, and beautiful hand-woven textiles made using ancient methods and skills passed down through generations. Buying and selling antiques is strictly forbidden in the country. There are numerous photo shops in Bhutan, but they hardly sell equipment, and the quality of their work is unreliable. Bring as much film as you think you will require. You will be unhappy if you run out of film in Bhutan.
Electricity
The voltage in Bhutan is the same as in India (220/240), Thailand, and Nepal: 230V, 50 cycles alternating current (AC). To use your U.S.-purchased electric-powered equipment, bring a converter and an adapter. Wall outlets take two flat prongs, like in the United States, or Continental-type plugs with two round prongs. Many electrical shops in Thimphu can make an adapter if you have trouble plugging in an appliance.
Time Difference
Bhutan Standard Time with only one time zone is:
- 15 minutes ahead of Nepal time
- 30 minutes ahead of Indian time
- 1 hour ahead of Bangkok time
- 2 hours ahead of Singapore & Hong Kong time
- 6 hours ahead of GMT
- A pony ride to Taktshang Monastery can be arranged at an additional cost.
Driving Time and Distance Between Various Places
The mode of transportation within Bhutan is by motor vehicles only. There are few domestic airlines in central, eastern, and southern Bhutan. Motor roads are well maintained, and the main highway connects prominent sightseeing places from west to east. The hilly terrain and winding roads restrict the average speed of vehicles to 40 km/hour.
Business Hours
Government and most private offices open at 9 am and close at 5 pm in summer and 4 pm in winter, Monday to Friday.
Paro Tshechus
Paro Tshechus are held annually in Dzongs throughout the country. It's the best way to experience the ancient living culture of the Himalayan Kingdom of Bhutan. Rare spellbinding mask dances and rituals are performed for several days by well-trained monks in the courtyard of the Dzong. These festivals revive people spiritually in many ways and purify them culturally because the dances communicate moral lessons to benefit both the performer and the observer. Our suggested itineraries have been carefully selected to ensure the most authentic festival experience. If the dates do not suit you, festivals are held throughout the year in almost every district.
