Travel Information
Accommodation:
Visitors are hosted in Department of Tourism (DOT) certified tourist hotels with a minimum 3-star rating, offering clean and comfortable facilities, though they may not always match Western luxury standards. In recent years, renowned international brands such as Aman, COMO, and Taj have established premium resorts that provide world-class services at higher price points. Major destinations—including Paro, Thimphu, Punakha, Wangdiphodrang, Bumthang, and Phuentsholing—feature well-appointed 3- and 4-star hotels, while more remote regions such as Mongar, Trashigang, Gangtey, and Samdrup Jongkhar offer more basic accommodations. All properties arranged for visitors are approved by the Department of Tourism and reflect traditional Bhutanese architectural styles, complemented by meals that combine Bhutanese, Western, and other international cuisines.
Trekking Camps and Meals:
Trekkers are accommodated in high-quality, comfortable high-altitude tents, with multi-purpose trekking huts available at select locations. Meals are prepared by trained cooks, offering a range of flavorful and satisfying dishes. Bhutan’s enduring tradition of hospitality ensures that guests are warmly welcomed and well cared for throughout their journey.
Cuisine:
While traditional Bhutanese cuisine is characterized by its generous use of chilies and cheese, visitors are generally served a wide variety of Continental, Chinese, Indian, and local dishes. This diverse selection is maintained even during treks, with menus thoughtfully adapted to accommodate different tastes.
Climate:
Bhutan’s climate varies widely due to its diverse topography.
- The southern region experiences a tropical climate.
- Punakha and Wangdiphodrang in the west and Monger, Trashigang, and Lhuntse in the east enjoy semi-tropical weather with cool winters.
- Thimphu, Paro, Trongsa, and Bumthang have harsher climates, with heavy summer rains and winter snowfall.
Winter typically spans from mid-November to mid-March, characterized by dry conditions, daytime temperatures of 16–18°C, and nighttime temperatures often dropping below freezing. The monsoon arrives around mid-June, bringing afternoon and evening showers. Autumn, from late September to mid-November, offers clear skies and mild weather—ideal for high-altitude trekking. Despite its modest size, Bhutan’s significant elevation range creates four distinct seasons: warm, rainy summers; cool springs and autumns; and cold winters, particularly from December to February.
Clothing:
Due to Bhutan’s diverse climate and wide temperature variations, visitors are advised to pack versatile, layered clothing, which offers better insulation and adaptability than a few heavy garments. Natural fabrics are recommended for comfort and breathability. Tight or revealing attire is discouraged, and women are advised to wear shirts or loose-fitting trousers. When visiting Dzongs, monasteries, and other religious sites, shorts and hats should be avoided as a mark of respect.
Driving and Transportation:
Road transport is the primary mode of travel within Bhutan, as it remains the most reliable option. Domestic air services linking the eastern, central, and southern regions were introduced in 2012; however, the infrastructure is still developing, and flight schedules may not always be consistent. Bhutan’s roads are generally well-maintained and connect most parts of the country, but due to the mountainous terrain and winding routes, the average driving speed is approximately 40 km per hour.
Postal Services & Communications:
Bhutan Post, the national postal service, provides reliable facilities, allowing visitors to send letters, postcards, and parcels from post offices in all major towns without special requirements. International courier services, including DHL, Fedex, EMS, and Blue Dart, operate primarily from Thimphu. Major towns offer both domestic and international direct-dialing services. Mobile connectivity is provided by Bhutan Telecom and TashiCell, and the country has been connected to the internet and email services since 1999.
Time Zone:
Bhutan follows a single time zone, which is GMT +6 hours.
Currency:
The official currency is the Ngultrum (Nu), which is pegged to the Indian Rupee. The Indian Rupee is also widely accepted. Int’l ATM cards are usable at local banks and hotels. US Dollars and Euros are accepted throughout the country. Currency exchange services are available at banks, hotels and authorize currency exchange counters.
Restricted Areas:
Access to certain religious sites and monasteries is restricted to preserve monastic life and protect sensitive environments. A detailed list of accessible sites and festivals is available upon request.
Customs:
Visitors must complete a Customs Declaration Form upon arrival. The following items are exempt from customs duty:
- Personal effects and items for daily use
- Up to 2 liters of alcohol; 400 cigarettes or 150 grams of pipe tobacco (taxes apply).
- Professional equipment viz. cameras, video equipment, and electronic devices for personal use (need to be declared with Bhutan customs)
Prohibited imports and exports include:
- Weapons, ammunition, and explosives
- Narcotics and illegal drugs (exception of prescribed medication)
- Wildlife products, particularly from endangered species
- Antiques
Visitors should exercise caution when purchasing old items. Only certified non-antique items are allowed by Bhutan Customs to be taken out of the country. Import of plants, soil, and related materials is subject to quarantine regulations and must be declared.
Filming:
Commercial filming requires approval from the Bhutan Info-Comm and Media Authority (BICMA) and the payment of fees as outlined in the Bhutan Filming Regulation, 2007. Applications must be submitted at least 30 days in advance and include:
- Film synopsis and objectives
- Planned locations and activities
- Duration of filming
- Crew list and equipment details
- Recommendation letter from the sponsoring agency
- Any additional information requested by BICMA
BICMA Fees:
- Documentary@ US$ 3,000
- Commercial Film@ US$ 10,000
- Advertisement@ US$ 5,000
- Music Video@ US$ 3,000
- TV Series (per episode)@US$ 3,000
- Security deposit @US$ 2,000 (refundable)
Photography:
Photography opportunities are abundant. While most people are comfortable being photographed, visitors should follow their guide’s instructions, particularly in Dzongs, monasteries, and other sacred sites.
Vaccinations:
The Ministry of Health does not require specific vaccinations for entry into Bhutan. Travelers may choose to receive immunizations based on their personal health needs.
Altitude Sickness:
Some travelers may experience altitude-related issues, especially when trekking at elevations that can reach up to 5,000 meters. Most visitors do not encounter significant problems, but awareness and preparation are important.