Travel Tips
Safety
Bhutan is a safe place with almost negligible crime rate. Towns and cities are safe to roam without any danger.
Local Time
Local time is 6 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT), 30 minutes ahead of India, and 1 hour behind Thailand. There is only one time zone across the country.
Currency
The currency of Bhutan is the Ngultrum (Nu), which is pegged to the Indian Rupee (Rs). Major currencies and Traveler’s Cheques can be exchanged in banks and some hotels.
Health Information
Good health facilities are available in major towns. However, it is advisable to drink only bottled water while in rural Bhutan. For trekkers, it is most important to acclimatize to higher altitudes.
Customs
Please note: The sale and consumption (in public) of tobacco is banned in Bhutan. While visitors can still bring in cigarettes for their own use, the items will attract a duty of 200%.
Food
Bhutanese dishes are rich, with spicy chili and cheese flavours. Hotels offer a choice of Bhutanese, Indian, Chinese and Japanese dishes, as well as some continental ones. Other food will also be made available to accommodate your preferences if given advanced notice.
Essential for treks
Four-season sleeping bag, torch, backpack, towel, thermal underwear
Beverages and drinks
Bhutan is known across the world for its excellent production of beverages and drinks. Alcohol is widely available at reasonable prices. In rural areas you can get home brewed ara. Imported beverages are also served at hotels. Bottled mineral water is available throughout the country.
Accommodation
Hotels and lodges built in the traditional Bhutanese style are found in all major towns. Accommodation will always include rooms with private baths (toilet and shower), heating appliances, daily linen service, and food.
In eastern and central Bhutan, accommodation is simple with access to basic facilities. Journey to Discover Bhutan will select the best available hotels for your stay.
Transportation
In order to ensure your conformable travel, Journey to Discover Bhutan has a fleet of Japanese imported vehicles.
Equipment and Clothing
In addition to your normal daily clothes, you will need to bring the following items: backpack, warm jacket, good leather or waterproof fabric boots or shoes with good soles, waterproof jacket, sunglasses, warm hat, sunhat, sunscreen.
Banking/credit card
You can avail services and facilities while in Bhutan at banks like BoB, BNB, Druk PNB and T-Bank. SMS and Internet banking facilities are also available. ATM facilities are available now in Bhutan. Traveler’s Cheques may be easily withdrawn and exchanged for local currency.
Power And Electricity
Electricity is available in all towns frequently visited by tourists. The voltage supply is 220/240V. Tourists, intending to carry electrical appliances, are advised to bring a converter with an adapter kit.
Insurance
In order to protect against unforeseen accidents and mishaps, it is advisable to have travel insurance policy from your country. The policy coverage should include helicopter evacuation and medical assistance, among others, since such policies are not available in Bhutan.
Communication facilities
Telecommunication facilities are available across the country, although overseas mobile phones will not operate. If constant communication is required, we recommend the use of a satellite telephone. With the introduction of Internet in 1999, visitors can also access the same in all major towns and cities.
Walking conditions
Our walks and treks are mostly on established trails, and there are no particularly difficult sections, although some trails are steep and rocky and can be muddy and slippery after rain. Boots with ankle support and a trekking pole are recommended.
Clothing
Between late May and early October, it is summer, with temperatures ranging from 5-270C (40–800F). Monsoon is from June to August. Light layers of natural or synthetic fabrics are recommended, with heavier outer layers, such as sweaters or fleece jackets, for the evening. A light raincoat or umbrella is useful and waterproof gear recommended for longer treks