Language

Dzongkha, “the language of the dzong”, belongs to the Tibetan linguistic family. Originally spoken only in the Western Bhutan, Dzongkha is now Bhutan’s national language. English is commonly spoken in the main towns and is the principal medium of instruction in schools throughout the kingdom.

Time

Bhutan time is 6 hours ahead of GMT and there is only one time zone throughout the country.

Health Inoculations

No vaccinations are currently required for traveling to Bhutan. Before embarking on a trip to Bhutan, please seek advice from your doctor with regard to vaccinations and appropriate medication you should have prior to your travels. As a minimum you should have tetanus, typhoid and hepatitis A inoculations.

Precautions

Bhutan is one of the safest countries in the world, however you should still exercise caution when visiting. Please ensure that your belongings especially your passports, cameras, wallets and purses are properly secured. Please refrain from leaving such items within sight in locked vehicles while sightseeing.

Avoid drinking tap water which has not been boiled or ice cubes in drinks at all times as most water sources in Bhutan are untreated. One can easily acquire affordable treated and bottled water. People prone to car sickness should bring appropriate medicine as the winding roads on the mountains have plenty of curves and turns.

Bring any medication you take regularly, or might need to take for a periodically recurring condition, such as asthma.

Travel & Medical Insurance

We strongly advice travelers to get a comprehensive travel & medical insurance before travelling to Bhutan. If you are coming on a trek, your medical/travel insurance must include provision for evacuation by helicopter and repatriation – should this be necessary.

Climate

The Southern part of Bhutan has a tropical climate, while the Eastern region is warmer than the central valleys. However, temperatures drop with altitude, and even low-lying valleys can feel chilly with mountain winds.

The central valleys of Punakha, Wangdue Phodrang, Mongar, Trashigang, and Lhuntse have a semi-tropical climate with cool winters. In contrast, Paro, Thimphu, Trongsa, and Bumthang face a harsher climate with summer monsoon rains and winter snowfalls that can block central valley passes for days.

Winter in Bhutan, from mid-November to mid-March, features dry, sunny weather with daytime temperatures around 15°C and nighttime temperatures dropping below 0°C. The monsoon season starts in mid-June, with light rain mostly in the afternoons and evenings. By late September, autumn arrives, providing ideal trekking conditions until November.

Average Temperature (in Celsius)

Clothing

Dress in layers to handle varying temperatures and climates. Layered clothing offers better warmth than a few thick garments, and natural materials are preferable for breathability.

Shoes

Bring comfortable sports shoes for sightseeing, hiking boots for treks, and semi-formal shoes for dinners and functions.

Trekkers

Here are the recommended items to bring:​

• Bring your own Therm-a-Rest and sleeping bag if preferred (we provide clean, used sleeping bags and foam mats).
• Broken-in Mountain trekking shoes with good grip.
• Running or walking shoes for use after reaching camp in the evening.
• Sandals or slippers for use at the campsite.
• Bring plenty of socks—wool dries faster than cotton.
• Light warm jacket and/or fleece or down jacket.
• Bring enough spare T-shirts and undergarments.
• Rain and windproof gear: pants, jackets, ponchos, gaiters.
• Gloves, scarves, and other essential clothing.
• Water bottle.
• Cap or hat for sun protection.
• Sunglasses, sunscreen, lip balm, and sunburn relief cream.
• Insect repellent.
• Toothpaste, toothbrush, and other hygiene items.
• Camera with extra charger (no charging facilities during trek).
• Small sewing kit, safety pins, pocket knife, and scissors.
• Flashlight with spare batteries.
• Your favorite sweets or snacks for energy.
• Your favorite card games.
• Personal medications and/or medical kit.
• Waterproof bags/pouches for clothes, electronics, and personal items.
• Backpack with a waterproof cover for rain.
• Duffel bags or non-wheeled bags (easier for ponies to carry) for your belongings.

Money

Bhutan’s currency is called Ngultrum (Nu.), pegged to the Indian rupee, with 100 Chhetrum = 1 Ngultrum. Tourists should carry traveler’s checks (preferably American Express) and cash (preferably US dollars) for incidental expenses. Daily costs vary, but budget about US$5-$10 per day for laundry, drinks, phone calls, souvenirs, postcards, and stamps.

Money can only be changed at banks, which have consistent exchange rates. Bank branches are available in all major towns.

Some hotels and shops accept credit cards with a surcharge; Visa and MasterCard are more widely accepted. ATMs at the Bank of Bhutan in Thimphu and Paro allow withdrawals of local currency from MasterCard and Visa cards (debit and credit) up to Nu. 18,000 – Nu. 30,000 (USD 300-500) per day, with a small fee per withdrawal.

Electricity

Bhutan uses 220/240 volts electricity with round two-pin and three-pin outlets. Bring adapter plugs for your appliances. Adapters are available in Thimphu but rare elsewhere.

Communications

You can check email and make international calls in most Bhutanese towns. Internet cafes are common in the west, and public IDD booths are available even in the east. Most accommodations offer IDD calls. Bhutan has a robust mobile network with global roaming. Two providers, Bhutan Telecom(B-mobile) and Tashi Cell (TCell), offer SIM cards through their outlets and authorized dealers.

Internet

Most hotels in major towns offer free Wi-Fi (in rooms, lobbies, or both), though some may charge for it. Data cards (USB/pen drives) for internet access can be purchased and used where B-mobile or Tashi Cell networks are available.

• GPRS is available wherever there is network coverage.
• EDGE service is present in all 20 District headquarters, major towns, and network areas.
• 3G is available in major towns like Thimphu, Paro, Wangdue, Trongsa, Bumthang, Mongar, Samdrup Jongkhar, and Phuntsholing.
• GSM 1800-900 is available across all districts and major towns, but other GSM bandwidths are not.
• Data speeds are approximately 30-40 kbps
• For GPRS, 100-130 kbps
• For EDGE, and 550 kbps to 1 Mbps for 3G.

For more information on communication options visit:

B-Mobile/Bhutan Telecom: http://www.bt.bt/ or Tashi Cell http://www.tashicell.com/

Accommodation

Most hotels in Bhutan are 2-3 star, known as Standard Hotels, with some 4-5 star luxury options in Paro, Thimphu, Punakha, Gangtey, and Bumthang. Standard accommodations are well-maintained with essential facilities. Hotels in the Western Bhutan (Paro, Thimphu, Punakha, Wangdue) are generally better appointed than those in more remote areas of central (Gangtey, Trongsa, Bumthang) and Eastern Bhutan (Mongar, Trashigang, Trashiyangtse, Samdrup Jongkhar). In central and Eastern regions, accommodations can be very modest (ranging from guest house to farm houses).

Food

Bhutanese cuisine features spicy chillies and cheese, but tourist restaurants usually adjust the heat for visitors. Hotels and local tourist restaurants offer Chinese, Continental, Bhutanese, and Indian cuisines. For trekking groups, our trained cooks prepare meals to suit Western tastes and accommodate dietary preferences. Please provide advance notice of any special dietary needs so we can make necessary arrangements.

Charity

Giving alms to mendicants and holy men near markets and temples is a common practice. In return for a small donation, a prayer will be offered for you. Follow the Bhutanese example and consult your guide if you’re unsure about the proper approach.

Photography

Photography opportunities are abundant, with stunning natural scenery and local life to capture. Always ask for permission before photographing people or their property. Photography inside shrine rooms of dzongs, monasteries, and religious sites is generally prohibited. Check with your guide before taking any photos at these locations.

Etiquette for visiting Dzongs, Monasteries, Temples, and Festivals

Clothing & behavior

Dress modestly in long-sleeved shirts and avoid shorts or skirts. Remove hats, caps, and sunglasses before entering Dzongs or religious sites. Do not smoke. Walk clockwise around Chortens and Mani walls. Avoid stepping over prayer flagpoles on the ground; walk around them instead.

Photography

Photography is generally allowed in public areas but not inside chapels. Always ask your guide before taking photos, and avoid intruding on others’ space. Never enter dance grounds at festivals for photos, as this is considered highly disrespectful.

Shopping

Travelers in Bhutan often buy hand-woven textiles, carved masks, woven baskets, wooden bowls, handmade paper, metal crafts, Thangka paintings, and postage stamps. Thimphu and Paro offer the best selection. It’s advisable to carry cash (Euros, Pounds, US dollars, Japanese Yen) and traveler’s checks, as credit card use is limited.

Antique trading is prohibited. Be cautious when buying old or culturally significant items, as they require a clearance certificate for export. Consult us before making such purchases and buy expensive items from reputable shops that provide receipts.

Tipping

Hotel and restaurant bills include a 5-10% service charge, so no additional tipping is needed. We will handle this.

Gratuities

Tipping your guide, driver, and trek crew is a personal choice. Consider how much the Rustic Frontiers team enhanced your travel experience when deciding on the amount.

Customs

Visitors must complete a passenger declaration form upon arrival. The following items are duty-free:

(a) Personal items for daily use

(b) Professional instruments or equipment

(c) Personal photographic, video, and electronic gear

Items listed in (b) and (c) must be declared on the form. If these items are sold or gifted in Bhutan, they may incur customs duty. Visitors must surrender their forms to Customs upon departure.

The import and export of the following goods is strictly prohibited:

(a) Arms, ammunition, and explosives

(b) Narcotics and non-prescription drugs

(c) Wildlife products, especially endangered species

(d) Antiques

Imports of plants, soil, and similar items are subject to quarantine regulations and must be cleared on arrival. Be cautious with purchasing old or culturally significant items, as they may require a clearance certificate for export. Consult us before making such purchases.

• The sale of tobacco products is banned in Bhutan. If importing tobacco for personal use, you must pay import duty and declare it at the Customs counter in Paro Airport or at road check points in Samdrup Jongkhar, Phuntsholing, or Gelephu. Keep your Customs receipt as proof of payment, as you may be asked to show it if smoking in public.

• You are allowed to bring in 300 cigarettes, 150 grams of tobacco, or 50 cigars, subject to a 200% import duty.