Bhutan Trips & Tours

Paro is the only international airport in Bhutan. Visitors arriving in Paro will have to fly with one of two airlines, Drukair or Bhutan Airlines, and there are good connections from India, Nepal, Singapore and Thailand. There are also domestic connections within Bhutan to Yonphula, Bumthang and Gelephu. Upon your arrival in Bhutan, you will be greeted and assisted to your onward connections. You will be looked after from that point on until you are transferred back to the airport in time for your departure flight.

Please consult your personal physician and/or a travel clinic preferably 6 weeks prior to your departure. Vaccine requirements vary based on your country of origin, your travel itinerary and previous vaccination history. It is best to consult with your physician or the CDC website for guidelines. Important vaccinations to consider and which may either be required or recommended are: Diphtheria, Tetanus, Typhoid, Hepatitis A and Polio, among others. Malaria We advise that you consult a medical practitioner at least six weeks prior to travel. Bhutan has a low malaria risk in the southern parts of the country. We suggest taking malaria prophylactics before, during and after your visit if you are visiting a known malarial region. Please consult a medical professional regarding which prophylactics will be suitable for you. High Altitude Much of Bhutan is at high altitude and this could affect your comfort levels while on holiday. Altitude sickness can affect anyone and may do so with varying degrees of severity. If you are going to be travelling at high altitude, we advise you to consult with your doctor before travelling, especially if you have a known heart or other relevant condition. To reduce the chances of being affected by altitude sickness please drink plenty of water and take things slowly so your body may acclimatise with ease. The tap water is unsafe to drink and bottled water is recommended.

Money The currency used in Bhutan is the Ngultrum (Nu.), which is fixed to the value of the Indian Rupee. You are able to use US dollars at handicraft shops and a selection of hotels (so best check beforehand), and you’re able to exchange dollars at all banks. However, small grocery stores and bars don’t allow dollars to be used. Credit and debit cards are accepted in some hotels and shops, while Visa and Mastercard are more widely accepted across Bhutan. Please note, cards without a magnetic strip aren't accepted. Using your credit or debit card, you are able to withdraw up to Nu. 30,000 per day but be sure to inform your respective bank before you travel to avoid a block on your card. Gratuities In Bhutan, hotels and restaurants include a service charge of between 10 - 20% on the bill, so there is little expectation for an additional tip. If you feel inclined to give an extra amount, it is at your discretion. Tipping isn’t typical in local Bhutanese life but as tourism has grown, it has started to become expected by some guides and drivers. If you choose to tip, a suggested amount to tip would be - Wildlife guides: 42 USD per day Guides: 30 USD per day Drivers. 25 USD per day Porters: 1 USD per bag

Insurance It is a condition of booking that you carry the correct comprehensive travel and medical insurance to cover yourself, as well as any dependents/travelling companions for the duration of your trip. This insurance should include cover in respect of, but not limited to, the following eventualities: Compulsory Insurance: a. Emergency evacuation expenses b. Medical expenses c. Repatriation expenses Recommended Insurance: a. Cancellation or curtailment of trip b. Damage/theft/loss of personal luggage, money and goods"

All travellers to Bhutan must possess a passport valid for a minimum of 6 months from the date of departure. All travellers also require a visa retained prior to arriving in the country. Visas are processed through an online system and when booking a trip to Bhutan with us your visas will be arranged by our partners based in Bhutan. The current visa fee is $40 per person. You are required to send the photo page of your passport to us no later than 4 weeks prior to your arrival.  Once the visa is approved, we will email you a copy of the visa approval letter, which you must carry with you. You will be required to present your visa approval letter in order to board the flight to Bhutan and upon arrival at Paro Airport, the visa will be stamped in your passport.  Visitors who intend to travel to or through India before or after Bhutan are advised to apply for a multiple entry visa online.

Climate Being a country of deep valleys and mountainside villages, Bhutan has a climate of polar opposites. In its northern regions where mountain peaks rise to a height of 7,000m, the weather reaches similar temperatures to the arctic and receives show in winter (December - February); while in the south, the weather is hot and humid in the summer (June - August), but still gets chilly in the winter. Bhutan is at its best in the spring (March - May) and in the autumn months (September - November) when the temperatures are at a pleasant middle ground, but you should never leave those winter woolies out of your suitcase. Dress Code Bhutan is a deeply religious country of the Bhuddist faith and many locals opt for a formal approach to their attire, often wearing traditional dress. It’s recommended that you pack accordingly with long skirts/trousers, long-sleeved shirts and high necklines, all of which works for keeping warm as well. At temples, dzongs and other religious sites, it’s especially important to cover your arms and legs - and remember to remove any hats. Of course, dressing for the weather is important too, so be sure to layer up and mind the chill in the air even when it seems sunny. What to Pack What you need on a trip to Bhutan depends on what you plan to do, but as it’s such a small country, you’ll often experience a smattering of different weather/activities. Take a look at our list to get you started: • Sturdy but comfortable sandals & walking shoes/hiking boots (preferably waterproof) • Multiple pairs of socks (thick and thin) • Thick, waterproof jacket • Long-sleeved shirts, thermal vests and other warm items • Sunglasses, sunscreen & a wide-brimmed hat • Day pack for hikes/village visits • Small umbrella - a larger one might be confiscated • Toiletries • Reading material • Plug adaptors and charging equipment Most lodges will have a small medical and first aid kit, but we recommend bringing your own supply of essentials - cough medicine, plasters, vitamins, aspirin and paracetamol, and anything else you use on a regular basis. Luggage Please check with your airlines for the specific luggage restrictions relevant to your flight schedule. Many international airlines have a baggage allowance of 20kgs or more per person and commercial airlines generally permit two pieces of checked luggage per person. The carry-on bag must be of such dimensions and weight as set by the airlines. Passengers travelling on Bhutan Airlines are allowed checked baggage with a combined weight of 30kg and carry-on baggage may not exceed 7 kgs. Electricity Bhutan operates on a 220-240V supply voltage with round, two or three-pin power outlets available in hotel rooms. One of the most useful items to carry with you is a universal adapter to ensure you can use your electronics. There are electrical appliance shops in Bhutan but they are unlikely to have what you are looking for, so it’s best to buy such items before you travel.