Accommodation
Accommodations in Bhutan offer a diverse range of options, from traditional farmhouses to luxurious five-star resorts. The government mandates that only hotels rated three stars and above can host tariff-paying tourists. Our hotels blend contemporary design with Bhutanese architecture and modern amenities. In recent years, luxury hotels like COMO Uma, Zhiwa Ling, Taj Tashi, Amankora, Le Meridien, and Six Senses have emerged, albeit with a supplement on top of the standard tariff. In addition to starred hotels, visitors can opt for family-run eco lodges, heritage lodges converted from traditional houses, and farmhouses, providing insights into typical Bhutanese family life.
Accommodations in eastern Bhutan may be simpler due to fewer tourists compared to the western regions.
For trekkers, weatherproof tents and necessary camping equipment (excluding sleeping bags) are provided, as Bhutan lacks tea houses or lodges along trekking trails, offering a genuine wilderness trekking experience.
Food
The culinary scene in Bhutan revolves around staples like red or white rice, accompanied by meat or vegetable side dishes. Common meats include pork, beef, chicken, and fish, while fresh vegetables add variety to the meals. Alternatives to rice include buckwheat pancakes and noodles.
Ema Datshi, a fiery blend of chilies and local cheese, holds the title of Bhutan’s national dish. Variations of Ema Datshi may feature additions like green beans, ferns, potatoes, or mushrooms. While many hotels may not offer this dish to tourists, you can inquire with your guide for a taste. Other Bhutanese delicacies to try include momos (Tibetan-style dumplings), phak sha laphu (pork stew with radish), nor sha huentse (beef stew with spinach), phak sha phin tshoem (pork with rice noodles), and bja sha maroo (chicken in garlic and butter sauce).
In addition to native cuisine, Indian, Chinese, and continental dishes are also widely available.
During treks, our skilled trekking chefs ensure you’re supplied with sumptuous meals, catering to various altitudes with a blend of delicious and nutritious options.
Transportation
Our transportation fleet consists of vehicles crafted in Japan and Korea, ensuring reliability and comfort throughout your journey. For groups of three to five individuals, we offer spacious options like the Korean Hyundai H-1 and Toyota Hi-ace buses. Larger groups of six or more can enjoy the convenience of AC Toyota Coaster buses.
For smaller groups of one to two passengers, our selection includes 4WD SUVs such as the Toyota Land Cruiser Prado, as well as Korean models like the Tucson, Santa Fe, Creta, and Terracan. These vehicles not only cater to sightseeing but also facilitate off-site activities such as shopping excursions and social gatherings.
Additionally, Bhutan now boasts a domestic air service operated by Drukair, with flights available to Bumthnag (central Bhutan), Yonphula (eastern Bhutan), and Gelephu (southern Bhutan) on select days. Opting for domestic flights can be a convenient alternative for those looking to minimize travel time.
Communication
Communication services are generally reliable in urban areas across Bhutan, ensuring good mobile connectivity for travelers. However, when trekking or navigating rural roads between valleys, network coverage may be limited. Roaming services are available, but we recommend verifying whether your mobile operator has a roaming agreement with local providers.
For those seeking continuous connectivity, obtaining a local SIM card from the airport or town is a viable option. This allows you to enjoy local rates and better network access during your stay.
Furthermore, all accommodations selected by our team offer WiFi access in both rooms and common areas. While most hotels provide complimentary WiFi services, a few may impose nominal charges for usage.
Weather
The weather in Bhutan varies throughout the year, with distinct seasons offering different climatic conditions. During the months of October through March, temperatures tend to be cooler, particularly during mornings and evenings, necessitating warm clothing to stay comfortable. In contrast, the period from April to September brings warmer temperatures, with the summer months of June, July, and August experiencing monsoon rains. It’s important to be prepared with rain gear during these months to stay dry while exploring the beautiful landscapes of Bhutan.
Dress code
When exploring Bhutan casually, it’s acceptable to dress in respectful, comfortable attire such as jeans or slacks. However, it’s best to avoid shorts, skirts, and clothing that may be considered inappropriate. Bhutanese culture values formality, especially when visiting significant sites like Dzongs and temples. Therefore, it’s customary for both locals and foreigners to dress more formally on such occasions. For these visits, it’s recommended to wear long pants, shirts with full sleeves, and skirts that extend below the knees. Additionally, remember that hats and shoes are not permitted inside Dzongs and temples as a sign of respect.
Courtesy & Etiquette
In Bhutanese culture, it’s customary to greet others with “Kuzuzangpo,” which means “hello.” When addressing seniors and elders, a respectful gesture involves bowing the head slightly and saying “Kuzuzangpo La.” Shaking hands has become increasingly common and accepted.
While visiting monasteries and temples, it’s acceptable to take photos of the exterior but refrain from photographing the sacred interior areas. Remember that these sites hold deep significance and are considered sacred by locals. If taking portraits of individuals, always seek permission first, and avoid photographing members of the Royal Family, even during festivals or events.
When walking around temples, chortens, and prayer flags, it’s customary to move in a clockwise direction as a sign of respect. This tradition is observed to honor the spiritual significance of these sites.
Electricity & fittings
In Bhutan, the electrical system operates at 230 volts and 50 hertz. The electrical outlets in the country accommodate three different types of plugs: ones with three round pins arranged in a triangle, two round pins, and two parallel flat pins with a ground pin. Adapter plugs for these outlets are available for purchase at numerous hardware stores in Paro and Thimphu, making it convenient for travelers to connect their devices.
Money
Bhutan operates using its currency called the Ngultrum (Nu), which is fixed to the value of the Indian rupee. While ATMs are available in major towns, they may not always be reliable for foreign cardholders. A recommended approach is to bring cash in US dollars and exchange it upon arrival at the airport. Although credit cards are accepted at larger hotels and major handicraft stores in cities like Paro and Thimphu, they often incur a 3-5% transaction fee. Traveler’s cheques can be exchanged at banks or at the foreign exchange counter at the airport. It’s advisable to carry internationally recognized brands of traveler’s cheques such as American Express, Visa, Thomas Cook, Citibank, or Barclays. Note that the Ngultrum holds no value outside Bhutan, so it’s wise to utilize or exchange any excess currency before departing. Indian rupees are also acceptable in Bhutan, excluding 1000-rupee notes.
Health
Vaccinations are not mandatory for entry into Bhutan, but it’s recommended to ensure your tetanus, diphtheria, and polio vaccinations are up to date. Prior to your departure, consulting with a travel doctor for the latest medical travel advice is advisable.
To prevent any stomach issues, it’s best to consume bottled or boiled water and avoid ice. Opt for cooked and peeled food. Bhutan boasts good healthcare coverage, with hospitals in all district headquarters providing free medical treatment, even for tourists.
Most tourist destinations in Bhutan are situated below 3000 meters, minimizing the risk of altitude-related problems unless you’re trekking. Nonetheless, altitude sickness can affect individuals differently and may manifest as symptoms like headaches, dizziness, nausea, and breathlessness. If you experience such symptoms at higher altitudes, descending to lower levels is recommended until you feel better.
Language
Dzongkha serves as the official language of Bhutan, while English is widely spoken due to its use as the primary language in schools. This ensures that many Bhutanese individuals are proficient in English. You’ll find English used extensively on signboards, in books, on road signs, and on menus throughout the country.
Here are some helpful phrases in Dzongkha:
- Hello – Kuzu Zangpo
- How are you? – Chhoe gadebe yue?
- Thank you – Kadrinche la
- Good luck – Tashi Delek
- Yes – iee
- No – Me
- What’s your name? – Choe ming gachi mo?
- My name is – ngi ming…(name) iee