Remote monasteries, high altitudes, rich culture, and spicy dishes make a visit to Bhutan the adventure you're craving. Here's what you need to know before you go.
Photo © Dat Vu/Winner of World Nomads Travel Photography Scholarship 2010
Bhutan is a harmonious society, where culture and traditions remain intact – a country where high-altitude peaks are forbidden to climbers, and Gross National Happiness is more important than Gross National Product. Here's what to know before traveling to the Kingdom of Bhutan, and some tips to help you get the most out of your trip.
1. Flying into Bhutan
Flights into Bhutan are heavily weather-dependent, and conditions can be quite unpredictable. All take-offs and landings at Paro Airport are by visual flight rules, which means pilots can only take off or land if they are able to see the runway and surrounding hills. Flights do not operate at night or in poor conditions, so flights can be delayed – sometimes for a few days. Keep basic necessities in your carry-on baggage to get you through any potential delays or unexpected stop-overs.
This airport is particularly dangerous due to its location in a deep valley, which is surrounded by mountain peaks as high as 18,000ft (5,000m).
If you're flying internationally and require a connecting flight to Paro, your luggage will not be checked in all the way to Paro via your first flight. You will need to recheck your luggage at the counter before you catch a connecting flight. This is important to note if you've got a connecting flight and require the time to go through immigration, collect your luggage and check-in again.
Search for flights to Paro with Bhutan Airlines or Drukair.
2. Safety on the roads
Car accidents are very common in Bhutan. To avoid any major injuries, always wear a seatbelt and avoid driving at night; mountainous roads are poorly lit and there are many blind corners. (Keep in mind that you will most likely not be the one driving – independent travel in Bhutan is not allowed, except for travelers from India, Bangladesh, and the Maldives.)
If you're traveling by car or 4WD, never leave valuables inside the vehicle when parking near tourist sites or villages.
3. Spotty Internet connections
There are two mobile network providers in Bhutan: B-Mobile SIM and TashiCell. Ask your local guide to help you purchase a SIM on arrival, but make sure you unlock your phone before you insert the SIM card. 2G, 3G, and 4G connectivity are available (and 5G is in the works), and WiFi is available in most hotels in major cities.
Connectivity might be touch-and-go, but in a country that is still largely disconnected from the outside world, this is one of the best things about traveling in Bhutan.
4. Dress code for entering a dzong
A dzong is an ancient fortress with towers, courtyards, temples, and administrative offices. Before entering a dzong you need to dress appropriately. You can't wear jeans, wrap your jacket around your waist, or have your jacket unbuttoned or unzipped. No hats, shorts, short skirts, flip-flops, or t-shirts can be worn inside. Travelers aren't expected to wear the traditional kira, but you should make sure your clothing covers your arms and legs.
Here are a few other quirky laws and customs in Bhutan.
5. ATMs and cash in Bhutan
ATMs are available in major towns around Bhutan. The three banks that accept foreign credit cards are Bank of Bhutan, Bhutan National Bank and Druk Punjab National Bank. Travelers can withdraw money using a Visa or MasterCard, but beware of the fees.
Your best option is to get cash out in Thimpu or Paro before you venture further afield. Although Bhutanese Ngultrum is only circulated in Bhutan, foreign currencies can be exchanged for Nu when you arrive. If you're carrying USD, $100 USD notes have a higher exchange rate compared to notes in lower denominations.
6. Tackling the Tiger's Nest trek
Constructed in 1692, the Tiger's Nest Monastery is a sacred Buddhist site sitting 10,000ft (3,000m) above sea level, perched on the side of a cliff. To reach the Tiger's Nest, travelers must drive (via taxi) 20 minutes north of Paro, and start the four to five-hour hike up to tour the monastery from the car park. The 4mi (6.5km) return trip has an elevation gain of 1,700ft (520m), which is not too difficult for a single day trip if you have spent time acclimatizing in the town of Paro (7,220ft/2,200m above sea level).
Wear sturdy hiking boots and use hiking poles to give your knees extra support on the ascent and descent. Drink lots of water before and during the hike to stay hydrated, and remember to bring cash if you plan to have lunch at the cafeteria when you reach the Tiger's Nest.
7. Guided tours only
As we mentioned above, traveling around Bhutan can only be done with a registered guide, which means you'll be accompanied by a local on your journey.
For all the nomads out there that hate the idea of a "guided tour", hear us out.
In such a remote location, having a local guide to tell you stories and translate to connect with locals along the way is essential to understanding this alluring destination.
8. Bhutanese food is spicy and delicious
The most famous dish is ema – rice and spicy chilies topped off with a delicious cheese sauce. Kewa datshi is made up of sliced potatoes and cheese – usually with chilies, too. Try shakam paa, dried beef cooked with (you guessed it) chilies and radish.
If you love dumplings, momos are everywhere in Bhutan. Fried or steamed inside a flour dough, these meat, cheese or vegetable filled snacks are best enjoyed with a chili sauce. You'll find momos at almost all restaurants and street food stalls.
If none of this sounds appetizing, try fried fern stalks or a tasty yak curry.
As a side note, it's not uncommon for travelers to get Bhutan belly – whether you're not used to eating chili in every dish, or you've accidentally drunk unfiltered water. To keep the risk to a minimum, avoid drinks with ice cubes and stick to fruits and vegetables that can be peeled.
9. Beverages in Bhutan
Ask the locals you meet along the way if you can try ara – a hot, highly alcoholic treat.
While World Nomad Chris Potter was traveling through Bhutan, an elderly gentleman cooked him up a cup of this local drink. First, he popped some yak butter into a hot pan, broke in some eggs, and scrambled them with the butter. He then proceeded to pour a full bottle of rice whiskey over the top, heated it all through and then ladled it into large mugs.
"I looked down at the steaming potent brew with its eggy oily topping and closed my eyes while taking a large gulp – not to look like a complete wimp or disrespect this kind gentleman's cooking. And, to my surprise, it was delicious."
10. Get off the beaten track and see Eastern Bhutan
Most travelers fly directly into Paro and take trips from here to Thimpu, Punaka, and then back to Paro.
Instead, get off the tourist trail by making your way southeast from Paro to the town of Samdrup Jongkhar. From there, you can cross the border into India via the Assam plains.
Eastern Bhutan is rarely visited by travelers, and there is much to see on this side of the country. Discover secluded valleys and nature reserves, home to the very rare black-necked cranes. Local festivals in districts such as Trashigang and Mongar will provide an authentic experience of the local culture, far different to the touristy festivals that occur in and around Paro.
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13 Comments
Hi,
Nice blog and content. Another important is Smoking is ban in Bhutan.
Cheers
Tshewang Penjor
https://bhutanculturaltravel.com
Great blog, lots of cool facts on Bhutan. Here are a few more: Bhutan is a very unique nation built around the practice of sustainable development. It happens to be the world's only carbon-negative country and our constitution mandates that 60% of it's landmass be protected under forest cover. Plastic bags and tobacco are banned in the country for environmental reasons. We have switched from the western idea of 'Gross National Product' to 'Gross National Happiness' and actually measure the population's happiness using various indicators. We have an extremely ambitious goal of becoming a 100% organic nation by 2020. Bhutan was awarded 1st place among the 2018 Sustainable Destinations Top 100 'Earth Award' Series in recognition of its efforts towards responsible tourism and distinctive appeal.
Contact me for further information. :)
Cheers,
Bivatsu ( info.himalayanmarvels@gmail.com)
Bhutan is the place where I want to go back again and again. I have visited that place with my family for a couple of times.
Your blog post reminds me of these times and that was an amazing travel guide for me.
Your photos are stunning, take love.
what are the expenses incurred in bhutan ? do u hv pay US $ 250-290 to the government each day for number of days u are staying in bhutan ?
Amazing Blog. I love all the photographs. Bhutan is one of my favorite travel destinations. I am looking forward to visiting Bhutan again so I can explore the places that I missed the last time :)
Thank-you for the travel tips & country information. I shall be traveling to Bhutan by year’s end and am very much looking forward to experiencing it’s wonderful culture.
Thank you for sharing!
Hey.. It isn't true that you have to cover up your body parts and be so confined. Bhutan is a modern country and it accepts modern assets like clothes. Yes, to wear the national dress is important but no Bhutanese would expect tourist to wear the national dress, after all they are the guest and are new to bhutan. So, if you are visiting Bhutan don't hesitate to wear your style but remember there is no beach out there. Bhutan is a beautiful country and it respects its tourists 😁
Wow! What a say. You have written very well Words and the tone to speak to them are the mirror of a human being, what is the appearance of the face, it often 'changes' with age and circumstances. Thanks for this post
that is fake
Hello, thank you very much for the cool article. It was an awesome read. It's always fun to read other people's perspectives about the things you love afterall.
Slight issue (don't know if it can be called an issue, but I wanted to bring it up nonetheless, in hopes it'll be helpful); the fifth photo in the article, the walking around the Dzong photo, does not actually have a Dzong in it so technically, it is false.
The tall, tower is what we call The Thimphu Clock tower (I am not aware of the formal/official name) and it is not considered a Dzong.
Good day.
Hi Samten,
Thanks for the catch! We've fixed the photo caption.
Best,
Ellen
A helpful quick succinct guide about Bhutan. Thank you Amelia and WN ~ BridgeToBhutan