Travel Tips / Trip Planning

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Make sure you double check with following list before you go on your Bhutan trip Passport (Validity of the passport should be more than 6 months from the departure date) Please do not forget to check your arrival/departure dates, time, sector and your email one day prior to your arrival in Bhutan. Printed copy of approved e-visa letter which sent to you by us Printed copy of e-tickets and e-boarding pass to show at the check-in counter Check email 24hrs prior to your arrival, incase if there is any changes, we will email you Provide us an emergency contact numbers before you start the trip

Bhutan is a very safe place to visit, even if you’re travelling alone. There is very little crime experienced by locals or visitors, although we advise you to take care of yourself and your belongings. In some areas you may encounter stray dogs – please be cautious around them as they are not domesticated. They normally keep their distance, but please stay away from them as much as possible, especially if travelling with children. Bhutan’s physical environment presents occasional safety hazards, including flooding and landslides. From June to September the monsoons can affect transport and services.

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. Travel / Medical Insurance: The government of Bhutan requires full and valid travel insurance for the duration of their visit for all the visitors except those from India, Bangladesh and the Maldives, it is required to be in place when you make your visa application. You can use your own international travel insurance however, if you don't have one, the Royal Insurance Corporation of Bhutan has launched a travel and medical plan for visitors only. To learn more, visit www.ricb.com.bt. Visitors from India, Bangladesh and the Maldives have the option to purchase domestic travel insurance at their port of entry.

Although we recommend all visitors stay up to date with vaccinations against covid-19 to help stop the spread of the disease, there are now no covid-19 vaccination requirements for adults or children to enter Bhutan from September 23rd 2022. There is no quarantine requirement either. No random covid-19 testing will be undertaken at any port of entry into Bhutan, however this may be done if a guest is showing symptoms or asks for a test. If a guest tests positive for covid-19 during their stay in Bhutan, they will be admitted entry into the country without any quarantine period, however will be required to wear a face mask at all times and maintain other precautionary measures until they test negative again. There will be no covid-19 protocols to leave Bhutan, unless the country the guest is travelling to requires them.

Face masks are no longer required to be worn at any venue or at any time in Bhutan, except in hospitals and health centres. However, guests can choose to wear face masks at their convenience should they wish. Also, it may be mandated by the government that face masks need to be worn in the future if the number of COVID-19 cases go up, therefore it is recommended that guests always travel with a face mask in their luggage as a precaution.

Bhutan has four distinct seasons and each season has its own beauty and charm. Bhutan is an year-round destination. So, it is entirely up to you to decide your travel period with help of following description on each seasonal. Spring and autumn are the best time to visit Bhutan. Having said so, summer and winter have their own draws and attractions. For clear skies and photo opportunities, the best time to visit Bhutan is October through December. This season is notable for a chance to witness rare black-necked cranes in Phobjikha Valley. Book in advance as autumn sees the influx of International travellers. March and April are relatively dry and warm with an abundance of mesmerizing flowers in the valleys. From May on, temperatures start to rise, leading to the monsoon season from June to September. If you don’t mind the rain, summer is a good time to be in Bhutan with fewer tourists around. 1. Spring (March, April & May): Spring is the favourite time to visit Bhutan. Nature lovers who are keen on local flora and fauna should consider visiting Bhutan end of April or in May. Spring is a botanist's delight as various flowers start to bloom and plants starts budding after their long dormancy in winter. Flowers such as rhododendron, wild azaleas, and edelweiss cover the meadows like carpet and add a new sense of wonder to the Bhutan's landscape. Best attraction activities falls on Spring Seasons: o The Paro Tshechu usually takes place in early April. This is the best chance to meet the King of Bhutan as he often makes his way to the festivities between the 3rd and last day. The ever-popular 5-day Paro Tshechu also means that Paro will be teeming with travellers. Hotels & services may be overwhelmed as the better hotels and guides would have been pre-booked. Flight tickets would be fully sold out by January. o Gomkora (Festival in Trashigang) o The Jacaranda blossoms at Punakha Dzong in mid-May o Jomolhari Trek & Drukpath Trek from mid-April til end-May 2. Summer (June, July & August): The summer season sees a lower level of tourists as many have the misconception that Bhutan may experience a rainy deluge similar to many parts of South Asia. This is not true. Though it dubbed the monsoon, Bhutan experiences relatively light rain with most rainfall confined to the late afternoon and does not affect most travellers’ itinerary. If the monsoon is late, the whole of June will be great for traveling. Monsoon will be in its earnest in July. Having said so, our personal experience with monsoon in Bhutan has been limited to afternoon light shower once every two to three days. Summer often offers vibrant green foresting and flourishing paddy fields against a backdrop of the clear blue sky after the rain. It is an abundant time of the year as flowers are in full bloom and valleys are covered in green, weeping willows sweep the banks of many of the river and pine cone glisten in the sun, so full with risen they are ready to plummet to the ground. Best attraction activities falls on Summer Seasons: o Nimalung Tshechu in June o Kurjey Tshechu in late June celebrates very important holy sites of Guru Rinpoche. 3. Autumn (September, October & November): Autumn is another high and crowded season for Bhutan. Though Bhutan does not offer browning forest or Maples, the mild weather in autumn makes it a perfect time to visit Bhutan. This is the time when the entire landscape turns into golden color. The farmers harvesting their crops in the golden colored paddy field under the crisp blue skies is just an amazing view of Bhutan's landscape in the autumn season. Best attraction activities falls on Autumn Seasons: o Thimphu Tshechu : In late-September, the Thimphu Tshechu is a grand affair in the modern capital of Bhutan. Tshechu also occurs about the same time as Wangdue Tshechu and the chance to attend two festivals on one trip is always very tempting but WATCHES out for the crowd o Jakar, Jambay Lhakhang Drup & Prakar Tshechu; another crowded festival calendar; this time in central Bhutan is the Jakar, Jambay Lhakhang Drup & Prakar Tshechu. The travellers pays homage to the Switzerland alike place called Bumthang at this time to attend the mysterious Jambay festivities that will be fabled for its bonfire dance of 20 masked and naked dancers. o Black-Necked Crane Festival - Stay with a local villager in the beautiful valley of Phobjikha and witness the one day Black-Necked Crane Festival and do your part to help nature conservation! o October - see the valleys turn into a shade of gold as rice farmers prepare to harvest their rice crops. 4. Winter (December, January & February): To avoid the crowd and catch the Black-Necked Cranes, winter would be the time to go. To catch Himalayan blue sky without paying the additional tariff, consider visiting Bhutan in December. The temperature will not be too cold yet as lowest temperature usually takes places near the end of January. In January or February, Paro and Thimphu may experience a one-day snow. Soft turfs of clouds drape lazily over mountaintops as if waiting for new life to blow it across the landscape. The winter season in Bhutan gives one a clear view of the world's highest Himalayan mountain ranges covered in snow. Best attraction activities falls on Winter Seasons: o Punakha Dromche & Tshechu in February - The Punakha Dromche & Tshechu is a weeklong celebration of the founding of Bhutan in the 1600s. The festivities take place around the ancient capital and most beautiful dzong in Bhutan. The mild weather of lower Punakha also makes this town a great winter escape for the Bhutanese. o The Druk Wangyel Tshechu is a unique festival performed by the Royal Bhutan Army rather than monks or lay people. It is a tribute to the wise leadership of His Majesty Jigme Singye Wangchuck, the Fourth King of Bhutan. It also celebrates the continuous efforts of the Royal Bhutan Army in protecting the sovereignty and the stability of the country. This one of a kind Tshechu is performed against the backdrop of the magnificent Jigme Singye Wangchuck mountain range.

There are a number of airports where you can fly into Bhutan; • Thailand: Bangkok- Suvarnabhumi international Airport • India: Delhi, Kolkata, Mumbai, Bagdogra, Bodh Gaya, Guwahati. • Bangladesh: Dhaka • Nepal: Kathmandu • and from Singapore: Changi Airport At present two carriers operate to Bhutan, Drukair and Bhutan Airlines. There are also domestic airports in Yonphula in eastern Bhutan, Bumthang in central Bhutan, and Gelephu in south-central Bhutan. Also, there are three land border crossings, which you can travel into the kingdom overland. All crossings are along the Indian border only - Phuentsholing, Gelephu and Samdrup Jongkhar. Your selected tour operator like ‘Absolute Happiness Origin Tours and Travel to Bhutan’ will make all the necessary arrangement

There is some very good content in the form of SHINE Tourism Attraction Books that list activities and helpful information available to download at the following link: https://shine.grat.at/photos/

In keeping with the Tourism Council of Bhutan's policy of "High Value Low Volume" tourism, you will be required to pay the Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) of US$100 per day (per adult; concessionary rates apply for children). More information about the SDF can be found here. A non-refundable, one-off visa application fee of US$40 is also payable. Regarding our charges for organizing your trip very memorable with our full commitment, you can negotiate and discuss the price with us through various communication media shared on our website and social media page. The agreed charges will include following: o Airport Transfer o A minimum of 3 star accommodations, which are monitored timely and approved by government. (4 & 5 star may require a premium payment) o A licensed English Speaking tour Guide for the extent of your stay (we can arrange language guide if you will require with bit extra fees) o All three meals, + tea, coffee & snacks o Bottled mineral water for the entire trip (except water ordered in the hotels and restaurants) o Dedicated SUV vehicle with a driver o All internal ground transport o Day hikes, Packed lunches and snacks wherever required o Monumental and Museum entrance fees o All administrative cost o Full service & assistance before, during and after your Bhutan trip Package Does Not Include: 1. Sustainable Development Fees (SDF) 2. Visa fees 3. Airfare to and from Bhutan (we can arrange you tickets for you if you wish) 4. Refreshments and bottled drinks and alcoholics/gratuities 5. Cost arising out of Flight Cancellation/road blockades/ landslides and events beyond our control 6. Expenses of personal nature and any other expenses not mentioned in the above cost 7. Tips and gratuities to the local staffs 8. Travel and medical insurance 9. Wire transfer charge/fees

You may bring cash equivalent to US$10,000 into the country.

We can assist you fully on that. Please do not worry.

ATMs are located within all main towns throughout Bhutan, where money can be withdrawn using a Visa or MasterCard. International credit cards are widely used in urban areas of Bhutan. However this service may not be available in other parts of the country. Visitors can download the digital wallet app goBoB launched by the Bank of Bhutan, which can be used with a local SIM card and is widely accepted throughout the country. Another option is the MyPay digtal wallet app launched by Bhutan National Bank. Both apps can be connected to international credit cards and used widely. Cash in US dollars and Indian rupees is also widely accepted. We advise bringing some cash in either of these currencies, or in Bhutanese ngultrum. Bhutan’s currency is the Ngultrum (Nu.) It is at par with the Indian rupee, which is widely accepted in the country.

Yes, it is possible to use your credit card to pay for your visa and SDF online. However, we strongly recommend that you notify your bank prior to making the credit card transaction to ensure that the payment is processed successfully. If they are not informed in advance, sometimes international banks will block online payments to Bhutan as part of the bank’s online security measures.

We the ‘Absolute Happiness Origin Tours and Travel to Bhutan’ can arrange your airline tickets on both Druk Air and Bhutan Airlines. We are authorized ticketing agent for two international airlines. The advantages of purchasing fight ticket through us are as follows: • You’ll get the ticket cost bit cheaper to what you’ll see online of these flight agent • There is no commission fee or service charges for this service • You can avail discount for your children at various age category and students concession • We can do online check in with choosing best window side seats and aisle for you to have a great view over Himalayas (including Mount Everest) • Your e-ticket will be sent to your desktop

• Taking pictures inside the alters of the Dzongs (fortress), in some temples and in monasteries is strictly prohibited. You should check with your guide before taking pictures or filming inside Dzongs, temples, monasteries and religious institutions as in some area photograph/filming is not permitted. • Dress code; we expect visitors to dress modestly and respectfully especially if you are planning a visit to the monasteries, Dzongs and other religious institutions. Long pants and long sleeved tops should be worn when visiting such places. As a mark of respect, be kind enough to remove your hats, caps etc. as you enter religious and administrative premises, institutions and in any other place that you come across with the national flag being raised. • Although Bhutan is safe, we advise you to keep your valuable items like wallets, cameras, passport etc, in safe place. • 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. • Drugs and Tobacco; Bhutan has a duty to protect its citizens from drugs and tobacco products, so to do this we need your help and cooperation. • Please co-operate if stopped and asked about your baggage. Please do not carry tobacco goods in excess of the set limit. For more information please see following link for Tobacco Control Act; http://bnca.gov.bt. • Buying of antiques from Bhutan is strictly monitored by the custom at the checkpoints. Please always buy goods with cash memo or original bills/invoices.

A local guide will help you see the best that the country has to offer and will ensure your safety when exploring unfamiliar terrain and altitude. It is mandatory to be accompanied by a guide for any journey or any trek beyond Thimphu and Paro. Guides are also mandatory for visitors who enter Bhutan via our land borders and plan to travel beyond the border towns. Guests no longer require a Route permit to travel around the country, so long as they are accompanied by a guide certified by the Department of Tourism. While guides aren’t necessary for all experiences, such as dining out and shopping, we strongly recommend that guides accompany visitors for experiences such as visiting temples and local places of interest. It is mandatory to have a guide when visiting monuments such as dzongs, for instance.

Keeping important antiques and artefacts in Bhutan is a key part of how we preserve our heritage for future generations. We have a law that sets out which artistic, historic, cultural, religious, social, archaeological and technical objects you may not take with you when you leave. To ensure any items you acquire comply with the law, you will need an Export Permit for Non-Antique Artefacts. Find out more about the permit and how to apply for one here.

A permit, which must be applied for in advance, is required to fly a drone either recreationally or commercially in Bhutan. Please email media@tcb.gov.bt to find out more about the regulations.

There are no rules about what visitors should wear. However if you are planning to visit places of religious significance, respectful smart-casual clothing that covers your body from shoulders to knees is appropriate and appreciated.

There are 19 languages spoken in Bhutan, but the national language is Dzongkha. English is used throughout Bhutan’s education system, so it is widely used and understood.

Three different electrical plugs are used throughout Bhutan as shown in the picture: the British plug (three square pins, compatible with type G sockets), the European plug (two round pins, compatible with type C socket) and the Indian plug (three thick round pins, compatible with type D sockets). It’s a good idea to bring adaptors for all three.You can also buy other types of power socket converters in many of the hardware shops in the capital, Thimphu.

For telephone calls, Bhutan’s country code is +975. Make sure you add this to the beginning of any number if calling Bhutan from abroad.

A wide variety of accommodation is available ranging from luxurious 5-star hotels to cozy little hotels and homestays in traditional Bhutanese homes and settings. Visitors can be assured of their warmth and comfort of the hotels. Similarly, the ambiance and hospitality offered by the hotels are incredible. The types of accommodations can be divided into: 1. Hotels 2. Resorts 3. Farm-stays 4. Home-stays Additionally visitors embarking on long treks will be provided with tents and whatever other camping equipment is deemed necessary. Regardless of where they stay, visitors can be assured of their comfort and traditional Bhutanese hospitality. Hotels Hotels in Bhutan are rated according to a National 5 Star rating System. As per TCB mandatory we are required to provide our guests with a minimum of 3 Star accommodations so you can be assured of your comfort. Most hotels provide their guests with Television, Room Service, Fitness Centers, Spas and free Wi-fi. In order to ensure that all visitors to Bhutan receive high quality accommodations and services TCB have initiated a 5-Star Rating System that classifies the various hotels and resorts operating in the country. The system is referred to as the ‘Hotel Star System’ and it ranks the accommodations on a scale of 1-5 stars based on an exhaustive set of criteria. Based on this rating system, establishments are classified into: • Farm-stays • Home-stays • Resorts • Hotels • Guesthouses Guest Houses: There are various Guesthouses located around Bhutan. They are graded on the same scale as hotels. Farm Stays: Visitors also have the option of spending a night in a traditional Bhutanese Farm House. Agriculture is still one of the major sources of livelihood among the Bhutanese people and a farm-stay will give you an excellent glimpse into the day-to-day life of a typical Bhutanese family. You’ll be able to observe age-old Bhutanese farming traditions as the family goes about its daily tasks. You’ll enjoy delicious home-cooked meals and the unparalleled hospitality of a Bhutanese host. All officially sanctioned and listed Farm-stays are located in the gorgeous Bhutanese countryside amidst lush farmland far from the noise and crowds of population centers. Experience hot stone bath at farm stay: By the time you conclude of the every day’s program your landlord will have organised Bhutanese traditional Hot Stone Bath. Taking a hot stone bath is the perfect way to unwind any hardship traveller’s day, and you will feel complete relaxed in the middle of nature reserved forested areas. In a traditional set up, cold water is poured into a wooden tub. The enclosed small room would also have a fireplace where the stones are heated and the fire also to keeps the room warm. Once heated, the hot stones are put into the tub in a segregated compartment releasing high concentration of minerals while also heating the water. Stones are periodically changed to maintain the water temperature. Herbs are also added to make it more therapeutic. Home Stays Visitors have the option of spending a night in the traditional home of a Bhutanese family. This literally means you are spending night in the traditional home of Bhutanese family, where you get to experience an excellent glimpse into the day-to-day life of a typical Bhutanese family. You’ll enjoy delicious home-cooked meals and the unparalleled hospitality of a Bhutanese host. All officially sanctioned and listed home-stays are located in the gorgeous Bhutanese countryside, far from the noise and crowds of population centers. With regard to sanitations, safety measures and services, TCB fully monitors by visiting these home stays at frequent with surprise inspection. All home stays owner has been provided full training and they been issued license after fulfilling every requirements by TCB. Experience hot stone bath at home stay: By the time you conclude of the every day’s program your landlord will have organised Bhutanese traditional Hot Stone Bath. Taking a hot stone bath is the perfect way to unwind any hardship traveller’s day, and you will feel complete relaxed in the middle of nature reserved forested areas. In a traditional set up, cold water is poured into a wooden tub. The enclosed small room would also have a fireplace where the stones are heated and the fire also to keeps the room warm. Once heated, the hot stones are put into the tub in a segregated compartment releasing high concentration of minerals while also heating the water. Stones are periodically changed to maintain the water temperature. Herbs are also added to make it more therapeutic.

The most distinctive characteristic of Bhutanese cuisine is its spiciness. Chillies are an essential part of nearly every dish and are considered so important that most Bhutanese people would not enjoy a meal that is not spicy. Rice forms staple Bhutanese diet. It is accompanied by one or two side dishes consisting of meat or vegetables. Pork, beef and chicken are consumed most often. A wide selection of western and Indian food is also available in many of the restaurants around the country.

Most hotels have Wi-Fi in Bhutan, but we recommend obtaining a guest SIM card for more convenient access to data and a more reliable internet connection. Mobile data in Bhutan can also be expensive. You can find the B Mobile SIM in mobile stores in larger cities, which you can easily top up using the Bank of Bhutan app goBoB. This app also facilitates other payments within the country.

With great altitudinal variations, weather is quite mixed in Bhutan. So be prepared to face the unforeseen weather conditions and enquire us of seasonal clothes to be packed prior to your journey.

Bhutan offers immense opportunities for photography especially during outdoor sightseeing trips. You are free to capture images of the landscape, the panoramic views of the mountain ranges, rural life, flora and fauna, distinctive Bhutanese architecture and the exterior of Dzongs and Chortens. Hence, do not forget to pack your camera.

All major towns are well connected with electricity that runs on 220/240 volts with multi socket to insert.

Some popular handicraft items available for purchase are hand-woven textiles of raw silk or silk, carved masks of various animals, woven baskets of cane and bamboo, wooden bowls known as Dapas, handmade paper products or finely crafted gods of silver. Other items you may be interested in are the exquisite Buddhist Thangkha paintings or Bhutan’s wide array of colourful and creative postage stamps. You can come across these items in the many handicraft shops in and around Thimphu and in other major towns. Please remember that buying and selling of antiques is strictly forbidden in Bhutan.

Bhutan ascribes to the metric system and most weights are measured in gram (g) and kilogram (kg). The standard time is 6 hours ahead of GMT.

The country has a good network of telecommunication facilities. All the hotels and cafe’s offer free Wi-Fi Internet access. Bhutan has a comprehensive mobile (cell) phone network with global roaming also assessable.

Tipping is a purely personal matter. We leave it up to you as to whether you want to give a gratuity to your tour guides and drivers.

There is no limit on the number of tourists allowed to visit in a year. In order to protect our culture, traditions and natural environment, the government has adopted a unique policy of “High Value, Low volume ”. This policy is aimed at attracting discerning tourists that will respect the unique culture and values of the Bhutanese people while also providing the visitors with an unforgettable one of a kind experience.

There is a ban on the sale of cigarettes in Bhutan. Smoking is also prohibited in public places, hotels and offices but each person is allowed to bring in 200 sticks or a carton for personal consumption.

There is a charge of Nu. 4,500 per car, per day. A guide is also mandatory and will be at an additional charge. If guests want to bring their own car, the cars must meet the requirements of Bhutan's Roads Safety and Transport Authority, and must also have a valid driver's license, insurance documentation, pollution control documentation, an entry permit, and a vehicle in reasonable condition. A valid Indian driver's license is accepted for self-driving within Bhutan. The same fees and rules apply for motorbikes. In case the vehicle is not owned by the guests travelling to Bhutan, an authorisation letter is required. For more information on this subject please contact our Hosts team; hosts@tourism.gov.bt