Tourism policy

Tourism in Bhutan is managed through a partnership of government regulators and private travel agencies under a policy summed up by the mantra ‘high value, low impact’. There is no restriction on visitor numbers; however, there is a minimum daily tariff fixed by the government.

The daily tariff includes all of your accommodation, food, land transport within Bhutan, services of guides and porters, supply of pack animals on treks, and cultural programs as appropriate. It also includes a US$65 tax, which is used by the government to fund infrastructure, education, health and other programs.

Safety

Bhutan probably could be termed as one of the safest countries in the world for tourists. Most of the Bhutanese people are friendly. We, however, advise our guests to be accompanied by a guide who will look into the comfort of our visitors from abroad.

Language

Bhutan’s national language is Dzongkha. However, English is widely spoken in most parts of the country.

Food & accommodation

While most hotels serve Continental, Indian and Chinese dishes, a typical Bhutanese staple is rice, ema datsi (chili and cheese curry), and suja (butter tea). While in Bhutan, we expect our guests to try Bhutanese dishes.

Although star-rated recently, the standard of accommodation in most tourist hotels, lodges, and guesthouses, remains relatively basic. The more frequented districts in western parts of the country generally offer better standards of accommodation than the less frequented eastern and southern parts. However, since all the hotels are approved by the Tourism Council of Bhutan, you can expect at least a decent standard.

Farmhouse stay with the most basic of amenities where you will be able to experience the typical Bhutanese lifestyle can be arranged for visitors to experience the real Bhutan.

Transportation & communication

The most popular mode of transportation within Bhutan is by motor vehicles. Domestic air travel while possible with the opening of two airports at Yongphula in Eastern Bhutan and Bumthang in Central Bhutan, is not very reliable mainly due to weather conditions.

Roads have reached all major towns and villages in the country. However, during monsoons, roads may be blocked by landslides and flash floods, disrupting travel.

All district headquarters and major towns have communication facilities like Internet Cafes, Post Offices, and Telephone Kiosks with international dialing facilities. Most of Bhutan have mobile phone coverage operated by B-Mobile and T-Cell

Banks

Bhutan’s currency is the ngultrum (Nu.) and is on par with the Indian Rupee, also an accepted legal tender in the country. The approximate exchange rate is Nu 63 for 1 US$.  It is however recommended that you carry travelers’ checks or cash, preferably American Express and US dollar instead, as the ATM facilities for foreign currency is limited to just few towns including the capital city Thimphu. Visa and American Express credit cards are also widely accepted. You may change dollars, Euros, traveler’s checks, and a few other convertible currencies at banks and bigger hotels in all major towns. A Forex is also located in the heart of Thimphu.

There are a number of banks in Bhutan that cater to the needs of the people. Some of the banks that you can avail services and facilities while in Bhutan are the Bank of Bhutan Limited, the Bhutan National Bank, the Druk PNB and the Tashi Bank. All the banks provide SMS and internet banking facilities. There are also ATM facilities available, and ATMs are located in a number of places where you can withdraw your money especially in Thimphu and in the border town of Phuentsholing. Traveler’s check can be easily withdrawn and exchanged into local currency. However, as you travel into the interior, ATM and internet facilities are almost non-existent and we suggest that you do your banking facilities while in Thimphu.

Shopping & credit cards

The most popular tourist purchases include traditional Bhutanese arts and handicrafts, Buddhist paintings (thangka), textiles, and wood carvings. Bhutanese hand-woven textile is prized around the world. You can buy them in most handicraft boutiques.

Credit cards (MasterCard, Visa & American Express) are accepted only by a handful of shops and hotels in bigger towns. Therefore, we suggest you carry sufficient traveler’s checks and cash. Please remember that buying and selling of antiques is strictly forbidden in Bhutan.

Health risks

Main health risks include diarrhea and respiratory problems because of the change in climate and seasons. For some, altitude change could also cause minor palpitations, shortness of breath or headaches, especially if on a trek. You are advised not to drink water from indiscriminate sources.

However, hospitals and clinics are located in almost every part of the country, even in the remotest areas. Indigenous medical facilities are also located in all district capitals.

The World Health Organization recommends the following vaccinations for travelers to Bhutan: Adult Diphtheria and Tetanus, Hepatitis A & B, Polio, Typhoid, Cholera, Rubella, Japanese B Encephalitis, and Rabies.

You might also want to carry a little first aid kit of the following important medicines: antifungal and antibacterial cream, antibiotic for skin infections, indigestion medication, laxative, paracetamol, sunscreen, and throat lozenges.

Time

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

Smoking

Buying and selling of tobacco products is banned in Bhutan. It is prohibited to smoke in public places and nearby temples and any other religious sites.

Electricity

All major towns are well connected with electricity that runs on 220/240 volts with round hole two-pin and three-pin power outlets.

Clothing

Given Bhutan’s varied climate and seasons, you are advised to carry a variety of clothes. Make sure you bring a hardy pair of boots and a rain gear. We recommend warm clothes in the evenings and mornings.

Climate 

Bhutan experiences four distinct seasons: spring, monsoon, autumn, and winter. Most tourist visit Bhutan in spring and autumn.

Spring is the time when Bhutan’s rich flora is at its best as hundreds of varieties of flowers bloom. And during this time around, the skies are clear and you can see towering snow-covered mountains of the Himalayas.

Even in spring Bhutan’s fierce winter, especially in high altitudes, isn’t over. Tourists who intend to visit during this time are advised to bring along some winter clothes. Spring season starts from March and ends roughly in June.

Another good time of the year – autumn – begins from September and lasts till the end of November.

Monsoon brings heavy downpours and occurs between June and August when the temperature is normally between 8° and 21°C (46°-70°F).

Winter in Bhutan is cold and dry with most high lying places snow-covered. Winter lasts from December to February.

Summer is humid and the country experiences heavy rains and frequent road blocks.

However, Bhutan’s climatic conditions are different at different places and locations because of country’s geography. Some places in Bhutan are as low as 100m, while others are more than 7,000m above sea level. The mountains in the north of Bhutan on the borders with Tibet are perennially covered with snow.

Bhutan has three different climatic zones: subtropical in the south, temperate in the central region, and alpine in the north.

Travel/Medical Insurance

The Royal Insurance Corporation of Bhutan (RICB) has initiated a travel and a medical scheme solely for our visitors. If you wish to apply for one, Yuden Tours Bhutan shall get detailed information about the insurance scheme. You may also visit the RICB website at www.ricb.com.bt