Bhutan Travel Tips

Immigration requirements of Bhutan

All the visitors to Bhutan required Visa other than Indian nationality, however they must carry an Indian Passport, Indian Election Card or a letter issued by the Indian Government with indication that the carrier is of Indian nationality.

Bhutan visa must be obtained prior to arriving in the country and processing of Bhutan visa applications will be arranged by Bhutan Travel Inc and requires approximately 14 days for handling and fee of US$20 will be charged at time of booking.

Health and Safety matters in Bhutan

Royal Government of Bhutan doesn’t required guest visitors to have any particular vaccinations to enter the country. However, guests can consult the doctor about receiving immunization against certain preventable diseases while visiting Bhutan. The altitude in Bhutan may be higher than many people are used to. Though, the most people will have no major problem for adjusting the altitude sickness, perhaps a problem for certain people. The most our package programs normally does not reach higher than 3,500 meters from sea level. However, the guest travelers, those who are visitng Bhutan for mountain trekking will reach beyond 3,500 meters above the sea level. However, we will be providing the information once visiting itinerary is confirmed.

The best facilities are available at the general hospital in Thimphu. Travelers are advised to avoid untreated or un-boiled water. Water at the resort is fully treated and bottled water is also available. Altitude sickness can affect some travelers. General medicines are readily available but guests are advised to bring in their own requirements for the duration of their visit.

Means of Communication in Bhutan

English is spoken widely, since its use as the primary language of education. However, the national language is Dzongkha. Our Guides are in fluently English speaking and also, we do have some special language speaking guides, who are very fluent and can interpret into Japanese, German, French and Thai.

Means of Money Transaction in Bhutan

The price for any commodities will be quote in Ngultrum, the national currency of Bhutan which is equivalent of Indian Rupee. The Ngultrum is issued in notes of 1, 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 500 and 1,000. The US dollars are widely accepted and changed and guests are strongly advised to carry cash or travellers cheques since there is no ATMs are available in Bhutan. Only a few shops do accept credit cards and if they do, it is mainly VISA only.

Of course, Banks of Bhutan will accept Canadian Dollar, Pound Sterling, Euro, Japanese Yen, Swiss Franc, Hong Kong Dollar, Australian Dollar, Singapore Dollar, Danish Krone, Norwegian Krone and Swedish Krona for change and will not accept any credit cards.

Climate in Bhutan

Bhutan is a four season destination with a climate that varies widely from region to region. The dry autumn and winter months are from September till February, offering warm days with temperatures ranging from approximately 16 – 18°C and in evenings and early mornings will experience little cold and temperatures falling to around freezing in night. The spring months are from March till June, offers warmer temperatures of around 27 – 29°C during the day, falling to around 18°C at night. During the summer (June to September) days are clear and warm with temperatures of around 23°C. Afternoon showers dispel some of the heat and temperatures fall to around 15°C at night.

Travel tips in Bhutan

Bhutan electricity is 230 volts and Bhutan is six hours a head from GMT, 30 minutes ahead of India and 1 hour behind Thailand.

Visitors to Bhutan required clothing vary greatly depending on the seasonal. Light and loose attire is appropriate for summer days, however in evenings time perhaps will require a sweater or jacket. In winter season, warm clothes are necessary. Long underwear under trousers combined with layered clothing, fleece or down jackets, a hat and gloves are recommended. Bring comfortable sports shoes for light touring and hiking boots for treks. Sunscreen, lip balm and sunglasses are recommended for higher elevations.

Customs Information in Bhutan

Guest Visitors will be required to fill up the custom form and hand it over to the concerned officials on arrival. The following items may be exempted from customs duty for personal affects and articles for day to day use by visitors:
1. A litre of alcohol, 400 numbers of cigarettes and 150 grams of pipe tobacco
2. Instruments, apparatus or appliances for professional use
3. Photographic equipments, video cameras and other electronic goods for personal use

Above listed are allow bringing into Bhutan and some of these items must be declared in the Custom form.

Prohibition of Items in and out to Bhutan

Import and export of items like Arms, Ammunition or Explosives, all Narcotics and Drugs except medically prescribed one and wild life products, especially those of endangered species are strictly under prohibition.

Visitors are advised to be cautious in purchasing antiques, old and used items, especially religious items. Customs authorities will not allow any old or used items to be taken out of the country if the items have not been certified as non-antiques. Imports of plants, soil etc. is subject to quarantine regulations. These items must be declared upon arrival.

 

 

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        Dr. Haeck & Party – visited Bhutan from 5th to 16th April 2010 Dear Mr. Sonam Norbu First of all thank you and your co workers for ... read more