How to Experience Bhutan like a Pro

I completed my second trip to Bhutan and will be probably planning my third. So I thought I will share a collated list of things which either I learnt from the TripAdvisor forum, research on other platforms or from my travel experiences in this region which may help others planning a trip to Bhutan.

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1. Although Bhutan is generally safe, it is advisable to keep your valuable items such as wallets, cameras, and passports in a secure place or carry them with you at all times. We occasionally left our passports and money in the car while visiting certain points, but since our driver was present, we never encountered any issues with misplaced items.

2. Dress and behavior:

• Dress modestly and avoid wearing revealing clothes at religious sites.
• Wind cheaters are useful in various weather conditions.
• Layering is preferable to carrying a single heavy coat, as you can remove layers as needed.
• Good and comfortable walking shoes are essential.
• Some religious places may restrict open shoes or flip-flops. Check with your guide for any restrictions.
• If you're interested, you can try out the Bhutanese traditional dress in Paro, where there are dress rental shops.

3. Stay/ Hotel

• Some hotels might not have elevators, so it's important to check this before booking.
• If you need a Western-style toilet, make sure to confirm its availability.
• Farmhouses typically do not have attached baths.
• Farmhouses may not have beds; instead, bedding is usually arranged directly on the floor, which is comfortable and warm.
• If you're traveling during colder months, check the room's heating options, such as Bukhari or central heating.
• Verify the availability of hot water and any time restrictions.
• Not all hotels have disabled-friendly ramps, so ensure to check this before making a reservation.

4. Temple/ Monastery:

• When visiting temples, please remove your footwear and ensure that your head remains uncovered. Exception cases are where you need to keep your head covered as your own religion demands it (e.g. a Sikh’s wearing turbans)
• Walk clockwise while passing heritage and religious monuments.
• If referring to something, indicate it with an open upward palm or motion toward it with your chin. Don’t point your fingers at religious idols or arts, it is considered as rude
• Do not climb or step on any religious artifacts or temples

5. Do not feed wild animals:

• It is illegal to feed any wild animals (e.g., monkeys) if you encounter them on the road. This law exists to prevent ecological disturbances, such as wild animals becoming dependent on humans for food, changes in their natural feeding habits, and attracting predators that could pose a risk to human settlements.

6. Follow the instructions given by your tour guide strictly as they know the lay of the land better than you

7. Photography:

• Check with your guide before taking photographs within religious places or inside Dzongs.
• Photography is not allowed inside the temples

8. Sitting on the floor:

• When seated on the floor, it is important to sit cross-legged. It is bad manners to stretch your legs out in front of you.

9. Royals & Authorities:

• The Bhutanese hold their Queen and Kings in high regard. It is important not to make jokes about the Bhutanese royals, clergy, or authorities.

10. Weather:

• Make sure you are well-prepared and informed about the weather and other conditions in all the places you visit.
• Unlike India, Bhutan does not have tropical weather, so it doesn't rain continuously even during the rainy season.
• Nights are generally cooler, and temperatures can drop significantly depending on the month.

11. Shopping

• Generally, I found that the handicraft market in Thimphu offers cheaper options for souvenir shopping compared to Paro
• However, if you're looking for good quality souvenirs at a reasonable price in Paro, there's a lone shop by the Paro Chu bank (your guide will know the location). The lady there sells beautiful gift items at very reasonable prices.
• Invest in some good local things like Yak Wool Shawls/ mufflers ( Location : Lawa La Pass)
• If you're shopping for handicraft items or souvenirs, the best place is actually Jaigaon market on the border with Phuentsholing. You get the same quality as Thimphu and Paro, at much less price. Unfortunately, most of these 'made in Bhutan' items are product of India or Nepal and imported and sold in Bhutan. The second-best place to buy is Thimphu. In Paro they are much more expensive. If you do have to shop in Paro, the Choden souvenir shop opposite to the Paro Dzong photo-point is the place to go. Things are relatively cheaper there. Bargaining or haggling is generally not recommended; you may ask politely for a discount.

12. Walking / Hiking sticks:

• There are lot of stairs at various locations such as Dzongs, Monasteries, Hotels, Restaurants, and Attractions. Be prepared for a lot of climbing!
• For elderly individuals or those with mobility challenges, it is highly recommended to carry walking or hiking sticks.

13. Internet

• Get a SIM card from Phuentsholing (if entering by road) or Paro (if entering by flight). There are affordable 7-day data and voice plans available, such as 200 NU
• If you run out of data, you can visit any shop or ask your guide to top it up for you at very low rates, like 49 NU
• Hotels provide in-house Wi-Fi, so you only need coverage for the day while traveling
• Both Tashi Cell and Bhutan Telecom offer good connectivity, even in remote areas.
• Unless you have an urgent need to stay connected at all times, you can enjoy some internet-free time in Bhutan

14. Medicines:

• It's advisable to carry basic medicines with you, as there are very few medicine shops in remote areas.
• Many roads have numerous turns and bends, so if you suffer from motion sickness, please bring anti-nausea medication

15. Street Animals:

• Bhutan has many stray animals, as people here are generally very compassionate towards them. During both of my trips, I found all the strays to be very harmless. The locals enjoy petting and feeding them. I petted almost all the cats I encountered, and we fed the street dogs. My suggestion is not to be afraid of any strays, and if you love animals, you might enjoy petting a few. Also some people point out stray dogs barking at night causing a nuisance, but we didn’t face any such issues.

16. Money:

• The local currency of Bhutan is the Ngultrum (BTN), which has the same value as the Indian rupee (1 INR = 1 Ngultrum/NU).
• It's best to carry enough cash with you as cards of other countries might not work in local ATMs.
• I recommend completing your trip payment, which is the bulk amount, before your trip and only carrying cash needed for temple/Dzong/attractions entry, food, water, etc., which are over and above your package. This way, you can minimize the amount you need to carry.
• Carry some emergency funds per person in case you need them.
• INR denominations – Rs 10, Rs 50, Rs 100, and Rs 500 – all worked for us across Bhutan. However, the widely accepted denominations are Rs 500 and Rs 100.
• You might receive change from the Bhutanese either in NU or INR.
• Make sure to use up most of the NU before you leave Bhutan as they can't be used in India.
• I usually keep aside a few local currencies as souvenirs from my trip.
• ATM and banking facilities are limited in the interior of Bhutan, so it's best to do banking in Paro or Thimphu
• DO NOT RELY on ATMs. Due to the rush of tourists, they are almost always out of order or out of cash. UPI payment (Apple Pay, Google Pay etc.) do not work in Bhutan, and neither do debit or credit cards in most restaurants and shops.
• Indian citizens can bring up to Rs. 25,000 in Indian currency to Bhutan ( as per current rule)

17. Documents

• It's advisable to carry the contact number of your tour agent (if applicable), a backup emergency contact, and hotel contact numbers.
• Keep photocopies of your passport / voter’s card
• Have photocopies of your e-permit, as this needs to be shown at immigration.

18. Food

• Bhutan offers plenty of vegetarian options.
• Hotels that cater to Indian tourists often provide Indian food or buffets for dinner.
• If you prefer not to have Indian food, you can inform the hotel, and they may arrange an alternative menu based on availability.
• Be open to trying traditional Bhutanese food, as you will mostly dine outside your hotel during lunch, where restaurants typically serve Bhutanese cuisine.
• Most restaurants have a set menu for the day, costing around 500-600 NU for 1 or 2 non-vegetarian items and 700-800 NU for more than 2 non-vegetarian items. On average, lunch for two people would cost between 1000-1500 NU.
• If you stay in farmhouses, expect to be served traditional Bhutanese food instead of Indian food. Inform the farmhouse owners of any dietary restrictions or preferences.
• The cost of a water bottle is similar to India (20 NU for 500 ml).
• Almost every place in Bhutan has specific regional dishes, so don't miss out on them (e.g., Hontey /Buckwheat momos in Haa Valley, Puta/Buckwheat noodles in Bumthang).
• Contrary to popular belief, not all Bhutanese dishes are loaded with chilies. Specific dishes like Ema Datshi use chilies as a core ingredient, but many Bhutanese dishes have low spice levels. Locals often enjoy condiments like Ezay, a dry side dish made of chopped red dry chilies, green chilies, tomato, onion, and cheese. Ezay has several variants, and we particularly enjoyed the one with green chilies, which helps spice up the dishes.

19. Power Plugs & Sockets

• The standard voltage of electricity in Bhutan is 230 V and the frequency is 50 Hz. So countries like UK, Europe, Australia, and most of Asia and Africa, can use their electric or electronic appliances in Bhutan without a voltage converter.
• For Indians their chargers would work as is without any adapter
• If you travel with multiple gadgets like a camera, laptop, phone, tablet, or smartwatches, it's advisable to bring an extension cord with surge protection. Some hotels may have limited power outlets.
• I did not experience any power outages during any of my trips to Bhutan

20. Tipping

• Tipping is not mandatory but is recommended if you are satisfied with the service.
• It is suggested to tip your driver and guide based on the quality of service received. A decent tip is considered to be NU 300 – NU 500 per day per person (guide/driver).
• Instead of handing over cash directly, it is recommended to place it in an envelope before giving it.
• You can also bring small gifts for your driver/guide from your own country, such as spices or fridge magnets. These small gestures can make a big difference. For example, we brought Darjeeling tea on our first trip and jute bags and handmade diyas on our next trip. These gifts are optional and are over and above the tip.
• Treating your guide or driver to a meal is optional but recommended. For instance, you can invite them to join you for a meal on the last day of the trip.

21. Guides

• Having a guide is not mandatory if you are just exploring the town, but you need to be accompanied by guides when visiting landmarks, religious places, or Dzongs. Additionally, guides are required when traveling from one place to another.
• Drivers and guides should be separate individuals, as guides undergo rigorous training to answer tourist queries and are well-versed in communication languages like English and Hindi. They are knowledgeable about Bhutanese history, culture, religion, and natural heritage, making them invaluable for answering questions.
• Guides are proficient in English and local languages, but if you need a guide fluent in a foreign language, your tour operator can arrange it for you.
• You can also find guides with specialized skills such as birding, rafting, trekking, biking, and photography.
• Sometimes, tourists bring their personal translators if they are not comfortable with English.
• Inform your guides about your food preferences or any dietary restrictions so they can arrange lunch accordingly.
• Guides can help you discover hidden gems in restaurants and local attractions based on your preferences.
• Occasionally, guides can arrange a picnic, so check with your guide for that option.
• Have a curious mind and you can ask any number of question to your guide who is more than happy to answer them for you
• Guides and drivers generally stay on duty till 5-6pm or till they drop you to the hotel. If you need them in the evening, let them know in advance. Many times, they have to arrange their own accommodation after they drop you off and their hotel might be quite far from yours. So be considerate of that, when asking them to be available for dinner.

22. Taktsang Monastery / Tiger's Nest

• If for any reason you cannot keep Tiger's Nest in your itinerary , it will not make your trip to Bhutan useless! I have seen people associate Bhutan with only Tiger's nest because of the extremely instagrammable location it offers but believe me Bhutan is so much more than Tiger's Nest. And if you cant make it there, you will find hundreds of other fulfilling experiences in Bhutan.

23. Interaction with Locals

• 100% recommended from my side because Interacting with locals can reveal so many aspects of Bhutan that guidebooks won't cover. While you might not understand the language, especially in villages or farms, your guide can assist you. In cities, if you stay in boutique accommodations where the owner resides, definitely try striking up a conversation. We did this at Dhumra Farm Resort and now have an extended family in Bhutan!

24. Bonus Tip - Bhutanese Literature & Songs

• Our introduction to Bhutanese literature came from an unexpected source - Druk Air's in-flight magazine, Tashi Delek. While it may not be classified as traditional literature, it opened up a new perspective on Bhutan for us. We picked it up from the reception's reading materials and were captivated by the fluidity of the language used by some Bhutanese writers. From then on, we made it a point to read Bhutanese storybooks, articles, and magazines in English at every hotel we stayed in, thoroughly enjoying the experience. Some anthologies provided us with a detailed insight into Bhutan's socio-economic and cultural structure, which we couldn't find elsewhere. Similarly, we fell in love with Bhutanese songs after hearing them on various occasions. I noticed that Bhutanese people generally have excellent vocals and a love for singing, which inspired us to explore the karaoke culture in Bhutan.
•  If interested to read up on Bhutanese history and culture before your trip, I can recommend 'History of Bhutan' by Karma Phuntsho. It's a comprehensive record of Bhutan and its past, present and future.

25. Helpful Links

• Registered Guide List - https://a.storyblok.com/f/171618/x/2800ffd75d/dot-certified-list-guides-2.pdf
• Registered Tour Agent List: https://a.storyblok.com/f/171618/x/75eaa722bf/dot-certified-list-to-2.pdf
• Monument Entry Charges : https://curriesanstories.blogspot.com/2024/09/bhutan-monuments-entry-fee-and-timing.html ( compiled list)
• 2025 Festival calendar –
• https://www.drukasia.com/bhutan/bhutan-festivals-calendar-2025/

26. Best Time to Visit

Well there is no straight answer for this. It entirely depends on what is your focus area – cost, greenery, festival, snow, trekking etc. Bhutan is round the year destination so each month and each region/district has very distinct things that one can plan on experiencing. Based on my experience so far here are my two cents:

• Winter (Jan – Feb) :This is the coldest time to visit Bhutan, with temperatures across the country frequently dipping below zero. Anywhere above 3,000 metres is likely to see substantial snow and strong winds, making trekking in the highlands untenable. Occasionally, remote regions may be cut off due to extreme conditions. However, the central and southern region will be warmer and still accessible for hiking.
• Spring (Mar-April): Peak Season. Widely considered one of the best times to travel, spring sees pleasant temperatures and mostly clear skies, which means the incredible landscapes are at their best. Rainfall and humidity are low at this time. The wildlife and flowers are at their most vivid. The magnificent rhododendrons, magnolias and other wildflowers are in bloom and birdlife is abundant. April is also known for the beautiful Rhododendron Festival ( Thimphu , Trashigang ). Multiple festivals (Punakha Drubchen, Punakha Tshechu, Gom Kora, Paro Tshechu) are usually planned during these months which draw a large crowd. If your primary target is to attend festivals then be sure to check the festival calendar of Bhutan well in advance and plan your stay and travel. Great time for trekking. Lot of Indian tourists visit during this time.
• Summer (May – June): Shoulder Season. Summer begins at the start of May and sees increased humidity and rainfall. But before the arrival of the monsoon in late June, this can still be a good time to visit, with warmer temperatures throughout the country and shoulder-season rates. A few festivals like Domkhar Tshechu, Ura Yakchoe happens ( as per 2025 festival calendar ). June doesn’t have any festivals in 2025.
• Monsoon (Jul-Aug) : Off Season. July is the warmest month in Bhutan, with temperates in the east reaching up to 31.5°C. Usually considered the off season as its monsoon time. Bhutan does not have a tropical climate like India, so even in monsoon season one might not experience continuous rain throughout the day. A few showers of light rainfall can be expected. The weather will range from pleasant, warm to cold ( high passes). Please note some roads might get landslides ( e.g Phobjika to Bumthang) so gather proper information before planning travel on such routes. Since its off season one can book premium hotels at great low season deals. Popular Festivals (Kurjey Tshechu)
• Autumn (Sep-Oct): Peak Season. The most popular time to visit Bhutan, October being the most popular month to travel. The weather is milder, the skies are generally clearer making it particularly suitable for hiking and trekking. Popular Festivals (Thimphu Tshechu, Gangtey Tshechu, Jakar Tshechu, Pemagatshel Tshechu)
• Autumn ( Nov– Dec): Peak Season. Winter begins and temperatures will start to dip, especially in Thimphu, Paro. November is the best time to see the famous black-necked crane- in Phobjika and Eastern Bhutan (Tashi Yangtse etc.). This is also a great time to witness subtle fall colours and scattered cherry blossom. Bumthang has some of the best autumn views. Multiple festivals happen at this time (Jambay Lhakhang Drup, Prakhar Duchhoed, Black Necked Crane Festival, Mongar Tshechu, Trashigang Tshechu, Trongsa Tshechu etc). Skies are mostly clear and blue, trekking conditions are fantastic. Very limited Indian tourists, mainly foreign tourists visit. Hotel prices are expensive and gets sold out 8-10 months in advance.

Lastly, rather than just visiting Bhutan as a tourist and focusing on the number of sightseeing spots, take some time to 'stop and smell the flowers.' Bhutan is a beautiful country with wonderful people who appreciate your visit. Make sure to soak in the beauty of the moment and feel blessed to be in a country that still has so much natural beauty.