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TRAVEL GUIDE TO BHUTAN
Airport Taxes
The departure tax for international passengers is approximately US$10 collected at
the airport at time of departure.
Baggage
On Domestic flights,
passengers are allowed 44 pounds of luggage per person. On International
flights, passengers are allowed two pieces of checked luggage. Excess
luggage fees will be charged if you check more than the stated
allowances, and these charges are your responsibility. At most
major airports, baggage carts are available for your luggage, usually
for a small fee.
Climate
and Clothing
Bhutan's climate ranges from tropical in the south, to temperate in
the center of the country, to cold in the north...and like much of your
adventure in the Himalayas it will be quite unpredictable. The weather
can vary dramatically from place to place, from day to day or within the
same day. In the Thimphu and Paro valleys, the winter daytime
temperature averages 60 degrees Fahrenheit during clear winter days but
drops well below freezing during the night. Mid December to early
January can be a beautifully clear and dry time in Western Bhutan. Late
December through mid February is the period of heaviest snow fall in the
higher elevations.
The fluctuations are not quite so great during the summer and daytime
temperature often rises to the mid-eighties Fahrenheit. Punakha and the
central valleys are lower than their Western neighbors and tend to
always be a few degrees warmer. The higher peaks will be snow-covered
all year. The higher passes, particularly Thrumshing La, between
Bumthang and Mongar, can be treacherous during the winter as snow falls
frequently and ices up the road. Light snow will often dust Thimphu and
Paro in winter, and occasionally there will be heavy snowstorms despite
their location in the Central Himalayas.
The Summer monsoon from the Bay of Bengal affects Bhutan from late May
to late September. Views over the Himalayas from the higher passes are
usually obscured from June to August. There are notable advantages to
visiting Bhutan during the wet season including the spectacular
rhododendron blossom from March through May and the deep green valleys.
Many species of wild orchids are in full bloom during late summer season
(August).
The Spring season in Bhutan can only be compared to a master artist's
palette, truly a spectacular time. The autumn season, late September
through November, is usually very mild and clear. The Fall colors
surround and embrace your senses. The sky is usually at it's clearest,
affording magnificent views of the Himalaya range. The Spring and Fall
seasons are traditionally the most popular times to visit the Kingdom.
Bhutan's changeable climate means you have to bring an assortment of
clothes, including rain gear. A layered wardrobe makes the most sense.
Good walking shoes or hiking boots are essential even if you are not
hiking. Because of the altitude, a hat or cap and a good pair of
sunglasses are essential. Warm clothes are recommended for the evening.
Because of the long distances between towns an villages bring the
medicines you'll need along with some first-aid supplies.
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Communications
Telephones & fax facilities are available in major hotels but charges
are quite expensive. You can send or receive mail but it takes
approximately 10 to 14 days to receive mail from anywhere in USA or
Europe. Most places you travel on cultural tours have some basic
internet/email service.
Currency
Bhutanese currency is the ngultrum (nu). The approximate exchange
rate is 45.00 nu for one US dollar. The Ngultrum is on par with the
Indian Rupee (both the Nu and Indian Rupee can be used in Bhutan). US
Dollars and other world currencies as well as traveler's cheques can be
exchanged at banks in the larger towns (hours 10:00 am to 1:00 pm, Mon
to Fri) and at the larger hotels. In the capital town of Thimphu some of
the smaller bank branches are open Saturday and Sunday for currency
exchange. Rural towns and villages may accept only Ngultrum or rupees.
Credit cards are not accepted in almost all shops in Bhutan.
Travelers check are accepted in most places. There are money exchange counters
at the airport, major hotels, and the banks. Traveler’s checks may be
exchanged for cash.
Customs Regulations
The Bhutanese authorities strictly monitor the export of any
religious antiquities or antiques of any kind from the Kingdom (100
years or older). Visitors are advised to be cautious in purchasing old
and used items. Custom authorities will not allow items to be taken out
of the country if they have not been officially certified as
non-antique. Personal videos, cameras, personal computers, portable
telephones or any other electronic device should be registered with the
customs authorities on arrival at Paro and will be checked by the same
on departure. Upon arrival you will be issued a "customs form" this form
must be filled out, with declarations, and returned to authorities
before leaving the kingdom. Import of plants, soils, etc., are subject
to quarantine regulations. These items must be declared on arrival.
Electricity
The voltage in Bhutan is 220 Volts AC.
Electrical appliances will require an adapter that can change the shape
of the plug prongs, as well as an electrical voltage converter that will
allow a normal 110-volt American appliance to take the 220 Volt current.
Food and
Water
Tap water is not potable in Bhutan. Only drink purified bottle water.
Bring water with you at all times, especially when trekking.
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Heath
Matters
No inoculations or vaccinations are required unless coming from or
passing through an infected area. Travelers should bring sufficient
medication with them if required and should check for updated health
recommendations before your departure to Bhutan regarding hepatitis,
malaria, typhoid, etc.
Holidays
Winter Solstice - Jan 2nd
Traditional Day of Offerings - Jan 22nd
LOSAR (NEW YEARS DAY) WOOD MALE MONKEY YEAR - Feb
Shabdrung Kuchoe - Apr 30th
Birth Anniversary of Third King HM Jigme Dorje Wangchuck- May 2nd
Coronation Anniversary of HM King Jigme Singgye Wangchuck - Jun 2nd
Lord Buddha's Parinirvana - Jun 3rd
Birth Anniversary of Guru Rinpoche - Jun 27th
First Sermon of Lord Buddha - Jul 21st
Death Anniversary of Third King HM Jigme Dorje Wangchuck - Jul 27th
Blessed Rainy Day - Sep 22nd
Thimphu Drupchen* Sept 18th to 22nd
Thimphu Tshechu* - Sep 23 - 25th
Dashain - Oct 23rd
Descending Days of Lord Buddha - Nov 4th
Birth Anniversary of HM King Jigme Singgye Wangchuck - Nov 11 - 13
National Day - Dec 17th
Meeting of the Nine Evils - Dec 18th
*For Thimphu only
Passports and Visas
All visitors to Bhutan must have a visa approved prior to arriving in
the kingdom. Those who have not had a visa approved will not be
permitted to board their Druk Air flight to Bhutan. A two-week visa
costs US$20 and is stamped in your passport at Paro Airport during the
immigration process. Visas are approved and issued prior to entry, with
the prepayment of your travel itinerary. Therefore visitors to Bhutan
need to finalize their travel plans well in advance. We recommend 120
days.
Time Difference
Standard Time in
Bhutan is 6 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time and 11 hours ahead of Eastern
Standard Time, USA.
Tipping
Tipping in restaurants
is seldom practiced. For guides, drivers, cooks and porters on tours and
treks, around US$2 cash per day is appropriate.
On tours with private sightseeing, gratuities of $5-$10 for travel
guides, $2-$3 for drivers per person / day is customary.
Transportation
All ground transportation, airport
transfers and sightseeing, will be provided via private car and guide. Taxis are available from major hotels and the
use of mass public transportation is not recommended.
Mode of transportation within Bhutan is by motor vehicles
only. There are no domestic airlines or trains. However the main roads
are well maintained. The main two lane highway runs from west to east
connecting all the major towns and villages. The mountainous terrain and
winding roads restrict the average speed of vehicles to less than 40
km/hr. During monsoon and winter months, weather can disrupt travel and
unexpected changes might occur in itineraries. Every effort will be made
to stay as close to original travel itinerary as possible. For visitors
wishing to enter Bhutan by road, the only land entry point is through the
southern boarder town of Phuentsholing, bordering West Bengal India.
All visa and custom regulations apply.
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What to Pack?
Valid Passport.
Travelers Checks. Copy of Your Airline Ticket.
Mosquitoes
repellent. Your Medicines. Departure
documents. Travel alarm clock. Camera(s), batteries & films. Sunscreen/Tan lotion. Pocket size
Kleenex. Extra luggage locks/keys. First Aid kit. Soft, foldable
slippers. Extra set of eyeglasses. Folding Umbrella. Comfortable
walking shoes. |
