Bhutan

land of the Thunder Dragon

Bhutan
Bhutan is a small, landlocked country located in the eastern Himalayas between China and India. It is known for its stunning natural beauty, with the Himalayas occupying much of the country and providing a backdrop to many of Bhutan's iconic landmarks. Bhutan is a predominantly Buddhist country with a rich cultural heritage and a unique way of life. The government is known for its emphasis on Gross National Happiness (GNH), which is a measure of the well-being of Bhutan's citizens.
Bhutan is a popular destination for travelers seeking a unique and authentic cultural experience. The country is home to various cultural and natural attractions, including ancient temples, monasteries, fortresses, beautiful forests, mountains, and rivers. A trip to Bhutan is an opportunity to experience the country's unique culture and way of life. Visitors can participate in traditional festivals and celebrations, visit monasteries and temples, and experience the country's natural beauty. There are several ways to explore Bhutan, including guided tours, treks, and self-guided travel. The best time to visit Bhutan depends on your interests, with spring and fall being the most popular times to visit due to the mild temperatures and clear skies.
Overall, Bhutan is a unique and beautiful country with a rich cultural heritage and stunning natural beauty. It is a popular destination for travelers seeking an authentic cultural experience and an opportunity to experience the unique way of life in the Himalayas.

When to Travel
When you imagine Bhutan, you might have visions of snowy peaks and crisp mountain air; however, because the country sits on the same latitude as Florida and the Canary Islands, the climate is relatively warm and pleasant, with temperatures averaging 15-20 °C. We think the best time to visit Bhutan is from March to May and September to November. In spring, you can expect colorful rhododendrons and the famous traditional Paro Tsechu festival of dances. At the same time, autumn brings white peaks, cool temperatures, and green landscapes. The winter months bring difficulties when traveling to higher passes and roads, but as long as you are prepared with light and warm clothing, Bhutan is a great place to visit all year round.


Bhutan Trips

Our Bhutan trip itineraries are the most popular and regularly running trips yearly on a fixed schedule. Please find trips that suit your interests, schedule, and budget. If you have a particular trip you like to do or planning a trip for a special occasion, we can create an itinerary to match your interests and schedule. Please get in touch with us. 

VISA

Everyone, except citizens of India, Bangladesh, and the Maldives, needs a visa to enter Bhutan. 
All tourists must book their trip through a travel agent. Once you booked your trip with Imperial Expedition we will apply for a visa on your behalf.  Certain documents, particularly the electronic copy of your passport, are required for processing your visa. 

 

TIME ZONE

The time zone in Nepal is  UTC +6.

LANGUAGES

Dzongkha is the national language of Bhutan, which is predominantly spoken in the western region of Bhutan. However, there are 25 dialects spoken in Bhutan. Bhutanese people speak English as it is the medium of instruction in schools. The official documents, road signs, and even the major national newspapers are published in English, making it easier for tourists to understand. But you should note that in the remote villages, Bhutanese people are not introduced to English speaking.

CURRENCY

Ngultrum is the official currency of Bhutan. You can purchase it at the Paro International Airport, the banks in Bhutan, and major shops in the town and city areas. We advise traveling with US Dollars as these are widely accepted. It is very important that US bills be new post-2006. You will also get a more favorable exchange rate in money exchange.
If you are relying on a credit or debit card for emergency funds, make sure you tell your card issuer that you will be using it abroad. 

ELECTRICITY

Bhutan's power supply runs on 230V and 50 Hz. This means you’ll want to make sure that your devices are dual voltage before plugging them into a power outlet. Fortunately, most devices these days are dual voltage.
Bhutan power plugs and sockets are of types D, F, and G. We advise buying Universal Travel Adapter All-in-one. 



Visit Dzong or Temple in Bhutan

Bhutan is home to countless dzongs and ancient temples shrouded in mythology and magic, making visiting these sacred destinations one of the best things to do in Bhutan. Whenever you enter a dzong or temple, remember to take off your shoes, hat, and sunglasses before entering. Also, speak softly as you tour around the temple and always move in a clockwise direction for holiness and good luck.

You should note that no stones can be picked up and thrown anywhere or carried with you, as this is considered disrespectful to the Holy Land. Photography is allowed in the courtyard but not allowed inside the temple. It is customary for people to leave a small sum of money on the altar when approaching the center of the temple. When you do this, the monk may pour a small amount of holy water into your hands, which you should drink or pose as you drink it, and then apply the remaining water to your head from front to back.

Dress Code in Bhutan

In Bhutan, men and women should avoid revealing clothing, including shorts, crop tops, short skirts, and halterneck tops. Nudity is completely prohibited. By contrast, the government requires tourists to dress neatly and modestly, especially when visiting pontificates or temples. Often, locals love to see tourists in traditional Bhutanese clothing, including Gho or Kira, and they are always happy to help you buy this unique garment.

 

 

IMMUNIZATIONS/VACC NATIONS FOR BHUTAN

Travelers arriving in Bhutan by air or land must present a certificate of full vaccination against COVID-19. Travelers who are unable to provide such a certificate must present a negative COVID-19 test report (RT-PCR, NAAT, Gene Xpert) taken within 72 hours of departure from the port of embankment. 
As vaccination requirements change frequently, we recommend that you consult your doctor and a travel clinic at least two months before your trip. If you choose to trek or climb, altitude-related illness such as Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) is a major concern. Before traveling, it is best to have a complete medical check and physical exam. You should carry a personal medical kit with you to be safe. Stay fit and healthy so you can make the most of your journey.

For further health information
https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/traveler/none/bhutan 

 

Bhutan Tour

PRIVATE GUIDED TRIP ONLY

I appreciate your interest in getting information about a personalized trip to Kilimanjaro climb with the Imperial Expedition! Our private, customized itineraries are designed just for you, turning your travel interests, needs, and desires into your perfect journey.
Popular attractions in Bhutan include the capital city of Thimphu, the Punakha Dzong, the Tiger's Nest Monastery, and the Phobjikha Valley. There are also many opportunities for outdoor activities, such as hiking, rafting, and birdwatching.
It's important to note that travel to Bhutan requires a special permit, which can be obtained through a tour operator.

 Your private guide can help you choose the best option for your itinerary and schedule. Please get in touch with us.