Bhutan | Vietnam | Cambodia | Laos | Myanmar | Thailand | Indonesia | Singapore | Hong Kong | Multi Country | Adventure | Veterans | Global VolunTourism


Home
About Us
Booking Info
Travel forms
Custom Programs
FAQ
Country info
Volunteer
Client Comments
Weather
Insurance

Global Community
Service Foundation


 Itinerary search


Order a Catalog!
Register Now

Multi-country

Or call:
1.800.419.4446
Email us

BHUTAN TRAVEL TIPS


TRAVEL DOCUMENTS


A passport valid up to 6 months beyond your travel dates, and a visa are required for entry into Bhutan. Your Bhutan visa will be obtained by our representative in Bhutan prior to your departure. Visa details should be sent to us 30 days before your date of travel. The visa fee is paid upon arrival in Bhutan. You must bring two recent passport size photographs with name and passport number printed clearly on the back. The actual visa is issued on arrival at the port of entry after you present your photographs and passport.


CURRENCY

Bring US cash in smaller & various denominations. The Bhutanese currency is called Ngultrum. You will have to exchange some Ngultrum to use in smaller cities and local markets. You can exchange money at the airport bank or hotel you stay at if the cashier has enough money. US dollars are widely accepted in most local markets. Most bankcards do not work in Bhutan and you should not rely on your bankcard. VISA is accepted in a few of the major stores with a surcharge of up to 7%.


CLIMATE & CLOTHING

In general, from June to September cottons and a good sweater will be enough. From October to May you will need warm clothes including long underwear or woolen tights to wear under pants, and a warm jacket. It is best to layer clothes since it is usually cooler in the morning and evenings. Sun protection is essential, including sunglasses, hat and sun block. Comfortable lace up shoes are highly recommended. Hiking boots are not necessary unless you are trekking but if you are comfortable in hiking boots, bring them. There is lots of walking during sightseeing. This is a casual trip. Formal wears is not required at any time.

HEALTH

No special vaccinations are required for Bhutan. We recommend travelers check with their own physician or a clinic specializing in international travel. Bring any prescription medications (in the original containers) currently required, you may not be able to obtain these medications in Bhutan. Pack a small medical kit with sunscreen, inspect repellent, diarrhea medication, ibuprofen or aspirin and antibacterial ointments. If you wear eyeglasses, bring an extra pair. It is strongly recommended that you have a dental check up before departure. Anyone prone to motion sickness should bring appropriate medications. Also refer to the Center for Disease Control www.cdc.gov.

LUGGAGE

Lightweight packing is the best policy. It will be more convenient and you will be charged for luggage over the weight limit of 44 lbs/person at the airport for incountry travel.

FOOD

Meals are included as specified in your itinerary. Breakfasts will be at the hotels, mostly American Buffet style with fruit, eggs, bacon, juices, etc. Lunches and dinners will be at Bhutanese restaurants. While Bhutanese food is spicy, you will be served food more geared to your taste buds. Buffet style meals are typical and include a mixture of Bhutanese, European, Chinese and Indian dishes. Typically fresh, well-prepared vegetables and rice. You may want to bring a few snacks such as granola bars, nuts, dried fruits, or your own decaffeinated coffee/tea.

PHOTOGRAPHY

The photo opportunities are immense. The natural scenery is superb and you will wish to record the local people, their houses and shops, etc. Please note that photography in shrine rooms (alter) of dzongs, monasteries, temples and religious institutions is not permitted. When visiting such places please check with your guide before taking photographs.

SHOPPING

Hand woven textiles, carved masks, woven baskets, wooden bowls, handmade paper products, finely crafted metal objects, thangka paintings and Bhutan’s exquisite postage stamps are the items mostly purchased by travelers to Bhutan. Buying and selling of antiques is strictly forbidden.

RELIGIONS

Buddhism is practiced throughout the country and the majority of the Bhutanese are Buddhist. Hinduism is practiced particularly in Southern Bhutan among the Bhutanese of Nepali origin

MAJOR HOLIDAYS AND FESTIVALS

The largest festival Tshechu, is an event honoring Guru Rinpoche with dances performed by the monks as well as by lay people. The dates and duration of the Tshechu festivals vary among dzongkhags (Districts) but they always fall on or around the 10th day of the month in the Bhutanese calendar. There are many other festivals throughout the year.

LOCAL TIME

+ 11 hours for EST (subtract 1 hour for daylight savings)

ELECTRICITY

230 volts alternate @ 50 cycles

TRAVEL ADVISORY

Visit the US State Department website at www.state.gov for the most current travel advisory.

RECOMMENDED READING

We recommend titles from Longitude Books, www.longitudebooks.com


   © From 1998 Global Spectrum, Inc. - Travel Specialists to Viet Nam and Beyond
   Email Global Spectrum Travel / 1.800.419.4446  3907 Laro Court, Fairfax, VA 22031 USA