GENERAL INFORMATION

Visiting Bhutan

Bhutan is an all-season destination with a climate that varies widely from region to region. The dry autumn and winter months (from September to mid-March) offer warm days with temperatures ranging from approximately 16-18 C (60-64 F) when the sun is shining. Evenings and early mornings are cool with overnight temperatures falling to around freezing point. The spring season (mid-March to June) offers warmer temperature of around 27-29 C (81-84 F) during the day which fall to approximately 18 C (64 F) at night. During the summer, (June to September) days are clear and warm with temperatures of around 23 C (73 F). Afternoon showers dispel some of the heat and temperatures fall to around 15 C (59 F) at night.

Timezone

Standard Time +0600 UTC (Bhutan time is 6 hours ahead of GMT and there is only one time zone in country).

Health

The best facilities are available at the general hospital in Thimphu. Altitude sickness can be a problem for some travelers and efforts should be made to acclimatize before undertaking extensive activities or treks. No vaccination is currently required for traveling to Bhutan. General medicines are readily available but guests are advised to bring in their own requirement for the duration of their visit.

Electricity

In Bhutan, electricity runs on 220/240 volts, with round hole two-pin and three-pin power outlets.

Accommodation

We ensure that the best available accommodations are arranged for our guests throughout our tourist destination. Hotel in western Bhutan are better, while accommodation in the central and eastern part of the country are more modest, with fewer amenities. There is no star luxuries hotel available but there are resorts like Aman and Uma managed by the foreign expertise, which we can arrange but at your own expenses. During peak season no Hotels gives confirmation in advance and we can only provide Hotel names and details 21 days before arrival.

Food

The Bhutanese diet is rich in meat and poultry, dairy, rice and vegetables. Emadatse (chili and cheese stew) is considered the national dish. However, all the hotels and lodge on Vajra Guru’s selected list of accommodation offer delicious Continental, Indian & Chinese cuisine with local dishes too.

Clothing

Due to wide range of temperature and climatic conditions, it is advisable to consider layered clothing. Please dress modestly and respectfully for visits to monasteries, dzongs and other religious institutions, and refrain from smoking while on the premises. Hats, caps etc. should be removed before entering religious sites and sacred.

What to pack

Druk Air limits you one checked bag at a maximum weight of 20kg for economy class and 30 kg for business class, and hand luggage must not exceed 5kg. Clothing requirements vary greatly depending on the season. Comfortable sports shoes are ideal for light touring while hiking boots are recommended for anyone wishing to undertake a trek. Sunscreen/sun cream, lip balm/salve, ear plugs, hat, umbrella, camera, film and accessories, insect repellent, torch or flash light with spare batteries, soluble aspirin, antiseptic cream, anti-diarrhea pills, and any medication you take regularly, or might need to take for a periodically recurring condition, such as asthma. Bring enough film and plenty of spare camera batteries, as these may not be available locally.

Postal Services & Communications

You can send your cards, mails, letters, etc. from the post offices available at each place that you visit. International Courier Services like DHL International, EMS (Express Mail Service) and Blue Dart Courier are available in Thimphu.

All major towns in the country have both domestic and international direct dialing facilities. Most of the hotels and PCO have STD/ISD facilities and fax transmission facility.

Mobile telephonecoverage under Bhutan Telecom is available in Paro, Thimphu, Punakha, Wangdi Phodrang, Trongsa, Bumthang, Mongar and Trashigang valleys. However, there is no network coverage in-between the mountain passes and deep narrows valleys. GSM coverage is not available in Bhutan at this time, however our guide can arrange “SIM” cards and prepaid charge vouchers from Bhutan Telecom

In Thimphu and some major town, Internet and email services are available too.

Money

Bhutan’s currency is called Ngultrum (Nu.). 100 Chetrum is equal to 1 Ngultrum. ATMs facilities are not available in Bhutan but only visa cards are accepted at certain places. Tourists are advised to carry their money in form of traveler cheques (preferably American Express) with little cash which might be needed for emergency expenses or for purchases of local handicrafts and goods.

Photography

Photographic opportunities are immense throughout the trips. Please make sure to check and bring your camera batteries and any sophisticated chips. In general, people do not mind if you take their photograph. However, you are advised to follow the guide’s instructions in taking pictures while visiting dzongs, monasteries and other religious sites.

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 in Bhutan.

Customs

Visitors are required to complete the Customs formalities by submitting the Declaration Form to customs authorities on arrival. The following articles are exempted from customs duty:

1. 2 liters of alcohol; 400 cigarettes; 150 gms of pipe tobacco, 2 boxes of cigars
2. Instruments, apparatus or appliances for professional use
3. Photographic equipment, video cameras and other electronic goods for personal use Articles described in sl.no.2 & 3 must be declared on the Customs Form. If such items are disposed of in Bhutan by sale or gift they become liable for customs duty.
4. 4. Personal effects and articles for day to day use by the visitor. On departure, guests are required to surrender their forms to the Customs authorities.

Import and export of the following goods are strictly prohibited

1. Arms, ammunition, explosives and military stores
2. All narcotics and drugs (medically prescribed drugs are exempted)
3. Wildlife products, especially those of endangered species
4. Antiques

Visitors are advised to be cautious in purchasing old and used items. Customs authorities will not allow any old/used items to be taken out of the country if they have not been certified as non-antique from the Department of the Cultural Properties. Imports of plants, soils etc are subject to quarantine regulations and should be sought advice of Vajra Guru Spiritual Travels before planning to bring one.