Travelers' Choice
Preparing for your journey to Bhutan involves considering practical details that ensure a comfortable and smooth experience. From packing appropriately for the varied climate and activities to understanding health precautions, managing currency, and staying connected, being well-prepared allows you to focus fully on the magic of the kingdom. Manifest Bhutan provides this guide to essential travel information, covering key aspects to consider before you depart. Remember, your personal travel designer is always available to answer any specific questions you may have.
Bhutan experiences a wide range of temperatures and weather conditions, often within the same day, depending on altitude and season. Layering your clothing is the most effective strategy.
Clothing:
• Comfortable layers: T-shirts, long-sleeved shirts (cotton or quick-dry), fleece jacket or warm sweater.
• Warm outer jacket: Waterproof and windproof jacket is essential, especially for spring, autumn, and winter.
A down jacket is recommended for colder months and higher altitudes.
• Trousers/Pants: Comfortable walking trousers, hiking pants (if trekking). Modest attire (covering shoulders and knees) is required when visiting religious sites (Dzongs, monasteries, temples). Avoid shorts, short skirts, and sleeveless tops in these locations.
• Comfortable Footwear: Sturdy, broken-in walking shoes or hiking boots are crucial. Bring comfortable shoes for evenings/town wear.
• Socks: Bring sufficient pairs, including warm thermal socks if traveling in winter or trekking.
• Formal Outfit (Optional): While not strictly necessary, a smart casual outfit can be nice for dinners at luxury lodges.
Gear & Accessories:
• Daypack: For carrying essentials during daily excursions (water, camera, jacket, sunscreen).
• Sun Protection: High SPF sunscreen, sunglasses, wide-brimmed hat (the sun can be strong at altitude).
• Personal Toiletries: Including any preferred brands, as options can be limited.
• Basic First-Aid Kit: Include personal medications, pain relievers, antiseptic wipes, blister treatment, motion sickness medication if needed.
• Insect Repellent: Especially for lower altitudes and summer months.
• Camera & Accessories: Extra batteries, memory cards, charger.
• Reusable Water Bottle: To minimize plastic waste.
• Headlamp/Torch: Useful for evenings and early mornings, especially if staying in farmstays or trekking.
• Universal Travel Adapter & Power Bank: Bhutan uses 230V electricity with various socket types (Indian/European common).
• Documents: Passport (valid 6+ months), Visa Clearance Letter (printed), flight tickets, travel insurance details, itinerary.
• Vaccinations: No specific vaccinations are mandatory for entering Bhutan. However, it is advisable to be up-to-date on routine vaccinations (MMR, Tetanus, etc.). Consult your doctor or a travel clinic 4-6 weeks before departure for personalized recommendations, which might include Hepatitis A, Typhoid, and others depending on your travel style and health history.
• Altitude Sickness: Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) can affect travelers ascending above 2,500 meters. Our itineraries, especially treks, are designed with acclimatization in mind. Stay hydrated, avoid alcohol initially, and ascend gradually. Inform your guide immediately if you experience symptoms (headache, nausea, dizziness). Diamox (Acetazolamide) can be considered as a preventative measure; consult your doctor.
• Food & Water: Drink only bottled, boiled, or treated water. Avoid tap water and ice cubes. Be cautious with raw vegetables and unpeeled fruits. Eat well-cooked food. Manifest Bhutan selects restaurants and lodges with high hygiene standards.
• Travel Insurance: Comprehensive travel insurance covering medical emergencies, evacuation, trip cancellation, and lost luggage is mandatory for all travelers booking with Manifest Bhutan.
• Official Currency: The Bhutanese Ngultrum (Nu.). It is pegged at par with the Indian Rupee (INR).
• Indian Rupees: INR (except for 500 and 1000 rupee notes issued before the 2016 demonetization, and the 2000 rupee note) are widely accepted in Bhutan.
• Exchanging Money: US Dollars, Euros, Pounds Sterling, and other major currencies can be exchanged for Ngultrum at Paro Airport, banks, and some hotels in major towns. Exchange rates are generally better at banks.
• ATMs: ATMs are available in Paro and Thimphu, and increasingly in other towns, but they are not always reliable for foreign cards. Do not depend solely on ATMs. They dispense Ngultrum.
• Credit Cards: Major credit cards (Visa, MasterCard) are accepted only at high-end hotels, resorts, and some larger handicraft stores. Cash is preferred for most transactions, especially in smaller shops and rural areas.
• Cash Recommendation: It is advisable to carry sufficient cash (either exchanged Ngultrum or acceptable INR/USD) for personal expenses like souvenirs, drinks, and tips.
• Tipping: Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory. You may wish to tip your guide and driver at the end of the tour if you are satisfied with their service. Manifest Bhutan can provide guidelines.
• Internet & Wi-Fi: Wi-Fi is available in most tourist-standard hotels and lodges, particularly in western Bhutan. However, speed and reliability can vary significantly, especially outside major towns. Don't expect high-speed connectivity everywhere.
• Mobile Phones & SIM Cards: Your home mobile carrier may offer international roaming in Bhutan, but it can be expensive. Local Bhutanese SIM cards (Bhutan Telecom or TashiCell) can be purchased easily upon arrival at the airport or in towns (passport copy and photo often required). This is usually the most cost-effective way to make local calls and access mobile data.
Proper preparation ensures peace of mind. If you have further questions about packing, health, money, or staying connected, please don't hesitate to ask your Manifest Bhutan travel designer.