Travel Guide
India - Nepal - Bhutan
Incredible India
Exploring the world can be one of the most rewarding experiences in life. However, planning a trip can be extremely frustrating especially when one doesn't know where to start. We understand travel needs of all and deliver the best through meticulous planning. Given below please find some information which will help you in planning your India travel:
PASSPORT AND VISA: There is a visa required to enter India, Nepal & Bhutan. A foreign citizen needs a signed passport valid for at least six months from the date of arrival in India with two blank pages for stamping by the Immigration Officer and a current visa to enter India. Additionally, travelers need to have visa with specific permission if they are visiting a restricted area – Ladakh, Sikkim, Andaman & Nicobar Islands etc.
E-TOURIST VISA: For more latest information on Passport & Visa requirement CLICK HERE to read detailed information on requirements and how to apply online.
IMPORTANT: In case your travel includes a visit to Nepal or Bhutan and requires you to return to India to take your international flight home or touring in India, you would have to apply for a double or multiple entry Indian visa. In addition,
CUSTOMS GUIDELINES: Any traveler can bring foreign exchange into India from a place outside India. However, Declaration of foreign exchange/currency has to be made before the custom officers in the following cases:
- Where the aggregate value of foreign exchange (in the form of currency notes, bank notes, traveler cheques etc.) exceeds US$ 10,000 or its equivalent.
WEATHER: India has three major seasons: winter, summer and the monsoon. The winter months (November-March) are pleasant throughout India with bright sunny days. In the northern plains, the minimum temperature at times drops steeply and there is snowfall in the hills. In southern and eastern India, however, December and January are pleasantly cool, never really cold.
It is during the summer months (April-June) that hill resorts such as Shimla, Kashmir valley, Darjeeling and Mount Abu provide cool retreats.
The south-west monsoon usually breaks about the beginning of June on the west coast and reaches elsewhere later. With the exception of the south-eastern areas, India receives the major share of its rainfall between June and September. The south-eastern areas receive most of the rainfall from the north-east monsoon between mid-October and December-end.
Traditionally, India has been most popular in the winter months. However, with easy availability of air-conditioned hotels, transport and leisure facilities (such as dining and shopping, the summer months have become equally popular.
HEALTH: We recommend you consult your Physician or Health consultant for any inoculation/vaccination for your travel itinerary, because we don't provide any medical advice.
INSURANCE: We strongly recommend purchasing a travel issuance to cover each traveler for any trip cancellation/interruption, personal or baggage loss and medical emergency or evacuation etc.
Note: Heart of Asia Travels can help you to buy insurance plan through our Travel Partner in your respective country.
WHAT TO PACK / CLOTHING: While selecting a suitable wardrobe prior to your travel to India, we suggest that you choose clothing that is adaptable to the Indian climate. For summers and monsoons, the most practical would be a mix of plain cotton and blended cotton. They are the coolest in summers. It is advisable to avoid synthetic fabrics that do not “breathe" as these may not be comfortable. A hat with a wide brim comes in handy in protecting you from the harsh sun. During monsoons, a collapsible umbrella is advisable, as there can be sudden, unexpected showers. During the winter months, sweaters and light jackets are a must.
It is preferable (especially for ladies) to dress modestly. We strongly advise you not to wear shorts, mini-skirts or tank tops, particularly in the smaller towns and cities as people here are conservative. Most Indians dress in a modest manner.
When visiting places of worship, women are not allowed to enter with bare shoulders, short pants or short skirts and we recommend wearing a long skirt, dress or slacks. A scarf is acceptable to cover shoulders if women are wearing a sleeveless top and it is not necessary to cover your head. Men should also be suitably dressed when visiting a holy place. Shorts are discouraged. All visitors will be required to remove their footwear before entering the precincts of the temples and the mosques.
For dinner at the hotels, we recommend smart casuals to suit a tropical climate.
ELECTRICITY: In India electricity runs on 220 volts. If you are traveling with electrical appliances bring along an international converter adapter.
PHOTOGRAPHY: When photographing people, always ask permission. The exception is when taking a general picture of crowds and scenes. Photography at airports is strictly forbidden.
INTERNET: Most of the hotels in India offer Wi-fi or wired services for a charge and they also have business centers with PCs.
CUISINES OF INDIA: The visitor who imagines that Indian food consists of rice and curry is in for a few surprises. For rice, which is the staple diet in only a part of the country, forms but a fraction of a meal in any restaurant, and as for the word 'curry', it is largely unintelligible to most Indians, being a term coined in the West. Certainly, gravy based dishes are prominent throughout India but they are far from being similar to one another. And, of the score or so of commonly used spices in an Indian Kitchen, only fresh green and dried red chilies are pungent. Request a restaurant to omit this ingredient, and you have authentic Indian food without the pungency. And that's the way many Indians like their food – with no chilies.
Just as there are no single style of Indian cooking, there is no one national dish. Styles of cooking and commonly used ingredients differ not only from region to region, but from one household to another.
BAGGAGE ON DOMESTIC FLIGHTS: Domestic Airlines allow one free piece of checked baggage weighing 15 kg (33 lbs) in Economy Class and 20 kg (44 lbs) in Business Class. Checked baggage exceeding the allowable weight is subject to excess baggage charges at the airport.
Hand luggage is limited to one piece of 7 kg (15 lbs) for each passenger in Economy and Business Class. Size restrictions also apply. All Baggage – both checked and cabin are physically checked and x-rayed at the airports.
Domestic Airlines do not permit any inflammable items, dry cell batteries and sharp implements are strictly prohibited to be carried in cabin baggage. Please ensure that such items are packed in your checked bags.
GRATUITIES: Gratuities are not compulsory but generally expected. The amount is determined by your satisfaction of the services provided. While the decision rests entirely with you.
PERSONAL EXPENSES: Personal expenses such as room service, phone calls, internet, beverages, laundry/dry cleaning, airline excess luggage charges, tipping and visa fees are not included.
MEALS ON TOUR: Most hotel accommodation includes buffet breakfast. Generally, lunch & dinner are usually not included except during overnight stay at Jungle lodges & Houseboat in Kerala. You are free to have lunch & dinner at any location outside your hotel. During day tours your local guide can give you recommendation for good restaurants in the city.
Gala Dinner on Christmas and New Year’s eve – Most hotels have Gala dinner celebration on these special occasions and extra mandatory charge has to be paid to the hotel.
ARRIVAL INSTRUCTIONS AND TRAVEL DOCUMENTS: The regulations at most international airport do not permit passengers to be met inside the secure areas (such as the immigration and customs).
Your driver would be waiting for you in the visitors meet and greet area INSIDE or OUTSIDE terminal building (after baggage claim & customs). He will be holding a placard with your name written on it - please acknowledge his paging board to recognize you.
Your all travel documents, including final tour itinerary with local representative contact–list and any internal flight or train tickets would be handed over to you on arrival in India.
PASSPORT AND VISA: There is a visa required to enter India, Nepal & Bhutan. A foreign citizen needs a signed passport valid for at least six months from the date of arrival in India with two blank pages for stamping by the Immigration Officer and a current visa to enter India. Additionally, travelers need to have visa with specific permission if they are visiting a restricted area – Ladakh, Sikkim, Andaman & Nicobar Islands etc.
E-TOURIST VISA: For more latest information on Passport & Visa requirement CLICK HERE to read detailed information on requirements and how to apply online.
IMPORTANT: In case your travel includes a visit to Nepal or Bhutan and requires you to return to India to take your international flight home or touring in India, you would have to apply for a double or multiple entry Indian visa. In addition,
CUSTOMS GUIDELINES: Any traveler can bring foreign exchange into India from a place outside India. However, Declaration of foreign exchange/currency has to be made before the custom officers in the following cases:
- Where the aggregate value of foreign exchange (in the form of currency notes, bank notes, traveler cheques etc.) exceeds US$ 10,000 or its equivalent.
WEATHER: India has three major seasons: winter, summer and the monsoon. The winter months (November-March) are pleasant throughout India with bright sunny days. In the northern plains, the minimum temperature at times drops steeply and there is snowfall in the hills. In southern and eastern India, however, December and January are pleasantly cool, never really cold.
It is during the summer months (April-June) that hill resorts such as Shimla, Kashmir valley, Darjeeling and Mount Abu provide cool retreats.
The south-west monsoon usually breaks about the beginning of June on the west coast and reaches elsewhere later. With the exception of the south-eastern areas, India receives the major share of its rainfall between June and September. The south-eastern areas receive most of the rainfall from the north-east monsoon between mid-October and December-end.
Traditionally, India has been most popular in the winter months. However, with easy availability of air-conditioned hotels, transport and leisure facilities (such as dining and shopping, the summer months have become equally popular.
HEALTH: We recommend you consult your Physician or Health consultant for any inoculation/vaccination for your travel itinerary, because we don't provide any medical advice.
INSURANCE: We strongly recommend purchasing a travel issuance to cover each traveler for any trip cancellation/interruption, personal or baggage loss and medical emergency or evacuation etc.
Note: Heart of Asia Travels can help you to buy insurance plan through our Travel Partner in your respective country.
WHAT TO PACK / CLOTHING: While selecting a suitable wardrobe prior to your travel to India, we suggest that you choose clothing that is adaptable to the Indian climate. For summers and monsoons, the most practical would be a mix of plain cotton and blended cotton. They are the coolest in summers. It is advisable to avoid synthetic fabrics that do not “breathe" as these may not be comfortable. A hat with a wide brim comes in handy in protecting you from the harsh sun. During monsoons, a collapsible umbrella is advisable, as there can be sudden, unexpected showers. During the winter months, sweaters and light jackets are a must.
It is preferable (especially for ladies) to dress modestly. We strongly advise you not to wear shorts, mini-skirts or tank tops, particularly in the smaller towns and cities as people here are conservative. Most Indians dress in a modest manner.
When visiting places of worship, women are not allowed to enter with bare shoulders, short pants or short skirts and we recommend wearing a long skirt, dress or slacks. A scarf is acceptable to cover shoulders if women are wearing a sleeveless top and it is not necessary to cover your head. Men should also be suitably dressed when visiting a holy place. Shorts are discouraged. All visitors will be required to remove their footwear before entering the precincts of the temples and the mosques.
For dinner at the hotels, we recommend smart casuals to suit a tropical climate.
ELECTRICITY: In India electricity runs on 220 volts. If you are traveling with electrical appliances bring along an international converter adapter.
PHOTOGRAPHY: When photographing people, always ask permission. The exception is when taking a general picture of crowds and scenes. Photography at airports is strictly forbidden.
INTERNET: Most of the hotels in India offer Wi-fi or wired services for a charge and they also have business centers with PCs.
CUISINES OF INDIA: The visitor who imagines that Indian food consists of rice and curry is in for a few surprises. For rice, which is the staple diet in only a part of the country, forms but a fraction of a meal in any restaurant, and as for the word 'curry', it is largely unintelligible to most Indians, being a term coined in the West. Certainly, gravy based dishes are prominent throughout India but they are far from being similar to one another. And, of the score or so of commonly used spices in an Indian Kitchen, only fresh green and dried red chilies are pungent. Request a restaurant to omit this ingredient, and you have authentic Indian food without the pungency. And that's the way many Indians like their food – with no chilies.
Just as there are no single style of Indian cooking, there is no one national dish. Styles of cooking and commonly used ingredients differ not only from region to region, but from one household to another.
BAGGAGE ON DOMESTIC FLIGHTS: Domestic Airlines allow one free piece of checked baggage weighing 15 kg (33 lbs) in Economy Class and 20 kg (44 lbs) in Business Class. Checked baggage exceeding the allowable weight is subject to excess baggage charges at the airport.
Hand luggage is limited to one piece of 7 kg (15 lbs) for each passenger in Economy and Business Class. Size restrictions also apply. All Baggage – both checked and cabin are physically checked and x-rayed at the airports.
Domestic Airlines do not permit any inflammable items, dry cell batteries and sharp implements are strictly prohibited to be carried in cabin baggage. Please ensure that such items are packed in your checked bags.
GRATUITIES: Gratuities are not compulsory but generally expected. The amount is determined by your satisfaction of the services provided. While the decision rests entirely with you.
PERSONAL EXPENSES: Personal expenses such as room service, phone calls, internet, beverages, laundry/dry cleaning, airline excess luggage charges, tipping and visa fees are not included.
MEALS ON TOUR: Most hotel accommodation includes buffet breakfast. Generally, lunch & dinner are usually not included except during overnight stay at Jungle lodges & Houseboat in Kerala. You are free to have lunch & dinner at any location outside your hotel. During day tours your local guide can give you recommendation for good restaurants in the city.
Gala Dinner on Christmas and New Year’s eve – Most hotels have Gala dinner celebration on these special occasions and extra mandatory charge has to be paid to the hotel.
ARRIVAL INSTRUCTIONS AND TRAVEL DOCUMENTS: The regulations at most international airport do not permit passengers to be met inside the secure areas (such as the immigration and customs).
Your driver would be waiting for you in the visitors meet and greet area INSIDE or OUTSIDE terminal building (after baggage claim & customs). He will be holding a placard with your name written on it - please acknowledge his paging board to recognize you.
Your all travel documents, including final tour itinerary with local representative contact–list and any internal flight or train tickets would be handed over to you on arrival in India.
Himalayan Country - Nepal
Coming Soon
Kingdoms Of the Sky - Bhutan
How to Reach Bhutan
Bhutan has one international airport. The international airport at Paro is located at 7,300 feet above sea level and surrounded by mountains and hills as high as 16,000 feet. The flight between Paro and Kathmandu is one of the most exciting one as the aircraft passes over four of the five highest mountains in the world.
Bhutan's National Air Carrier, Druk Air & Bhutan Airlines operate regular flights to / from Delhi, Kolkatta, Bagdogra, Guwahati, Bodh Gaya, Mumbai, Bangkok (Thailand), Kathmandu (Nepal), Dhaka (Bangladesh) and Singapore. Druk Air & Bhutan Airlines (Tashi Air) operate with Airbus A 319 aircraft (while Druk Air also has one ATR aircraft & operates mostly domestic flights with this and sometime also to Kathmandu & Kolkatta sector depending upon load factor or other requirements).
Since not many airlines are available for travelling to Paro so it is recommended to make your flight reservation well in advance to manage space especially during peak tourist season months. Both Bhutanese airlines maintain exceptional safety record.
Immigration in Bhutan
Visitors are required to complete a passanger declaration form for checking by concerned officers on arrival. The following articles are exempted from duty:
If any such items in Bhutan by sale of gift, they are liable for custom duty. On departure, visitors are required to surrender their forms to the custom authorities
Visa for Bhutan
Climate & Weather in Bhutan
The southern part of Bhutan is tropical, and in general the eastern region of the country is warmer than the central valleys. However, bear in mind that the higher the altitude, the cooler the weather, and that with a brisk wind blowing down off the mountains, even a low-lying valley can become quite chilly.
The central valleys of Punakha, Wangduephodrang, Mongar, Tashigang and Lhuentse enjoy a semi-tropical climate with cool winters, whilst Paro, Thimphu, Tongsa and Bumthang have a much harsher climate, with summer monsoon rains and winter snowfalls which may block passes leading into the central valleys for days at a time. Winter in Bhutan is from mid-November till mid-March, and at this time of the year the climate is dry and sunny for the most part, temperatures peaking at around 15c. in the daytime and falling below zero at night. The monsoon usually arrives in mid-June, with light rain falling mainly in the afternoons and evenings. At the end of September, after the last of the big rains, autumn suddenly arrives, and is a magnificent season for trekking until November. Average Temperature (in Celsius). From mid May to the end of September, the weather is warm at night (60-64 F & 17-18 C) and in the day (72-78 F & 22-26 C).
Best time to visit Bhutan
Trip to Bhutan can be planned throughout the year but best months are March, April, May September & October.
Language
Dzongkha, “the language of the dzong”, belongs to the Tibetan linguistic family. Originally spoken only in western Bhutan, Dzongkha is now Bhutan’s national language. English is commonly spoken in the main towns and is the principal medium of instruction in schools throughout the kingdom.
Time
Bhutan time is 6 hours ahead of GMT and there is only one time zone throughout the country.
Health Inoculations
No vaccinations are currently required for traveling to Bhutan. Before embarking on a trip to Bhutan, please seek advice from your doctor with regard to vaccinations and appropriate medication you should have prior to your travels. As a minimum you should have tetanus, typhoid and hepatitis A inoculations.
Precautions
Bhutan is one of the safest countries in the world however you should still exercise caution when visiting. Please ensure that your belongings especially your passports, cameras, wallets and purses are properly secured. Please refrain from leaving such items within sight in locked vehicles while sightseeing.
Avoid drinking tap water which has not been boiled or ice cubes in drinks at all times as most water sources in Bhutan are untreated. One can easily acquire affordable treated and bottled water. People prone to car sickness should bring appropriate medicine as the winding roads on the mountains have plenty of curves and turns.
Bring any medication you take regularly, or might need to take for a periodically recurring condition, such as asthma.
Travel & Medical Insurance
We strongly advice travellers to get a comprehensive travel & medical insurance before travelling to Bhutan. If you are coming on a trek, your medical/travel insurance must include provision for evacuation by helicopter and repatriation – should this be necessary.
What to Pack?
Clothing
Due to the wide range of temperature and climatic conditions it is advisable to dress in layers. For protection against cold, layered clothing is better than one or two thick garments. Clothing should preferably be made from natural materials, which allow the body to breathe.
Shoes
Bring comfortable sport shoes for light hikes & sightseeing; hiking boots for treks; semi formal shoes for dinners/appointments/functions.
Money
Bhutan’s currency is the Ngultrum (Nu.), with 100 Chetrum = 1 Ngultrum. The Ngultrum is fixed to the value of Indian rupee. Tourists are advised to carry their money in the form of traveler’s checks (preferably American Express) and cash (US dollars would be best), which might be used for incidental purchases/expenses. Daily expenditure varies from person to person, but in general you should allow US$5-10 daily for laundry, drinks, phone calls overseas, small souvenirs, postcards and stamps.
The banks are the only place to change money with the same exchange rates everywhere. There are bank branches in all major towns.
A few hotels and shops may accept payment by credit card, but with a surcharge added. Visas and Master cards are more widely accepted. Bank of Bhutan ATMs in Thimphu & Paro now allows the withdrawal of local currency from Master card & Visa cards (both debit & credit). The maximum amount per withdrawal per day is Nu. 18,000 – Nu. 30,000 (USD 300 -500). A small fee will be charged per withdrawal.
Electricity
In Bhutan, electricity runs on 220/240 volts, with round hole two-pin and three-pin power outlets. If you bring electrical appliances, also pack appropriate adapter plugs. In Thimphu electrical appliance shops stock adapter plugs, but they are unlikely to be available elsewhere.
Internet
Most hotels in major towns have free wifi services (either in the room, or lobby or both) and in some hotels it maybe chargeable.
Data Cards for internet (usb/thumb drives) can also be purchased and can be used where ever there is cellular network (B-mobile or Tashi Cell).
B-Mobile/Bhutan Telecom: http://www.telecom.net.bt/ or Tashi Cell http://www.tashicell.com/
Food
Bhutanese delicacies are rich with spicy chilies and cheese. The tourist restaurants will normally tone down the chilly for visitors. Chinese, Continental, Bhutanese and Indian cuisine are available in the hotels and local tourist restaurants.
Alms giving
The giving of alms to mendicants and holy men in the vicinity of markets and outside temples is an accepted practice. In exchange for your contribution of a small coin, a prayer will be intoned for you. Take your cue from the Bhutanese on such occasions and, when in doubt, ask your guide what would be the appropriate thing to do.
Photography
The photographic opportunities on all trips are immense. The natural scenery is superb, and you will also wish to record the local people, their houses and shops etc. Always ask by a gesture if it is ok to do so. Don’t take your destination as a living museum! Also, note that photography in shrine rooms of dzongs, monasteries and religious institutions is generally not permitted. Outdoor photography is usually permitted, but when visiting such places, please check with your guide before taking any photographs.
ETIQUETTE FOR VISITS TO DZONGS, MONASTERIES, TEMPLES & FESTIVALS
Clothing & behavior
Dress neatly and modestly and wear full sleeved collared shirts (covered arms, no shorts or short skirts) and remove hats, caps, sunglasses before entering the precincts of Dzongs or religious complexes. Do not smoke. Walk clockwise around Chortens (stupas) and Mani (prayer) walls. If you see a prayer flagpole on the ground waiting to be erected, do not step over it, as this is considered extremely disrespectful, walk around it instead.
Tipping
Hotel and restaurant bills include service charges amounting to 5-10%. There is no need to add anything further on this. Etho Metho will take care of this.
Gratuities
Tipping of your guide, driver and trek crew (on treks) is a purely personal matter. The bottom line in determining whether or how much to tip is to ask yourself how much Heart Of Asia Travels team members did to make your Bhutan travel experience more enjoyable.
Bhutan has one international airport. The international airport at Paro is located at 7,300 feet above sea level and surrounded by mountains and hills as high as 16,000 feet. The flight between Paro and Kathmandu is one of the most exciting one as the aircraft passes over four of the five highest mountains in the world.
Bhutan's National Air Carrier, Druk Air & Bhutan Airlines operate regular flights to / from Delhi, Kolkatta, Bagdogra, Guwahati, Bodh Gaya, Mumbai, Bangkok (Thailand), Kathmandu (Nepal), Dhaka (Bangladesh) and Singapore. Druk Air & Bhutan Airlines (Tashi Air) operate with Airbus A 319 aircraft (while Druk Air also has one ATR aircraft & operates mostly domestic flights with this and sometime also to Kathmandu & Kolkatta sector depending upon load factor or other requirements).
Since not many airlines are available for travelling to Paro so it is recommended to make your flight reservation well in advance to manage space especially during peak tourist season months. Both Bhutanese airlines maintain exceptional safety record.
Immigration in Bhutan
Visitors are required to complete a passanger declaration form for checking by concerned officers on arrival. The following articles are exempted from duty:
- Personal affects and articles for day to day use by the visitor
- 1 Litre of Alcochol (Spirits & Wine)
- 200 cigrattes, on payment of import duty of 200%
- Instruments, apparatus or appliances for personal use must be declared on declaration form.
- Photographic equipment, video cameras and other electronic goods for personal use must be declared on declaration form.
If any such items in Bhutan by sale of gift, they are liable for custom duty. On departure, visitors are required to surrender their forms to the custom authorities
Visa for Bhutan
- Color scan copy of first page of passport is required for visa about 30 days prior to travel date (sooner the better & minimum 7 working days needed to process and obtain Bhutan visa).
- Remaining validity in passport after Bhutan tour must be minimum 6 month excluding travelling month.
- Multiple Indian visa required if you enter Bhutan from India and re-enter India after Bhutan tour.
- Tourism Council of Bhutan requires full tour payment while applying visa so along with passport copy.
- No passport size photo / any pictures / any visa form etc required for Bhutan visa – only requirement is clear / readable color copy of passport.
- Dual passport holders are required to use the same passport whose details are submitted on to Bhutan for Visa authorization, prior to arrival in Bhutan
- It is mandatory for a tourist (except Indian/Bangladeshi/Maldivian) to buy full service tour package to avail Bhutan visa.
- Bhutan visa fee is US$ 40.00 which is going to be included in tour cost submitted by us.
Climate & Weather in Bhutan
The southern part of Bhutan is tropical, and in general the eastern region of the country is warmer than the central valleys. However, bear in mind that the higher the altitude, the cooler the weather, and that with a brisk wind blowing down off the mountains, even a low-lying valley can become quite chilly.
The central valleys of Punakha, Wangduephodrang, Mongar, Tashigang and Lhuentse enjoy a semi-tropical climate with cool winters, whilst Paro, Thimphu, Tongsa and Bumthang have a much harsher climate, with summer monsoon rains and winter snowfalls which may block passes leading into the central valleys for days at a time. Winter in Bhutan is from mid-November till mid-March, and at this time of the year the climate is dry and sunny for the most part, temperatures peaking at around 15c. in the daytime and falling below zero at night. The monsoon usually arrives in mid-June, with light rain falling mainly in the afternoons and evenings. At the end of September, after the last of the big rains, autumn suddenly arrives, and is a magnificent season for trekking until November. Average Temperature (in Celsius). From mid May to the end of September, the weather is warm at night (60-64 F & 17-18 C) and in the day (72-78 F & 22-26 C).
Best time to visit Bhutan
Trip to Bhutan can be planned throughout the year but best months are March, April, May September & October.
Language
Dzongkha, “the language of the dzong”, belongs to the Tibetan linguistic family. Originally spoken only in western Bhutan, Dzongkha is now Bhutan’s national language. English is commonly spoken in the main towns and is the principal medium of instruction in schools throughout the kingdom.
Time
Bhutan time is 6 hours ahead of GMT and there is only one time zone throughout the country.
Health Inoculations
No vaccinations are currently required for traveling to Bhutan. Before embarking on a trip to Bhutan, please seek advice from your doctor with regard to vaccinations and appropriate medication you should have prior to your travels. As a minimum you should have tetanus, typhoid and hepatitis A inoculations.
Precautions
Bhutan is one of the safest countries in the world however you should still exercise caution when visiting. Please ensure that your belongings especially your passports, cameras, wallets and purses are properly secured. Please refrain from leaving such items within sight in locked vehicles while sightseeing.
Avoid drinking tap water which has not been boiled or ice cubes in drinks at all times as most water sources in Bhutan are untreated. One can easily acquire affordable treated and bottled water. People prone to car sickness should bring appropriate medicine as the winding roads on the mountains have plenty of curves and turns.
Bring any medication you take regularly, or might need to take for a periodically recurring condition, such as asthma.
Travel & Medical Insurance
We strongly advice travellers to get a comprehensive travel & medical insurance before travelling to Bhutan. If you are coming on a trek, your medical/travel insurance must include provision for evacuation by helicopter and repatriation – should this be necessary.
What to Pack?
Clothing
Due to the wide range of temperature and climatic conditions it is advisable to dress in layers. For protection against cold, layered clothing is better than one or two thick garments. Clothing should preferably be made from natural materials, which allow the body to breathe.
Shoes
Bring comfortable sport shoes for light hikes & sightseeing; hiking boots for treks; semi formal shoes for dinners/appointments/functions.
Money
Bhutan’s currency is the Ngultrum (Nu.), with 100 Chetrum = 1 Ngultrum. The Ngultrum is fixed to the value of Indian rupee. Tourists are advised to carry their money in the form of traveler’s checks (preferably American Express) and cash (US dollars would be best), which might be used for incidental purchases/expenses. Daily expenditure varies from person to person, but in general you should allow US$5-10 daily for laundry, drinks, phone calls overseas, small souvenirs, postcards and stamps.
The banks are the only place to change money with the same exchange rates everywhere. There are bank branches in all major towns.
A few hotels and shops may accept payment by credit card, but with a surcharge added. Visas and Master cards are more widely accepted. Bank of Bhutan ATMs in Thimphu & Paro now allows the withdrawal of local currency from Master card & Visa cards (both debit & credit). The maximum amount per withdrawal per day is Nu. 18,000 – Nu. 30,000 (USD 300 -500). A small fee will be charged per withdrawal.
Electricity
In Bhutan, electricity runs on 220/240 volts, with round hole two-pin and three-pin power outlets. If you bring electrical appliances, also pack appropriate adapter plugs. In Thimphu electrical appliance shops stock adapter plugs, but they are unlikely to be available elsewhere.
Internet
Most hotels in major towns have free wifi services (either in the room, or lobby or both) and in some hotels it maybe chargeable.
Data Cards for internet (usb/thumb drives) can also be purchased and can be used where ever there is cellular network (B-mobile or Tashi Cell).
- GPRS service is available where ever there is network.
- EDGE service is available in all the headquarters of the 20 Dzongkhag /districts, some major towns and where ever there network.
- 3G service is available in the core areas of most major towns of Thimphu, Paro, Wangdue, Trongsa, Bumthang, Mongar, Samdrup Jongkhar, Phuntsholing
- GSM 1800-900 service is available in all twenty districts and major towns (other GSM bandwidths not available in Bhutan
- For GPRS data service, the data speed range is from 30kbps to 40kbps
- For EDGE data service, the data speed range is from 100kbps to 130 kbps
- For 3G data service, the data speed range is from 550kbps to 1mbps
B-Mobile/Bhutan Telecom: http://www.telecom.net.bt/ or Tashi Cell http://www.tashicell.com/
Food
Bhutanese delicacies are rich with spicy chilies and cheese. The tourist restaurants will normally tone down the chilly for visitors. Chinese, Continental, Bhutanese and Indian cuisine are available in the hotels and local tourist restaurants.
Alms giving
The giving of alms to mendicants and holy men in the vicinity of markets and outside temples is an accepted practice. In exchange for your contribution of a small coin, a prayer will be intoned for you. Take your cue from the Bhutanese on such occasions and, when in doubt, ask your guide what would be the appropriate thing to do.
Photography
The photographic opportunities on all trips are immense. The natural scenery is superb, and you will also wish to record the local people, their houses and shops etc. Always ask by a gesture if it is ok to do so. Don’t take your destination as a living museum! Also, note that photography in shrine rooms of dzongs, monasteries and religious institutions is generally not permitted. Outdoor photography is usually permitted, but when visiting such places, please check with your guide before taking any photographs.
ETIQUETTE FOR VISITS TO DZONGS, MONASTERIES, TEMPLES & FESTIVALS
Clothing & behavior
Dress neatly and modestly and wear full sleeved collared shirts (covered arms, no shorts or short skirts) and remove hats, caps, sunglasses before entering the precincts of Dzongs or religious complexes. Do not smoke. Walk clockwise around Chortens (stupas) and Mani (prayer) walls. If you see a prayer flagpole on the ground waiting to be erected, do not step over it, as this is considered extremely disrespectful, walk around it instead.
Tipping
Hotel and restaurant bills include service charges amounting to 5-10%. There is no need to add anything further on this. Etho Metho will take care of this.
Gratuities
Tipping of your guide, driver and trek crew (on treks) is a purely personal matter. The bottom line in determining whether or how much to tip is to ask yourself how much Heart Of Asia Travels team members did to make your Bhutan travel experience more enjoyable.
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