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- Capital: Thimphu
- Area: 38,394 sq km
- Population: 777,400
- Language: Dzongkha
Bhutan, landlocked country of south-central Asia, located on the eastern ridges of the Himalayas. Historically a remote kingdom, Bhutan became less isolated in the second half of the 20th century, and consequently the pace of change began to accelerate. With improvements in transportation, by the early 21st century a trip from the Indian border to the Bhutanese capital, Thimphu, that once took six days by mule could be made in just a few hours by car along a winding mountain road from the border town of Phuntsholing. The governmental structure also changed radically. Reforms initiated by King Jigme Dorji Wangchuk (reigned 1952–72) in the 1950s and ’60s led to a shift away from absolute monarchy in the 1990s and toward the institution of multiparty parliamentary democracy in 2008.
The economic core of Bhutan lies in the fertile valleys of the Lesser Himalayas, which are separated from one another by a series of high and complex interconnecting ridges extending across the country from north to south. The political nucleus of Bhutan is centred in the Paro and Thimphu valleys in the Lesser Himalayan region. Its location between the Assam-Bengal Plain of India to the south and the Plateau of Tibet of southwestern China to the north gives the country considerable geopolitical significance.
Regions
| Paro | Chhukha | Haa |
| Samtse | Thimphu | Tsirang |
| Dagana | Punakha | Wangdue Phodrang |
| Sarpang | Trongsa | Bumthang |
| Zhemgang | Trashigang | Monggar |
| Pemagatshel | Lhuentse | Samdrup Jongkhar |
| Gasa | Trashi Yangtse |
USEFUL INFORMATION
Currency & banking
Bhutan’s unit of currency is called Ngultrum (BTN). A Ngultrum has the same value as the Indian rupee, which is also legal in Bhutan. One US dollar equals roughly 67 Nu.
INR 100 & 50 Rupee denominations may be used in Bhutan, but Ngultrum cannot be used in India. Indian Rupee denomination notes of INR 500, INR 1000 and INR 2000 are not accepted in Bhutan.
Tourists can exchange traveler’s cheques or cash at the foreign exchange desk at Paro Airport and Bank of Bhutan branches in major townships such as Paro and Thimphu. As you travel into the interior, ATM and banking facilities are almost non-existent. We suggest that you do your banking whilst in Paro or Thimphu, and take local currency with you to the countryside. Currencies that can be exchanged include the U.S. Dollar, Pound Sterling, Euro, Japanese Yen, Swiss Franc, Hong Kong Dollar, Canadian Dollar, Denish Kroner, Australian dollar and Singapore Dollar. Some hotels also provide foreign exchange services, however many of these are limited to U.S. Dollar exchanges.
Credit cards are only accepted in a very limited number of handicraft stores in Thimphu and high-end hotels.
Limited ATM facilities are available in major townships. MasterCard and Visa international credit and debit cards can be used on these ATMs to withdraw cash.
You may need to show your passport when you exchange money or travellers cheques.
Just be wary of the charges you might incur for using your credit card overseas. These can include:
- International transaction fees
- High exchange rate margins
- ATM fees
- Potential ‘cash advance fees if you use an ATM
Tipping
While tipping is not compulsory in Bhutan, the majority of workers, especially those in the tourism industry such as guides, only have work for around half or quarter of the year and therefore tips are incredibly valuable for making up their income. USD$15 per day for tour guides and USD$10 per day for the driver is a suitable amount to leave as a tip from a group of two. In restaurants its an acceptable practice to leave 10% on top of the final bill. Taxi fares should be rounded up and hotel porters tipped USD$1 per bag.
Getting to and around Bhutan
The most convenient way to travel in Bhutan is to hire a vehicle and driver from a car rental company or a tourism service provider. It is not possible to hire a self-drive vehicle in Bhutan. You can also book a local driver or transport service provider (as well as hotels and tour operators). Your hotel will also be able to provide or arrange transport for you.
Four airports connect the country’s western, central, southern and eastern regions. Although airlines always aim to provide the highest service, Bhutan’s unique landscape occasionally makes for unreliable departure dates. Yonphula airport – located in the eastern part of Bhutan – is given to unpredictable weather in the summer months due to its altitude and micro-climate. Flights are thus sporadically delayed or cancelled. Other domestic airports are located in Bumthang and Gelephu, and there is an international airport in Paro.
Health advice
The US Center For Disease Control maintains an updated list of medical advice for those travelling to Bhutan
The CDC recommends being up to date with all your regular shots. These vaccines include measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis vaccine, varicella (chickenpox) vaccine, polio vaccine, and your yearly flu shot
They also suggest being vaccinated for hepatitis A. There is also some advice about protection for hepatitis B and rabies – but this depends to some degree on where you are heading and what you are doing.
The US CDC also recommends visitors to Bhutan be vaccinated for rabies, typhoid and Japanese encephalitis
Healthcare
Healthcare facilities vary in quality across Bhutan. One hospital in Thimphu can provide surgery and emergency treatment. Outside of Thimphu, hospitals generally provide only basic healthcare. Treatment for more complex issues is not available in Bhutan and you would need evacuation to India or Thailand for treatment.
Make sure you have adequate travel health insurance that covers the cost of medical treatment abroad, emergency helicopter evacuation and repatriation.
As always when you travel you should take out the necessary travel insurance coverage. We always use World Nomads but there are plenty of other insurance companies that offer travel insurance
Safety
Crime
Austria is generally a safe country to visit.
Crime levels are low across Bhutan, but you should take the same precautions as you would at home.
Keep a copy of your passport’s photo page and visa, and your flight ticket separate from the originals when travelling.
Laws and cultural differences
Bhutanese people take their customs and traditions very seriously. Respect them at all times to avoid giving offence, particularly avoid criticising HM The King of Bhutan. If in doubt, ask your tour guide.
Dress code
Dress respectfully when visiting temples and fortified buildings, so that you do not cause offence. Your tour guide will be able to advise.
Alcohol laws
Alcohol is legal in Bhutan, but there are restrictions on how much alcohol tourists can buy at one time. Check with the vendor what the limit is.
Smoking and e-cigarette bans
It was illegal to sell or buy tobacco products in Bhutan until 2020. It is currently legal, but smoking is still frowned on. Be mindful of where you smoke – for example, smoking near religious locations may cause offence.
Illegal drugs and prison sentences
There are strict penalties for the possession, use and trafficking of illegal drugs. If convicted, you could get a prison sentence and a heavy fine. Sentences range from a minimum of 3 years to a life sentence depending upon the type and quantity of drugs.
LGBT+ travellers
Same-sex sexual activity was decriminalised in Bhutan in 2020, and there are no censorship laws restricting the discussion or promotion of LGBT+ topics. Same-sex marriages are not recognised. There is no legal recognition of transgender individuals.
Useful emergency numbers
Climate
The geographical position of Bhutan, nestled in the eastern Himalayas between China to the north and India to the south, plays a significant role in its climate and weather conditions. Contrary to the “ET” Köppen climate classification which corresponds to a Tundra Climate, Bhutan experiences a greater diversity in weather patterns due to its complex topography and altitude variations. Mean annual temperatures seldom dip below freezing, but regions with higher altitude can see large temperature ranges within a day. Precipitation, primarily rainfall, is moderate and most pronounced in the summer months with annual totals averaging 350mm (13.78″). During winter, drier conditions prevail, often with sporadic snowfall in the upper reaches. With days frequently cloudy, the country experiences temperatures from 15°C (59°F) to 18°C (64.4°F) in summers, although the average temperature of the warmest month is less than 10°C (50°F).
The best time to visit Bhutan
Spring and autumn, from March to May and September to November respectively, provide the most favourable periods to visit Bhutan. These seasons present pleasant weather, with temperatures ranging from 10°C (50°F) to 20°C (68°F), offering splendid panoramas of the mountains and lush valleys. Springtime is particularly vibrant, with blooming rhododendrons painting the landscapes, while autumn showcases clear skies and exquisite autumnal hues. These periods are also when the country hosts most of its significant religious festivals, enhancing the cultural experience for visitors.
The worst time to visit Bhutan
From December to February Bhutan is at its coldest; especially in the mountains, but clear skies reward those who brave the low temperatures. The valleys are warmer and sunny with clear views of the incredible Himalaya. Due to colder temperatures, visitor numbers will be lower.
March and April are among the most popular times to travel as temperatures are pleasant and the valleys are abundant in nature; especially as all the flowers start to bloom. Early April witnesses the Paro Tshechu, so book ahead to get the best accommodation and flights.
- Holi festival is becoming more well-known around the world, but it isn’t just an Indian festival; it’s celebrated across the cities and towns of Nepal every March too.
- Rhododendron season (March to May): Similar to Nepal, Bhutan’s landscapes are at their best at this time of year before the monsoon arrives, with colourful rhododendrons carpeting the hillsides.
- Trekking in Bhutan (October to November and March to April): Trekking is a wonderful way to see the beautiful scenery of this wonderful, little-visited country. These months offer the best weather for mountain walks and overnight stays in characterful teahouses.
- Rhododendron season (March to May): Similar to Nepal, Bhutan’s landscapes are at their best at this time of year before the monsoon arrives, with colourful rhododendrons carpeting the hillsides.
- Trekking in Bhutan (October to November and March to April): Trekking is a wonderful way to see the beautiful scenery of this wonderful, little-visited country. These months offer the best weather for mountain walks and overnight stays in characterful teahouses.
- Black-necked crane festival (November): These endangered birds migrate to spend each winter in the Phobjikha Valley. The festival celebrating their arrival takes place in the courtyard of Gangtey Gonpa to promote their conservation.
- Trekking in Bhutan (October to November and March to April): Trekking is a wonderful way to see the beautiful scenery of this wonderful, little-visited country. These months offer the best weather for mountain walks and overnight stays in characterful teahouses.
Temperatures increase in May, bringing humidity as well as cloud over the mountains. However, fewer visitors and lower prices can make it a perfectly viable time to visit. The rhododendrons should also still be in bloom — ideal for photographers and nature lovers.
June to August (and sometimes into September) is monsoon season in Bhutan. Although showers can occur at night without spoiling daytime explorations, conditions aren’t ideal for trekking. Sightseeing is still possible — just be prepared with a raincoat! It’s also ideal for retreating to a spa. Views are best in the mornings following night-time downpours.
September, October and November are ideal for hiking, seeing festivals (particularly the popular Thimphu Tshechu) and enjoying stunning views and pleasant temperatures. Expect it to be around 25°C in the sun, but there will be cooler temperatures in the evenings and at higher altitudes.
The majority of travellers (around 80% of all international visitors) want to visit Bhutan in October, so plan well in advance to ensure you get your preferred accommodation and good value flights.
Black-necked cranes migrate from the Tibetan Plateau to the protected Phobjikha Valley each year. They remain in the region from late October to early February. In Gangtey, a special festival is held every November to celebrate the arrival of the birds. Plan ahead if you want to be a part of it.
Visa information
All visitors require a visa before travelling to Bhutan (except those from India, Bangladesh and the Maldives, for whom the relevant processes and fees are outlined separately below).
As part of the visa application process, you will be required to pay the Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) of US$100 per day (per adult; concessionary rates apply for children). More information about the SDF can be found here.
A non-refundable, one-off visa application fee of US$40 is also payable.
You can apply online for a visa or permit by completing an application form, or if you’re travelling with a tour operator or staying at a hotel, they can apply on your behalf.
You can apply for yourself and anyone you’re travelling with, provided you have the required information for each person travelling.
Electrical
Which power plugs and sockets are used in Bhutan?
Bhutan uses power outlets and plugs of types C, D & G. Take a look at the pictures below to see what these plugs and power sockets look like:
The standard voltage is 230 V and the standard frequency is 50 Hz. Check out the following pictures.
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