THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE YOU GO TO BHUTAN
Bhutan is a unique country both culturally and environmentally.
Bhutan prohibits independent backpacker style visitors to maintain its strict cultural and ecological values. You cannot tour the country on your own. And you cannot rent a car on your own. You are obligated to have a guide and a driver.
Bhutan where there is a total ban on tobacco, smoking is still allowed in Bhutan but the sale of tobacco is prohibited. So if you need to smoke, bring your own and be prepared to be taxed on your supplies on entry to the country
It may not surprise you to hear that some mobiles don’t work in Bhutan. If you want to you can purchase a sim card from Bhutan People in Bhutan drive much slower than you’d expect.
If you visit a temple, always leave a donation. Even if you aren’t Buddhist.
Every season has its own charm. The most popular times to travel to Bhutan are the spring months of March, April, and May and the fall months of September, October, and November.
In general, credit cards are not accepted in Bhutan. Credit cards are accepted only at a few high-end tourist shops.
There are very few ATMs in Bhutan. The few Bhutan National Bank ATMs could only be used by local customers. Even there is problem with the credit card also. Credit cards are only accepted at the government-run Handicrafts Emporium, a few other handicraft shops and some of the larger hotels in Thimpu, but these transactions do take time. It is always better to carry enough cash when you are travelling to Bhutan. You can carry US Dollar, most of the shops and hotels accept it.
Please also note that while Indian Rupee currency can be used in Bhutan, but 500, 1000 and 2000 Rupees notes does not allowed to be traded in Bhutan. Thai Baht cannot also be exchanged in Bhutan.
Unless you hold a Bangladeshi, Indian or Maldivian passport, you must have a visa and book a tour before you go. These tours usually include everything, from food to hotels to transportation. They also include the daily charge required by the government, which is US$200 in low season and $250 in high season. The second alternative is to travel through the Indian state of West Bengal and enter via Phuntsholing. The nearest airport to Phuntsholing is Bagdogra Airport, near Darjeeling. The nearest airport to Samdrup Jongkhar is Guwahati Airport, about four hours’ drive from Samdrup Jongkhar.
There are many totally untrue myths about the difficulties of obtaining visas to Bhutan. One thing has to be said straight:
Travel to Bhutan is easy!
• There is no limit on visas and never was.
• Travel is possible both in group or totally alone but with guide.
• You can go any time in a year, for any period of time.
• You can fix your program according to your interests.
• It’s actually not so expensive, given the service provided.
To the plan your tour successfully follow the steps below:
Find the appropriate time for your travel
Select the type of the trip which is best for you
Book your flight or plan your overland trip
Pay for the tour and wait for us to arrange all visa formalities.
Go and enjoy!
Bon voyage!
YOU CAN SAVING MONEY WHILE TRAVELLING TO BHUTAN
In Bhutan Holiday Packages we always try to give best possible rates with greatest services. So on any case please do contact us, we will by happy to come as near to your possible expectations.
IMPORTANT NOTE FOR INDIAN NATIONALS
All Indian nationals visiting Bhutan does not require visa to enter Bhutan. However, they MUST produce any of the following identity documents for entry permit. IT IS ADVICED TO EVERY TRAVELER TO BOOK YOUR TOUR FROM BHUTAN GOVT. AUTHORISHED TRAVEL AGENCY, LIKE BHUTAN HOLIDAY PACKAGES.
• Entry Permit can be processed only from Monday to Friday and applications are accepted from 9 AM and permit granted on same day.
• Passport in not mandatory to travel into Bhutan
• No Visa is required to visit Bhutan.
• No fee is charged by Royal Govt. of Bhutan for issuing entry permits.
• No entry permit is required for Indian nationals for entering Phuentsholing City.
• Indian nationals not carrying either a valid passport or voter ID cards may please contact Consulate General of India, Phuentsholing and apply for Identification Slip.
• Tourists desirous of going beyond Thimphu and Paro need to acquire a “special area permit” from the Royal Govt. of Bhutan Immigration Office at Thimphu on any working days (Monday to Friday).
• Indian nationals travelling to Bhutan are advised not to bring Indian currency notes of the denominations of Rs. 500 and Rs. 1000 to Bhutan. However, Indian currency notes of Rs. 100 and below are accepted in Bhutan.
Top responsible travel tips for Bhutan
1. Be considerate of Bhutan’s customs, traditions, religion and culture.
2. Dress modestly and respectfully. Shoulders to knees should be covered, especially when entering places of worship.
3. For environmental reasons, try to avoid buying bottled water. Fill a reusable water bottle or canteen with filtered water instead.
4. Always dispose of litter thoughtfully.
5. Don’t light up! Tobacco products are banned in Bhutan, so avoid bringing them into the country as penalties apply and smoking in public is not accepted.
6. Learn some local language and don’t be afraid to use it – simple greetings will help break the ice.
7. Shop for locally made products. Supporting local artisans helps keep traditional crafts alive.
8. Refrain from supporting businesses that exploit or abuse endangered animals.
9. Please ask and receive permission before taking photos of people, including children.
10. Religious iconography is everywhere in Bhutan in the form of stupas, mani stones, shrines and temples. Always show respect for these religious objects by avoiding sitting or posing in front of them.
11. Show respect for Bhutan’s current and former king when conversing with local people.
12. As a sign of respect, place a small donation in the donation box while visiting monasteries.
Some hidden and interesting facts about Bhutan you probably didn’t know!
• Bhutan, the last Shangri-La and the Last Himalayan Buddhist Kingdom.
• A Capital City Thimpu with no traffic lights!
• Takin, National Animal of Bhutan: Is it a goat? Is it a cow? It’s both, it’s a Takin!
• The rice is red.
• Money doesn’t buy happiness and they know it! (Gross National Happiness)
• Chillies aren’t just a seasoning but the main ingredient.
• Only 8 pilots are qualified to fly into this airport!
• Bhutan was the first country in the World to ban Smoking in public and sale tobacco.
• The currency of Bhutan is Ngultrum (Nu.) but Indian Rupees are accepted as local tender.
• Bhutan has rich biodiversity and 65% forest coverage in the kingdom.
• King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck is the youngest reigning monarch in the world.
• Bhutan is a carbon neutral country and the air is completely unpopulated.