23 Top Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Bhutan Travel.
Table of Contents
1. Where Is Bhutan?
2. What is Bhutan popular for?
3. When to travel to Bhutan?
4. What about visa for Bhutan?
5. What documents do I have to take to Bhutan?
6. How to enter Bhutan?
7. What is the weight limit for luggage on Druk Air?
8. What is included in tour packages?
9. Can I have my own private tour?
10. I am a Single traveler, can I still travel to Bhutan and is it safe?
11. What types of food is available?
12. What about drinking water in Bhutan?
13. Is altitude sickness a problem in Bhutan?
14. What type of Vaccinations is required for Bhutan?
15. What type of currency is used in Bhutan?
16. Is credit card acceptable in Bhutan?
17. Is ATM available in Bhutan?
18. Is it safe to travel to Bhutan?
19. What about accommodations?
20. What is the electricity in Bhutan and what kind of plugs are used?
21. Are there internet facilities?
22. Can we smoke in Bhutan?
23. Will my mobile phone work?
1. Where is Bhutan?
Bhutan is in between India and the Tibetan region of China. Bhutan was known as ‘Land of the Thunder Dragon’ is one of the most exotic destinations in the world, and often also referred as the last Shangri-la. Bhutan is blessed with outstanding landscapes, majestic snow-capped peaks, and rich cultural heritage.
2. What is Bhutan popular for?
Bhutan is popular for its age-old living culture, clean environment- almost no pollution and colorful festivals with spectacular landscapes and impressive landmarks. Also called the Last Shangri-la, religion, and nature is in harmony working their magic in this mystical land. Religion is deeply rooted in Bhutan and is the only Buddhist Kingdom in the world. It’s also called the Land of the Thunder Dragon.
3. When to travel to Bhutan?
The ideal time for Bhutan travel is during autumn (September-November) and spring (March-May) seasons. Many colorful festivals are celebrated during these periods with the weather being warm and skies clearer.
4. What about visa for Bhutan?
Bhutan visa is required for every foreign traveler to enter Bhutan. Visa has to be processed by a local tour operator and no foreign embassy abroad grants tourist visa. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months after you leave Bhutan. The visa cost is US$40 per person.
5. What documents do I have to take to Bhutan?
Visa Confirmation Letter: which we shall arrange prior your trip for which please send scanned copies of your passport. The actual visa will be stamped upon arrival in Paro International Airport.
Itinerary: of the tour which you are going on.
6. How to enter Bhutan?
By Air: Druk Air or Bhutan Airlines, the national carrier, have flights from Kathmandu, Singapore, Dhaka, Bangkok and several Indian cities like Delhi, Kolkata, Mumbai, Bagdogra, Gaya, Guwahati.
By Land: Two overland entry/exit points connects Bhutan, one at the Indian state of West Bengal at Phuntsholing connects with southwest Bhutan and the other at Samdrup Jongkhar in the southeast.
7. What is the weight limit for luggage on Druk Air?
The baggage allowance by Druk Air is 20 kg in economy class and 30 kg in business class. An extra 5 kg allowed for storing in the overhead baggage bin or under the passenger’s seat.
8. What is included in tour packages?
The tour package includes all meals, the government approved hotels on twin sharing basis, airport pick up/drop, ground transports, experienced English speaking guides, all city tour with permits and entrance fees, all government taxes.
9. Can I have my own private tour?
Of course, you can and we have been operating private tours as per the requirements and customizing the program according to our client’s interest and traveling time-frame.
10. I am a Single traveler, can I still travel to Bhutan and is it safe?
Of course, you can. There is no any problem to travel alone with our responsible guide and driver and we guaranteed for your safety.
11. What types of food is available?
Indian, Chinese and more common continental meals are popular in Bhutan. ‘Emadatse’ spicy chilies mixed with a cheese sauce is the national food of Bhutan. Bhutanese eat chilies as vegetables rather than spices. Red and white rice makes the main meals with non-vegetarian dishes – pork, beef, chicken, and fish are available in most parts of Bhutan. Vegetarian foods are also available as per season.
12. What about drinking water in Bhutan?
Mineral water is readily available throughout the country (but make sure the seal isn’t broken). Kindly go for a trusted brand rather than picking up the local brands. Tap water is not safe to drink.
13. Is altitude sickness a problem in Bhutan?
Though many people might not have any problems but some may experience altitude sickness. If you do some simple preparations, being healthy and in good shape before your Bhutan trip, most the altitude sickness symptoms can be avoided. It is recommended consulting with your local doctor regarding AMS before you leave.
14. What type of Vaccinations is required for Bhutan?
At present, no vaccinations are required for Bhutan. But vaccinations for Hepatitis A, Tetanus, Typhoid Fever are recommended or to be up to date. Malaria is prevalent in some rural areas of southern Bhutan. You might need to consult your doctor about taking antimalarial pills only if your trip goes through southern parts of Bhutan.
15. What type of currency is used in Bhutan?
The currency of Bhutan is Ngultrum. As it is linked and equal to Indian rupee, ngultrum is also accepted in Bhutan. You cannot buy ngultrum prior arriving in Bhutan, but you can purchase it at the Paro International Airport, Bhutan National Bank, Bank of Bhutan and at major hotels in Thimpu and Paro, all of them accepts traveler’s cheque, US dollars and various other currencies. However, while visiting the smaller town you should have ngultrum to purchase, as it is not possible to exchange your currency.
16. Is credit card acceptable in Bhutan?
Presently, credit Cards are being more widely accepted in Bhutan. Most hotels and many handicraft shops (except in central/eastern Bhutan) accepts Visa & MasterCard and in some cases Amex. Please do note merchant fee surcharges on credit card purchases can be as high as 7% so it is wise to check this first before you use your card.
17. Is ATM available in Bhutan?
ATM facility has recently been opened in Bhutan.
18. Is it safe to travel to Bhutan?
No doubt, Bhutan is safe for traveler (women, family with children and for solo travelers). There is little crime in Bhutan but women are advised to follow the same universal precautions when they are in crowded entertainment places at night, mainly when in discos or bars.
19. What about accommodations?
The government has approved and classified hotels in Bhutan as grade A, B and C which are equivalent to 3-4 star hotel worldwide. Western Bhutan (Paro, Thimphu, Wangdue, Punakha) have some of the best hotels but towards the eastern and central regions, the quality goes a little bit down.
20. What is the electricity in Bhutan and what kind of plugs are used?
240 volts AC – Flat round 2-pin plugs are most common and a universal adapter is an important travel item. Power cuts are quite frequent in central and eastern Bhutan while western Bhutan has stable power supply.
21. Are there internet facilities?
Most of the standard tourist class hotels now have Wi-Fi plus have a business center where you can use the hotel PCs . All of the luxury resorts & lodges offer a wireless internet facility however not necessarily in guest rooms. But purchasing SIM card at the Paro Airport and using mobile data can also be done if you require net frequently.
22. Can we smoke in Bhutan?
It is forbidden to sell or purchase cigarettes or tobacco products in Bhutan. It is however NOT forbidden to smoke in appropriate areas and you may carry a small supply for personal use. Please note a 200% duty applies to all imported tobacco products and you must show a valid receipt of purchase to avoid confiscation.
23. Will my mobile phone work?
Smart phones are starting to work well although you may need to switch between local telco providers. A local Bhutan sim card with prepaid call credits can easily be purchased on arrival and is perfect for roaming whilst in the Kingdom and great for iPads.