Bhutan Faqs

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Bhutan General FAQs

  • What are typical meals like?

    Bhutanese, Indian, continental. Your breakfast & dinner are in the hotel you will be staying, in which case, the food willbe served on a buffet system. Whereas , your lunch will be served in local restaurant in Ala carte system.  

  • Are the first days of December a good time to visit Bhutan?

    Yes, first week of December is certainly good time to visit. It is generally marked with clear blue sky and warm sun. These offer a greater visibility of far off mountains’ peaks.

    For detailed structure on weather, climate, temperature and altitude of Bhutan
    https://windhorsetours.com/blog/?p=913

  • All of us have credit cards but they are the US style with a magnetic strip – not the European kind with a chip. Where possible, we will use the card(s). We do understand that many small vendors will not accept a card. There will also be small incidental expenses. Thus, can you suggest an amount of cash we should bring and change in to Bhutanese currency when we arrive? Perhaps suggest a range from ____ to ____ (low to high) from your experience with previous clients

    For larger purchases like expensive carpets, or Bhutanese traditional dress, some legal artefacts, thangkhas etc. you can use credit cards. For trip of 14 to 15 nights, I would say bring at least 400$ in cash. You may or may not use it but it is good to have. Debit/Credit cards works here but only bigger establishment accept them but not the smaller vendors.
    As for ATM or Debit cards, ATM machine are not reliable in terms of its workability. So bring some cash for your daily expenses such as for beer & hard drinks. For easier transaction, you may change into local currency in airport or bank.
    Ensure to have exchange receipt, if you have surplus at the end you may change it back.

     

  • Can we get Bhutanese money once we arrive at the airport? Since the only things we will have to pay are the drinks and the souvenirs, how much money should we take? If we take too much, can we change it back into Indian rupees before leaving Bhutan?

    Yes, you can change to local Bhutanese currency at the airport upon arrival in Paro, or at your hotel, Bank etc. However Nepalese currency is not accepted in Bhutan and so you should not bring Nepalese currency. Indian currency (with exceptions of large bills such as Rs. 500 ) can also be used. At the end of the trip, you can change any left-over Bhutanese currencies into Indian rupees locally from local shops etc. It is generally not very difficult to change back. If you have saved the receipt for monies changed, you can also change back to US$ or currencies used in the beginning, if you go to the bank. As to how much you need to change, it is very difficult for us to guess but I would approximate to around $20-40 per day per person for out of pocket expenses if your trip includes all meals. You will need money for drinks, beverages, tips etc. However you can always change some money during your travels if you need one.

  • Can I use Indian Rupees in Bhutan?

    Yes you can use Indian Rupees notes but avoid Rs.500 notes as they are not accepted by Banks in Bhutan. Smaller INR tenders are fine.

  • What is the experience of your guides and their English skills?

    These are probably the most important questions, since we understand that you will be spending every day with a guide and driver. All our guides are chosen for their good demeanor, in addition being well experienced and educated. They are licensed by Tourism Council of Bhutan and speak decent English. Our group tours usually get best among them.

  • I am looking for Bhutanese (Dzongkha) language tape, book; that will allow me to learn a few useful phrases and listen to the language before I travel. Do you know?

    Yes there is a Dzongkha course, but it is a full length (3CDs and a book), quite expensive course. It is by George van Driem (a Dutchmen, who spent several years researching Himalayan Languages in Bhutan. You can check online (google or yahoo) and find the link. It is usually shipped from the Netherlands. Honestly though, the Guide book such as Lonely Planet is probably your best bet as it has most of the phrases you’ll need. For your information, average Bhutanese can speak English.

  • Medications, vaccinations, food Safety, precaution medicine, hospitals in Bhutan. What are recommended shots for travel to Bhutan? What are health dos and don’ts? What medications should I bring? If I were to fall sick in Bhutan, where should I go?

    Following information is provided in good faith as a guide. You must check with your health care provider, visit a travel clinic for specific advice on health related issues. There are no mandatory vaccinations required to enter Bhutan, but it is advised to be immunized against Rabies and Hepatitis A, as well as getting boosters for Tetanus and Polio if necessary. Be sure to check with your health care provider that you are up-to-date with routine vaccinations. Yellow fever is not a disease risk in Bhutan but the government requires travelers arriving from countries where yellow fever is present to produce a proof of yellow fever vaccination. If you will be traveling to one of these countries where yellow fever is present before arriving in Bhutan, you may be required to produce a certificate or proof that you have yellow fever vaccination. Cases of Malaria are reported in southern Bhutan, close to the Indian border, below 1400m altitude. The regular tourist routes that visit these areas are Phuntsholing and Samdrupjongkhar. Unless you are arriving or travelling via India to Bhutan, you generally do not need to worry about Malaria. Medicines you may need: You must bring your prescription medicines that you take every day. Make sure you have enough to last during your trip. Keep them in their original prescription bottles and always in your carry-on luggage. Be sure to follow security guidelines, if the medicines are liquids. Antimalarial drugs if traveling to a malaria-risk area. Medicine for diarrhea. Other items you may need are Iodine tablets/portable water filters to purify water, if you are trekking in Bhutan (when the bottled waters are available). Sunblock (at least 15 SPF) and sunglasses for protection from harmful effects of UV sun rays. Antibacterial hand wipes or alcohol-based hand sanitizer containing at least 60% alcohol. To prevent insect/mosquito bites, bring: Lightweight long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and a hat to wear outside, whenever possible. Flying-insect spray to help clear rooms of mosquitoes. The product should contain a pyrethroid insecticide; these insecticides quickly kill flying insects, including mosquitoes. Staying Healthy during Your Trip: Prevent insect bites by using insect repellent (bug spray) with 30%-50% DEET. Wear long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and a hat outdoors. Spray rooms with products effective against flying insects. Avoid direct contact with animals to prevent animal bites and scratches. If you are bitten, wash the wound well with soap and water and go to a doctor right away. Gastric diseases are common among tourists who are not accustomed to local food or who do not take precautions. Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially before eating. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand gel (with at least 60% alcohol). Drink only bottled or boiled water, or carbonated (bubbly) drinks in cans or bottles. Avoid tap water, fountain drinks, and ice cubes. Make sure food is fully cooked. Avoid dairy products, unless you know they have been pasteurized. Bring anti-diarrhea medication with you; you so that you can treat mild cases yourself. Prevent Sunburn by using sun-gears such as hats, sun-glasses and sunblock creams. To avoid infections such as HIV and viral hepatitis do not share needles for tattoos, body piercing, or injections. You should exercise normal precautions to avoid exposure to HIV/AIDS. To prevent fungal and parasitic infections, keep feet clean and dry, and do not go barefoot Altitude problems are generally not experienced by people who are doing cultural tours (travelling in the vehicle) in Bhutan. If you are hiking or trekking, ascend gradually to allow time for your body to adjust to the high altitude, which can cause insomnia, headaches, nausea, and altitude illness. If you experience these symptoms descend to a lower altitude and seek medical attention. Altitude illness can be fatal. Bhutanese hospitals provide only basic health care. The main hospital of Bhutan is in Thimphu and there is one hospital in the major town centers and basic health units in the villages. Jigme Dorji Wangchuck National Referral Hospital, located in Thimphu; phone + 975 2 324 817, fax + 975 2 325 384.website: w ww.jdwnrh.gov.bt we strongly recommend that you obtain comprehensive travel and medical insurance before travelling. Travel Insurance is available for purchase through Wind Horse for US and Canadian Residents. You should check any exclusion, and that your policy covers you for all the activities you want to undertake. Travel Resources /References: Also visit the following websites for health and medical advice Centers for Disease Control & Prevention, U.S.A (w ww.cdc.gov/travel) British government official travel advice & warnings (w ww.fco.gov.uk) Official travel advice & warnings New Zealand government. (w ww.safetravel.govt.nz) Canadian government’s official travel advice (w ww.voyage.gc.ca) US State Department Travel Advisories (w ww.travel.state.gov) Australia’s Foreign Affairs and Trade (w ww.smartraveller.gov.au)

  • Is there a description of the do’s and don’ts relating to the culture and customs of Bhutan that would be important for us to know. We want to be good guests. All of us have been doing some reading but is there a site or other source you would recommend? I’m sure our guide will coach us on this too.

    It’s not viable to write down all the dos and don’ts that generally associate with tradition and culture of Bhutan. In fact we have compiled all the basic nature of it in our Pre – departure guide and Final documents. Moreover our guide will always be there to assist you if any need arise in regards to it.

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