The Land of Happiness, Bhutan may seem like an easy destination for you, especially if you are traveling from India. Considering Indians don’t even need passport to enter this country, you might take things lightly and end up skipping the essential information that a tourist must have. This list of Bhutan travel tips is not generic in any sense, these tips will give you important tourist information which you must know way prior your visit. As you read, you will understand the local laws, taboos better and will also get to know how to make the most of your visit to this lovely country.
Top 10 Bhutan Travel Tips
These essential travel tips for Bhutan will not only help you have an impeccable holiday, but also reduce your planning efforts. So, start scrolling down and take note!
- Travel During Festival Celebration
- Opt For A Home Stay
- Learn A Few Phrases In Dzongkha
- Don’t Forget Woolens And Shrugs At Home
- Buy Handicrafts But Not Antiques
- Selling And Buying Tobacco Products Is Illegal Too
- There Is A Minimum Daily Spend Package Imposed By The Government
- US Dollars Are Accepted, And Also Indian Rupees
- Don’t Disrespect The Royal Family
- Try Your Hands On Dha (Archery)
1. Travel During Festival Celebration
Since Bhutan is known across the world for its beautiful culture, there isn’t a better time to visit this country than when it is celebrating festivals. Thimphu Tshechu Festival, Jambay Lhakhang Drup Festival and Paro Tshechu Festival are among the most colorful festivals in Bhutan. One of the best travel tips for Bhutan is that all travelers should plan there vacation in such a way that they can attend a festival or two.
Looking To Book An International Holiday?
2. Opt For A Home Stay
Major reason why people travel to Bhutan is to witness its heritage and staying in a homestay will give you an insight to the traditions and of the country as you connect with local people during your stay. The homestays in Bhutan provide excellent services like spacious rooms and homemade food.
Must Read: Visit These 53 Tourist Places In Bhutan In 2024 To Change Your Worldview
3. Learn A Few Phrases In Dzongkha
Dzongkha is the official language of Bhutan, and even though you will be able to find English-speaking guides and drivers easily, learning a little bit of Dzongkha will help you speak to locals and shopkeepers. It will not only help you in speaking to the locals but also to understand the culture of the locals of Bhutan.
4. Don’t Forget Woolens And Shrugs At Home
Sometimes, the weather of Bhutan can be unpredictable and having woolens in your backpack will save you from sudden drop of temperature. Otherwise you might have to rush around to buy some for yourself. Also, since local believe in dressing conservatively, it’s suggested you bring along clothes that go with the country’s culture.
Suggested Read: From Trekking To Rafting, Know The Best Things To Do On A Trip To Bhutan With Friends
5. Buy Handicrafts But Not Antiques
Bhutan monitors and prohibits export of any antique. So, if you don’t want to get punished, don’t go for it. You can buy handicrafts from the local markets as the shopkeepers sell them at a cheap price. This is one of the most important Bhutan travel tips as people tend to be unaware about the rule that they can’t carry antiques.
Also illegal: Tattoo parlors
6. Selling And Buying Tobacco Products Is Illegal Too
The country doesn’t appreciate tobacco, clearly! So if you’re trying to buy or sell tobacco products here, you are inviting a serious problem. However, you can import maximum 200 cigarettes and that too after tax payment and import duty of 200 percent.
Suggested Read: 10 Best Restaurants In Paro For A Yummy Scrummy Bhutanese Palette
Planning your holiday but confused about where to go? These travel stories help you find your best trip ever!
7. There Is A Minimum Daily Spend Package Imposed By The Government
Bhutan travel cost is given by the government which closely monitors tourists, though in a good way. There is a minimum spend that tourists are required to abide to when visiting the Kingdom. The price ranges between 200 and 250 dollars (for group of 3 or more tourists) depending on the month you’re traveling. The cost covers accommodation, meals, guide, transfer etcetera. The amount is required to be paid in USD prior your arrival.
8. US Dollars Are Accepted, And Also Indian Rupees
Another of our essential Bhutan tips is about the currency. After, of course, the local currency; you can choose to pay in USD or INR. So, you need not worry too much about it, especially if you’re planning your trip at the last moment or run out of local currency in Bhutan.
Suggested Read: The Groovy Nightlife In Bhutan And 10 Popular Places To Taste It
9. Don’t Disrespect The Royal Family
The people of Bhutan look upon their monarchs as incarnation of gods. They also don’t appreciate disrespect of their religious sentiments and figures, along with the 1990s Nepali issue. So, make sure that you do not mock them in any way. Also, another one of the Bhutan tour tips is to wear decent clothes while visiting the temples and historical places.
Suggested Read: Celebrating Our Anniversary On A Romantic Trip To Bhutan
10. Try Your Hands On Dha (Archery)
Dha is the national sport of Bhutan. Dha or archery is indeed an interesting activity to try when you’re in Bhutan. If you don’t feel like trying it on your own, you can be a spectator of one of the matches in Paro. Watching the Dha match is one of the most interesting things to do in Bhutan.
Further Read: Trekking In Bhutan 2024: An Experience Like None Other At 15 Amazing Places!
Please note, Bhutan is not a DIY tourist destination. You cannot plan a visit by yourself and as a rule you’d require a travel agent to arrange everything for you. So, pick your dates, plan a vacation in Bhutan and get to the Land of Happiness, hassle free! Don’t forget to carry this Bhutan Travel Tips guide!
Disclaimer: TravelTriangle claims no credit for images featured on our blog site unless otherwise noted. All visual content is copyrighted to its respectful owners. We try to link back to original sources whenever possible. If you own the rights to any of the images, and do not wish them to appear on TravelTriangle, please contact us and they will be promptly removed. We believe in providing proper attribution to the original author, artist or photographer.
Please Note: Any information published by TravelTriangle in any form of content is not intended to be a substitute for any kind of medical advice, and one must not take any action before consulting a professional medical expert of their own choice.
Frequently Asked Questions About Bhutan Travel Tips
Which is the best time to visit Bhutan?
The Spring months between March and May is the best time to visit Bhutan and enjoy pleasant weather and the views of flowering blossoms.
What is there to do in Bhutan?
Some of the fun things to do in Bhutan for a wonderful trip experience are:
1. Go for a trek at Taktsang Goemba
2. Explore the picturesque Bumthang Valley
3. Hike To This Heavenly Place of Trashiyangtse
4. Explore The Local Stores Of Bhutan
5. Try your hands at archery at Changlimithang Archery Ground
Which are the best places to visit in Bhutan?
Here are a few of the most amazing tourist places in Bhutan that are too good to miss:
1. Chomolhari
2. Punakha Dzong
3. Dochula Pass
4. Tiger’s Nest
5. Punakha Suspension Bridge
Is Bhutan safe for solo female trips?
Bhutan is very safe for all visitors especially solo female travelers. The hospitality and love that you will recieve from the locals will definitely win your heart.
Which are the things that you should avoid in Bhutan?
A few things that you should totally avoid in Bhutan are:
1. Disrespecting their religion or the royal family.
2. Wearing too short or revealing clothes
3. Avoid washing, swimming or throwing objects into lakes
4. Avoid using glasses and hats inside religious places
5. Get the permission before entering any temple or monastery
Which is the best area to stay in Bhutan?
Paro and Thimpu are the two most popular places to stay for tourists and has a number of excellent accommodation options as well.
How much cash should you carry while traveling to Bhutan?
An Indian citizen can carry up to INR 25000 per person while foreigners can carry a maximum of USD 10,000. If the amount exceeds the limit, then it should be declared.
Which are the areas that you should avoid in Bhutan?
Bhutan is the only place that has its borders open for visitors but make sure you do not wander too close to the edge of it as it may get you into serious trouble.
Looking To Book A Holiday Package?.