General Information

 

Accommodation Climate Time in Bhutan Language Health Money Electricity Communications

Food Clothing What to Pack Photography Culture Shopping Gratuities Suggested Reading

 

Accommodation 
A journey to Bhutan is a true adventure. There are comfortable hotels, lodges and guesthouses at our tourist destinations, most often with comfortable twin beds and attached bath (In some remote places it is common bath). Generally speaking, hotels in western Bhutan are better appointed, while accommodation establishments in the central and eastern part of the country are more modest. Bhutan Pelri Tours has carefully selected the list of accommodation units with the best of location, service and ambience, and all accommodations provided are approved by the Tourism Department of Bhutan.. There is no central heating system in Bhutan; heat is provided in room through a small oil radiator heater or wooden stove.  For those who enjoy luxury hotels, we can arrange luxury accommodation in limited cities at an additional cost.

For more details please contact us at info@bhutanpelritours.com.
Away from the towns and villages, there are purpose-built cabins on some of the principal trekking routes. But there is nothing like camping out in the forest or at the foot of a mountain! Wherever you spend the night, the warm Bhutanese hospitality will make you feel welcome.  

Climate 
It is hard to generalize about Bhutan’s weather since the mountain climate varies enormously from region to another. It varies with the altitude and can also reach extremes of heat and cold within the 24 hours at any given altitude. The southern part of Bhutan is tropical, and in general the eastern region of the country is warmer than the central valleys. However, bear in mind that the higher the altitude, the cooler the weather, and that with a brisk wind blowing down off the mountains, even a low-lying valley can become quite chilly.

The central valleys of Punakha, Wangdue Phodrang, Mongar, Trashigang and Lhuntshi enjoy a semi tropical climate with cool winters, where Haa, Paro, Thimphu, Trongsa, Bumthang and Phobjikha have a much harsher climate, with monsoons in summer and occasional snowfalls in winter. The north of the country where most of the treks are organized is inhabited up to 5,000 meters (16,400 feet) in summer. The climate there is rough, with monsoon rains in summer and heavy snowfalls in winter. In the valleys, where most tourist activities are concentrated, Winter arrives from mid-November till mid-March, and at this time of the year the climate is dry and sunny for the most part, temperatures peaking at around 15c. or 60 – 65 degrees F in the daytime and falling below zero at night. Snow covers the mountaintops but reaches the valleys only two or three times each year.

Spring lasts from mid March to the beginning of June with temperatures 27-19 degree Celsius / 80-84 F) by day and 18 – 20 degree Celsius / around 65 degree F at night. The monsoon usually arrives in mid-June, with light rain falling mainly in the afternoons and evenings, and summer temperatures are 23-24 degree Celsius / 73 – 75 F by day and 15- 16 degree Celsius / 59-61 F at night.. At the end of September, after the last of the big rains, autumn suddenly arrives, and offers a magnificent season for trekking until November. All at once the sky clears, a brisk breeze picks up and temperatures start falling towards freezing at night although bright sunshine continues to keep the days warm.Time in

Bhutan
Bhutan time is 6 hours ahead of GMT and there is just one time zone throughout the country. 

Language
The official language of Bhutan is English; the National Language is Dzongkha. The meaning of “Dzongkha” is the language spoken in the dzong, or government buildings. Most people related to the tourism industry can understand and speak English. In schools too, English is used to teach subjects such as mathematics, science and geography and the study of Dzongkha and English are compulsory in all Bhutanese schools. Several local dialects are spoken in central and eastern Bhutan. Throughout the country there are 24 living dialects. Many sounds in Dzongkha do not have a match in the English language. It is difficult to write the exact pronunciation in English but most consonants in Dzongkha are pronounced in same manner as in English. 

Health
No vaccinations are currently required for traveling to Bhutan. However, visitors coming from an area infected with yellow fever are required to have had a yellow fever vaccination at least 10 days before their arrival. Cholera vaccinations are strongly recommended for visitors coming from a cholera infected area. Anti-malarial medication is also recommended for all travelers who will be visiting rural areas of districts bordering India.

To assure that you are in good health, contact your physician. Your doctor is the best source of information about immunizations and medicines; he knows your medical history and is in touch with local public health officials. Ask and follow his advice in medical matters regarding the trip. Vaccination requirements and recommendations do change frequently, so each traveler should check with their physician or a traveler’s clinic for the most up to date information. 

Money
Bhutan’s currency is the Ngultrum (Nu.), with 100 Chetrum = 1 Ngultrum. The Ngultrum is fixed to the value of Indian rupee. Tourists are advised to carry their money in the form of traveler’s checks (preferably American Express) with some cash (US dollars would be best) which might be used for incidental purchases/expenses such as, mineral water ($1 per liter), tips to driver, guide, trekking crews, donations to monasteries, airport departure taxes in Thailand and Bhutan. You may exchange traveler’s checks or US cash at your hotel, banks and designated foreign currency exchange counters (such as the Paro airport). Visa is accepted in few stores in Thimphu only, but is often accompanied by a bank charge of 5-7%. There are no ATM machines in Bhutan at this time. There are bank branches in all major towns.  
Purchasing Souvenirs: Unlike other tourist destinations, Bhutan’s stores normally do not like to be bargained, however, it is always good to bargain a little but not much like in India and Nepal.

Electricity
In Bhutan, electricity runs on 220/240 volts, with round hole two-pin and three-pin power outlets. If you bring electrical appliances, also pack appropriate adapter plugs. Thimphu electrical appliance shops stock adapter plugs, but they are unlikely to be available elsewhere.

Communications
Clients will be able to check their email and make international telephone calls from most towns while touring Bhutan. While internet cafes are more widespread in the western region, even in the far east there are public IDD calling booths. IDD calls may be made and received at most accommodations used by Bhutan Pelri Tours, and at least in Thimphu, hotel internet access is assured also.  

Food
Bhutanese delicacies are rich with spicy chillies and cheese. All hotels and lodges on Bhutan Pelri Tours’ selected list of accommodations offer delicious Chinese, Continental, Bhutanese and Indian cuisine. 
For trekking groups, Bhutan Pelri Tours’ own trained cooks will prepare dishes suitable to western taste in the above range, and every effort will be made to accommodate the individual dietary preferences of your clients. Please give some advance notice of any special dietary requirements so that we can make appropriate arrangements when the catering team assembles provisions. 

Clothing
Due to the wide range of temperature and climatic conditions it is advisable to dress in layers, such as a cotton shirt, pullover, wool cardigan and jacket, which can be taken off or added as needed. For protection against cold, layered clothing is better than one or two thick garments. Clothing should preferably be made from natural materials, which allow the body to breathe. Even in summer you will need a sweater or a light jacket in the evening.  
Conservative sportswear is the appropriate style for a traveler in Bhutan. Skimpy or tight fitting clothes are not recommended as Bhutanese people will find this type of dress offensive.

For men, trousers are best, and men should always wear a shirt in public. T-shirts are acceptable. If you would like to wear shorts, please bring longer shorts (for instance Gurkha shorts). Short jogging shorts are not appropriate at any time. 
For women, pants or long skirts are probably the best choice. Many women find trekking in long johns or tights and a skirt is a functional combination. During treks, shorts are okay to wear, however, during your sightseeing you will not be allowed to enter Temples and monasteries if in shorts. Long or short sleeve shirts are best. This means halter-tops; jog-bras and thin blouses are not appropriate attire.  
Do not wear tank tops as outer garments. Dress modestly and respectfully for visits to monasteries, dzongs and other religious institutions. Hats, caps etc. should be removed before entering the premises.

Comfortable sports shoes are strongly recommended; mountain boots are not necessary unless you plan to go trekking. From May to October, cotton clothes are sufficient, plus a woolen sweater or light jacket. From November to the end of April, on the other hand, you will need very warm clothes including long underwear or woolen tights to wear under trousers, and a warm jacket. 

What to Pack
The following is fairly exhaustive list of what you should pack for the trip: Clothes as per season, sunglasses/spare glasses, pair of casual shoes, knife, hat, umbrella, camera, film and accessories (including spare camera batteries), insect repellent, hand cream, small sewing kit & safety pins, torch or flash light with spare batteries, mirror, scissors, sun cream, lip salve, pain relievers, antiseptic cream, anti-histamine cream, anti-diarrhea pills, motion sickness medication, sun cream, feminine hygiene products and any medication you take regularly. Coffee lovers may want to bring their own preferred brand and a coffee press. There is no good coffee available in Bhutan.

Bring about twice as much film or digital film cards as you are expecting to use, and plenty of spare camera batteries, as these are unlikely to be available locally.  

Gear During Treks

 
Photography
The photographic opportunities on all trips are immense. The natural scenery is superb, and you will also wish to record the local people, their houses and shops etc. Always ask by a gesture if it is ok to do so. Also, note that photography in shrine rooms of dzongs, monasteries and religious institutions is generally not permitted. Outdoor photography is usually permitted, but when visiting such places, please check with your guide before taking any photographs.  

You should plan to bring all your own photographic equipment, including film and batteries. You can find film for prints and slides in Thimphu. There is no way to get a camera repaired in Bhutan. Video cameras are permitted but 16 mm movie cameras are not, the latter being considered professional equipment and subject to duty. 

Culture 
Who’s who? There are three major ethnic groups in Bhutan with their own dialect, namely:

1. Sharchogpa (speaking Tsanglalo): Sharchogpa meaning easterners are from the Eastern part of Bhutan and are recognized as the original inhabitant of the country. They are indo-mongoloid and is unclear where they migrated from and when they arrived in Bhutan.

2. Ngalong (speaking Dzongkha): Ngalongs are considered to be the Tibetan descendants who arrive Bhutan in the ninth century during the political instability in Tibet. These immigrants settled in the western part of the country.  

3. Lhotshampa (Nepali): Nepalis started migrating into Bhutan and settled in the south during the late 19th century. Lhotshampa represents numerous Nepali-speaking ethnic groups such as the Brahman, Chettri, Gurung, Rai and Limbus. 

4. Minority groups: Bumthap, Mangdip, Kurtoep, Khengpa, Layap, Brokpa and Tibetan form about 1% of the population. Many of this group comprises fewer than 5000 people.  

Dos & Don’ts
Bhutanese are considered quite open and liberal compare to its neighboring countries. There are many complex customs and traditions in Bhutan, but you are not expected to follow all of these. Just follow the western standards of common courtesy and be respectful of religious sentiment. Most important, ask your guide before doing anything. You should also follow the normal Asian standards of courtesy and behavior in Bhutan. These include respect for religion and the monarchy, modest dress and no public displays of affection. In most of the Temples and monasteries shoes are not allowed please remove before entering. 

Begging
There are no beggars in Bhutan (With the exception of monks or recluses, who ask for a donation, which brings you merit in your search to reach Heaven). This is not a custom of the mountain folk of the Himalayas. Children have begun asking for pencils, candy, and money along some trails. Please do not support this, and is against the government law. Instead give them a conversation. Oftentimes, what they seek is contact and attention. Many Westerners like to entertain locals by using a Polaroid camera. Please do so with discretion. 

Shopping
Hand-woven textiles, carved masks, woven baskets, wooden bowls, handmade paper products, finely crafted metal objects, thangkha paintings and Bhutan’s exquisite postage stamps are the items mostly purchased by travelers in Bhutan. The buying and selling of antiques is strictly forbidden. 

Gratuities
Tipping is a purely personal matter. There are no set guidelines for tipping in Bhutan, but as in most countries, gratuities that express thanks for a job well done are always welcome. 

Suggested Reading Materials 
The lonely planet guidebook (BHUTAN); BHUTAN: Himalayan Mountain Kingdom by Francoise Pommaret, BEYOND THE SKY AND THE EARTH: A journey into Bhutan by Jamie Zeppa.