We recommend durable, comfortable trekking boots, sunglasses, headgear, raincoats, and warm clothing. A sleeping bag is a must and it is advisable to have a medium to a heavy one. A torch can be handy. (Note: for trekking a load of 20kg is allowed).
Dzongkha is the national language. English is commonly spoken throughout the Kingdom.
The Royal Insurance Corporation of Bhutan has initiated a travel and medical plan solely for our visitors. Travel insurance can be provided through your Bhutanese tour operator or international partner. You may also visit the Royal Insurance Corporation of Bhutan website at www.ricb.com.bt for more information.
- Bhutan’s currency is the Ngultrum (Nu.) It is at par with the Indian rupee which is accepted as legal tender in the country.
- Note: INR (Indian Rupees) denominations of 500 and 1000 are not accepted in Bhutan.
- In addition, POS (Point of Sale) services are available nationwide, meaning visitors can pay by credit card at most hotels and handicrafts stores.
Some popular handicraft items available for purchase are hand-woven textiles of raw silk or silk, carved masks of various animals, woven baskets of cane and bamboo, wooden bowls known as Dapas, handmade paper products, or finely crafted gods of silver. You may find Buddhist thangkha paintings or Bhutan’s colorful postage stamps intriguing. You can come across these items in the many handicraft shops in and around Thimphu and in other major towns. Please remember that buying and selling antiques is strictly forbidden in Bhutan.
- Bhutan offers immense opportunities for photography, especially during outdoor sightseeing trips. Before taking pictures or filming inside Dzongs, temples, monasteries, or religious institutions, consult your guide.
- Some areas may not allow photography/filming.
- You are free to capture images of the landscape, the panoramic views of the mountain ranges, rural life, flora and fauna, distinctive Bhutanese architecture, and the exterior of Dzongs and Chortens in particular.
- 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.
- You will be offending people if you walk around in skimpy or tight-fitting clothes.
- Shorts are not welcomed and women are advised to wear below-the-knee skirts or fairly loose trousers. Do not wear sleeveless T-shirts (singlets, vests) as outer garments.
- Dress modestly and respectfully for visits to monasteries, dzongs, and other religious institutions, and refrain from smoking while on the premises. Hats, caps, etc. should be removed before entering the premises.