GENERAL INFORMATION FOR VISITORS TO BHUTAN
Climate of Bhutan
Regardng climate of Bhutan and weather in Bhutan, the southern part of the country is tropical, and in general the eastern region of the country is warmer than the central valleys. The central valleys of Punakha, Wangduephodrang, Mongar, Tashigang and Lhuentse enjoy a semi-tropical climate with cool winters, whilst Paro, Thimphu, Tongsa and Bumthang have a bit colder climate. Winter in Bhutan is 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 15°C. in the daytime and falling below zero at night. The monsoon in Bhutan usually arrives in mid-June, with light rain falling mainly in the afternoons and evenings. At the end of September, after the last of the big rains, autumn suddenly arrives, and is a magnificent season for trekking until November.
Language
While Dzongkha is the national language, English is the medium of instruction in schools and is widely spoken and understood by most Bhutanese.
Time Zone
Bhutan time is 6 hours ahead of GMT and there is only one time zone throughout the country.
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.
Currency
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. There are bank branches in all major towns.
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 Access Bhutan and at least in Thimphu, hotel internet access is assured also.
Ground Transportation
We provide various types of vehicles for transportation, comprising mini buses seating 18-22 and smaller vehicles seating 2-8 for your Bhutan travel. All our vehicles are heated, and our drivers are competent professional.
Accommodation
There are comfortable Bhutan hotels, lodges and guesthouses at our tourist destinations. Generally speaking, hotels in western Bhutan are better appointed, while accommodation establishments in the central and eastern part of the country are more modest, with fewer amenities. There is no star categorization of hotels and five star luxuries are not available.
Access Bhutan Tours & Treks has carefully selected the list of accommodation units with the best of location, service and ambience. 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.
Food
Bhutanese delicacies are rich with spicy chillies and cheese. All hotels and lodges on Access Bhutan Tours' selected list of accommodations offer delicious Chinese, Continental, Bhutanese and Indian cuisines.
For trekking groups, Access Bhutan's 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. 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.
Insurance
We recommend that all travelers purchase a short-term traveler's insurance policy, which covers everything from life and emergency medical care to lost baggage.
What to Pack
The
following is fairly exhaustive list of what you should pack for your trip to Bhutan : Clothes as per season, sunglasses/spare glasses, pair of casual shoes, knife, hat, umbrella, camera, films 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, soluble aspirin, antiseptic cream, anti-histamine cream, anti-diarrhea pills, a preparation for the relief of sunburn, and any medication you take regularly, or might need to take for a periodically recurring condition, such as asthma.
Customs
Visitors are required to complete a passenger declaration form for checking by concerned officers on arrival. The following articles are exempt from duty:
- Personal effects and articles for day to day use by the visitor
2 liters of alcohol (spirits or wine)
- 400 cigarettes, 150 gms of pipe tobacco, 2 boxes of cigars (or 50 pieces)
- Instruments, apparatus or appliances for professional use
- Photographic equipment, video cameras and other electronic goods for personal use.
The articles mentioned under (d) & (e) must be declared on the declaration form. If any such items are disposed of in Bhutan by sale or gift, they are liable for customs duty. On departure, visitors are required to surrender their forms to the Customs authorities.
Import/Export Restrictions
Import/export of the following goods is strictly prohibited
- Arms, ammunitions and explosives
- All narcotics and drugs except medically prescribed drugs
- Wildlife products, especially those of endangered species
- Antiques.
Imports of plants, soils etc. are subject to quarantine regulations. These items must be cleared on arrival. Visitors are advised to be cautious in purchasing old and used items, especially of religious or cultural significance, as such items may not be exported without a clearance certificate. Please seek an advice from Access Bhutan Tours a before committing to such purchases.
Shopping in Bhutan
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.
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