Though we are in the Himalaya, our itinerary stays below the altitude where Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) might affect people. However it is still important to take care and avoid over exertion allowing your body time to adjust to the smaller quantities of oxygen and to drink lots of water (3-4 liters a day). All our itineraries are designed with easy days at the start and some become more challenging towards the end, after acclimatization has occurred.
There are no statutory requirements unless you are arriving from an area designated as infected by cholera or yellow fever. Please consult your doctor for up to date information and if you are on any prescribed medication ensure that you bring a sufficient supply with you. As Bhutan is a remote country we advise that all guests over the age of 60 years or with a pre-existing condition consult their doctor about their travel plans.
It is a condition for entering Bhutan that you carry proof of travel insurance to cover medical and personal accident risks (including repatriation costs, air ambulance and helicopter rescue services) and that you also take out cancellation insurance. Please note that some policies restrict coverage or do not cover travel to Bhutan and may not cover activities such as trekking and mountain biking.
The Bhutanese unit of currency is the Ngultrum and 1Nu = 100 Chetrum. The Ngultrum is pegged to the value of the Indian Rupee.
Increasing businesses in Bhutan accept credit cards and there are foreign currency exchange services at some hotels and banks and ATM services are also available.
As Bhutan Signature tour offers all-inclusive packages, apart from extra activities, drinks, tips, essential items and souvenirs, there is little available to spend your money on. The choice of souvenirs is improving and includes textiles, wooden handicrafts, paintings, prayer flags, prayer wheels, prayer beads and very colorful stamps. Paro Market day is every Sunday and Thimphu Market (with its extensive handicraft and artifact section) opens on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
Bhutan’s connectivity is improving by the day, with most smart phones working fine and wireless connections available in most Tourist Class hotels however this diminishes as you move eastwards beyond Bumthang.
220 volts AC. Please pack a plug adapter as the type of electrical sockets varies across the country.
6 hours ahead of Greenwich Meantime with no daylight saving, 30 minutes ahead of India, 1 hour behind Thailand and 10 hours ahead of New York.
Bhutan has become the first nation in the world to ban the sale and consumption (in public) of tobacco. While visitors can still bring in cigarettes for their own use the items will attract a duty of 200%. Alcoholic beverage up to 1 liter is permitted for personal consumption
Dzongkha is Bhutan’s official language and there are countless dialects. Thanks to his Majesty the 4th King’s education policy, English is widely spoken in shops and hotels.
Bhutan lies at the same latitude as Miami in the US so expect plenty of sunshine all year round. The varying altitudes of the valleys within the Kingdom make for different microclimates, for example the lower valley of Punakha enjoys a subtropical climate whereas the higher Gangtey valley suffers freezing temperatures throughout the winter.
SPRING & AUTUMN (March to May & September to November)
Warm days & cool nights (max 26°C: min 4°C), some chance of rain – Camping Trek Seasons (freezing temps at high camps)
SUMMER (June to August)
Hot days & balmy nights (max 28°C: min 14°C), chance of rain – Best time for flowers and birdlife
WINTER (December to February)
Crisp, clear sunny days and cold dry nights (max 20°C: min -4°C) some chance of snow – Best time for Mountain Views
As you can see from the above, the weather in Bhutan is not as extreme as one might think, even in winter. In addition to your normal daily clothes, may we suggest the following items to bring with you – ESSENTIAL small backpack; warm jacket; strong boots or shoes with good soles; waterproof jacket; sunglasses; warm hat; sunhat; sunscreen; plug adaptor. RECOMMENDED shorts for cycling and walking; torch; insect repellent; lip balm; wet wipes, a sufficient supply of any medication you are taking. It is also advisable to pack some treats from home like muesli bars, gloves and perhaps thermal underwear for winter evenings and a spare battery for your camera.
Our walks and treks are mostly on established trails, and there are no particularly difficult sections, although some of the trails are steep and rocky and can be muddy and slippery after rain. Boots with ankle support are recommended.
Kindly provide us with the information of the person whom we can get touch in during emergency.
