BHUTAN FAQ’s

Bhutan is GMT + 6 hrs

Bhutanese Ngultrum (BTN)

Weather patterns around the world are becoming less predictable. However, as a general guide, during the main travel seasons to Bhutan, from September to November and February to April, the days tend to be mild and sunny with cool evenings and early mornings. We recommend checking up-to-date weather forecasts before you travel.

Dress for our tours is generally relaxed and informal during the day, dressing to suit the weather conditions and the activity you are undertaking. It’s likely there will be occasions when exploring you’ll be walking on uneven surfaces and we also spend time in rural locations, so we recommend sturdy and comfortable walking shoes. Wearing layers of clothing means it’s much easier to deal with potentially varied weather conditions and temperature changes due to altitude, and it’s always advisable to carry a waterproof. Any included evening dinners are also informal, with smart casual dress being the norm. We would also recommend taking good insect repellent, a high factor sunscreen lotion and a hat for protection from the sun.

It is always worth being aware of local customs when visiting sacred places. As a general rule, when visiting such places, it is recommended that arms and legs are covered. Women may also wish to take a shawl to cover their shoulders and all visitors should wear long trousers, skirts or shorts that reach below the knee. Taking off your shoes is also a prerequisite before entering many sacred places. Bhutanese people generally adopt a conservative standard of dress and we suggest dressing modestly.

Visa and Mastercard credit cards are only likely to be accepted in major hotels and restaurants in Thimphu and Paro, and we recommend advising your bank of your travel plans so you do not encounter potential problems when trying to use your cards. Credit card use is generally quite limited, though, and there may be additional card fees applied to purchases.

Cash is the best way to pay for things and essential in rural areas, markets, and for smaller businesses. As well as the Bhutanese Ngultrum (BTN), Indian Rupees (INR) are also widely accepted, although notes higher than the INR 100 denomination may not be accepted by some establishments. ATMs generally don’t accept foreign bank cards and so it is advisable to take cash in sterling or US dollars that can be changed locally at money exchanges. Don’t forget, your Tour Manger will be on hand to help you find the best places to exchange your money. When you change money, ask for some small bills and keep these separate from the larger ones, so that they’re readily accessible.

Tipping is customary in Bhutan and we have included a number of gratuities into your tour. Tips for your Tour Manager/Guides, Drivers and Assistants are not included, and suggested tipping amounts are as follows:

Escorted Tours
Tour Manager: BTN 500 – 700 per person per day
Coach Drivers: BTN 400 – 500 per person per day
Assistant: BTN 250 – 300 per person per day

Note: As many our tours visit several countries in the Indian Subcontinent, you may have more than one tour manager, coach driver and coach helper on your tour.

Private Tours (per group)
Guide: BTN 1,300 (USD $15) per day
Driver: BTN 850 (USD $10) per day

Note: These are suggested amounts only and can be adjusted based on your satisfaction with the service received.

A valid ten-year British passport is required for all holidays, valid for a minimum of 6 months after your return date to the UK. When travelling to Bhutan you must also allow two blank pages for your visa. If you are not currently in possession of a valid passport or do not have sufficient blank pages remaining, please make sure you leave plenty of time before your holiday to apply for this document. Our recommendation is that you should apply at least three months before your holiday.

You are required to apply for a Tourist Visa before travelling, however, this is arranged for you by Distant Journeys and included in your tour. You will need to send us a clear, colour scan/copy of your passport details/photo page at least 2 months prior to travelling. This must be the passport you intend to travel on. Your Bhutanese visa will then be endorsed in your passport on arrival at Paro Airport.

For more information on passport information and entry requirements please visit the Government Passport Office website UK Passport Office and the Foreign Office website: UK Foreign Travel Advice

Please note entry requirements may change and it is your responsibility to ensure you are in possession of all necessary travel, passport, visa and other entry requirements before departure. All costs incurred in obtaining such documentation must be paid by you. We regret we cannot accept any liability if you are refused entry onto any transport or into any country due to failure on your part to obtain and carry all required documentation.

The information provided is for British citizens only. Holders of a British Subject passport, non-British citizens and holders of a passport endorsed in any way should check immigration requirements with the relevant embassy or consulate of the country to be visited, as should clients with dual nationality or renounced citizenship.

Health facilities, hygiene and disease risks vary worldwide. You should take health advice from your GP or local travel clinic about your specific needs as early as possible and ensure that vaccinations or preventative measures are taken early enough (which may be a month or more prior to departure) to be fully effective by the date of travel. For more information on health and vaccinations please visit the Foreign Office website UK Foreign Travel Advice and NHS Travel Vaccinations website on: NHS travel vaccinations.

Advice may change and you should check the most up to date position with your GP or local health / travel clinic in good time before departure.

During your time in Bhutan you will generally be staying at altitudes between 1,200m (4,000ft) and 2,250m (7,400ft). The highest altitude you will experience is 3,100m (10,200ft) at Dochula Pass and the Tiger’s Nest Monastery.

Smoking is prohibited in all public areas in Bhutan, including commercial centres, recreational facilities, institutions, public gatherings, and transportation hubs. Smoking near temples and other religious sites is considered sacrilegious and is strictly forbidden. Smoking is only allowed in designated areas, such as smoking areas in private hotels and restaurants, at the discretion of the establishment.