Buddhism
It is possible to receive instruction on Buddhist practice at any monastery, though for discussions on Buddhist philosophy it is better to consult with teachers at Buddhist colleges such as Lhodrak Kharchhu Monastery in Jakar, Tango Monastery near Thimphu, or Chokyi Gyatso Institute in Samdrup Jongkhar.
Shopping & credit cards
The most popular tourist purchases include traditional Bhutanese arts and handicrafts, Buddhist paintings (thangka), textiles, and wood carvings. Bhutanese hand-woven textile is prized around the world. You can buy them in most handicraft boutiques. Yathra is another brightly colored woven material made from wool and dyed with natural colors. It is sold in pieces or sewn into jackets, bags, rugs and wall hangings. Wood and bamboo products include dappa (handmade wooden bowls) and bangchung (small bamboo woven baskets) with two tightly fitting halves.
Credit cards (MasterCard, Visa & American Express) are accepted only by a handful of shops and hotels in bigger towns. Therefore, we suggest you carry sufficient traveler’s checks and cash. Please remember that buying and selling of antiques is strictly forbidden in Bhutan.
Food & accommodation
A typical Bhutanese staple is rice, ema datsi (chili and cheese curry), and suja (butter tea). So, expect this fare, if you visit or stay in a farmhouse. Most hotels also serve Indian, Chinese, and Continental dishes. You can also try out momos, the Tibetan dumplings.
Although star-rated recently, the standard of accommodation in most tourist hotels, lodges, and guesthouses, remains relatively basic. The more frequented districts in western parts of the country generally offer better standards of accommodation than the less frequented eastern and southern parts. However, since the Tourism Council of Bhutan approves all the hotels, you can expect at least a decent standard.
We can also arrange farmhouses with the most basic of amenities where you will be able to experience the typical Bhutanese lifestyle. Bhutan’s famed hot stone bath can be arranged in a farmhouse.
Health risks
Main health risks include diarrhea and respiratory problems because of the change in climate and seasons. For some, altitude change could also cause minor palpitations, shortness of breath or headaches, especially if on a trek. You are advised not to drink water from indiscriminate sources.
However, hospitals and clinics are located in almost every part of the country, even in the remotest areas. Indigenous medical facilities are also located in all district capitals.
The World Health Organization recommends the following vaccinations for travelers to Bhutan: Adult Diphtheria and Tetanus, Hepatitis A & B, Polio, Typhoid, Cholera, Rubella, Japanese B Encephalitis, and Rabies.
You might also want to carry a little first aid kit of the following important medicines: antifungal and antibacterial cream, antibiotic for skin infections, indigestion medication, laxative, paracetamol, sunscreen, and throat lozenges.
Transportation & communication
Until recently, the only mode of transportation within Bhutan was by road. Today, you may catch domestic flights to Bumthang and Trashigang or charter a flight if you are visiting in a big group.
The national lateral highway runs from west to east covering some 550 kilometers. Roads have reached all major towns and villages in the country. However, during monsoons, roads may be blocked by landslides and flash floods, disrupting travel.
All district headquarters and major towns have communication facilities like Internet Cafes, Post Offices, and Telephone Kiosks with international dialing facilities. You can send home beautiful post cards from all corners of Bhutan.
Most of Bhutan has mobile phone coverage, and as B-Mobile has agreements with some Asian and European countries on mobile roaming, cellular phones from these countries can be operated in Bhutan.
Time
Bhutan Standard Time is 6 hours ahead of GMT and there is only one time zone throughout the country.
Office Hours
Office hours in Bhutan are divided into two timings – the summer timing and the winter timing. The summer timing begins at 9 am Bhutan Standard Time and goes on till 5 pm in the evening. The summer timing is followed from March till the end of October. The winter timing that lasts for the months of November till the end of February begins at 9 am in the morning till 4 pm in the evening. However, these timings are followed only in Thimphu and few other districts by the civil servants. For those employed in corporations and the private sector, the timings are usually from 9 am till 5 pm irrespective of the season.
Smoking
Buying and selling of tobacco products is banned in Bhutan. It is prohibited to smoke in public places. It is also sacrilegious to smoke near temples and any other religious sites.
Safety
Bhutan remains one of the safest countries in the world. However, we advise you not to venture out after 9 pm. If you really need to go out, be sure you are accompanied by a guide. Always ensure that your belongings, especially your passports, route permits, cameras, wallets and purses are secured. There have been stray incidents of theft in the past.
Electricity
All major towns are well connected with electricity that runs on 220/240 volts with round hole two-pin and three-pin power outlets.
Clothing
Given Bhutan’s varied climate and seasons, you are advised to carry a variety of clothes. Make sure you bring a hardy pair of boots and a rain gear. We recommend warm clothes in the evenings and mornings. When visiting temples, remove shoes and head gear and wear clothing that expresses respect for the sacred nature of the site. You will need to wear pants and long shirts for a little formality.
Weights and measures
Bhutan has a standard system of weights and measurements in place and most weights are measured in gram (g) and kilogram (kg). With better and efficient measurement systems readily available, most shopkeepers in the capital city make use of electronic weighing scale. However, as you travel further east, you will find the ordinary weighing scale being used.
Climate
Bhutan experiences four distinct seasons, similar in their divisions to those of Western Europe: spring, monsoon, autumn, and winter. Most tourists visit Bhutan in spring and autumn.
Spring is the time when Bhutan’s rich flora is at its best as hundreds of varieties of flowers bloom. And during this time around, the skies are clear and you can see towering snow-covered mountains of the Himalayas.
Even in spring Bhutan’s fierce winter, especially in high altitudes, isn’t over. Tourists who intend to visit during this time are advised to bring along some winter clothes. Spring season starts from March and ends roughly in June.
Another good time of the year – autumn – begins from September and lasts till the end of November. Monsoon brings heavy downpours and occurs between June and August when the temperature is normally between 8° and 21°C (46°-70°F).
Winter in Bhutan is cold and dry with most high lying places snow-covered. Winter lasts from December to February. Summer is humid and the country experiences heavy rains and frequent roadblocks. However, Bhutan’s climatic conditions are different at different places and locations because of country’s geography. Some places in Bhutan are as low as 100m, while others are more than 7,000m above sea level. The mountains in the north of Bhutan on the borders with Tibet are perennially covered with snow.
Bhutan has three different climatic zones: subtropical in the south, temperate in the central region, and alpine in the north.
Embassies & Consulates
Bhutan has a number of embassies and consulates, including those listed below:
India: Royal Bhutanese Embassy – Chandragupta Marg, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi 110 021. Tel: 609217/ 609218, Fax: 6876710
U.S.: Consulate General of Bhutan – 2 UN Plaza, 27th Floor, New York NY 10017. Tel: (212) 826-1919, Fax: (212) 826-2998.
Canada: Honorary Consul of Bhutan – 150 Isabella Street, Ottawa, Ontario K1S 1V7. Tel: (613) 232-1222 Fax: (613)569-4667
Hong Kong: Honorary Consul of Bhutan – 32/F, New World Tower, 16-18 Queen’s Road, Central, Hong Kong, China. Tel: (852) 28443117, 2844-3111, Fax: (852) 25247652 Email: joycecheung@nwd.com.hk
Thailand: The Royal Bhutanese Embassy in Bangkok – Jewelry Trade Center Building, Rm. 1907, 19th Floor, 919/1 Silom Road, Bangkok 10500. Tel: 2671722, 630119 – Fax: 6301193.