Your Bhutan Pre-Departure Guide

📄 Documents & entry requirements

• Passport — valid for at least 6 months beyond your return date. Bhutan requires a valid passport; Israeli and Maldivian passports are not admitted.
• Bhutan visa — all visas are processed through the Tourism Council of Bhutan. We handle this for you after booking. Allow 7–10 business days.
• Visa approval letter — we'll email it to you before departure. Print a copy and keep it on your phone (offline).
• Druk Air / Bhutan Airlines ticket — save your e-ticket and check-in confirmation. Common connection points: Delhi, Bangkok, Kathmandu, Singapore.
• Travel insurance certificate — strongly recommended. Bring proof of policy. Medical evacuation coverage is particularly important at altitude.
• Copies of everything — leave passport copies with someone at home and keep a separate digital set in cloud storage.

💊 Health & altitude prep

Paro (your arrival airport) sits at 2,280m. Thimphu is 2,350m. Tiger's Nest is at 3,120m. Most people adapt well within 24–48 hours with sensible pacing.

• Hydrate before and during travel — alcohol and altitude don't mix well in the first 48 hours.
• Acetazolamide (Diamox) — consult your doctor if you're concerned about altitude. It requires a prescription and is started 24h before arrival.
• Routine medications — bring a full supply plus 3 extra days. Some medications are unavailable or hard to source in Bhutan.
• First aid kit basics — blister plasters, antihistamines, ibuprofen/paracetamol, rehydration sachets, antiseptic wipes.
• Vaccinations — no mandatory vaccinations for entry from most countries. Hepatitis A/B, typhoid, and tetanus are commonly recommended. Consult your travel health clinic 6–8 weeks ahead.
• Dietary needs — let us know in advance. Bhutan can accommodate vegetarian and most common allergies; exotic dietary requirements may need specific planning.

🎒 Packing list

Bhutan's mountain weather changes fast. Layers are key — even in spring and autumn.

All seasons

• Layering system: moisture-wicking base, warm mid-layer (fleece or down), waterproof outer shell
• Comfortable walking shoes with grip — essential for monastery stairs and hike paths
• Flip-flops or sandals — required for removing shoes at temples and monastery entrances
• Sun protection: SPF 50+ sunscreen, UV-rated sunglasses, wide-brim hat
• Reusable water bottle (1L minimum) — Bhutan encourages sustainability
• Small daypack for activities (20–30L)
• Camera and/or phone with ample storage — Bhutan is relentlessly photogenic
• Power adapter (Bhutan uses Type D/F/G sockets, 230V)
• Small torch / headlamp — useful for monastery interiors and rural areas
• Cash in small denominations — Bhutanese Ngultrum (BTN), tied to INR at parity. ATMs exist in Paro and Thimphu; scarce elsewhere.

Spring (March–May)

• T-shirts and light shirts for valley days (can hit 20°C+)
• Medium-weight fleece for evenings and passes
• Light rain jacket — spring brings afternoon showers
• Rhododendrons are in bloom — bring a wide-angle lens if you shoot

Autumn (Sep–Nov)

• Peak visibility season — the clearest mountain views
• Warmer layers for early mornings and evenings (temperatures drop fast after sunset)
• Festival season — dress codes matter. Bring at least one modest outfit: no bare shoulders or short hemlines at dzongs.

Winter (Dec–Feb)

• Thermal base layers — nights in Paro and Thimphu can drop to 0°C
• Heavy insulated jacket (not just a fleece)
• Wool or thermal hat, gloves, and neck gaiter
• Fewer crowds — a genuinely good time to visit if you're cold-tolerant

For trekking trips

• Trekking poles (collapsible)
• Quick-dry trekking trousers
• Wool or synthetic hiking socks (minimum 3 pairs)
• Waterproof hiking boots (broken in — new boots = blisters)
• Sleeping bag liner if camping overnight

🙏 Cultural preparation

Bhutan is not a museum. It is a living Buddhist kingdom where monks, dzongs, and ceremonies are part of daily life — not tourist attractions. Your guide will advise in the moment, but these will carry you far.

• Dress modestly at all religious sites — shoulders and knees covered. A shawl or light jacket in your daypack is always useful.
• Remove shoes before entering temples — this is non-negotiable and your guide will remind you.
• Walk clockwise around chortens and prayer wheels — this is the direction of prayer in Tibetan Buddhist practice.
• Ask before photographing monks, faces, or ceremonies — many people are happy to be photographed; some are not. A gesture and a smile go a long way.
• No photography inside most dzong interiors — signs will indicate; your guide will clarify.
• Accept food and drink with both hands — or at least with your right hand with the left touching your right elbow. A small gesture of respect.
• Avoid pointing at religious objects or people with one finger — use an open palm if you need to gesture.
• Tobacco is strictly regulated — it's illegal to smoke in public in Bhutan, and bringing tobacco requires customs declaration and duty. Vaping is also restricted.
• Plastic bags are banned — bring a reusable tote for shopping.

✈️ What to expect on arrival

• Paro airport approach — Paro has one of the world's most dramatic airport approaches. Pilots fly visually through a narrow mountain valley. This is normal. The landing is safe and well-practiced.
• Visa stamp on arrival — show your visa approval letter at immigration. The process is typically 20–40 minutes.
• Meet and greet — your guide and driver will be waiting in arrivals with a name sign. Exchange numbers immediately.
• First night is a rest night — your itinerary begins gently. Your first afternoon/evening is intentionally unhurried to allow acclimatisation.
• SIM card — B-Mobile and TashiCell offer prepaid tourist SIMs at the airport. Coverage is surprisingly good in Paro, Thimphu, and Punakha; limited in rural areas.
• Currency — Indian Rupees are accepted widely. Exchange BTN at the airport or a bank in Paro/Thimphu. Keep small denominations for temple donations and local markets.

Questions about your specific trip?

Once you book, you'll receive a personalised version of this guide — tailored to your season, itinerary, regions, and comfort tier. In the meantime, send us anything.

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