Epic Bhutan - 2024-25

Consistently voted the happiest country in the world, the little nation of Bhutan is set at the far eastern end of the Himalayas, between India and China. Bhutan only began to open its doors to outsiders in the 1970s and still has a strict sustainability policy regarding tourism. As a result, it has retained a deep cultural authenticity and has preserved its environment admirably, making it one of Asia’s most beguiling and unforgettable destinations. Highlights include incredible forts and temples perched on sheer mountain cliffs, a rich (predominantly Buddhist) culture, and spectacular scenery – ranging from temperate sub-tropical plains and valleys cloaked with dense forest to lofty sub-Alpine mountains capped with snow.

Currency 

Local currency: Bhutanese Ngultrum 
Symbol: Nu. 
ISO code: BTN 
Subunit: Chhertum 
Banknotes: Nu.1, Nu.5, Nu.10, Nu.20, Nu.50, Nu.100, Nu.500, Nu.1000 
Coins: Ch.5, Ch.10, Nu.25, Nu.50 

Banking 

Card Transactions: Limited 
ATMs: Yes 
Mastercard: Limited acceptance 
Visa: Limited acceptance 
American Express: Limited acceptance 
Diner’s club: Limited acceptance 

Banking Hours: 
Weekdays: 9:00 am - 4:00 pm 
Weekends: Limited 
Public Holidays: Limited 
Foreign exchange services: Limited 

Air: 
Main airlines: Druk Air, Bhutan Airlines 
International Airports: Paro International Airport (PBH) 
Domestic Airports: None 

Road: 
Driving on the: Left 
Tar roads: Yes 
Gravel roads: Limited 
Valid International Driver's License needed: No 
Car hire available: Limited 
Taxis: Yes 
E-hailing services: No 

Bus: 
Inter-city bus services: Yes 
Local city bus networks: Limited 

Rail: 
Railway system: No 
Subway System: No 

Water: 
Ferries: No 
Water taxis: No 
Leisure cruises: No 

TRAVEL ADVICE & WARNINGS

We strongly recommend you review the current travel advice for your country/countries of destination before booking and ensure you remain up to date with this advice before travelling.

Australia: http://smartraveller.gov.au/countries/Pages/default.aspx

UK: https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice

USA: https://travel.state.gov/content/passports/en/alertswarnings.html

REGISTER YOUR TRAVEL

We recommend that you register your travel with your local authority. These services are free and help locate you in case of an emergency. Updates to travel advice are also provided through the subscription service.

Australia - Smart Traveller service - https://orao.dfat.gov.au/pages/

USA - Smart Traveller service - https://step.state.gov/step/

Food and water safety: 
Can you drink the tap water: No 
Fresh fruit and veg: Yes 
Ice: Use bottled or purified water 
Meat: Yes, but prefer well-cooked 
Street food: Exercise caution 

Local cuisine: Bhutanese cuisine is characterized by spicy flavors and typically includes dishes like Ema Datshi (chili and cheese stew), Phaksha Paa (pork cooked with chilies), and Momos (dumplings). Butter tea (suja) is a popular local drink. 

Drinks: Butter tea (suja), Ara (locally brewed rice wine) 
Tipping: Tipping is not expected but appreciated. 

Annual rainfall: Varies by region

Average temperature: 10°C to 25°C

Summer:

Average highs: 24°C to 28°C

Average lows: 15°C to 18°C

Winter:

Average highs: 12°C to 16°C

Average lows: -1°C to 5°C

Best time to visit: The best time to visit Bhutan is during the spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) seasons when the weather is mild, and the skies are clear, offering ideal conditions for trekking and sightseeing.

Winter will be chilly (particularly in the evenings and mornings) so best to dress in a layered arrangement.

You should definitely take a good mid weight jacket (eg. TheNorthFace - Thermoball jacket) as well as perhaps a heavier down jacket if you have one (eg. TheNorthFace - Down jacket).

By way of an indication this is we recommend you pack as your main items:

• 3 long sleeved shirts (that you can trek in if need be)
• Set of thermals. Perhaps even 2 sets
• 2 long sleeved mid layer tops (eg. Icebreaker)
• 3 pairs of trekking pants
• Gore-Tex jacket
• Mid-weight puffer
• Heavier down puffer if you have one
• Beanie
• Gloves – light weight
• Scarf and/or buff
• 2 pairs of shoes – trekking shoes and a pair of runners
• Exercise gear
• Sunglasses
• Cap/hat
• Underwear
• Toiletries etc

Internet cafes: Limited 
Accommodation options: Yes 
Restaurants: Yes 
Cafes: Yes 
Shopping malls: No 
Public parks: Yes 
Libraries: Limited 

Plug Type: Type D, Type F 
Voltage (V): 230 
Frequency Hertz (Hz): 50 

*Travel plug adapter and voltage converter might be necessary depending on your appliances.