Bhutan & Nepal – Himalayan Kingdoms

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 

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: °C 

Summer: 
Average highs: °C 
Average lows: °C 

Winter: 
Average highs: °C 
Average lows: °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. 

Spring and Summer 
Cool, light, breathable and comfortable: Yes 
Lightweight warm clothes: Yes 

Winter and Autumn 
Jerseys, cardigans, sweaters, jackets: Recommended 
Heavyweight clothing and boots: Yes 

General 
Umbrella and raincoat: Yes 
Warm gloves, hat and scarf: Yes 
Swimming costume (bathing suit): Yes (for hot springs) 
Hat, sunglasses and sunblock: Yes 
Walking shoes: Yes 
Casual: Yes 
Smart-casual attire: Yes 

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. 

Tucked away in the Himalayan Mountains, this enchanting nation’s natural landscape is dominated by eight of the world’s tallest peaks, including the iconic Mount Everest. In addition to the numerous ambitious climbers who flock here to face the challenge of climbing this majestic peak, Nepal attracts large numbers of eco-tourists eager to experience this intriguing country’s virtually untouched natural wonders including lush subtropical forests home to a range of exotic wildlife. Nepal’s cultural landscape is just as diverse as its natural one, playing host to an array of distinct ethnic groups. Other popular tourist highlights include: the capital city of Kathmandu with its exquisite temples and palaces; the sheer magnificence of Patan’s Golden Temple; Chitwan National Park, for its impressive scenery; and, of course, Bodnath, the nation’s most sacred Buddhist monument.

Currency 

Local currency: Nepalese Rupee 
Symbol: रू 
ISO code: NPR 
Subunit: Paisa (1/100) 
Banknotes: रू5, रू10, रू20, रू50, रू100, रू500, रू1000 
Coins: रू1, रू2, रू5, रू10, रू20, रू50, रू100 

Banking 

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

Banking Hours: 
Weekdays: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM 
Weekends: Limited hours in some locations 
Public Holidays: Yes (limited hours) 
Foreign exchange services: Yes 

Air: 
Main airlines: Nepal Airlines, Himalaya Airlines 
International Airports: Tribhuvan International Airport (KTM) 
Domestic Airports: Pokhara Airport, Bharatpur Airport, etc. 

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

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

Rail: 
Railway system: Limited 
Subway System: No 

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

Food and water safety: 
Can you drink the tap water: No 
Fresh fruit and veg: Yes 
Ice: No 
Meat: Yes 
Street food: Yes 

Local cuisine: Nepali cuisine offers a variety of flavors influenced by its diverse ethnic groups. Dal Bhat, a lentil soup served with rice and vegetable curry, is a staple. Momo, dumplings filled with meat or vegetables, are a popular street food. Other notable dishes include Sel Roti, a sweet, deep-fried rice bread, and Dhido, a traditional Nepali dish made from buckwheat or millet flour. 

Drinks: Chyang (traditional millet-based beer), Raksi (traditional distilled liquor), and Chiya (Nepali milk tea). 

Tipping: Tipping is not expected but appreciated, typically rounding up the bill. 

Annual rainfall: Varies 
Average temperature: 15°C 

Summer: 
Average highs: 25°C 
Average lows: 15°C 

Winter: 
Average highs: 20°C 
Average lows: 5°C 

Best time to visit: The best time to visit Nepal is during the spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) when the weather is mild and favorable for trekking and outdoor activities. These seasons offer clear skies, stunning mountain views, and vibrant festivals. 

Spring and Summer 
Cool, light, breathable and comfortable: Yes 
Lightweight warm clothes: Yes 

Winter and Autumn 
Jerseys, cardigans, sweaters, jackets: Recommended 
Heavyweight clothing and boots: Yes 

General 
Umbrella and raincoat: Yes 
Warm gloves, hat and scarf: Yes 
Swimming costume (bathing suit): Yes 
Hat, sunglasses and sunblock: Yes 
Walking shoes: Yes 
Casual: Yes 
Smart-casual attire: Yes 

Internet cafes: Limited 
Accommodation options: Yes 
Restaurants: Limited 
Cafes: Yes 
Shopping malls: Limited 
Public parks: Yes 
Libraries: Limited 

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

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