Bhutan

COUNTRY OVERVIEW

Situated in the harmony of the Himalayas and landlocked across its borers by China and India, the majestic Kingdom of Bhutan inspires a sense of cultural mysticism and spiritual divinity. Flanked with lush landscapes, diverse wildlife and a flurry of imposing mountains, Bhutan has massive appeal with unmatched local experiences.

Affectionately known as the Land of Thunder Dragon, a name steeped in ancient mythology, Bhutan is not your typical getaway. This tiny kingdom at the foothills of the Himalayas does things differently, with something earmarked for everyone – from ancient monasteries and trekking steep mountain ranges to sampling local food and traversing spectacular landscapes.

Fall in love with the Mask Dance of the drums at the Drametse festival, the ancient ruins of Drukgyel Dzong or the sacred Taktshang Lakhang (the Tiger’s Nest monastery). Conquer the mountainous offerings like the Snowman Trek, Chomolhari Base Camp Trek or the Druk Path Trek, those looking to embrace new adventures and experiences will find Bhutan to be the perfect expedition.

BHUTAN TRIPS

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

Visas are processed through an online system by our licensed Bhutanese partners. A photo copy of the passport photo page and $40 processing fee is required. Upon arrival you will show your visa clearance letter to customs and the visa will be stamped into your passport.

VACCINATIONS

All travelers should be up to date on routine vaccinations which, includes measles-mumps-rubella (MMR), diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis, varicella (chickenpox), polio, and the flu shot. In addition, it is recommended to get Hepatitis A and Typhoid vaccines.  If you are staying in Bhutan for a month or longer, consult with your doctor about any other vaccines and/or medicines you may need for your trip.  The government of Bhutan requires proof of yellow fever vaccination only if you are arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever (this does not include the US). For more information visit the CDC webite at  https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel.

WEATHER

Average temperatures in Paro, Bhutan
MonthJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Average High (F)485658637477807774655752
Average Low (F)213433405157585853453428

BEST TIME TO VISIT

Bhutan is a great destination year-round; however, the weather varies dramatically depending on elevation and season. Autumn is the high season; September and October have the highest number of tshechus (monastic festivals) and the region offers clear mountain views and picturesque landscape of terraced rice fields.

Autumn
September-November; Bhutan offers sunny skies and pleasant temperatures and it is a great time for a mountain trek.

Winter
December-February; the low valleys are typically in the 50s to 60s, but higher elevations will be cold and the Snowman Trek is often closed during this time due to snow. The trade-off is fewer travelers and crystal clear skies offering unimaginable views of the Himalaya.

Spring
March-May; brings mild weather with chance of mountain views, however the flora will be in full bloom as the rhododendron forests fill with color, expect rain beginning May – this is also a great time to schedule your trekking adventure.

Summer
June-August; is monsoon season where the days are long, hot and humid. If you can tolerate the heat, this is an opportunity to beat the crowds. Afternoon showers during July and August are typical and get up to 14 inches of rain, so expect to get wet if you decided to travel during this time.

TRAVEL ADVISORIES

Make two photocopies of valuables such as your passport, tickets, visas and travelers' cheques.  Keep one copy with you in a separate place to the original and leave another copy with someone at home.

Be sure to inform your credit card company as well as your bank you will travel internationally into Bhutan. This will eliminate any credit card holds for fraudulent activity.

CURRENCY

Carrying small denominations of US dollars, traveler’s cheques, as well as a credit card can be used for cash advances in case of emergency. Most hotels and handicrafts stores in Bhutan accept credit cards, however, be aware of surcharges. ATM machines are located throughout Bhutan where you can obtain the local currency, which is the Ngultrum (Nu).  The Indian Rupee (INR) is also widely accepted (except for denomination of 500 and 1,000) it is also advised to carry small hard notes of USD.

GOVERNMENT

Since 2008 the government of Bhutan has been a constitutional monarchy.

RELIGION

75% Drukpa Kagyu or Nyingma Buddhism and 25% Hinduism.