Etiquette, dress code and packing

Dress code for dzongs and temples

• Wear long sleeves and long trousers or a long skirt. Shoulders and knees should be covered.
• No hats, caps or sunglasses inside dzong courtyards and temples.
• Avoid shorts, sleeveless tops and very casual clothes such as flip-flops on sightseeing days.
• Take your shoes off where asked, usually at the entrance to a temple's inner shrine.

Your guide will wear a gho or kira, the national dress, along with a ceremonial scarf when entering dzongs. You are welcome to wear one too.

In temples and around chortens

• Walk clockwise around chortens, temples and prayer wheels.
• Photography is not allowed inside temples and inside many dzong buildings. Courtyards are usually fine, and your guide will tell you where you can take photos.
• Don't point your feet at altars or people, and don't touch religious objects or murals.
• A small offering of money at the altar is welcome but never expected.

General etiquette

• Ask before photographing people, especially monks.
• Smoking is not allowed in public places. Tobacco brought into Bhutan may be subject to duty.
• Drones need a permit, so please don't bring one without asking us first.
• Tipping is not compulsory, but it is appreciated for guides and drivers at the end of a trip.

Money and connectivity

• The currency is the ngultrum (Nu.), pegged at par with the Indian rupee.
• ATMs are found in the main towns, but not all accept foreign cards. Bring some US dollars in cash to exchange.
• Cards are accepted in larger hotels and some shops, but rarely in villages.
• Wi-Fi is available in most hotels. Local SIM cards (B-Mobile or TashiCell) are cheap and easy to buy, and your guide can help.
• Power is 230 V. Sockets take Type D, F and G plugs, so bring a universal adaptor.

Altitude and health

Paro and Thimphu sit at around 2,200–2,400 m, and the passes go above 3,000 m. Most visitors feel only slightly breathless at first. Drink plenty of water, take the first day gently, and tell your guide if you feel unwell. Trekkers go much higher, and our trek itineraries include acclimatisation days.

We strongly recommend travel insurance that covers medical treatment and evacuation. For treks, make sure it covers altitudes up to 5,000 m.

Packing list

Clothing

• Layers: you may go from warm valley floors to cold passes in a single day
• A warm fleece or down jacket. Evenings are cool even in summer.
• Long trousers and long-sleeved shirts for dzong visits
• A waterproof jacket, especially from June to September
• Comfortable walking shoes with good grip for Tiger's Nest

Other essentials

• Sunscreen, sunglasses and a sun hat. The sun is strong at altitude.
• Any personal medication, plus a small first-aid kit
• A reusable water bottle (we provide drinking water to refill it)
• A universal plug adaptor and a power bank
• Printed or digital copies of your visa approval letter and passport