Best time to visit Bhutan
Bhutan experiences four seasons, each with its own unique touch for tourists:
Spring (March to May): This time of year is characterized by gentle but comfortable temperatures, clear skies, and numerous blossoms, including bright rhododendrons. This is the time for trekking, sightseeing, and outdoor activity. It is a season rich with cultural festivals, such as the Paro Tshechu.
Summer (June-August): Summer is the monsoon season for Bhutan that pours heavily on rain, especially to those places in the southern region of Bhutan. These torrents of water make mud that clogs up roads and the trekking becomes slippery, which is the reason why it's not that best-of-a-time to participate in outdoor activities. On the other hand, those lush greens are really eye-catching during this month, and that few-people, nice atmosphere has something to attract to a traveler seeking solitude.
Autumn (September with November): This period invites the whole country, clear skies, crisp air, and literally, the weather beckons outdoor activities. The grand Himalayas offer the best chances for trekking, sightseeing, and photo-shooting. Other festivals like the Thimphu Tshechu and many more ones are organised during this season that allows deeper immersion in the colorful culture of Bhutan.
Winter (December-February): A cold season comes when the rest of the areas are inclined to cold winds. It has a lot of clear skies, and many wonderful mountain views are full of snow. There is a wonderful time to escape away from a crowd since it does not have many tourists, so one could really enjoy visiting this site without being disturbed. These travelers have to be prepared as it will surely be breezy and cold inside this mountain region.
Spring and autumn are the best times to visit Bhutan because of good weather and cultural encounters. Summer has fewer visitors and greener days but it rains heavily.
Packing Essentials for Tour
The first step in preparing for a Bhutan trip is packing wisely, since the country's geography, climate, and culture may require various kinds of things. Here is a topical guide on what to bring with you for an easy, enjoyable trip:
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Layered Clothing
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Comfortrable shoes and scandal
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Light Rain Gear
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Scarf or Shawl
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Warm Layered Cloths for Cold Weather
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Sunscreen
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Hats and Sunglasses
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Basic Medications
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Water Bottle
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Water Purification Tablet
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Hand Sanitizer and Wet Wipes
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Camera
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Charger and Power Bank
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Passport and Copies
Food and Accommodations during the Tour
Food During the Tour
Being a land with lots of bold flavors and heavy spices, Bhutanese cuisine is in no way lacking. Diets usually consist of cereals, pulses, buckwheat, barley, meat, and dairy products. Ema Datshi is the most probably popular dish in Bhutan. It is mainly composed of chilies and cheese. It is mostly served alongside the red rice, a standard course of most Bhutanese meals. Other popular dishes include Phaksha Paa (pork with red chilies), Momos (dumplings), and Jasha Maru (chicken stew).
However, if one gets bored with most Bhutanese dishes and wants something savory, there are a plethora of international cuisines such as Indian, Chinese, and continental as well in urban areas such as Thimphu, Paro, and Punakha. For people who would not like to taste any spicy food, well, there are an alternative for everybody. Food during your tour shall be freshly prepared with locally sourced ingredients and traditional Bhutanese preparation styles.
On this trip, it is likely that you will be able to savor the unique flavor of Bhutan's butter tea, or Suja. A nice warm drink that is offered to guests is herbal tea from any of the local herbs. You could also come across herbal teas as it is another common sight providing refreshment as well as health benefits through a wonderful experience.
Accommodation Available on Tour
From simple guesthouses to luxurious hotels, Bhutan is equipped with all such accommodations that suit the traveler. During most of your tour, you would stay in a 3-star or 4-star hotel, offering a modern yet traditional Bhutanese flavor. The hotels, of course, should have clean, well-appointed rooms, Wi-Fi (in some places), hot showers, etc. There are many more high-end options for hotels with scenic views, spa services, and fine dining restaurants-like your expected places such as Thimphu, Paro, and Punakha.
In an area where accommodation is often basic, at a pinch, it could offer just enough to be comfortable. These guesthouses or small lodges promise a much more genuine, real experience and intimacy whereby you can actually experience rural Bhutanese life. They might be sparse, but they deliver and are marked by warm hospitality, with the local staff often trying to make your stay even better.
So, whether you want to indulge in your sweet dreams in a plush hotel or come back to a rustic guesthouse, rest assured that pretty much wherever you go, they will be peaceful, clean, and comfortable. You can laze back and recharge after a day of exploration into Bhutan's beautiful landscapes and cultural sites.
Visa and Travel permit for Tour
Visa Guidelines
Every individual except Indian, Bangladeshi, and Maldivian citizens must hold a visa to enter Bhutan. The visa processing is only through the licensed Bhutanese tour operator since it is against the rule for individuals to apply for visas personally. Necessary documents include the copy of the applicant's passport (with a minimum validity of six months after entering Bhutan), a travel itinerary, and other necessary personal information. The visa will be granted after processing and approval. Once granted, the visa approval must be obtained before the person travels and has to be brought as a printed copy to present at the time of immigration in Bhutan.
Travel Permits
Apart from having a visa, tourists into Bhutan should obtain a tourism permit to enter the country. This permit is arranged by the licensed tour operator and covers the standard entry points into the country. It is quite essential for tourists to observe Bhutan regulations with regard to movement within the country. Usually, a standard tourism permit is enough for the most visited tourist destinations, with the exception of some regions like the Haa Valley, Jomolhari Trek, and Gangtey, which would require special permits. These permits are also arranged by the tour operator and allow access to particular restricted or remote areas. Travel permits then become a way to ensure that the tourist remains within the outlined areas, thus helping Bhutan in safeguarding its cultural and environmental preservation efforts.
Transportation Throughout the Tour
Your licensed Bhutanese tour operator, with the entire transportation for your tour of Bhutan, brings forth a smooth and comfortable traveling environment. For most of the journey, you travel in a private vehicle which is usually comfortable, having air conditioning in most cases, affording the traveler good space for relaxation while moving up and down between the destinations with a professional and experienced kind of driver well acquainted with the tortuous, hilly roads of Bhutan. In metropolitan cities like Thimphu and Paro, taxis can be availed for light local trips, whereas, for long-distance travel, your own private vehicle will do the job. Using public buses rarely, they are not favored by tourists as it is much more convenient to get private transport. If he wishes to reach certain more remote areas, as the Haa Valley or Jomolhari Trek, your tour operator would arrange the necessary permissions and a vehicle appropriate for off-roading - usually in rugged jeeps. Flights into Bhutan will, for most international visitors, be to Paro International Airport. Internal flights will include Druk Air or Bhutan Airlines. They offer beautiful flights which enjoy the aesthetics of nature that Bhutan holds. All in all, the arrangements have been made for well-organized transport to ensure an experience as comfortable as possible while visiting the diversely beautiful areas of Bhutan.
Cultural Etiquette
In fact, Bhutan is a country steeped in Buddhist culture; its people have respect in their culture, humility, and harmony with nature. Understanding and respecting its culture would go a long way in ensuring smooth and respectful travel into the country. Here are some important aspects of Bhutanese cultural etiquette:
Respect for Religion: The country is largely Buddhist and religion permeates everyday life. Thus, it is important to dress modestly and take off your shoes while visiting monasteries, temples, and sacred sites. Photos taken inside religious buildings are usually restricted, and so one should always ask for permission before taking photographs.
Greetings: The traditional Bhutanese greeting is a slight bow with hands pressed together in a prayer-like gesture, much like the one called “namaste”. In more urban settings, a handshake is also acceptable, but always greet others with respect.
Respect for the Monarchy: Bhutanese people keep their monarchy in high esteem. Always show respect for the king and royal family, and do not make any disparaging remarks. When the national anthem is played or royal depictions shown, it is customary to stand in respect.
Giving and Receiving: It is polite to give and take with both hands. Respect is shown through this gesture. One-handed handing is viewed as therefore rude.
Public Behavior: Even holding hands is avoided in public; kissing and hugging are treated as taboo behaviors in Bhutan, particularly in the more rural areas. Be modulated and composed in public spaces throughout the travel.
Head and Feet: The head is sacred and touching it is taboo, as is touching the heads of children; feet, however, are considered unclean and should not be oriented toward a person or object of worship. In sitting types, it is appropriate to sit while tucking feet or crossing legs.
Traditional Dress: While it may still not be necessary to wear such garments by tourists, that people should choose to be modest in their dressing is appreciated. The gho is for men, whereas the kira is an outfit typical for women in Bhutan. If invited to an event of formal nature, it is respectful to wear formal attire or even graciously accept the offer to put on Bhutanese clothes.
Environment Respect: The people of Bhutan value so much environmental conservation. Do not litter, and mind the facility's work of leaving nature unharmed because plastic bags are banned. Carry with you a reusable bag for shopping and be aware of your footmark on the environment.
