Frequently Asked Questions

Below are some frequently asked questions and answers related to traveling in Bhutan. We have tried to put together the most common doubts. If you have any further doubts you can write to us and we will get back to you at the earliest possible time. You can ask us about tourism in Bhutan or any questions that crosses your mind.

Why is Bhutan so expensive to travel?

Usually this is just a myth. Bhutan is not at all expensive to travel. The daily tariff of US$250/person per night halt includes almost everything. It includes US$65/person per night halt as Bhutan Government royalty. This includes you meals, driver, guide, comfortable ground transportation within Bhutan, entry fee into monuments and temples, good hotels and bottled drinking water. Bhutan is a small country with very little natural resources. Without income from other sources, tourism is one major hard currency earner. The royalty of US$65/person per night halt goes into paying free education and medical facilities in Bhutan.

Can I travel single or must I join a group in Bhutan?

You can travel single in Bhutan. You will get an independent guide and driver through out your tour. Usually we don’t combine groups as we respect the privacy of each individual.

When is the best time to travel in Bhutan?

March – May and September – November is the best time to travel in Bhutan. The climate is good then and there are many festivals around this time. You can travel during the rest of the year too but June, July and August might be bit too wet because of the onset of the monsoon and December, January and February is bit too cold.

What should I pack?

The packing list might vary from person to person but in general you should bring different assortments of clothing for different weather. Below are few things you might want to carry. Few warm cloths Tee shirts Full sleeved shirts to be worn in monasteries shorts/comfortable hiking pants for day hikes Full pants for entry into monasteries and for mornings and evenings when the temperature might dip Sun glasses, cap and sun screen lotions Good pair of hiking boots Good number of memory cards for your camera kuenselphodrang

How are the hotels in Bhutan?

There are few 5 star hotels in Bhutan. The five star hotels do not come in the daily tariff we charge. We use three star hotels which are clean, carpeted and have good toilet and bath with hot and cold shower. So far most of our clients have good review about the hotels that we use. Check hotels that we use.

Does the hotels have internet connection?

Yes, most hotels that we use have WiFi internet connection.

What currency should I carry?

Most currencies are exchanged by banks here. The most commonly accepted currencies are US dollars, Australian dollars, Singapore dollars, Euro, pounds, Japanese yen, Swiss franc, Canadian dollars, Danish kroner, Norwegian Kroner, Swedish Korner and Indian rupees. Most handicraft shops accept US dollar, Australian dollar, Euro and pounds. You can even exchange these currencies in some local shops. They give you better exchange rate than the banks.

Can I use credit cards in Bhutan?

Yes you can use Visa, maestro and master debit and credit cards in most towns in Bhutan.

Can i bring my mobile phone?

Yes you can bring your mobile phone. Some telecom companies have network link with the local telecom company here. You should contact you local service provider to query on this. Otherwise too, you can buy a local SiM card for less than US$2 and call anywhere. Call charges are quite cheap compared to most countries that I have traveled to. US$10 should give you a good talk time of about 20 minutes if you use a special dialing service. For this you should ask your guide.

How much should I tip the guide and driver?

Tips is not compulsory but most clients want to give something to their guide and driver as a gratitude. Its not necessary to tip the hotels but if you want to tip your guide and driver than an average of US$10/day for your guide and about US$7/day for your driver should be a good reward. You can even make it lesser, its all up to you.