Travel Requirements
1 . All tourists (excluding Indian, Bangladeshi and Maldivian passport holders) who wish to travel to Bhutan require a visa and must book their holiday through a Bhutanese tour operator or one of their international partners. The tour operator will take care of Visa arrangements for visitors.
2. Indian Nationals travelling between Bhutan & India do not need Visa.
An identity document, be it either passport
or an election commission I. D card is, however required for presentation at the immigration during entry,to obtain an entry permit along with 02 passport size photographs. Indian Nationals travelling between Bhutan and Nepal require valid passport.
3. Route Permit:
It is required for those travelling beyond Dochula pass, in central and western Bhutan.. The Route Permit is processed & issued in Thimphu, only after arrival in Bhutan and on producing Entry Permit which travelers obtain on arrival. Two copies of passport size photos required while processing Route Permit. Also this permit can be processed only during working days (Mon-Fri) and applications are accepted from 9-11 a.m and permit granted on same day from 3-5 p.m in summer and 3-.4 p.m in winter.
4 .Clothes
From May to September, cotton clothes are sufficient, plus a woolen sweater or light jacket. From November to the end of April, however, you will need very warm clothes. Comfortable sports shoes are also recommended. Mountain boots are not necessary unless you are trekking.
5. Food
Bhutanese delicacies are rich with spicy chillies and cheese but are normally tempered to the taste of the visitors.
All our selected hotels and lodges offer delicious Indian, Chinese, Continental and Bhutanese cuisine. Hotels normally serve a mixture of vegetarian and non-vegetarian items on buffet style however pure vegetarian meals also served.
6.Currency
The Bhutanese currency is called Ngultrum (Nu.) and is at par with Indian Rupee. Credit cards (Amex and Visa cards) are accepted by only few limited establishments. Indian Rupee is acceptable all over Bhutan including Rs 500 and Rs 1000 denominations.
7.Security
Bhutan is very safe destination with lowest crime rate in the world. In general you will find Bhutanese people very warm, hospitable, helpful and friendly.
8.Photography
You can photograph almost everywhere in Bhutan. The people are highly photogenic and everyone seems to wear a smile.
However, very often the Bhutanese are camera shy so use your discretion at all times and when in doubt ask verbally or by gesture. Also while photographing Dzongs, monasteries and temples,etc…
9.Shopping
Shops are normally open between 0900-2000 Monday to Sunday. Markets are held regularly and are a rich source of (varities)local clothing and jewelry.
10.Customs
The Bhutanese authorities strictly monitor export of any religious antiquities of any kind form the kingdom. Personal electronic devices and reasonable amount of cigarettes and alcohol are permitted into the kingdom.
The following goods may be imported into Bhutan:
200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 250g of tobacco
1 litre bottle of spirits
250ml of eau de toilette
Bhutan is non-smoking country however visitors can smoke at private places only.
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