INFORMATION for TRAVELERS
Altitude:
The altitude in Bhutan varies from approximately 300 meters (984 feet) in the south (Phuentsholing) to 2350 meters (7710 feet) in the capital (Thimphu), and 2800 meters (9185 feet) in central Bhutan (Bumthang). In the northern regions of Bhutan, altitudes reach above 3000 meters.
Bhutanese dogs:
You may wonder why we include a category on dogs. It’s because they are a special category! Most dogs in Bhutan are not household pets, and are found roaming around most towns and villages with free-abandon. These dogs do not seem to be wild, but they are not pets either. They often expect food, as many Bhutanese do feed these dogs. If you wish to feed them, put down a bit of food, walk away, and let the dogs go to the food. Do not get close to the dogs and never pet them.
Clothing/packing tips:
Depending on which season you plan to visit will help determine what types of clothing to pack. In general, pack easily washable clothes, including a rain jacket, a sweater, comfortable shoes, and a hat. While there are no dress codes for visitors, it is recommended not to wear revealing clothes (short shorts, low-cut tops, etc.). In addition to clothing, we advise packing an umbrella, sunscreen, sunglasses, a walking stick, a flashlight, basic medicines, and a swimsuit (for a hot stone bath – (Dotsho).
Note: the baggage weight allowance for Druk Air international flights is: Business Class 40 kg (88 pounds), Economy Class 30 kg (66 pounds).
Cuisine:
Food is generally simple fare, with rice, fresh vegetables, potatoes, fruit, cheese, and chilies being the staples. The “national dish” is Ema Datshi, which is basically made from hot chilies cooked in a cheese sauce. Another favorite are momos (dumplings filled with meat or vegetables). In addition to traditional Bhutanese food, most hotels offer Western and Indian dishes as well.
Currency:
The unit of currency is called the Ngultrum (Nu.), which has the same value as the Indian Rupee. One US dollar equals approximately 68 Nu at the time of this editing.
We do not recommend buying traveler’s checks, as they can be difficult to exchange in Bhutan. You may use MasterCard or Visa credit or debit cards at ATM facilities in Paro or Thimphu and a few other towns to withdraw cash. (Please notify your bank that you will be travelling to Bhutan.) Credit cards are accepted by only a few handicraft shops and high-end hotels in Thimphu. We recommend that you take local currency with you when travelling outside of Thimphu for purchases.
Souvenirs:
Bhutan can be a souvenir shopper’s paradise, as many of the choices are hand-made. These include many of the thirteen traditional crafts. You can even buy a gho or kira – and choose the fabrics! If you do plan to purchase several items, be sure to bring luggage to accommodate the purchases, as international shipping can be expensive.
Travelling in Bhutan:
Our Bhutanese travel agency will provide all of the travel arrangements once in Bhutan. The means of transportation will be SUV’s or small buses, and of course, on foot! There is one principal road, the National Highway, which crosses the country from west to east. All roads tend to be curvy and can be steep and narrow. Therefore, travelling across Bhutan, one will see the stunning mountain scenery up close. If you are prone to motion sickness, we advise you to bring along motion sickness medication.
Glossary:
English is widely spoken in many areas of Bhutan, but it is nice to be able to know several words and phrases in the official language (Dzongkha). Note: Dzongkha is not the only language spoken in Bhutan, and all Bhutanese do not speak it.
Chhu – river or water
La – mountain pass
Choeten – stupa, usually containing sacred relics
Dzong – fortress-type building that serves as the headquarters of a government administration and the residence of the monk body
Goemba – Buddhist monastery
Lhakhang – Buddhist temple
Guru Rinpoche – (Padmasambhava): Indian saint who brought Buddhism to Bhutan in the 8th century
Je Khenpo – head Abbott and head of the Monastic Body
Mahayana Buddhism – “Great Vehicle”, one of the main schools of Buddhism
Mandala – “circle”, spiritual and ritual symbol
Rinpoche – title of reincarnated lamas
Driglam Namzha – etiquette and code of conduct
Druk Gyalpo – title of the King of Bhutan
Druk Yul – name of Bhutan (Land of the Thunder Dragon)
Ngultrum – Bhutanese currency
Ema Datshi – popular food dish (chili cheese)
Momo – steamed dumpling
Suja – butter tea
Gho – men’s traditional dress
Kabney – men’s formal scarf
Kira – women’s traditional dress
Rachu – women’s formal scarf
Kadinchey (La) – thank you (La added for formal speech)
Kuzuzongpo (La) – greeting/hello (La added for formal speech)
Tashi Delek – Good luck
Suggested Readings:
A Splendid Isolation: Lessons on Happiness from the Kingdom of Bhutan
(Madeline Drexler)
Beyond the Sky and the Earth (Jamie Zeppa)
Bhutan – Lonely Planet Country Guide
Buttertea at Sunrise: A Year in the Bhutan Himalaya (Britta Das)
Dawa: The Story of a Stray Dog in Bhutan (Kunzang Choden)
Married to Bhutan (Linda Leaming)
Seeing with a Third Eye: Growing up with Angay in Rural Bhutan (T. Sangay Wangchuk and Rinchen Wangdi)
The Blessings of Bhutan (Russ Carpenter and Blyth Carpenter)
The Circle of Karma (Kunzang Choden)
The Divine Madman: The Sublime Life and Songs of Drukpa Kunley (Keith Dowman)
The Heart of the Buddha: A Novel (Elsie Sze)
The Jesuit and the Dragon (Howard Solverson)
Treasures of the Thunder Dragon: A Portrait of Bhutan (Ashi Dorji Wangmo Wangchuck)
What Makes you Not a Buddhist (Dzongsar Jamyang Khyentse)
Suggested Films & Videos:
(Click on the movie title to see a trailer)
Little Buddha (1993)
Travellers and Magicians (2003)
Travels to the Edge with Art Wolfe: The Kingdom of Bhutan, Season 2, Episode 10, (2008)