Bhutan-Practical Information

Here is a quick guide to all the key practical things you need to know if you are visiting Bhutan.

Arriving in Bhutan

Landing on Paro airport in Bhutan is by no doubt is a THRILL in itself. You need to experience it to feel it. Quick tip is to try and get a seat on Right of the plane when you are departing from Paro as it gives you amazing views of Himalayas, so check in early and request for a window seat on the right side of the place (not over wings:-)). 

View of Himalayas on the return flight from Paro

Managing Finances

Plan your finances well as Bhutan majorly is a cash only country. It is better if you pay all your hotel bills in advance. As a back up have your banking details handy to do online transfer if needed. We were surprised to see that even on Paro International Airport Duty Free shop (though there was only 1 shop), only cash was accepted.

I have not used myself but I have read that ATM's are not always a very reliable option in Bhutan, so all in all keep plenty of cash :-)

Currency

BTN-Bhutanese Ngultrum is the official currency of Bhutan. Majorly available in denominations of 1,5,10,20,50,100 and 1000. 

Though Indian Rupee INR is used as an alternate currency and is used almost everywhere, you can come across places where INR 500 and INR 2000 notes are not accepted. One such place was in Punaka Dzong. 1 BTN~1 INR.

Weather

If you are planning to visit some of the high passes like Chelela pass, which is at an altitude of 3988 meters, please be prepared for some thin air. Generally there will not be any issues but in case you are not use to high altitudes, there may be some discomfort. Also it will definitely be cold at the top so do take some warm clothes.

Chelela pass

Permit to visit Punaka

If you are planning a trip without an agent please be aware that you need a special permit to visit Punaka and that can be obtained from Thimpu. So please make sure to plan your visit and hotel bookings accordingly. i.e. plan a stay in Thimpu before going to Punaka, so that you can obtain the permit. Though obtaining permit is very easy and your cab driver will be aware of it, but you need to obtain it by producing a copy of your travel documents (passports). 

Do not forget to keep a copy of your passports (else you can obtain a copy from the hotel or local shop)

Local phone calls

Best way is to buy a local tourist SIM card in Bhutan. As we were staying in Thimpu for 1st part of our journey, we obtained the SIM card from there. It costs only 100 BTN which gives you almost 100 minutes of talk time. For data, you need to pay additional charges (in the range of 700 BTN) but overall it is quite reasonable. Try not to buy the SIM card from Paro airport, as it might be expensive.

Cabs

Easy way to commute within a city is to use shared cabs, which have a fix rate. e.g. in Thimpu, it costs ~30-50 BTN to go from Hotel Ramada to Thimpu main market. Though while coming back from market, normally cab drivers ask for more.

Shopping tips

"This cost 500 but I will give in 400" By default without even asking for a discount, shopkeepers will pretend offering a good discount on souvenirs. Be ready to bargain when it comes to souvenirs. We did our shopping mainly from Thimpu and Paro. 

In Thimpu best place to buy soveniers is the main market. It is better to spend about an hour walking on the street and exploring things you want to buy. Don't get fooled by some the shops where most bus drivers stop (shops which will have typically all kind of soveniers and are very well maintained are the ones which will be most expensive. Rates can be almost 6-10 times higher for the same thing. 

Handicraft market in Thimpu

Best place to buy Soveniers in Paro is the market at the foot of Tiger's Nest (Takstang Palphug Monastery). Rates here are much much cheaper than what you will get in Paro main market (but then your driver will stop only near main market:-)). 

Gho and Kira

Want to buy some traditional Bhutanese dress Gho (for men) and Kira (for women). There are various shops, but I will suggest to visit shops opposite to RICB (Royal Insurance Corporation of Bhutan Limited) located in the Thimpu market. Here is a google map link to the RICB office. Read more about traditional clothing here

Dog Lovers

Well you will find plenty of stray dogs here. Typically they follow you (we were followed mainly in Paro) so if you are not comfortable with dogs, better to avoid them. Try not to look into their eyes. Though we did not have any unpleasant experience, but at places like White Temple in Haa Valley it was definitely a bit of an uncomfortable feeling with way too many dogs around. Local people too cautioned us to be a bit careful. Finally be prepared to listen to some real good barking in the night :-).

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