Travel Tips and Information for Bhutan

Climate:

The climate varies widely depending on elevation. Southern Bhutan is warmer compared to other parts of the Bhutan. The central valley viz Punakha, Wangdue Phodrang, Monger, Trashigang, Trongsa etc have a semi-tropical climate cool winter. You can be planned a Trip to Bhutan throughout the year however the best months are March, April, May, September, October, and November. There are several festivals taking place during these months. From mid-November to mid-March is winter in Bhutan at approx 15c in the daytime and falling below zero at night. If you are planning Bhutan Motorcycle Trip, October to November and March to April is best season.

Currency:

Ngultrum symbol: Nu (at par with the Indian Rupees)

ATMs are located within all main towns throughout Bhutan, where money can be withdrawn using a Visa or MasterCard.

Language:

Dzonglha (National Language) English (widely spoken)

Time Zone:

Bhutan has one time zone for the entire country. It is six hours ahead of GMT and it is 30 minutes ahead of India.

Cuisines:

Bhutanese meals are characterized by the hot chilli pepper and cheese, put them together and you have the national favorite – Aema Datsi (literally chilli and cheese). This main dish has spun into numerous variation: Kewa Datsi (potato and cheese), Shamu Datsi (mushroom and cheese). These would be standard fare in most Bhutanese restaurant, but do tell them how hot, the is how much chilli you can take in your meal.

Some of the most popular Bhutanese dishes are:

• Momos: These Tibetan-style dumplings are stuffed with pork, beef or cabbages and cheese and are cooked during special occasions.
• Phaksha Paa: Pork cooked with spicy red chillis.
• Jasha Maru: Spicy minced chicken, tomatoes and other ingredients that is usually served with rice.
• Red Rice: The rice is similar to brown rice and is extremely nutritious and filling. When cooked it is pale pink, soft and slightly sticky.

Passport & Visa:

Indian, Bangladeshis and Maldivian nationals can obtain a visa at the port of entry on producing a valid passport with a minimum of 6 month validity (Indian nationals may also use their Voters Identity Card (VIC)).

All other tourists must obtain a visa clearance prior to travel to Bhutan. Visas are processed through an online system by your licensed Bhutanese tour operator, directly or through a foreign travel agent. For more details visit http://www.tourism.gov.bt/plan/visa

Arrival by Land: (border towns of Phuntsholing & Samdrup Jongkhar)

Visa applications are cleared in advance, and a visa clearance doc will be forwarded to you two weeks prior to your arrival date. The visa clearance doc is required at the border Immigration Check Points at Phuntsholing & Samdrup Jongkhar.

On arrival at the border town Immigration Check Points at Phuntsholing & Samdrup Jongkhar, the Actual visa is stamped on your passport.

Passport size photo is NOT required.

Finger prints and photos will be taken at the at border town Immigration Check Points at Phuntsholing & Samdrup Jongkhar.

Please make sure to travel with the same passport on which the Bhutan visa was issued. We will not be held responsible if the passport on which the visa was issued does not match the passport used to travel to Bhutan. In such an event, you will fined a penalty by the airline if arriving by flight or by the immigration office if arriving by land at the border towns of Phuntsholing & Samdrup Jongkhar.

Other Country Visas:

Please make sure you have the necessary visas & documents required for other countries that you may transit through or visit before/after Bhutan.

***Immigration office is closed on every Saturday & Sunday and as per local Bhutanese holiday calendar.