This little country, which is officially known as the Kingdom of Bhutan, is situated in the eastern Himalayas. In the north, it has a border with the Tibetan Autonomous Region of China; in the west, it shares a border with the Chumbi Valley of Tibet, China; and in the south and east, it shares a border with the Indian states of Assam, West Bengal, and Arunachal Pradesh. Before advancing onto the wonderful realm of the last Shangri-La, you should be aware of the following key details about the dragon kingdom:
- Capital City: Thimphu
- Currency: Ngultrum (US$1=75BTN or Nu. approx.)
- Time: UTC + 6:00 (10 hr ahead of US Eastern Standard Time)
- International Phone Code: +975
- Religion: Vajrayana Buddhism
- As opposed to other foreign flights, your luggage will not be checked all the way to Paro via your first flight when you fly into Paro via a connecting aircraft, thus you must re-check your luggage at each hub.
- Avoid drinking tap water in Bhutan.
- Bhutan is not a budget destination.
- Dress modestly. Pack long sleeves, pants, and skirts.
- Car accidents are very common in Bhutan due to the poorly lit mountainous roads and numerous blind corners.
- Bhutan is the only country in the world that has completely banned the sales and production of tobacco products, so bring your own cigarettes and ask your guide where you are permitted to light them up.
- The country’s national dish Ema-Datsi is a fiery curry of chilies and cheese. Expect very spicy food in Bhutan.
- Don’t expect to try local meat as all meat is imported mostly from India.
- Tuesdays are considered ‘dry days’ meaning prohibition of the sale of alcohol.
- While visiting Bhutan, keep in mind not to offend the royals.
- A dzong is an ancient fortress; dress appropriately before entering one.
- Get a local SIM card because Bhutan may not have service for your phone.
- Don’t take photos if your shoes are off; taking your shoes off could mean that you are in some sacred places.
- Phallic obsession and worship may startle you, but don’t be alarmed by the paintings of penises in most homes.
- Tattoo parlors are illegal in Bhutan; don’t try to get yourself inked.
- Archery is the national sport of Bhutan; try picking up a bow and arrow.
- Bhutanese people love to hear foreigners speak a handful of their national language, so try to grasp some Dzongkha words or phrases.
- Thimphu is the only capital city in the world that does not have a traffic light system.
- Assume that you will receive Indian rupees in exchange for your US dollars.
- Mountaineering is prohibited in Bhutan although hiking up to 6,000m or 19,685 feet is permitted.
- Be skeptical of weather predictions because Bhutan's weather is notoriously unpredictable.
- Tipping is not mandatory in restaurants and hotels.
- Carry with you a multi-purpose electrical plug and a universal travel adapter.
- Before taking photos inside dzongs, monasteries, temples, or other holy buildings, check with your guide.
- When entering places of worship, take off your hat, and keep quiet throughout all sacred and revered places.
- A proper permit is required if you wish to carry back home Bhutan’s religious artifacts or antiques.
- Carrying or using a drone is strictly prohibited in Bhutan.