Bhutan Trip Notes

Access to Bhutan

By Air

Druk Air is the only airline that flies regularly from Kathmandu to Paro (Bhutan) and vice versa. Ace Holidays recommends you to enter Bhutan by Air. If you enter by road, you have to travel through India, as well as you need visa for India.

From the airport to the hotel

Ace Holidays’ airport representative is waiting for you outside the airport terminal to take you to your hotel.

Currency

If you want to purchase any products in Bhutan, buy it in US Dollar. Most shops accept US Dollar. Bringing US Dollar can save you from the hassle of exchanging into the Bhutanese currency. Credit cards are also accepted by the government-run Handicrafts Emporium, by a few other handicraft shops, and by some of the larger hotels in Thimphu, but these transactions do take time, plus the credit-card companies charge high fees to you. The verification office is only open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and this time may be unfavorable to you if you have to check out from the hotel early at 8 a.m.

Time

Bhutan Time is ahead of GMT by 6 hours.

Clothing

You need warm clothing during trek and expedition in any parts of Bhutan. You also need warm clothing in November, December, January and February in Bhutan. Light, loose garments are recommended to you in March, April, June, July and August.

Health

Person having high blood pressure, lungs & heart problems should consult with his or her doctor before trekking in Bhutan. Up till now, there are few cases of altitude sickness during treks. Signs of altitude mountain sickness are simple headache, fever, constipation, vomiting, loss of appetite, and stomach disorder.

Vaccination

Vaccaination is not complusory, but it is better if you vaccinate against diphtheria, hepatitis, malaria, typhoid, polio and tetanus. We would also like to know your blood group because it is important in case of emergency. Please tell us if you are suffering from any disease.

Best Seasons

The best months are from March to May and from September to December.

Accommodation

In Bhutan, your accommodation is in a standard hotel, usually on bb (bed and breakfast).

Food

The staple foods of Bhutan are red rice, buckwheat, and maize. The diet of the Bhutanese also includes chicken, yak, beef, pork, and mutton. Soups and stews of meat, ferns, lentils, and dried vegetables, spiced with chili pepper and cheese are also consumed by the Bhutanese. Zow shungo (rice dish mixed with leftover vegetables), Ema datshi, made spicy with cheese and chili peppers (similar to chili con queso) are the national dishes of Bhutan. Other foods include jasha maru (a chicken dish), phaksha paa, and fried rice. Dairy foods, particularly butter and cheese made from yak and cow milk, are also popular in Bhutan. Popular beverages include butter tea, black tea, rice wine, and beer. you can also enjoy Indian, Chinese, and continental foods in hotels.