ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
**Please check your own country's international travel advice as well as the airline requirements before travel.**
UK guests please see the UK Government Foreign Office Travel website for latest entry and exit advice; https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/bhutan/entry-requirements
US guests please see Travel State website; https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/Bhutan.html
Passports
Your passport should be valid for at least 6 months beyond the period of stay. It is advised to have 1 blank page in your passport. Please be sure to fill out the "Emergency Next of Kin" section in your passport.
Visas
A visa is required for all travelers, except those from India, Bangladesh, and the Maldives. Bhutan travel visas are issued on arrival but must be applied for in advance. We will handle the visa approval process for the entire tour group prior to departure. To process your visa, we will need the following documents:
- A clear copy of your passport (photo page and the page above it, with no part obscured)
- A digital passport photo
- A copy of your travel insurance certificate
- A copy of your COVID-19 vaccination certificate
Please send these documents to: info@thebigjourneycompany.com.
The Bhutan visa fee and Tourism Development Fee are included in your tour price. You will be issued with a visa clearance letter in Nepal before the flight to Bhutan.
**Please note, visa and entry requirements, regulations and restrictions can vary on a regular basis. Please ensure you check in good time prior to travel the current requirements applicable to you.
Travel Insurance
All passengers must have valid travel insurance before traveling, including health and cancellation insurance. Please ensure you have a copy of your insurer’s 24-hour emergency telephone number and your policy number.
Medical Conditions and Personal Medication
Please advise us prior to travel if you have any medical conditions requiring special attention during your trip. If you have a specific medical condition, it is wise to carry the relevant doctor’s prescription with you.
Important:
- Pack a sufficient supply of any medications you are taking, copies of the prescriptions and the contact details of your doctor.
- Please note, some countries require that prescription drugs be carried in their original container, with the label clearly visible. In the event of you losing your medication, a qualified pharmacist should be able to source a replacement.
Travelling with CPAP or other Medical Machines
Please inform The Big Journey Company that you are travelling with such a device as early as possible, and well before you travel. Please note, if you require distilled or ionised water, you must inform The Big Journey Company of this at the time of booking, so we are able to make preparations with our ground agents. There may be an additional charge for this.
LUGGAGE
What to Pack and Wear
Given the variable weather we’re likely to experience as we travel, you will need clothes for warmer weather as well as a warm, waterproof jacket. Pack light and remember the basic essentials: camera and attachments; a good pair of lightweight binoculars; adaptor plugs; toiletries including insect repellent and sunblock; medications and prescriptions; extra reading glasses; sunhat; and notebook or journal. Make sure you have comfortable, practical footwear for the treks and clothing that can be worn in layers. We would suggest a pair of walking boots to give you ankle support.
Luggage Allowances
International airlines are often strict about the size and weight of checked in baggage and carry-on luggage. Prior to your departure, please contact your airline or visit their website for specific luggage requirements, as size and weight limitations may vary according to the airline and destination.
Nepal & Bhutan Tour – For the flights between Kathmandu to Bharatpur and Pokhara to Kathmandu, travellers are permitted 1 piece of hold luggage per person, the weight of which should not exceed 23kgs. You are also permitted one piece of cabin baggage per person, which should not exceed the 5kg in weight and must be no more than the following dimensions: 55cm x 40cm x 20cm (20 x 14 x 9ins). There will be a charge for all excess luggage. Usual restrictions on prohibited items, including those on liquids, apply on these flights.
LANGUAGE
The main language of Bhutan is Dzongkha (Bhutanese), though there are many variations and regional languages across the country. English is the language of teaching in schools and spoken widely across the country, especially by younger generations.
WEATHER
The weather and visibility in Bhutan in the autumn season, from September – November, is perfect for touring and trekking. The temperature is moderate during the day, with cool mornings and evenings. It is cooler at altitude and for a large part of the tour, you will mostly be at an altitude above 2,500 metres so we must be prepared for cold weather. Average temperatures range from 20° C / 68° F during the day, to below 0° C / 32 °F at night.
ELECTRICITY
Bhutan is a unique country in that it only uses clean and green energy, generated by hydropower. Almost the entire country is well connected with electricity at between 220-240 volts with a frequency of 50hz. Three types of plug are used - Type G (UK style three square pins) and Type D (three round pins, used in India and some African countries) and Type F (3 round pins, similar to the European style plug). You will need a plug adaptor and/or converter depending on which electrical appliances you bring with you. Please note, when walking, access to electricity will be limited – pre-charged or solar powered power bars are useful for your electronic devices.
MOBILES & INTERNET COMMUNICATION
Moblie coverage is widely avaliable across Bhutan, be sure to check with your mobile provider for coverage and rates, as data roaming can be extremely expensive.
MONEY
The currency of Bhutan is the Ngultrum (BTN). Indian rupees are also commonly accepted in Bhutan and for major purchases, some shops may accept US Dollars. Credit cards are widely accepted at mid-high range establishments, but it is advisable to carry money in cash with you as well. ATMs are widely available in in most towns but not so in smaller villages. Therefore, it is prudent to get your cash in Thimphu or Paro rather.
A number of larger shops in the big cities now accept card payments. Visa and Mastercard are the most widely accepted credit cards however many places do not accept cards such as Diners Club or American Express. If you intend to use any of your debit or credit cards whilst away, please make sure that you contact your bank before you leave to inform them that you will be travelling in order not to cause any problems using your cards or whilst on the trip.
After feedback from previous guests, we offer a group tipping package for this tour, more information on this will be shared in the 'Pre-Tour Emails'.
WATER
It is not advisable to drink the tap water in Bhutan, nor that from any wells, streams or rivers unless it has been boiled or purified first. Bottled water can be bought at supermarkets, kiosks and many shops.
SAFETY & SECURITY
As visitors, tourists may be more vulnerable to petty crimes like pickpocketing and scams, so we recommend staying aware and taking simple precautions.
RELIGION
Bhutan is a Buddhist kingdom. About 75% of the population are Buddhist. Freedom of religion is guaranteed by the King.
PHOTOGRAPHY
Bhutan offers photo opportunities one after another. You will return with many photos that can never be repeated. Remember to pack your camera, along with the charger, spare batteries and a spare memory card!
WALKING TIPS
The best preparation for days trekking is… trekking! Getting out for hikes and short walks in your home country. Even regular walks in the park, if you can’t escape to the countryside much, are a good way to prepare! Well worn-in walking boots or shoes are a must!
ARRIVAL IN BHUTAN
Please note, standard hotel check-in is around 3pm, so should you arrive earlier than this, your room may not be available upon arrival. For those arriving early morning, we will do everything we can to work with the hotel to get you an earlier check-in subject to availability.
If you have any other questions that we have not covered here; then please send us an e-mail to: info@thebigjourneycompany.com
Disclaimer: The above information is provided as a guideline only. The Big Journey Company assumes no liability for any errors or omissions in this document.
Updated November 2024