A small country nestled high in the Himalayan mountains, Bhutan is home to just 750,000 people and is about the same size as Switzerland. Rich in culture and history, this country is well worth a visit. SoGuide shares here what you need to know before traveling to Bhutan!

A visa is required to enter Bhutan

With the exception of Indian, Bangladeshi, and Maldivian nationals, all other nationalities require a visa to enter Bhutan. To obtain one, you must go through a local guide or agency recognized by the Bhutanese Ministry of Tourism.

You must send the photo page of your passport to your guide, who will apply for the visa. Upon arrival, you must present your visa authorization letter (which your guide will have emailed to you) when crossing the border so that immigration can stamp your official visa in your passport.

A guide is required to explore Bhutan It is indeed impossible to travel to Bhutan alone. In fact, you must use a guide if you wish to visit the country. The guide will be the only one able to have your visa approved by Bhutanese authorities.

Even if you have obtained your entry authorization, you cannot visit the country on your own. There are checkpoints between regions where your visa is checked along with the tour operator’s documents. However, you are free to walk around the city and go hiking in the surrounding areas on your own.

Pay attention to your attire

Bhutan is a very devout country, and there is no separation of church and state. Therefore, attire is important. When visiting temples and monasteries, make sure you are dressed appropriately. Long pants and long-sleeved shirts are required. Also avoid open-toed shoes, as they may prevent you from entering certain sites.

If you’re traveling in the summer and are worried about getting too hot in long clothing, put on long pants over your summer clothes before entering temples and take them off when you leave.

Bring US Dollars to Bhutan

Although you can use the local currency, the ngultrum (or Nu for short), it’s convenient to bring US dollars for buying souvenirs, tipping, or purchasing drinks. You can withdraw Nu from ATMs, though there are few in town. So don’t hesitate to withdraw some at the airport first for convenience.

You may receive your change in Indian rupees. In fact, the Nu and the Rupee are pegged together, so the Rupee is accepted almost everywhere in the country. Also, it’s not uncommon to receive candy instead of change if the vendor doesn’t have enough coins in the register.

Mountaineering is prohibited in Bhutan

Hiking is permitted up to an altitude of 6,000 meters. Peaks below this altitude are considered trekking peaks. Any “hikes” above 6,000 meters are considered mountaineering. In fact, Bhutanese people consider the mountains sacred and the peaks the domains of gods and goddesses. They believe that if one gets too close, the gods will be disturbed and bring hailstorms, droughts…

It is possible to camp and stay with local families

It is possible to stay on farms in Bhutan. But don’t worry—these farms offer the same amenities as hotels and meet the same standards. The advantage is that you eat with the family at every meal, allowing you to sample authentic local cuisine. During your hikes, camping is also a great option. When hiking, camping is very similar to traditional camping. But if you’re not trekking or hiking, the camping experience will be much more charming. You’ll likely stay in a traditional Bhutanese tent with the “luxury” of a hotel room inside the tent.

Bhutan is the place to visit in 2020. Feel free to contact our guides if you’re planning to visit Bhutan.