wonderful holidays asia himalayan explorer : bhutan

useful information

climate 

The best time to visit Bhutan is during the dry season which lasts from October through to May. Although the winter months of December and January can be very cold at night, touring is possible at this time of year with moderate daytime temperatures and beautiful clear views.

travel in bhutan

The Royal Government of Bhutan has adopted a very cautious approach to the development of tourism in the kingdom in an effort to avoid the negative impacts of tourism on the culture and the environment. In 2006, the number of tourists who visited Bhutan was approximately 18,000. Visitors to Bhutan must either be guests of the government or tourists. All tourists (group or individual) must travel on a pre-planned, prepaid, guided, package tour, or custom designed travel program. INDEPENDENT TRAVEL IS NOT PERMITTED IN BHUTAN.

health

Malaria:  Prophylaxis with Lariam, Malarone, or doxycycline is recommended for the southern belt of five districts bordering India, including Chirang, Samchi, Samdrupjongkhar, Sarpang and Shemgang.
Hepatitis A and Typhoid vaccinations are recommended for all travellers. A one-time Polio booster is recommended for any adult traveller who completed the childhood series but never had polio vaccine as an adult. Yellow Fever vaccinations are required for all travellers arriving from an infected area in Africa or the Americas. Japanese Encephalitis vaccinations are recommended for long-term (more than 1 month) travellers to rural areas or travellers who may engage in extensive unprotected outdoor activities in rural areas, especially after dusk. Hepatitis B is recommended for visitors who may have intimate contact with local residents, especially if visiting for more than 6 months. The rabies vaccination is recommended for travellers who may have direct contact with animals and may not have access to medical care. Two doses of MMR are recommended for all travellers born after 1956, if not previously given and revaccination for Tetanus-Diphtheria is recommended every 10 years.

NB: For expert opinion on all of these diseases and any more that are relevant to travel, please consult your doctor, GP or travel clinic 4-8 weeks prior to departure. Comprehensive medical insurance is advised.

currency

Bhutanese currency is the ngultrum (nu). The approximate exchange rate is 45.00nu for one USD. The ngultrum is on par with the Indian Rupee (both the Nu and Indian Rupee can be used in Bhutan).US Dollars and other world currencies as well as traveller’s cheques can be exchanged at banks in the larger towns (10am-1pm Mon-Fri) and at the larger hotels. In the capital of Thimphu some of the smaller bank branches are open on Saturday and Sunday for currency exchange.

special dietary requirements

If you have any special dietary requests, please let us know in advance. Where stated, trips include lunchtime picnics. Complementary drinking water will be provided for all guided itineraries.