+1 612 869 4949Bhutan Faqs
Bhutan General FAQs
- What are typical meals like?
Bhutanese, Indian, continental. Your breakfast & dinner are in the hotel you will be staying, in which case, the food willbe served on a buffet system. Whereas , your lunch will be served in local restaurant in Ala carte system.
- Are the first days of December a good time to visit Bhutan?
Yes, first week of December is certainly good time to visit. It is generally marked with clear blue sky and warm sun. These offer a greater visibility of far off mountains’ peaks.
For detailed structure on weather, climate, temperature and altitude of Bhutan
- All of us have credit cards but they are the US style with a magnetic strip – not the European kind with a chip. Where possible, we will use the card(s). We do understand that many small vendors will not accept a card. There will also be small incidental expenses. Thus, can you suggest an amount of cash we should bring and change in to Bhutanese currency when we arrive? Perhaps suggest a range from ____ to ____ (low to high) from your experience with previous clients
For larger purchases like expensive carpets, or Bhutanese traditional dress, some legal artefacts, thangkhas etc. you can use credit cards. For trip of 14 to 15 nights, I would say bring at least 400$ in cash. You may or may not use it but it is good to have. Debit/Credit cards works here but only bigger establishment accept them but not the smaller vendors.
As for ATM or Debit cards, ATM machine are not reliable in terms of its workability. So bring some cash for your daily expenses such as for beer & hard drinks. For easier transaction, you may change into local currency in airport or bank.
Ensure to have exchange receipt, if you have surplus at the end you may change it back. - Can we get Bhutanese money once we arrive at the airport? Since the only things we will have to pay are the drinks and the souvenirs, how much money should we take? If we take too much, can we change it back into Indian rupees before leaving Bhutan?
Yes, you can change to local Bhutanese currency at the airport upon arrival in Paro, or at your hotel, Bank etc. However Nepalese currency is not accepted in Bhutan and so you should not bring Nepalese currency. Indian currency (with exceptions of large bills such as Rs. 500 ) can also be used. At the end of the trip, you can change any left-over Bhutanese currencies into Indian rupees locally from local shops etc. It is generally not very difficult to change back. If you have saved the receipt for monies changed, you can also change back to US$ or currencies used in the beginning, if you go to the bank. As to how much you need to change, it is very difficult for us to guess but I would approximate to around $20-40 per day per person for out of pocket expenses if your trip includes all meals. You will need money for drinks, beverages, tips etc. However you can always change some money during your travels if you need one.
- Can I use Indian Rupees in Bhutan?
Yes you can use Indian Rupees notes but avoid Rs.500 notes as they are not accepted by Banks in Bhutan. Smaller INR tenders are fine.
- What is the experience of your guides and their English skills?
These are probably the most important questions, since we understand that you will be spending every day with a guide and driver. All our guides are chosen for their good demeanor, in addition being well experienced and educated. They are licensed by Tourism Council of Bhutan and speak decent English. Our group tours usually get best among them.
- I am looking for Bhutanese (Dzongkha) language tape, book; that will allow me to learn a few useful phrases and listen to the language before I travel. Do you know?
Yes there is a Dzongkha course, but it is a full length (3CDs and a book), quite expensive course. It is by George van Driem (a Dutchmen, who spent several years researching Himalayan Languages in Bhutan. You can check online (google or yahoo) and find the link. It is usually shipped from the Netherlands. Honestly though, the Guide book such as Lonely Planet is probably your best bet as it has most of the phrases you’ll need. For your information, average Bhutanese can speak English.
- Medications, vaccinations, food Safety, precaution medicine, hospitals in Bhutan. What are recommended shots for travel to Bhutan? What are health dos and don’ts? What medications should I bring? If I were to fall sick in Bhutan, where should I go?
Following information is provided in good faith as a guide. You must check with your health care provider, visit a travel clinic for specific advice on health related issues. There are no mandatory vaccinations required to enter Bhutan, but it is advised to be immunized against Rabies and Hepatitis A, as well as getting boosters for Tetanus and Polio if necessary. Be sure to check with your health care provider that you are up-to-date with routine vaccinations. Yellow fever is not a disease risk in Bhutan but the government requires travelers arriving from countries where yellow fever is present to produce a proof of yellow fever vaccination. If you will be traveling to one of these countries where yellow fever is present before arriving in Bhutan, you may be required to produce a certificate or proof that you have yellow fever vaccination. Cases of Malaria are reported in southern Bhutan, close to the Indian border, below 1400m altitude. The regular tourist routes that visit these areas are Phuntsholing and Samdrupjongkhar. Unless you are arriving or travelling via India to Bhutan, you generally do not need to worry about Malaria. Medicines you may need: You must bring your prescription medicines that you take every day. Make sure you have enough to last during your trip. Keep them in their original prescription bottles and always in your carry-on luggage. Be sure to follow security guidelines, if the medicines are liquids. Antimalarial drugs if traveling to a malaria-risk area. Medicine for diarrhea. Other items you may need are Iodine tablets/portable water filters to purify water, if you are trekking in Bhutan (when the bottled waters are available). Sunblock (at least 15 SPF) and sunglasses for protection from harmful effects of UV sun rays. Antibacterial hand wipes or alcohol-based hand sanitizer containing at least 60% alcohol. To prevent insect/mosquito bites, bring: Lightweight long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and a hat to wear outside, whenever possible. Flying-insect spray to help clear rooms of mosquitoes. The product should contain a pyrethroid insecticide; these insecticides quickly kill flying insects, including mosquitoes. Staying Healthy during Your Trip: Prevent insect bites by using insect repellent (bug spray) with 30%-50% DEET. Wear long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and a hat outdoors. Spray rooms with products effective against flying insects. Avoid direct contact with animals to prevent animal bites and scratches. If you are bitten, wash the wound well with soap and water and go to a doctor right away. Gastric diseases are common among tourists who are not accustomed to local food or who do not take precautions. Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially before eating. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand gel (with at least 60% alcohol). Drink only bottled or boiled water, or carbonated (bubbly) drinks in cans or bottles. Avoid tap water, fountain drinks, and ice cubes. Make sure food is fully cooked. Avoid dairy products, unless you know they have been pasteurized. Bring anti-diarrhea medication with you; you so that you can treat mild cases yourself. Prevent Sunburn by using sun-gears such as hats, sun-glasses and sunblock creams. To avoid infections such as HIV and viral hepatitis do not share needles for tattoos, body piercing, or injections. You should exercise normal precautions to avoid exposure to HIV/AIDS. To prevent fungal and parasitic infections, keep feet clean and dry, and do not go barefoot Altitude problems are generally not experienced by people who are doing cultural tours (travelling in the vehicle) in Bhutan. If you are hiking or trekking, ascend gradually to allow time for your body to adjust to the high altitude, which can cause insomnia, headaches, nausea, and altitude illness. If you experience these symptoms descend to a lower altitude and seek medical attention. Altitude illness can be fatal. Bhutanese hospitals provide only basic health care. The main hospital of Bhutan is in Thimphu and there is one hospital in the major town centers and basic health units in the villages. Jigme Dorji Wangchuck National Referral Hospital, located in Thimphu; phone + 975 2 324 817, fax + 975 2 325 384.website: w ww.jdwnrh.gov.bt we strongly recommend that you obtain comprehensive travel and medical insurance before travelling. Travel Insurance is available for purchase through Wind Horse for US and Canadian Residents. You should check any exclusion, and that your policy covers you for all the activities you want to undertake. Travel Resources /References: Also visit the following websites for health and medical advice Centers for Disease Control & Prevention, U.S.A (w ww.cdc.gov/travel) British government official travel advice & warnings (w ww.fco.gov.uk) Official travel advice & warnings New Zealand government. (w ww.safetravel.govt.nz) Canadian government’s official travel advice (w ww.voyage.gc.ca) US State Department Travel Advisories (w ww.travel.state.gov) Australia’s Foreign Affairs and Trade (w ww.smartraveller.gov.au)
- Is there a description of the do’s and don’ts relating to the culture and customs of Bhutan that would be important for us to know. We want to be good guests. All of us have been doing some reading but is there a site or other source you would recommend? I’m sure our guide will coach us on this too.
It’s not viable to write down all the dos and don’ts that generally associate with tradition and culture of Bhutan. In fact we have compiled all the basic nature of it in our Pre – departure guide and Final documents. Moreover our guide will always be there to assist you if any need arise in regards to it.
Wind Horse Ranch and Riding Club FAQs
- What Luggage Bag should I bring on the trek in Bhutan: I know that in your pre-departure notes, it says not to bring hard suitcases and that you prefer duffel bags? Can it be soft-sided duffel on wheels with a telescoping handle?
For trek at Wind Horse Tour, luggage are carried by pack animals (in most case by mules/ponies) and sometimes in the higher regions by Yaks. Porters are rarely or never used. Before going on the trek, you can store non-trek items with our office or at hotel and bring only those that are necessary for the trek. So you need to consider bringing 2 luggage bag; one for trek and one that you can store non-trek items to be left behind, in addition to your daypack. The luggage bag for the trek must be duffel bag and not hard case. If you are using a suitcase and need to rent or purchase duffel locally for a trek, inform us in advance. Yes, it can also be a soft-sided duffel on wheels with a telescoping handle and recommended size for duffel bag should not exceed 17”X13”X34’. Although we do not impose weight or size limits strictly, you should note consider following points a) If the luggage bag is too long, the ponies or mules being short may drag it along. And if luggage bags are too wide, the animals may rub them against the walls and trees, especially where the path ways are narrow b) Our crews determine the number of pack-animals required based on the size and if you are bringing more than a usual trekker or traveler would, you must inform us in advance. c) For additional protection of your luggage, we put your luggage bag into our duffel bag but despite all of these efforts, sometimes your bags may still get wet and torn
- Martin is 6′ 3-4″. We had previous discussion about needing a somewhat longer tent for him. He has such a tent. Should he just bring it and decide what tent to use after we are in Bhutan and meet our guide and know the options?
Generally, we use standard size sleeping bags for trek, in exception case, like if he is taller than we normally consider standard height then we ask our guests to bring his own tent and we will provide ours too and decide which is best suited for him then.
- How “fixed” is the itinerary of the tour?
How “fixed” is the itinerary of the tour?? If we like a place very much, can we stay longer there?? If we don’t like something can we move to the next place? I understand there are hotel reservations to be changed, but is this possible? Are there any fees associated with changing anything in the tour?
Changing a tour, after you are in Bhutan is completely possible. If it is just a minor change of places or attraction to visit, most often our Guide can decide instantly and make the changes. However, where changes involve changing the place of the stay, some hotels may charge cancellation charges and at other times, there may also be difference in the costs between hotels. So, as long as you are ready to bear the extra costs, if any, there is usually no problem for us to change. Cancellation charges are generally applicable during the peak tourists’ seasons.
- Please confirm the maximum number of guests Wind Horse Tours allows per trip is 9 for Chomolari Trek
Yes, our maximum number is 9 people per journey. In fact all our group journey basically stretch up to 9 participants. It has been designed to ensure that it’s not over crowded so that it may pose managements deficiency nor lesser number of 3 or 4, where it become difficult to avail cost effective measures
- How many of these Bhutan Chomolhari Trek trips have Wind Horse tours run?
We started this trek since 1998 and say about 2-4 groups we run in a year, excluding private trip.
- What is the best time of year to do the Chomolhari Trek? Why?
All the departure dates mentioned in our website are best time. It coincides with local festivities and weather is at its best during this time around in Bhutan.
- How is spring different from autumn for Bhutan (Chomolari) Trek?
Spring is more renowned for blooming of wild flowers in technicolor. The valleys, trail on the course of trek are carpeted with spectrum of colorful array of different flowers and untamed vegetation, a visual feast for nature’s lover. As for autumn, the weather is clear and beautiful, the warmth that autumn bring forth is clarity in visibility of far off mountains and majestic peaks.
- How soon after sending Wind Horse Tours the $200 booking deposit will we receive the invoice containing the finalized price?
Finalised price will be known about a month before the departure date when we close the booking and the final price are based on number of participants for that particular group journey.This is for group journey. As for culture you will know immediately
- Please clarify the accommodations, logistic regarding the 7 nights we are camping on trek: Is each tent for 2-persons?
In term of trekking gears we have recently upgrade our equipment. It’s state of art. Hotels are selected for cleanliness, comfort and in line with TCB (Tourism Council of Bhutan) guideline. They are 3* or class A type. Local transports are modern and comfortable. Yes, each tent can easily fit 2 people