Essential Travel Information

• Comfortable walking shoes
• Sunglasses
• High SPF sunscreen
• Headwear for sunny days
• Insect repellent
• Lightweight cotton clothing for the day, warmer woolen clothes for the evening, and heavier woolens for colder weather. Don’t forget a rain jacket and fleece.
• While shorts are fine for hiking or casual walks, remember to wear long pants or skirts when visiting public buildings or monasteries.
• Headlamp or flashlight
• Power bank (for charging your phone)
• A whistle for safety during treks
• Two water bottles
• A pen and notebook for notes
• A personal first aid kit
• A small, foldable umbrella
• Snacks, such as ginger candy, for long drives

In Bhutan, tipping is a common way to acknowledge exceptional service. It's customary to offer tips to the guides and drivers assisting you during your stay. While tipping is entirely voluntary, if you’re satisfied with their service, it’s a nice gesture to show appreciation for their hard work.

All of our guides are officially certified by the Bhutan Department of Tourism. They are experts on Bhutan's culture and landscapes and are fluent in English. In addition to their deep knowledge, they also undergo regular training to stay informed about local developments. Our guides are certified in First Response by the National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS), ensuring you're in safe hands during your travels.

Bhutan offers a variety of accommodations, ranging from luxury 5-star hotels to charming homestays in traditional villages and outdoor tented camps.

To ensure you're staying in quality places, you can request a list of approved accommodations from the Bhutan travel host service.

It’s mandatory for visitors to stay in government-certified accommodations or camp at designated trekking spots when exploring Bhutan's wilderness.

Bhutan's cuisine is diverse, with each region offering its own specialties. A popular dish you must try is “Ema Datsi,” a spicy combination of chili and cheese that has gained widespread popularity. It’s advisable to drink only bottled water while traveling and during treks. Yangphel staff will provide boiled water during trekking. In restaurants, you'll find a mix of Indian, Chinese, Continental, and Bhutanese dishes. Local shops offer both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, and some Bhutanese enjoy homemade alcoholic beverages, such as “Ara,” made from rice, millet, or wheat.

The official language in Bhutan is Dzongkha, though English is commonly spoken, especially in urban areas, and is the language of instruction in schools. Other prevalent languages include Nepali, Bumthap, Sharchop, and Hindi. You will also encounter various local dialects in different regions of the country.

As in other South Asian countries, common health risks include digestive issues, respiratory infections, and rare tropical diseases. It’s a good idea to have travel insurance, although specific vaccinations are not mandatory. If you're trekking, be mindful of altitude sickness and other trekking-related risks. For health emergencies, basic medical facilities are available in all major districts.

Bhutan is considered one of the safest destinations worldwide, with an exceptionally low crime rate. It's very rare for travelers to experience any security concerns while exploring the country.