Flying To Bhutan
Due to Bhutan Government's tourism policies, travel access into Bhutan is carefully managed and all non-citizens must travel into Bhutan utilizing the services of a qualified travel partner like No Limits Adventures. Therefore our itinerary is specifically structure to begin in Bangkok Thailand to facilitate entry into Bhutan for our group.
Your roundtrip flight from Bangkok Thailand to Paro Bhutan is included in your itinerary and an e-ticket will be provided to you.
Druk Air is the national airline of Bhutan and the only carrier authorized for international flights in/out of Bhutan.
You will be allowed two pieces of checked luggage restricted to 20 kg / 44 lbs.
Carry-on is strictly limited to one piece, not exceedin 17.5 x 13.5 x 8 inches and the weight not exceeding 11 lbs. A small purse will also be allowed.
Timezone
Bhutan Standard Time is GMT +6 hours. For the current time in the Thimpu, the capital of Bhutan, click this link: http://www.timeanddate.com/worldclock/city.html?n=690
It is 13 hours ahead of Pacific Standard Time and 10 hours ahead of Eastern Standard Time
Bhutan does not follow Daylight Savings Time
Passports
- Passports are required of all foreign nationals in order to enter Bhutan
- Must be valid for at least 6 months after your trip - if not, apply or renew immediately
- Keep a copy of the picture page of your passport in a separate place while traveling
- Carry 2 extra passport photos in case you need to apply for a quick replacement
Entry Visa
Due to the carefully control entry into Bhutan, No Limits Adventures will acquire the necessary Visas for all clients.
- A visa is necessary for entry into Bhutan and it is NOT possible to obtain one at Bhutanese Consulates or Embassies abroad.
- We will obtain a visa for you and a visa clearance letter will be provided to you by No Limits Adventures prior to your entry into Bhutan.
- Your actual visa will be stamped into your passport upon entry.
- No Limits Adventures will require your passport details prior to your departure as follows:
- Name as it appears in passport & Gender
- Permanent Address
- Occupation / Profession
- Nationality
- Passport Number
- Date of Issue & Expiration of passport
- Date & Place of Birth
Customs
- All visitors are required to complete the Customs Declaration Form and an imigration form before your plane lands in Bhutan. The imigration form must remain with your passport until you leave the country.
- Anything you are bringing into the country for personal use - camera gear, video cameras, binoculars, etc. - will be allowed.
- Electronic items should be registered with the customs authorities on arrival and will be checked on departure.
- Import and export of the following goods are strictly prohibited: arms, explosives, ammunition, etc., narcotics and drugs (medically prescribed drugs are exempt), antiques, and wildlife products, especially those of endangered species.
- Cigarettes and any other tobacco related products are forbidden in the kingdom. For personal consumption passengers are permitted to bring to 200 cigarettes (10 packets - 1 ctn) on payment of a 200% duty.
- Alcoholic beverages up to 1 litre for personal consumption
Vaccinations
While some vaccinations are highly recommended, none are required for entry into Bhutan at this time. We suggest you check with a travel doctor 4-6 weeks before your trip to find out recommended vaccinations when traveling to Bhutan.
In addition, you may refer to U.S. Government Center for Disease Control (CDC) website (http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/bhutan.aspx) or call the the CDC international travelers hotline at 1 (877) 394 8747 for up to date information on vaccinations.
Additional information about Bhutan is available on the World Health Organization (WHO) website at http://www.who.int/countries/btn/en/.
We are proud to recommend the services of Vaccines On The Go. They are happy to provide any vaccination services you may need. Please visit them on their website at (http://VaccinesOnTheGo.com) or you may reach them directly by calling 770-896-8284 or 770-495-9303.
Meals
All meals in Bhutan are included. Clients will be responsible for their meals while in transit to / from their home country and Bangkok Thailand.
Water
It is recommended that our clients avoid tap water and drink only bottled water. Although it takes a little extra caution when drinking fluids in Bhutan, it is essential to stay well-hydrated, especially during the trek.
Gifts
- Clients are asked not to give candy, gum, pens, pencils, balloons etc., to children, who soon learn the bad habits of expecting things.
- If you want to give children pens, pencils, etc., it is better to give them to local schools. Instead of gifts, you can show them books and pictures of your country, your home, your children etc. or teach them a song or a game
- Although hopefully obvious to most travelers, medicines to local people which may be inappropriate for their medical problems and delay their seeking professional help.
Safety
- Crime is very rare in Bhutan, but you will still need to observe the same precautions taken at home
- Carefully conceal your wallet and passport in a pouch worn around the neck inside of the shirt or in a mone belt around the waist, and do not leave baggage unattended in public areas
- Make use of security facilities provided for your valuables in your accommodations
Shopping
- Popular souvenirs are: Thangka paintings, Wooden masks, Silver & Metal Crafts, Textiles and Stamps
- Bargaining is not as common in Bhutan as it is in other Asian countries. In the outdoor markets and some shops it's possible, but many prices are fixed. Ask your guide when it may be appropriate.
Prescriptions
If you take prescription medications that you need to bring, be sure to have a plentiful supply and the doctor’s prescription in case something happens to them. Along those lines, it is best to carry medications in your carry-on bag in case of lost luggage. If you wear prescription glasses or contacts, we advise that you bring a spare set.
Voltage
- 230 volts, 50 Hz
- Electricity is unreliable and cannot be guaranteed, even in major cities. There is no power in small
villages.
- Most appliance converter kits will have adaptors for C, D, F & G type plugs, shown below:
- 220 V; Plugs C & D (Most are two pins, round). If you plan on using your own 110-volt appliances, you will need a voltage converter—unless your appliance is designed to also work with 220 volts electricity (dual voltage). For example, most laptops and some electric shavers are designed to work both at 110 and 220 volts. Plugging in an appliance that is not designed to run on 220 volts electricity without using voltage converter will most likely kill it. Regardless of voltage, if your appliance has flat prongs, you will need a plug adapter as most Bhutan sockets are designed to accept round prongs. We recommend getting a plug adaptor before you leave!