Visa and Entry Requirement
Regal Nepal will handle all the visa and entry requirements for your 04 Nights 05 Days Bhutan Tour. The government of Bhutan only issues the VISA after receiving the full payment for the tour in advance. Thus, unlike other tour, trekking and mountaineering packages with us, your Bhutan Tour package will also include the cost of the visa.
Without a visa clearance number, tourists cannot even board a flight to the country. All nationals need to apply for the visa except the citizens of India, Bangladesh and Maldives. After applying for the visa, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs forwards a copy of the visa clearance to the entry points.
The agency applying for the visa on your behalf will also send you a copy of the visa clearance via fax. Although the actual visa for the country is stamped upon arrival, the assigned copy of clearance will be necessary to book the Druk Air Tickets.
You will have to carry two original copies of your passport-size photographs and upon your arrival, the actual visa with the stamp will be issued for your tour.
Tourism Policy in Bhutan
The tourism policy in Bhutan is based on the ‘High Value, Low Volume’ tourism practices. Thus, the policy has been designed to preserve the rich cultural heritage and pristine natural environment in the country, at the same time providing valuable and meaningful experiences to visitors.
The government of Bhutan requires all tourists to book through a licensed operator in the country. Similarly, a pre-planned itinerary should be followed while touring the country. Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) has been issued to manage the number of visitors and sustainable development in the country.
In order to ensure the country’s infrastructure and environment are not overwhelmed by the large inflow of tourists, Bhutan has set a cap on the tourist number for every year. From 2023, the tourist cap in the country has been capped to around 2,00,000 per year.
Tourism Council of Bhutan (TCB) manages all the planning, policy, formulation, regulation and promotion related to tourism. This branch of government ensures that the tourism practice in the country aligns with the national priorities and sustainable development goals.
Cultural Etiquette During 04 Nights 05 Days Bhutan Tour
When you are doing the 04 Nights 05 Days Bhutan Tour, it is necessary to respect the local culture, norms and values to have a positive experience. The Bhutanese people dress conservatively, even more so at the religious sites.
Thus, it is important to wear appropriate clothing during your time in the country. Wea long sleeves and covering clothes, avoid revealing clothes. Similarly, before entering the religious sites, remove your shoes and headgear to show respect.
If you are circling the stupas or spinning the praying wheels, do it in a clockwise order. Also, don’t point at people or religious sites with your finger. If you are taking photographs, make sure there isn’t any kind of restriction and ask for permission if you are taking photographs of natives.
Furthermore, the Bhutanese meals are communal, so if you are eating in a group, make sure that everyone is severed before you start relishing the delightful flavors. The Bhutanese society is more on the conservative side, so it will be wise to avoid public displays of affection and respect for other’s personal space.
In Bhutan, the royal family holds a revered status and it is essential to speak about them with respect. You need to avoid any form of disrespectful language and behavior when it comes to discussing monarchy in the country.
Communication
The officialy language of Bhutan is Dzongkha, but the populace is adept in the English language as well. Especially, at the major tourist destination, you will be able to easily communicate with the natives in the English language as well.
So, it won’t be hard for you to go shopping and have meaningful conversations with the natives. As for the eastern and southern parts of the country, other languages, such as Sharchhoha and Lhotshampa, are spoken.
As this country is tourism-based, communicating in English won’t be an issue in those regions as well. In the area of telecommunications, mobile networks and internet services are available throughout the country.
However, depending on the remoteness and altitudes, these services may be limited. You will also be able to purchase a local sim card for calls and data usage during your trip. Social media applications also have been massively embraced by the general populace. So, it won’t be hard for you to stay in touch with your friends and family during your 04 Nights 05 Days Bhutan Tour.
Currency and Payment
The national currency of Bhutan is the Bhutanese Ngultrum (BTN). Besides the BTN, the Indian currency, Rupees, is also widely accepted in this mountain country. So, you can choose the currency of your choice depending on the feasibility.
You can exchange the currency at the Paro International Airport. Similarly, there are also major banks and authorized money changers in big cities like Thimphu and Paro, where you can convert your currency to local BTN or Indian Rupees.
Some of the hotels also do exchange services, but as the rates may differ, it is best to exchange the currency at a bank or registered exchanger. Digital payment, credit card and debit cards are also accepted in the major cities.
However, as they are only accepted in top-tier and major establishments, you should consider carrying cash for your local market shopping. Digital payment apps such as Google Pay and Apple Pay are not that widely accepted in the country and the major wallet, Mobile Bank of Bhutan (mBoB), has limited usage to urban areas only.
Health and Safety
Bhutan is a safe and peaceful country; however, it is still essential to stay vigilant and be mindful of the standard safety precautions for your tour plan for Bhutan. The medical facilities in rural areas are limited, so we suggest you to carry a standard first aid kit with common medications like antibiotics, pain relievers, bandages, prescribed personal medications and so on.
You should also consult your doctor about the recommended vaccinations for the trip. TB and Diphtheria, Hepatitis A and Hepatitis B, Tetanus, Typhoid, Covid-19, Malaria, etc, are some recommended vaccinations for the country.
Furthermore, we also recommend your blood group check-up for the tour so you can go through the medical process without any doubt during emergencies. Your guide will take care of your overall health, comfort and experience throughout the trip.
So, if you have any kind of medical complications, you should consult him/her. Similarly, during the tour, if you face any kind of issues, you should consult your guide immediately.
What Sort of Accomodation Can You Expect?
There are several modes of accommodation facilities available in Bhutan. From standard, luxury and eco-friendly hotels to resorts, farm stays, guesthouses, to camping and monastic stays, you can enjoy a diverse range of accommodation facilities during your trip to Bhutan.
For this 04 Nights 05 Days Bhutan Tour, Regal Nepal will arrange your accommodation at three or four-star hotels, depending on the services available in the region. All the hotel establishments approved by the government have clean and well-maintained rooms with hot and cool water options.
The internet service is available in most urban hotels. But, considering the region, the services may be limited or slower, especially in the rural areas. As for the electricity service in this mountain country, there is a chain of reliable supply in most areas, but in the remote areas there can be occasional power outages.
Food and Water During Bhutan Tour
The food menus in Bhutan reflect the country’s rich culture and traditions. You will be able to enjoy unique and delightful flavors that emphasize on the spicy and organic ingredients during the trip. Beyond the tasty Bhutanese menus, you will be able to enjoy Indian, Chinese and other Continental delicacies with touches of mountain herbs and spices.
During your Bhutan Tour, you definitely have to try popular delicacies such as Ema Datshi, Kewa Datshi, Shakam Paa, Jasha Maru, Hogo, Thukpa, Tingmo, etc. All the ingredients used for preparing meals in Bhutan are locally sourced and organic.
This chain also reflects the country’s commitment to sustainability and eco-friendly approach. Thus, the meals are generally healthy and nutritious, not to mention very savory. Even if you have embraced the vegetarian or vegan lifestyle, you will find plenty of menus to enjoy from.
Drinking Water
Bottled mineral water that is widely available at the hotels, restaurants and shops across Bhutan is one of the safest approaches to staying hydrated during your tour. There is also tap water available across the country; although it may be safe for the locals, we recommend you not to drink the mountain water without proper treatment.
You can also buy water at hotels, lodges, guesthouses and restaurants that are boiled and filtered. It is a more eco-friendly alternative to bottled water. So, you can carry a reusable bottle with you and fill it occasionally during your tour to reduce plastic waste.
Tipping
When doing 04 Nights 05 Days Bhutan Tour, you might e curious about the tipping custom in the country. Like the Western part of the world, tipping is not a standard practice in most Asian countries. However, during touring and adventure activities, it is generally expected by the staff.
You can make the tip at your discretion, as there is not any standard margin. Normally, if you are in a ground of 1-2, about US$ 8 to US$ 10 tipping per day is expected for your guide and around US$ 5 to US$ 7 per day for your driver.
If the group size is medium, 3 to 8 people, US$ 6 to US$ 8 for the guide, and US$ 3 to US$ 5 for the driver is expected. Similarly, with a larger scale group of travelers, around 8 to 16 adults, US$ 4 to US$ 6 per person tipping for the guide and US$ 3 to US$ 5 per person driver is the general tipping practice.
Note: If you are trekking in Bhutan, the tip is offered to the whole trek crew not individually like tours.
Who Can Do 04 Nights 05 Days Bhutan Tour?
Bhutan touring is nothing like a demanding trekking adventure in the remote part of the mountains. For the most part, you will be exploring the country in a comfortable vehicle and there are only a few parts where you will have to do short hikes to explore the major highlights.
Even then, just slow-paced walking will do the trick and it will be nothing like taking on an exhausting endeavor. So, the 04 Nights 05 Days Bhutan Tour is an easy-grade exploration that is a luxurious experience at the same time.
You will explore the cultural and natural landmarks of the country in a gradual manner and take your time to soak in the serene ambiance. Almost every segment of the touring route is accessible by the route. You will only need to do some short hikes at a few destinations, but they are not that physically demanding.
Thus, it wouldn’t be wrong to say that this exciting and memorable exploration of the most charming mountain country in the world is suitable for every traveling enthusiast regardless of age, gender, experience and fitness level.
Packing For Bhutan Tour
Packing for 04 Nights 05 Days Bhutan Tour will mostly depend on the season that you doing this tour in. As the climate variation is not that major like the trekking journey that stretches from lower altitudes all the the way to alpine and tundra zones, the necessary layers are pretty much consistent.
You will be able to enjoy your 5-day tour without having to worry about packing different thickness layers for the varied altitudes. However, you will still need to bring the appropriate layers and gear, considering the season of your choice.
For example, if you are doing this tour during the peak traveling period in the country (i.e. spring and autumn), just light cotton clothing for the day and a warm sweater/fleece jacket for the evening and morning will be quite sufficient.
Similarly, as you will spend all of the nights at comfortable hotels, you will not need to bring an extra set of gear like for a trekking journey. But don’t forget to bring a sunhat, a thermal jacket, gloves, sunglasses, and comfortable hiking/sports shoes. Moving beyond does bring your personal care products, your favorite snacks and other toiletries if you feel like it.
While doing this tour during the monsoon period (June to August), you will need to prioritize waterproof clothes and gaiters. Moreover, waterproofing your luggage/bag and carrying an umbrella/raincoat may be necessary if the rainfall is consistent.
As for the winter (December to February), the country may experience some snowfall and it is also the coldest point across the year. So, you will need to bring warm and buff layers to keep yourself warm and comfortable during the trip.
Travel Tips
These are some helpful travel tips you can follow for a comfortable and memorable tour plan for Bhutan.
- Plan your itinerary well and make sure that your Bhutan Tour package includes a visit to iconic and popular sites in cities like Thimphu, Paro and Punakha.
- Make sure to pack appropriately for the varying weather to ensure a memorable and comfy experience.
- Even if your tour doesn’t stretch to high altitude points in the country, Bhutan is comparatively situated significantly higher from sea elevation. So, make sure to stay hydrated and avoid heavy physical exertion.
- Respect local culture and traditions, dress appropriately for your tour and be mindful about the conservative lifestyle of the natives.
- Although Bhutan is generally a safe country, it is important to follow standard precautions and safety protocols during your tour.
- Always be mindful of your surroundings and keep your valuables safe.
- Bring a basic first-aid kit with common medication and enough personal medicines if you are on any kind of medication.
- Buty local sim cards such as TashiCell or B-Mobile to stay connected with the world during your tour. These mobile networks are also reliable sources of internet connection where the service is limited or unavailable.
- Bargaining while shopping is not a common practice in Bhutanese markets, so be polite if you are testing your bargaining skills.
- Lastly, the lifestyle in Bhutan follows a relaxed and peaceful pace, so adapt to the Bhutanese pace to enjoy the serene atmosphere and truly relish your journey.
