Bhutan is a small country that is also famous for its vibrant culture
with Buddhism as the most practiced religion. Owing to its scenic
landscapes, fascinating architecture, and diverse culture, Bhutan has become a
popular tourist destination for all types of tourists ranging from honeymooners
to families, and from friends to solo travelers.
Here are few things you must know before you visit to Bhutan.
1.
Don’t expect to travel freely -
Bhutan is not a budget destination or
a place for backpacker-style drifting. Since I am an Indian National permit
allowed me to sidestep the eye-watering $250 per day visa cost which is to be
paid by anyone from outside the SAARC countries.
SAARC countries rules and other visa/Permit
rules is explained in a separate blog. Do read it.
2. Guide -
Well-drilled
tour guides, wearing the traditional
Gho, or its female equivalent
Kira, will be at your side throughout, offering useful
information about religion, culture, and anything you want to know about
Bhutan—as long as it’s not controversial. Every guide will steer you away from
any discussion of ‘Western influence’ that might complicate the tourism board’s
narrative. If you are from the SAARC country you can be free from any guide
compulsion. Here I thank almighty for making me an Indian.
3. Cash Currency -
Rupees are
accepted almost everywhere: India is Bhutan’s closest trade and foreign policy
partner, and the Nu is pegged to the Rupee. Ngultrum is often termed as Nu as
it is simpler to remember, my friend calls it Ngultrum as Nu since she finds it
cute. LOL
Incase you are from a western country or
NON-SAARC, your visa fee covers most things, but if you want spending money,
you’ll need cash. There are some ATMs in the larger towns, but they’re about 50
percent reliable and you can only withdraw small amounts. You can spend US
dollars, or change them into the local currency, Ngultrum (Nu for short).
4. Prayer Wheel -
They are all
over Bhutan. You see them in
temples, monastery, houses and even on streets. These wheels have mantras
written on them in the ancient language called Pali. Rotating them is believed
to send out positive energy into the environment. So, it’s considered a good
practice to rotate them when you see them.
5. Accommodation -
I would request you
to read this part carefully. If you are not going by an organized trip, do not
book your stay in Bhutan in advance. Most of the hotels in Bhutan is not listed
in any of the websites. you can book an accommodation for 1 day before going
and can find accommodation of other days when you reach there. Main towns like
Paro and Thimpu are full of hotels. Thimpu is based on two parallel roads Changlam
and Nordzim. Both the streets are flooded with all sorts of
budget hotels. Outside Thimpu and Paro, you will find the concept of homestay
more popular. Better than Average Hotels can cost about 1500 – 3000
per night for a couple. Homestays also cost about same. You may
choose the kind of stay you wish to as per your mood and the kind of travel
idea you believe in.
6. Alcohol -
Alcohol is
cheap in Bhutan. You might not get your preferable brand everywhere but
whatever you get is quite satisfactory.
You may try their Local Alchohol called Arra if you want an adventure
for taste aswell. I tried them with every meal and loved them all.
7. Smoking in Bhutan -
Bhutan is the
only country in the world that completely bans the sale and production of
tobacco—and naturally, smoking is banned in public places. Tourists can bring
in 200 cigarettes, but ask your guide to find a place to light up. Hotels will
accommodate smokers, some local bars and restaurants have indoor smoking rooms,
and many nightclubs informally allow it after dark.
Incase you fall short of
cigarettes, you can find illegally at some stalls, Don’t count on doing the same:
dealers will only sell to people they already know. Bring your own.
8. Dolma / Saada Pan -
Dolma, an addictive mixture of areca
nut (supari), lime paste (Chuna) and betel leaf (Pan), is deeply into the
cultural landscape. About one third of the country’s population chews this Pan
daily, including women, the elderly, monks, and young people. Trying it won’t kill you, but it will most
likely give you the spins.
9. Mirchi -
Bhutanese people
love spicy food more than Indians do , you will realize this when you reach
Bhutan. They love things with red
chilli, three times a day if not more, rice is a mandatory part
of the meal. Other than hotels and restaurants, there is no concept of
bread. Bhutan Markets are full of
different varieties of chilli. Everyone in Bhutan will be seen Buying chillies
all day. Trust me, if you are fond of spicy food, this is the place for you.
The main dish of Bhutan is Ema Datshi,
it’s a spicy dish made of long green chilli in hot sauce. Almost every
Bhutanese has it and you can find it at any place.
Other than Ema
Datshi, other local dishes are also made from red chilli. Red chilli is the
main ingredient in any food they cook, so you better be ready for a spicy food.
10. Dhachu (Chass) -
If you need a break from the burn, a
glass of dhachu, the milky
by-product of strained cow or yak cheese, will bring some relief. You often
find females selling bottles of Dhachu on the street side, they are good – you
must try
11. Don’t disrespect the royals –
The royals
are still perceived as incarnations of gods. Today Bhutan may be democratic
country but King and royal family still holds the same respect and solitude in
the country. Not even by pun say anything odd about the royals, you may get
into mess.
12. Cheese and more Cheese -
Bumthang, in
central Bhutan (lovingly referred to as a mini Switzerland), produces some of
the country’s richest crops and organic specialties. Here, you’ll be able to
find European style cheese, Emmental and Gouda, organic raw honey, buckwheat
pancakes (chogdan) and bitter, chewy hand-rolled noodles (putta).
13. Get a local SIM
-
The
two major networks in Bhutan are Tashi
cell and B-Mobile.
Tourist SIM cards are available at most of the shops in the main towns. Tashi
Cell is considered with the best availability as you move out of the main city.
You can get a tourist SIM in 250 Nu
and you have to get a data plan separately, which costs 299 Nu for 1.5 GB. Tourist Sim is Valid for 15 days. You need to
submit your PhotoID, a Photo, and Bhutan Permit/Visa to get a tourist SIM.
14. You are eating Indian Meat -
The
Bhutanese—officially—won’t kill and butcher animals, but they do like to eat
meat. They get around this quandary by outsourcing butchering to India. A lot
of the meat you eat was probably driven into Bhutan from the India-Bhutan
border.
15. Don’t be alarmed by phallic dildos
-
Homes have massive paintings of erect penises flanking the
exterior; government offices sport large phallic dildos in the corridor; cab
drivers have travel-size wooden ones on the dashboard, etc. It’s not
pornographic: phallic worship is a nod to the teachings of Drukpa Kunley. It is
for some ritual and belief, I have explained it in an other post.
16. Beware of dogs -
Packs of
dogs bark all night, especially anywhere near Paro and Thimphu town centers.
Bring earplugs. Also, don’t try to pet them. They bite, it’s a first hand
experience. In years past, Bhutan’s dogs helped yak herders protect their
livestock, but lately the stray population in towns has swelled.
17. Hot stone bath -
Bhutanese of
all ages use this traditional bath for joint pain and to boost circulation.
It’s prepared by heating river stones over an open fire for hours. Once hot,
the stones are submerged in the bathtub, releasing deep heat and minerals into
the water. It’s awesomely hot, and perfect after a long, winding drive or after
a scramble up a mountain.
18. Getting Inked is illegal -
Tattoo
parlors (and tattoos) are illegal, but they’re still increasingly popular with
the young. A government ban on tattoo parlors and tattoo art has forced the few
professional tattoo artists underground. Now artists work in private homes and
rely on word-of-mouth and social media to keep their businesses afloat.
19. Bow and Arrow -
Dhais a male-dominated activity, if
not an exclusively male sport, but both female and male tourists are encouraged
to try it out. In Paro, you can watch a local match at the town’s archery
grounds. If watching some of the world’s best archers doesn’t impress you,
you’ll surely be entertained by the chirpy atmosphere of the crowd, colorful
victory dances, and friendly heckling.
20. Hashish/Marijuana is Illegal -
Cannabis grows
wild throughout Bhutan’s central valleys and its southern borders. In the
earlier days farmers used to feed it to their pigs to stimulate their
appetites. For humans, possession can now lead to a five-year jail sentence,
but you might still find young Bhutanese rubbing their hands together near a
big cannabis field in an attempt to sell it for some extra cash.
21. Local Language -
Bhutan’s official
language is
dzongkha, but
there are 19 other languages. Nationwide, school subjects are all taught in
English and a cocktail of the other 17 languages are used in everyday
conversation, depending on what part of the country you’re in. Learn a few words,
such as
kuzuzungola (hello),
layshom ye? (Are you well?),
and
kadinchey (thank
you). It will take you far—especially when bargaining for a discount at the
markets. Add “
la” to the end of
your sentence to sound respectful.
Bhutan is no
ordinary place. It is the last great Himalayan kingdom, shrouded in mystery and
magic. You must visit Bhutan soon,
Happiness is waiting!
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