1: How much is the visa fee to visit Bhutan?
A visa fee of USD 40 is levied on all travelers to Bhutan by the Department of Immigration. If you choose us as your travel partner, your visa fee will be processed ahead of time.
2: Is there a limit on the number of tourists that can enter Bhutan each year?
There is no limit on the number of tourists admitted into the country each year. In order to protect the Bhutanese culture, tradition and environment, the government adheres to a policy of “High Value, Low Impact Tourism.” This policy aims to attract discerning tourists who will respect the unique culture and values of the Bhutanese people — and to provide visitors with an unforgettable, nourishing experience
3: From which airports can I depart for Bhutan?
Travelers to Bhutan must fly to Paro — the only international airport in Bhutan — on either Druk Air or Bhutan Airlines. Druk Air offers flights from Bangkok, Kathmandu, Delhi, Kolkata (Calcutta), Mumbai, Gaya, Bagdogra, Guwahati, Dhaka, and Singapore. Bhutan Airlines offers flights from Bangkok, Kathmandu, Delhi, and Kolkata. Many flights are not daily.
4: What is the food like in Bhutan?
The most distinctive characteristic of Bhutanese cuisine is its spiciness. Chilies are an essential part of nearly every dish and are considered so important that most Bhutanese people would not enjoy a meal that was not spicy. Rice forms the main body of most Bhutanese meals, and is accompanied by side dishes consisting of meat or vegetables. Pork, beef and chicken are the meats that are eaten most often. A wide selection of Western and Indian food is also available in many of the restaurants around the country.
5: When did Bhutan become a democracy?
Bhutan officially shifted from a state of absolute monarchy to democracy in the year 2008, a sacred gift from the far sighted Golden Throne to its people
6: Can I travel alone as a woman in Bhutan?
Yes, women can definitely travel solo in Bhutan. The small size of the country, combined with its Buddhist philosophy and general respect for living creatures, contribute greatly to the existence of a high level of trust and personal security to visitors in Bhutan whether travelling in groups or solo. This respect for people and surrounding is what makes Bhutan ranked as one of the top 10 safest countries in the world each year.
7: Is Bhutan safe?
Bhutan is very safe. It is perfectly normal to find tourists, including women, traveling alone in Bhutan. According to the 2014 Global Peace Index, Bhutan is ranked the 16th most peaceful country in the world.
8: How do I get around Bhutan?
A private car and driver will greet you at the airport and guide you through the country until your time of departure. You may also fly domestically to locations. Other means of travel are by two wheel, horse, biclycling or river rafting!
9: How do I book my flights into Bhutan?
You can book your flights online by visiting the websites of any of the two airline carriers of Bhutan, Druk Air and Bhutan Airlines. However, the payment processor on both of these websites often fails or mistakenly commits duplicate charges to a transaction. We will assist you to book your tickets.
10: When did Bhutan start allowing tourism?
In an effort to promote awareness of Gross National Happiness globally, the government of Bhutan introduced tourism in 1974. In 1974, 287 visitors entered Bhutan. Until 1991, all tourism activities were provided by the Bhutan Tourism Corporation (BTC), an entity of the Bhutanese government. The number of annual visitors remained below 3,000 per year until 1991, when the sector, along with BTC, was privatized.
11: How did Bhutan get its name?
The precise origin of the name “Bhutan” is unknown, although it is most likely derived from the Tibetan Endonym “Bod” that is traditionally used for Tibet. It is taken to be a transcription of the Sanskrit word Bhoṭa-Anta (end of Tibet), a reference to Bhutan’s position as the southern extremity of the Tibetan plateau. Since the 17th century, the official name of Bhutan has been “Druk Yul” (country of the Drukpa Lineage of the Dragon People or the Land of the Thunder Dragon, a reference to the country’s dominant Buddhist sect) and Bhutan only appears in English-language official correspondence.
12: What is Gross National Happiness?
As defined by our nation’s Gross National Happiness Committee, Gross National Happiness, or GNH, is a holistic and sustainable approach to development, which balances material and non-material values with the conviction that humans want to search for happiness. The objective of GNH is to achieve a balanced development in all the facets of life that are essential; for our happiness. The concept of Gross National Happiness (GNH) was promulgated by His Majesty Jigme Singye Wangchuck, the Fourth King of Bhutan in the early 1970s. His Majesty firmly believed that happiness is an indicator, and a sign of progressive development for the Bhutanese people. He also believed in the legitimacy of public discussion in defining Bhutan’s development goals.
13: What is the population of Bhutan?
Bhutan’s population is around 750,000.
14: What are the popular sports in Bhutan?
Archery, the national sport, tops the list of popular sports in Bhutan; a sport that is played internationally as well as domestically using both traditional and modern equipment. The Kingdom of Bhutan maintains an Olympic archery team. Other popular sports played at international levels are basketball, football and futsal.
15: Are people in Bhutan really happy?
With Gross National Happiness (Bhutan’s leading policy driver) being conceived by the revered 4th King of Bhutan, there is great interest to maintain its value. As such, decisions are made in Bhutan in order to benefit the environment, the culture, the people and the government. This effort has created a positive space to enjoy happiness in a peaceful country. From a more simplistic outlook, Bhutanese people seem to adapt to situations and consequences easily and find happiness in simple things like a gathering over a meal, a family outing, visiting friends and relatives or visiting religious establishments. Many follow a common religious practice that involves taking the middle path in order to maintain happiness.
16: Which airlines fly to Bhutan?
Druk Air and Bhutan Airlines are the only two airlines permitted to fly into Bhutan. All international flights to Bhutan land in Paro. Druk Air offers flights to Paro from Bangkok, Kathmandu, Delhi, Kolkata (Calcutta), Mumbai, Gaya, Bagdogra, Guwahati, Dhaka, and Singapore. Bhutan Airlines offers flights to Paro from Bangkok, Kathmandu, Delhi, and Kolkata. Many flights are not daily; check the websites for flight dates.
17: What side of the plane should I try to sit on?
It depends on where you coming from. If you are flying from Delhi, for example, you will want to side on the left side to see Mount Everest. When flying from Kathmandu, the left side also gives the best the view of the Himalayas. From Bangkok, the right side will have the best views.
18: Which connecting airports require travel visas or transit visas?
Please note that there are currently no “through flights” to Bhutan. This means that in order to check in for your flight to Bhutan, you must enter the country through which you are flying. In other words, if you are flying through a country in transit, you will have to pass through immigration, retrieve baggage from the baggage claim, check-in for your Bhutan flight, and pass through immigration again to reach your gate of departure. Therefore it is essential that you have the proper visa for your chosen port of entry (if applicable) and that you leave sufficient time between flights
19: What do I need to do to apply for a visa?
To apply for a visa for your trip to Bhutan, you simply need to send a copy of your passport picture page in jpg or PDF format. We will take care of the rest. You will receive a copy of your visa in your your visa is approved, your flight to Paro is booked, and your payment is processed. *Note:Your passport must have a color photograph and be valid for more than six months past your last day of travel in Bhutan. For example, if your trip to Bhutan ends on May 1, your passport should be valid until at least November 1 of the same year. Citizens of India, Bangladesh, and the Maldives are not required to pay the USD 40 fee to enter Bhutan, but they are still required to have a valid passport and to secure a travel visa ahead of their arrival in Bhutan.
20: Can I get Bhutanese currency (ngultrum) before arriving in Bhutan?
Travelers can check with their local bank to see if ngultrum are available. Alternately, Indian rupees will be more widely available and can be used interchangeably with ngultrum in Bhutan (the Bhutanese ngultrum is pegged to the Indian rupee). The airport in Paro has a generally well-stocked currency exchange counter, which you can access before entering the customs queue. You can also exchange currency at a bank in-country. Insider tip: recently-printed, large-denomination bills (USD 100 and Euro 100 and above) in good condition fetch the highest exchange rates. You may find it difficult to exchange ngultrum at a local bank when you return home, so carrying Indian rupees may be a better alternative.
21: What package is provided with the daily tariff payment?
The daily tariff includes the following services: 1. Standard accommodations (4 or 5 star accommodations may require an additional fee) 2. Standard Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner 3. A licensed Bhutanese tour guide 4. Vehicle and professional driver
22: Is there malaria in Bhutan?
There have been reported cases of Malaria in southern Bhutan during the rainy season. The hospital in Thimphu is reported to have the equipment to test for Malaria. Please see this page from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for the latest information on which vaccinations are recommended prior to traveling to Bhutan: http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/traveler/none/bhutan
23: What type of electrical power outlets are used in Bhutan?
Bhutan power plugs use the same sort of configuration that you’ll find in India. In Bhutan, the power sockets are of type D, F and G. The standard voltage is 230 V and the standard frequency is 50 Hz. When living in the United States of America you will need a power plug adapter for sockets type D, F and G. Your appliances with plug A or B don’t fit socket D, F or G. Power adaptors are not provided by MyBhutan. Please bring your own with you.
24: What are the accommodations like in Bhutan?
Accommodations in Bhutan range from 5-star luxurious hotels to 4-star to well maintained, cozy 3-star hotels to traditional farmstays. All provide homely Bhutanese hospitality. Visitors on trekking tours will be provided with tents.
25: What is the national animal of Bhutan?
The national animal of Bhutan is the takin, believed to have been created miraculously by the wild Buddhist saint, Drukpa Kuenley, when he combined a goat and a cow.
26: What is the capital of Bhutan?
Thimphu is the capital city of Bhutan. With altitude ranging between 2,248m and 2,648m, Thimphu is officially the world’s third highest capital city. Punakha District served as the capital of Bhutan until 1952.
27: What vaccinations do I need before visiting Bhutan?
Please see this page from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for the latest information on which vaccinations are recommended prior to traveling to Bhutan: http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/traveler/none/bhutan
28: Are there ATMs in Bhutan?
ATMs are available in parts of Bhutan, there is a currency exchange desk at the airport and the banks publish daily rates to exchange foreign currency for Ngultrum at their branches. Please note that while ATMs are available in some districts (most reliably in Paro and Thimphu), other districts do not have ATMs. Please discuss with your tour guide regarding accessibility to cash as you visit each area on your itinerary.
29: What currency is used in Bhutan?
Bhutanese currency is known as the Ngultrum. Its value is tied to the Indian Rupee which is also accepted as legal tender. However, Indian notes in 500 and 1000 denominations are not acceptable…
30: What is the climate in Bhutan?
The climate in Bhutan is extremely varied, which can be attributed to two main factors, the vast differences in altitude present in the country and the mild influence of North Indian monsoons. The climate is humid and subtropical in southern plains and foothills, temperate in the inner Himalayan valleys of the southern and central regions, and cold in the north with year-round snow on the main Himalayan summits. Temperatures vary according to elevation and season.
31: Are vegetarian meals available in Bhutan?
Yes! Almost all restaurants have vegetarian options listed on menus. Many visitors to Bhutan are Indians who do not eat meat because of religious reasons, so you will be in good company.
32: What religions are practiced in Bhutan?
With the freedom of religion guaranteed by the Constitution of the Royal Government of Bhutan, the majority of the population practice Buddhism, which was introduced into the country in the 8th Century by Guru Padmasambhava. Christianity, Hinduism and Islam are also practiced by a smaller percentage of the population.
33: What is a Home Stay, Farm Stay or a Farmhouse?
A homestay is a lodging where visitors sleep at the residence of a local in a particular city or a town. A Farm Stay or a Farmhouse are the type of accommodations arranged on a working farm in a district or a village. Like hotels, many of these accommodations are certified by the Tourism Council of Bhutan.
34: Can I withdraw money in Bhutan?
ATMs are available in the major districts of Bhutan. There are also a select few in other districts. If heading into the districts, it is easier to withdraw cash in Thimphu or Paro before heading out. There is a currency exchange desk at the Paro International Airport. The banks in Bhutan publish daily rates at which you can exchange foreign currency for Ngultrum at the bank branches. Please discuss with your tour guide regarding accessibility to cash as you visit each area on your itinerary. Foreign cards do not work at all ATMs.
35: How far in advance must I book my trip to Bhutan?
We do not need much advance notice to reserve your trip! We can process it in days time, if necessary. However, we recommend booking a minimum of three to six months in advance whenever possible.
36: Is there television in Bhutan?
Television was formally introduced to Bhutan in June of 1999, in the form of the Bhutan Broadcasting Service, officially picking up the title of ‘the last country to open up to television broadcasting’. The collective request of the general population for a live broadcast of the ’98 World Cup Finals led to the government finally allowing the introduction of television.
37: What is the time zone in Bhutan?
BTT (Bhutan Time) is UTC/GMT +6 hours, which is 0.5 hours ahead of Delhi time and 1 hour behind Bangkok time. The entire country of Bhutan is in the UTC/GMT +6 time zone, and Bhutan does not use Daylight Saving Time.
38: Is there a fee for delayed arrivals?
There is no charge for delays in arrival and departure because of weather conditions disrupting flights or road blocks. The tourist must however bear the cost of food, accommodation, transportation, and other services required.
39: When is the best time to visit Bhutan?
Many parts of Bhutan have moderate daytime temperatures year round, making the country an inviting place for cultural visits and sightseeing in any season. Most attractions are open throughout the year. Spring and fall are the best seasons for adventure sports and trekking in Bhutan, with the skies above the Himalayas at their most cloudless azure. These are also the best seasons for experiencing masked-dance festivals and exquisite natural beauty, like the rhododendrons that carpet mountainsides a light purple in spring. Summer is the monsoon season, with brief daily rainfall in many areas, and is the best time for eco tourism, farm visits, and exposure to village life. It is also a great time for extreme adventure travel. The colder temperatures of winter see animals migrating up to the rainforests of southern Bhutan from Assam in India, making this a great season to see wildlife up close. Many national celebrations also happen during the winter months.
40: Are there any tips for taking photographs in Bhutan?
Bhutan is perhaps one of the most photogenic places in the world. The landscape, nature, architecture, and the people make it a photographer’s paradise. People are generally happy to pose for pictures, but do ask before you do so if you are focusing on one person. Photography is not permitted of the royal family without consent or inside dzongs, monasteries, and temples as they are considered living institutions. Please respect the local culture and the importance of the path these spiritual practitioners are pursuing.
41: Can I do photography in Bhutan?
Yes. Other than certain restricted places such as monasteries, temples and some government structures, Bhutan offers some of the best photogenic locations one can ever find.
A good reminder is that you can usually take photos anywhere you are allowed to wear your shoes!
42: Can I use my credit card in Bhutan?
Some hotels and restaurants accept credit cards, but most places in Bhutan do not. Often, handicraft stores in major towns will be able to process credit cards as well.
43 : What is the internet availability in Bhutan? Can I get wifi?
Most 3-star and above hotels include complimentary wifi access for their customers. Several coffee shops in the capital city of Thimphu — Ambient Cafe, Karma’s Coffee, Coffee Culture — offer wifi for customers, and a few wifi hotspots are available around town. The airport and some coffee shops in Paro have wifi. There are cafes in other districts, but not all, that also provide wifi. You can also buy a SIM card on arrival that will enable you to use 3G on your mobile phone throughout the country.
44: Are there internet cafes in Bhutan?
Internet cafes can be found in a few districts, including Thimphu, Paro and Bumthang. Bhutan Telecom and Tashi Cell, the internet service providers in the country, offer 3G and 4G networks that are constantly expanding, and most tourist hotels offer free wi-fi (though sometimes this is limited to the lobby and/or restaurant only).
45: Do I need travel insurance to visit Bhutan?
We recommend that travelers purchase travel and medical insurance prior to visiting Bhutan.
46: Do I need to worry about altitude sickness in Bhutan?
Altitude sickness is rare in Bhutan since most commonly visited valleys are around 2,500 meters and the highest motor passes are around 3,500 meters. However, some travelers opt to carry medicines that treat altitude sickness for precutionary purposes. Please consult your doctor for this perscription. The altitude of Bhutan’s major towns and passes are listed below: Paro 2,250m / 7,382ft Chelela Pass 3,700m / 12,139ft Thimphu 2,350m / 7,710ft Phuentsholing 300m / 985ft Dochu La Pass 3,150m / 10,334ft Punakha 1,310m / 4,300ft Wangduephodrang 1,310m / 4,300ft Phobjhika (Gangtey) 2,900m / 9,510ft Pele La Pass 3,420m / 11,220ft Trongsa 2,200m / 7,215ft Yutong La Pass 3,425m / 11,269ft Bumthang 2,800m / 9,185ft Thrumshing La Pass 3,750m / 12,303ft Mongar 1,700m / 5,580ft Korila Pass 2,450m / 8038ft Trashigang 3,773m / 12,375ft Trashiyangtshe 1,850m / 6,070ft
47: When is the best season for trekking?
Fall is the best season for trekking in Bhutan because the skies over the Himalayas and foothills are clearest then and rainfall is rare. The next best season for trekking is spring, when the temperatures are pleasant and rhododendrons erupt in bloom on the mountainsides.
48: Why are festivals such an integral piece of Bhutan’s culture?
The tremendous role the festivals (tsechus) play in preserving Bhutan’s unique culture and tradition is what makes them an essential piece of the country’s culture. Sacred and historically significant rituals and rites performed during these festivals convey the teachings of the Vajrayana Buddhism to the people who come together to witness these sacred tsechus.
49: How do I get to Bhutan?
Travellers can get to Bhutan either by land or by air. By land, you can enter through the border towns of: *Phuentsholing in south-west Bhutan (170km east of the Indian National Airport of Bagdogra and 6 hrs drive away from Thimphu) * Gelephu in south-central Bhutan (250km from Thimphu) and * Samdrup Jongkhar in south-east Bhutan (150km from the Indian National Airport of Guwahati and about 700km from Thimphu) Two airline carriers, Druk Air and Bhutan Airlines, fly to destinations including Bangkok, New Delhi, Kolkata, Bagdogra, Bodh Gaya, Dhaka, Kathmandu, Guwahati, Singapore and Mumbai.
50: Which currencies can I exchange in Bhutan?
The Bank of Bhutan and Bhutan National Bank will exchange notes in the following currencies: US Dollar Euro British Pound Japanese Yen Swiss Franc Hong Kong Dollar Canadian Dollar Australian Dollar Singapore Dollar Danish Kroner Norwegian Kroner Swedish Kroner *Note:* Newer bills in higher denominations yield more in exchange.
51: Are there any dangerous areas in Bhutan?
Bhutan is globally recognized as a remarkably safe tourist destination and remains almost free of scammers, beggars or major crimes. It is continuously ranked in the top ten safest countries in the world.
52: Is bottled water easily accessible in Bhutan?
Yes, bottled water is a commodity that is easily available throughout all of Bhutan. Numerous mineral water factories produce some of the best and tastiest mineral waters in the country, sourced from very clean and natural springs.
53: Do I need a tour operator to visit Bhutan?
Yes. Yes, all tourists must go through a local tour operator to visit Bhutan, except for citizens of India, Bangladesh, and the Maldives. This is a requirement in order to acquire a visa. The tour operator must also be certified by the Tourism Council of Bhutan (TCB).
54: Do hotels in Bhutan have laundry service?
Most hotels in Bhutan provide laundry services. Most farmhouses do not provide laundry services. Please contact us to inquire whether your accommodation provides this service.
55: Are there emergency health services available in Bhutan?
All the health facilities spread across the Dzongkhags are equipped with emergency health response team and transportation. Helicopter rescue services are also available to transport people from most all regions of Bhutan to the National Referral Hospital in the capital city, Thimphu.
56: Why are most flights arriving and departing Bhutan in the morning?
Due to the strong prevailing winds around the ridgelines that pick up gradually later in the day, Paro International Airport is a daytime-only airport that offers only visual flights.
57: Does Bhutan welcome gays and lesbians?
LGBT is a relatively new topic in Bhutan. Since 2013, it has become publicly recognized as socially acceptable. Bhutan is very welcoming to gays and lesbians, or for that matter, anyone hailing from any gender, culture or religious background.
58: What is the formal attire in Bhutan? Do I have to dress in this attire?
The Bhutanese will wear the traditional gho for men and kira for women to work, monasteries and formal occasions. Western attire is worn in casual settings. Visitors do not need to wear the traditional Bhutanese dress.
59: Where is Bhutan?
Bhutan is a small, landlocked nation located in the eastern Himalayas between India and China. Its landscape ranges from subtropical plains and forests in the South to sub-alpine forests and snowy mountains in the North.
60: Do I need a visa to enter Bhutan?
Yes, all tourists require a visa to enter Bhutan. Upon completing your transaction with us, your visa will begin to be processed. You will not be required to take any further action to obtain the visa. We can also process visas for citizens of India, Bangladesh, and the Maldives, who, while not required to pay the standard USD 40 fee to enter Bhutan, are still required to secure a travel visa ahead of their arrival in Bhutan.
61: What does TCB Certified mean?
TCB certified tour operators are businesses that have been approved and licesned by the Royal Government of Bhutan to provide travel operation services in Bhutan. These TCB certified operations are the only businesses allowed to host foreign tourists in Bhutan.
62: What is included in the daily fee?
The daily fee of USD 200 (off season) or USD 250 (peak season) includes: – A night’s stay in a 3-star hotel or farm stay (4 & 5 star hotels may require an added fee) – Three meals per day at standard hotels or restaurants – A licensed Bhutanese tour guide (for the extent of your stay) – All internal transport (excluding internal flights) – All internal taxes and charges – A sustainable tourism royalty of USD 65.
63: Do I pay different daily government rates if part of my trip falls during peak season and part during off-peak season?
Yes, each day’s government rates will depend on whether it’s during peak season (USD 250 per night per person) or off-peak season (USD 200 per night per person). For example, for a 7-night trip from August 29 through September 5, the first three nights would be charged USD 200 per night per person, and the four nights from September 1 – 4 would be charged USD 250 per night per person.
64: Are drones allowed in Bhutan?
No. The government of Bhutan banned the use of drones in 2015.
65: Can I bring tobacco to Bhutan?
Not for sale to others. Visitors and Bhutanese can, however, import tobacco for personal consumption (limited to 200 cigarettes, 150 cigars, or 750 grams of other tobacco or tobacco products) by paying a 100% tax on the value of the product. Officially, Bhutan is a tobacco-free country, and smoking in public places or at official events is forbidden.
66: How do I pack for my trip to Bhutan?
Most visitors will want: – Walking shoes – Long-sleeve shirt – T-shirts – Pants – Undergarments – Socks – Rain jacket – Warm jacket for night – Warm layers – Sun hat – Hiking shirts, pants, and shoes (for treks) – Walking stick (for treks) – Toiletries – Soap – Shampoo, conditioner, etc. – Toothbrush, toothpaste, floss – Shaving needs – Feminine products (bring along sanitary products) – Deodorant – Sunscreen – Insect repellent – Sunglasses – Headlamp (if overnight camping) – Camera – Electronics and camera accessories (expensive to purchase, and sometimes difficult to find, in Bhutan) – Power converter – Passport – Visa copy (printed) – Passport image (printed) – Airline tickets (printed)
67: Is there a minimum daily fee to visit Bhutan?
Yes, all visitors to Bhutan are required to pay a minimum daily fee, which includes your standard accommodations, three meals at standard hotels or restaurants, a tour guide, and transportation in Bhutan. The fee is USD 200 per person per night during the six off-peak months of December, January, February, June, July, and August, and USD 250 per person per night during the peak months of March, April, May, September, October, and November. This USD 200/250 daily fee applies to groups of 3 or more travelers. Visitors traveling alone or with one other person must pay an additional per night surcharge.
68: What languages are spoken in Bhutan?
Dzongkha and English are the most widely spoken languages. Dzongkha is the native language and is spoken by virtually all Bhutanese. English is taught in classrooms and is the language of the workplace; it is spoken particularly well by young Bhutanese, residents of larger towns like Thimphu and Paro, and those working in the hospitality industry. More than 19 languages are spoken in Bhutan, however. Except for Nepali, all are of the Tibeto-Burman family. Other non-Bhutanese minority languages are spoken in border towns.
69: What am I allowed to bring home from Bhutan?
Generally speaking, tourists can bring anything they like back from their trip to Bhutan (including a litre of alcohol each), as long as they are not trying to bring any protected artifacts or treasures out of the country. The exception to this, of course, would be items prohibited by your home country’s customs regulations.
70: Can I enter Bhutan by car?
Both international and regional tourists may enter Bhutan by car provided that their visas and route permits have been issued. There are three entry points through which you can travel into the Kingdom of Bhutan. All the crossings are along the Indian border only. These border entries are Phuentsholing (Southwestern Bhutan), Gelephu (south central Bhutan) and Samdrup Jongkhar (southeastern Bhutan). Indian Nationals can only enter through Phuentsholing and Samdrup Jongkhar.
70: Is there nightlife in Bhutan?
Yes. Most all nightlife is in Thimphu and Paro. You can enjoy live music at Mojo’s in Thimphu and dance at Space 34, Club Ace, Vivacity or Thimphu Club in Thimphu. Club Insomnia and Club Khamsaa are popular dance clubs in Paro. Nightlife in Bhutan usually starts as early as 9 PM and closes by 11PM during weekdays (popular nights are Wednesday & Friday) and 12PM on Saturday.
71: Do the accommodations have AC/heating?
You can expect heating and AC in most all accommodations. Heating and AC is usually not available in farmstays
72: How spicy is the food? Are there non-chili or light-chili options?
Food in Bhutan can range from not-spicy to very-spicy! The meals at hotels will be catered to international customers and thus less likely to be spicy, so if you don’t tolerate a lot of heat, you will be fine. It’s really in the smaller restaurants or private homes where spice may be stronger, but even the homestay hosts can be informed of your preferences before your stay.
73: What are the most popular activities in each season?
Despite being a landlocked nation in South-Eastern Asia, Bhutan is gifted with amazing landscapes and so many activities on offer, throughout the year. Spring in Bhutan is a very busy tourist season due to the beautiful weather and some of the country’s best festivals and events happening in this season. Spring is also the best season for trekking, rafting and kayaking. Summer brings a light monsoon which turns everything lush green, making it a pleasant season to visit if you love greenery and want to avoid crowds. Fall is the season of colors and countless festivals including one of the biggest, the Thimphu Tsechu. Like spring, fall is also a peak season. The weather is mild. Winter is warm during the day but can be pretty cold by night; but it has its own charm, in the form of great Himalayan vistas, the black necked cranes and minimal crowds.
74: What is the weather like from December through February?
In central Bhutan, it will be cool and sunny during the day and colder at night. You do not need to worry about much snowfall/precipitation unless you were trekking high up in the mountains.