Getting around
Paro is usually the entry and exit point for visitors who fly. Bhutan can also be reached overland from India, but it is a long drive from the border to the main sights. Journeys inside Bhutan are slow, because the main east–west road winds over the Himalayan foothills and is sometimes closed by landslides. The scenery more than makes up for it, and having a private car and guide lets you stop to rest, walk or take photos whenever you like.
Accommodation
Paro, Thimphu and Punakha have a good range of hotels, from comfortable mid-range places to luxury resorts. In rural areas accommodation is simpler, and power cuts can happen. Rooms in the cooler regions often have a bukhari (wood stove) to take the chill off at night.
Language
The national language is Dzongkha, but many others including Nepali are spoken. English is the medium of instruction in schools and is widely understood; Hindi is also commonly understood in towns.
Money
Bhutan's currency is the Ngultrum (Nu), which is pegged one-to-one with the Indian rupee. Indian rupees are widely accepted, although some places may not take high-value notes – carry smaller denominations. ATMs are available in the main towns, and card and digital payments are increasingly accepted in Thimphu and Paro.
Tipping
Tipping is not compulsory. Many hotel and restaurant bills already include a service charge. Tipping your guide and driver at the end of the trip is a personal choice and is appreciated.
Food and drink
The Bhutanese diet is based on rice (red or white), vegetables, dairy and meat. The national dish is ema datshi, a stew of chillies and cheese – and nearly everything is spicy, so ask for mild food if you prefer. Vegetarian food is available in tourist hotels, but strict Jain food is hard to find, so tell your hotel in advance. Salted butter tea (suja) is offered on social occasions. Bottled water is widely available.
Etiquette at dzongs and monasteries
- Dress neatly and modestly: covered arms and legs, no shorts or short skirts. Remove hats inside religious complexes.
- Walk clockwise around chortens (stupas), prayer wheels and mani walls.
- Do not smoke near religious sites; tobacco rules in Bhutan are strict.
- Never step over a prayer flag pole lying on the ground – walk around it.
- At festivals, never walk onto the dance ground for a better view.
- Ask before photographing people, and follow signs inside temples, where photography is usually not allowed.
Health and altitude
Most tourist places in western Bhutan – Paro, Thimphu and Punakha – are between about 1,200 and 2,400 metres, which most visitors manage well. Passes such as Dochula (around 3,100 metres) and Chelela (around 3,900 metres) are higher, so take it slowly. The hike to Tiger's Nest Monastery is steep and takes most people 4–6 hours return; ponies are available for part of the way up.
Shopping and souvenirs
Popular souvenirs include hand-woven textiles, thangka paintings, prayer flags, wooden masks, incense and Bhutanese red rice. Buying antiques is restricted, and some religious items cannot be exported. Shops in Thimphu and Paro have fixed prices; small bargaining is acceptable in markets.
Phones and internet
Indian SIM cards on roaming may not work reliably; local SIM cards from Bhutan Telecom (B-Mobile) or TashiCell are easy to buy with your passport. Most hotels in the main towns offer Wi-Fi.
Climate
Bhutan's weather varies with altitude: warm and humid in the southern foothills, mild in the central valleys and cold in the high north. Autumn (October–December) and spring (March–May) are the best seasons for most visitors.
Frequently asked questions
Is Indian currency accepted in Bhutan?
Yes. The Ngultrum is pegged to the rupee and Indian rupees are widely accepted, but carry smaller notes.
Is vegetarian food available in Bhutan?
Yes, in most tourist hotels. Jain food is difficult to find, so inform your hotel in advance.
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Updated October 2026 by the Tip Top Group team.