Things to know before take a trip to Bhutan

Bhutan, a tiny country in Asia, only began allowing tourism in the 1960s, so it can be tough to find practical travel information about this mysterious country. Intrigued and planning a visit? Here are some things you should know.

Do not expect to travel freely

Bhutan is not a budget destination or a place for backpacker-style drifting. It only started opening up to outsiders in the 1970s, and it still closely guards its heritage and ecology by restricting tourism. Travel must be arranged through government-approved agencies and be paid in full before you score a visa.

Bring cash

Bring cash to be safe, you can easily exchange American dollars at the airport or your hotel. There was no currency exchange desk past security at Paro Airport, but you can exchange at souvenir shops. Most places in Bhutan will also accept whichever currency you have as payment as well, although you may receive change in the local currency. Credit cards are also accepted for larger purchases, but be warned that most places charge a high convenience fee for cards.

BYO smokes

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 and the Bhutanese elite 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. Importing cigarettes overland from India (for personal use) is allowed, but they are slapped with up to 200 percent duty.

If your shoes are off, do not take photos

If your shoes are off, it is not appropriate, so just capture the moment in your mind. If you have taken your shoes off to enter somewhere, it means that it is a sacred place (like the inside of a monastery), and so you will not be able to take photos.

Mountaineering is forbidden in the country

Hiking is possible up to 6,000m in elevation. Peaks under that altitude are considered trekking peaks. Anything above that is considered mountaineering, and it is forbidden as the mountains are sacred for the Bhutanese. Snow peaks are considered the domain of the gods and goddesses, and it is believed that if you go there, they’ll get disturbed – bringing hail storms, drought, floods, etc.

See more: Foods that you must try in Bhutan

Feel the burn

The Bhutanese believe a meal is unworthy without chili peppers. If you love spicy food, you will be in heaven. The country’s national dish, ema datse, is a simple, fiery curry of chillies and farmer’s cheese, always paired with a generous helping of nutty red rice.

Source Internet