Bhutan

Discover the land of 'Gross National Happiness', where TV was only introduced in 1999

Watch Bhutanese history and mythology come alive at one of the many Tsechu festivals

Observe the majestic peaks of the eastern Himalaya through the colourful rhododendron blooms

Visit the country’s plethora of dzongs, monasteries and chapels

Take in the dancing, cheering and drama of a Bhutanese archery tournament

Shop for beautiful textiles, arts and handicrafts

Enjoy traditional cuisine at one of the many local restaurants

See Taktsang Monastery, built on the side of a cliff by Guru Rimpoche

Come face to face with a Takin, Bhutan's national animal

Bhutan has an extremely diverse climate profile for a country of its size, owing to both its highly varied altitude and the influence of the north Indian monsoons.

The country can be divided into three broad physiographic zones: the cold alpine peaks and tundra of the Great Himalayas to the north; the temperate mountain valleys of Lesser Himalayas region in central Bhutan; and the subtropical foothills and floodplains of the Duars Plain in the south.

The capital of Thimphu, in central-west Bhutan, is the only place in Bhutan to experience temperate conditions. Winter temperatures in Thimphu usually range between 2°C (35°F) and 12°C (53°F) in January. In July, summer temperatures range from 13°C (55°F) to 19°C (66°F). The north of the country experiences extreme cold and generally dry conditions, and the south, extreme heat and significant rainfall.

Bhutan, like eastern Nepal, comes under the influence of the Indian monsoon from late May to mid-September and Bhutan receives more rain during the monsoon than other Himalayan regions (up to 5.5 metres a year).

The ideal time to visit Bhutan is either pre-monsoon from mid-March when the winter snow has begun to melt off the high passes, until the end of May; or post-monsoon, from October to mid-November.

Temperatures can vary considerably depending on your elevation but as a guideline, temperatures in Thimphu in April/May and October range from around 5°C (41°F) to around 25°C (77°F).

Bhutan is UTC/GMT +6 hours

Dzongkha (official); Sharchhopka; Lhotshamkha; Nepali and English widely spoken in more populated areas; 1% of population make up a variety of different ethnic groups each with own languages.

Ngultrum (Divided into chetrums)

US dollars cash is the main currency of exchange for tourists in Bhutan, with the AUD & EUR also widely accepted in major cities and at the airport. Exchange rates for 50 and 100 notes is better than for smaller denominations. Internationally recognised credit cards can be used for bigger purchases when shopping.

ATM's are readily available in the larger cities and towns, where you can wiithdraw local currency.

Ngulstrum cannot be changed back when you depart nor used outside of Bhutan, so keep this in mind in your calculations.

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Electricity in Bhutan is 230 Volts, at 50 hertz. The pin type varies but is most commonly types C, D and G. We recommend taking a universal adapter.

Electricity is widely available throughout Bhutan though generally speaking the further you venture from the trailhead the less reliable it becomes. More populous areas are serviced by the grid or small scale hydro-electric projects. In more remote areas solar energy is harnessed for electricity production and as such can be unreliable and in short supply.

When camping there is often no facility for charging of electronic devices we recommend you consider purchasing portable power banks or solar chargers for phone charging and at least one spare camera battery.

Electricity in Bhutan is 230 Volts, at 50 hertz. The pin type varies but is most commonly types C, D and G. We recommend taking a universal adapter.

Electricity is widely available throughout Bhutan though generally speaking the further you venture from the trailhead the less reliable it becomes. More populous areas are serviced by the grid or small scale hydro-electric projects. In more remote areas solar energy is harnessed for electricity production and as such can be unreliable and in short supply.

When camping there is often no facility for charging of electronic devices we recommend you consider purchasing portable power banks or solar chargers for phone charging and at least one spare camera battery.

Your safety is our number one concern. Our safety track record is exemplary thanks to careful management and thorough consultation with local partners. Our industry leading risk management procedures have become a skill that we continue to refine. Our leaders in the field are highly trained and have safety as their number one priority. Expert leaders, risk assessments, quality inclusions and your financial security all come standard when you travel with us.

Please refer to our Travel Advisory page for updates on recent events, travel warnings and advice.

We strongly recommend that all clients take out travel insurance at the time of booking to cover against sickness, accident, loss of baggage, unexpected alterations to travel arrangements and travel disruption, emergency evacuation, cancellations, etc. Insurance information is enclosed with your pre-departure information. Please contact us if you would like to obtain a quote for your trip duration.

We suggest that you consult your doctor, local government inoculation centre or a travel medical specialist in order to get the most current advice regarding vaccination requirements.

Money and valuables should always be stored safely when travelling. Keep your passport with you at all times and do not leave it in your main luggage. You will need it to change money and check into hotels. Where safety deposit boxes are available, we recommend that you use them. Keep jewellery and valuables to a minimum.