Bhutan

• Make sure you have a medical or travel insurance before going to Bhutan. One can easily get a travel insurance via the Royal Insurance Corporation of Bhutan.

• Some of the currency notes denominations (500 and 1000) are not accepted in Bhutan. So, avoid using the same.

• You can easily spot an ATM after a distance of 2-5 km. So, make sure when you go out there is just enough cash that lets you commute and enjoy. Carrying excess cash can be an invitation for pick pockets.

• Strictly avoid traveling during the night hours.

• Make sure whenever you go in secluded trails or destinations, you are in a group.

• Don’t let anyone mislead you.

• Stay away from drugs or narcotics in any form.

• Bhutan is slightly on a cooler side. So, ensure that you have your woolens with you when traveling here.

• If you are up for some trekking, do wear comfortable shoes as the trails are steep here.

• Carry your first aid kit with you.

• Trekkers must have a trekking kit with them.

• Dress appropriately if you go to a religious place.

• Don’t photograph wherever prohibited.

• Film or take videos only with permissions.  

• Hire a guide only from a reputed agency.

The best and fastest way to reach Bhutan is by airways. The country has the only one International airport at Paro located at the 7,300 feet above the sea level. If boarding from Kathmandu airport, one can enjoy some enigmatic mountain views between Nepal and Bhutan.

• By Air:

Bhutan can be reached by Air, and its National Air Carrier Druk Air and Bhutan Airlines operates regular flights from Delhi, Kolkata, Mumbai and other regions. IGIA (Delhi), Bagdogra International Airport (Darjeeling, West Bengal) and Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport (Kolkata) are major airports serving direct flights to Paro Airport. There are no direct flights from Bangalore, Hyderabad, Mumbai and Chennai.

For Indian nationals visiting to Bhutan are not required to carry Visa, but instead can carry two valid documents "Valid Indian Passport with the validity of 6 months and Voter ID. However, tourists coming from other countries must have visa clearance before arriving to the country. Indians arriving to Bhutan by road need to obtain "Entry Permit" from the Immigration Office of Royal Government of Bhutan

The currency of Bhutan is called as Bhutanese Ngultrum and Indian currency is acceptable in Bhutan. However, you cannot carry Rs 500 and Rs 1000/-.

International tourists can exchange currency at the Foreign exchange desk at Paro Airport and Banks in Bhutan. You’ll find ATMs frequently, so you don’t have to worry about carrying heavy cash. You can even exchange currency in Hotels.

The culinary and cuisine of Bhutan is spicy, and if you love spicy food, then Bhutan has lot to offer. There are hotels in Bhutan that offer some tasty and spicy food. Bhutanese food has a quite influence of China, India and Tibet. If you want to try some local food here, then some of the best options are:

• Ema Datshi
• Jasha Maroo or Maru
• Phaksha Paa
• Momos (Dumplings)
• Red Rice

Restaurants where you'll find this food items are:

• Folk Heritage Museum Restaurant
• Bukhari at Uma by COMO
• Ambient Cafe
• Galingkha
• Chig-ja-gye at Taj Tashi
• Swiss Guest House

Bhutan doesn’t have huge population and neither it is too large that requires trains to get transported and tour around. The best way to explore and tour around is by foot or by road. The local transport here is the Taxi which you can majorly find in Phuentsholing, Paro, Jakar and Thimphu. Though they have meters, but are hardly used and so taxis run on flat rate.

For a full day trip, you can expect a charge of Rs 1500-Rs 2000/- charge from taxi driver. Avoid travelling in public bus because they're mostly crowded and you may get confused in getting down at the dropping point.

Well, it is recommended to carry some medications when packing for Bhutan. As the climatic condition and food taste changes, there can be health issues following you. There is a high risk of diarrhoea, respiratory infection and other infectious disease. This will certainly interrupt your trip. Before you head for Bhutan, do pack some medications and seek doctor advice regarding the medicines that need to be taken during health issues. Get yourself equipped with vaccination for Hepatitis A/B and Typhoid that can attack your body through contaminated water and food in Bhutan.