Money/Currency:

Currency of Bhutan is the Ngultrum (Nu.). The Ngultrum is fixed to the value of Indian rupee and approximately Nu. 80 makes US$1. Tourists are advised to carry their money in form of travelers’ checks (preferably American Express) with cash (US Dollars) which might be needed for incidental expenses.

Credit Cards:

Credit Cards in Bhutan is inadvisable, but few handicrafts and shopping malls accepts VISA & American Express Credit Cards.

Time:

Bhutan time is 6 hours ahead of GMT and 30 minutes ahead of IST. There is only one time zone throughout the country.

Language:

Dzongkha, is the National Language of Bhutan. A English is commonly spoken in few towns and also it is the medium of education in schools throughout the Kingdom.

Accommodation:

There are comfortable hotels, lodges and guesthouses at tourist destinations. Western Bhutan has better hotels while in central and eastern part of the country, accommodation establishments are simple and offer minimum facilities. Dheywang Tours & Treks has carefully selected a list of accommodation units with the best of location, services and ambiance. Away from the towns and villages there are purpose-built huts on some of the principal trekking routes. Otherwise, there is nothing like camping out under the clearest night skies that you have ever seen. Wherever you spend the night, the warm Bhutanese hospitality will make you feel welcome.

Tour Escorts:

All tours organized by Dheywang Tours and Treks are escorted by well trained, knowledgeable and English speaking guides, Certified by Tourism Authority of Bhutan. The services of Italian, Spanish, German, Russian-speaking guides could also be provided with prior information and on additional cost.

Food :

Bhutanese delicacies are rich with spicy chilies and cheese. Dheywang Tours and Treks has a list of selected hotels and lodges which offers delicious Chinese, Continental, Bhutanese and Indian Cuisine. Even on treks, Dheywang Tours and Treks will provide you with well trained cooks who will prepare dishes suitable to western taste ranging from Continental to Chinese and Bhutanese to Indian.

Climate:

The central valleys of Punakha, Wangdiphodrang, Mongar, Trashigang and Lhunsthi enjoy a semi tropical climate with very cool winters, while Thimphu, Tongsa and Bumthang have a much harsher climate, with heavy monsoon rains in the summer and heavy snow-fall in the winter, which often blocks the passes leading into the central valleys.
Winter in Bhutan is from mid-November until mid-March, and at this time of the year the climate is dry, with daytime temperatures sometimes falling below zero Celsius.
The monsoon usually arrives in mid-June, with the rain falling mainly in the afternoons and evenings.
At the end of September, after the last of the big rains, autumn suddenly arrives, and is a magnificent season for trekking until November.
The southern part of Bhutan is tropical, and in general the east of Bhutan is warmer than the west of the country.

Clothing:

For protection against cold-layered clothing is better than a few thick ones, so choose your cloths accordingly. We advise our visitors to carry cloths preferably made from natural materials, which allow the body to breathe better. You will be offending people if you walk around in skimpy or tight fitting clothes. Although there are normally opportunities to wear shorts, we would advise women to wear skirts or loose trousers, men should not wear singlet.
During visit of Monasteries, Dzongs (Fortress) and other religious institutions we advise our visitor not to wear shorts & hats.

Other then clothing, we advise you to have carried with you a pair of sunglasses, spare contact lenses, a pair of casual shoes, extra camera films and other accessories.

Photography:

The photographic opportunities on all trips are immense. You will also wish to record the local people, their houses and shops etc. Always ask by gesture if it is ok to do so. Don’t take your destination as living museum.
While visiting Dzong, Monasteries, Religious institutions and Museums, please follow your guide’s instruction carefully and always ask your guide if it ok to take pictures in those areas.
Slide film is more difficult to find. Bring enough batteries if you use lithium batteries.

Shopping:

Buying and selling of antiques is strictly forbidden in the Kingdom. You may buy country’s postage stamps for your own collection, hand woven fabrics, woven baskets, wood made products as bowls, status and etc, handmade paper, scroll paintings (Thangkas) and other available goods.

Gratuity:

In general, tipping is neither compulsory nor there is any fixed amount and the bottom line in determining whether and how much to tip is to ask yourself how much the individual did to make your travel more enjoyable.

Electricity:

In Bhutan, electricity runs 220/240 volts. If you do bring electrical appliances, take along an international converter kit complete with a set of adapter plugs.

Smoking or Use of Tobacco Products

Use of Tobacco products is prohibited and illegal in Bhutan. If you are a tobacco user, then you are allowed to get few amount for your personal usage after you pay 100% tax. We would let you know more on your Enquiry about this.