What to Bring to Bhutan: Travel Documents, Packing List & Cultural Dress code

Bhutan Travel Essentials: What to Pack and How to Dress for Your Trip

Planning your trip to Bhutan? Whether you're trekking in the Himalayas or visiting sacred monasteries and dzongs, it’s important to be well-prepared. Below is a complete list of what to bring for a Bhutan tour, essential Bhutan travel documents, and the correct dress code for temples and monasteries in Bhutan. These guidelines will help ensure a smooth and respectful journey through the Land of the Thunder Dragon.

Essential Travel Documents for Bhutan

Before you travel, make sure you have all necessary documents ready. These are crucial for entry, identification, and emergency situations:

  • Valid Passport: Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your planned departure date.
  • Additional Photo ID: Carry another government-issued ID (e.g., driver’s license) in case of emergencies or if your passport is lost.
  • Photocopy of Passport: Keep a copy of the main passport page in your wallet or bag for backup.
  • Flight Tickets: Print and carry a copy of your air tickets. In case of loss, having a printed copy can assist in rebooking or security checks.
  • Bhutan Visa Clearance: Bring a printed copy of your visa clearance letter, issued by the Tourism Council of Bhutan. This is required at check-in and immigration.

  • Cash and Cards:

    • MasterCard and Visa are accepted in major towns like Thimphu and Paro.
    • Traveler’s cheques and cash in US dollars or Indian rupees are highly recommended for use in remote areas.
  • Mobile Phone Compatibility: Phones from AT&T or Cingular (USA) usually work in Bhutan with international roaming enabled. However, a local SIM card can be purchased upon arrival for better connectivity.

Bhutan Packing List: What to Bring for a Comfortable Tour

Bhutan’s climate varies by season and elevation. Here’s a comprehensive packing list for Bhutan to help you stay prepared:

Clothing Essentials

  • Warm Jacket (preferably waterproof or windproof for mountain weather)
  • Raincoat or poncho (especially if traveling during monsoon months)
  • Winter clothing (layers, thermals, gloves, woolen hat for colder regions)
  • Hiking shorts or breathable trekking pants
  • Cotton T-shirts (long and short sleeves for layering)
  • Long skirts or dresses (for women, especially when visiting temples)
  • Sun hat or cap (sun protection is crucial at high altitudes)
  • Comfortable sneakers or casual walking shoes
  • Trekking boots (essential for hikes and treks)
  • Hiking socks (moisture-wicking for comfort)

Accessories & Protection

  • Sunscreen lotion (for face and lips—high SPF recommended)
  • Sunglasses (UV-protection preferred)
  • Walking sticks or trekking poles (useful for uneven terrain)
  • Day backpack or rucksack (for hikes and day tours)
  • Suitcase or duffel bag (for main luggage)

Dress Code for Monasteries, Dzongs & Temples in Bhutan

Bhutanese culture holds deep respect for religious sites. Visitors are expected to follow a modest and respectful dress code when entering temples, dzongs (fortresses), and monasteries:

✅ What to Wear:

  • Shirts with sleeves (either half or full-sleeve)
  • Full-length trousers or long skirts
  • Closed shoes with socks (any shoe type is acceptable as long as socks are worn)

❌ What NOT to Wear:

  • T-shirts or sleeveless tops
  • Shorts or short skirts
  • Slippers or flip-flops
  • Hats, caps, or umbrellas inside religious courtyards

 

Photography Tip: Taking photos is allowed only in the courtyards of religious sites. Photography is strictly prohibited inside temples and shrines.

Quick Tips for a Smooth Bhutan Tour

  • Altitude Preparation: Most popular towns (Paro, Thimphu, Punakha) are at moderate altitudes, but treks and mountain passes can go above 3,000 meters. Pack and plan accordingly.
  • Electricity: Bhutan uses a 230V supply with round/square pin plugs (types C, D, and G). Bring a universal travel adapter.
  • Health & Safety: Basic medical care is available in cities, but bring a personal first aid kit and any prescribed medications.
  • Cultural Respect: Always walk clockwise around stupas and religious monuments, and remove your shoes before entering temples.

Traveling to Bhutan is more than a vacation—it's a cultural and spiritual experience. Following the recommended packing list and dressing respectfully for religious visits ensures a comfortable and meaningful journey.

For more Bhutan travel tips, tour bookings, and visa assistance, contact Dream Bhutan Travel & Tours – your trusted local expert in the Kingdom of Bhutan.

 

APPROXIMATE TEMPERATURE DURING YOUR VISIT TO BHUTAN

Month

Values.in.Celsius

Paro

Thumphu

Punakha

Trongsa

Bumthang

Mongar

Trashigang

January

Max

Min

9.4

-5.8

12.3

-2.6

17.0

4.3

13.0

-0.2

10.8

-5.1

15.5

8.2

20.4

10.5

February

Max

Min

13.0

1.5

14.4

0.6

19.0

7.8

13.9

0.4

10.0

-1.4

15.9

8.3

21.7

11.5

March

Max

Min

14.5

0.6

16.4

3.9

22.8

10.4

16.7

4.4

16.2

3.5

20.0

11.6

24.8

14.4

April

Max

Min

17.6

4.6

20.0

7.1

26.2

12.9

20.1

6.6

18.7

3.9

22.8

14.0

28.3

17.0

May

Max

Min

23.5

10.6

22.5

13.1

29.1

17.7

21

11.6

21.3

9.5

25.1

17.4

30

22.6

June

Max

Min

25.4

14.1

24.4

15.2

29.2

20.1

22.2

13.6

22.5

13.5

26.1

19.5

30.7

22.6

July

Max

Min

26.8

14.9

25.9

15.6

30.4

20.5

25.3

15.3

24.1

13.6

27.1

19.8

31.5

23.1

August

Max

Min

25.3

14.7

25.0

15.8

29.1

20

23.8

15

23.0

13.7

25.4

19.6

30.2

22.7

September

Max

Min

23.4

11.7

23.1

15

27.5

19.1

22.6

14.2

21.6

12.1

24.7

19.4

30.0

21.9

October

Max

Min

18.7

7.4

21.9

10.4

26.1

14.7

21.8

11.7

19.5

5.9

22.7

15.8

29.1

17.7

November

Max

Min

13.9

1.4

17.9

5.0

22.6

9.6

19.8

6.4

16.1

-0.5

19.9

11.2

26.1

13.6

December

Max

Min

11.2

-1.7

14.5

-1.1

19.1

6.3

18.2

2.5

12.3

-2.3

17.7

9.5

23.0

11.6