Bhutan

November is generally a good time for walking, with clear mountain views and cooler evenings. Conditions vary between valleys: Punakha is warmer, while Gangtey is noticeably colder. Black-necked cranes return to their wintering grounds in Phobjikha around autumn; sightings are not guaranteed.

Pack comfortable walking shoes, woollen hiking socks, light layers, a warm fleece, a down jacket and thermals for chilly mornings and evenings. A warm hat, gloves and scarf are useful in the higher valleys, along with a showerproof windbreaker.

Bring sunglasses, a sun hat, sunscreen and lip balm, plus a small torch, camera, toiletries and insect repellent. Long trousers and long-sleeved tops are useful for religious visits. Keep luggage manageable; hotel laundry can help reduce how much you need to bring.

Your passport should be valid for at least six months after you leave Bhutan. Carry a printed copy of your Bhutan visa approval, with digital and paper copies of your passport and other travel documents. I’ll coordinate the visa arrangements as part of your booking.

Before arriving via Delhi: check the Indian entry or transit requirements for your passport and the way your flights are ticketed, especially if you will pass immigration, collect baggage or stay overnight. We’ll review this once your connections are confirmed. Use the official Indian visa portal and check any applicable arrival-card requirements.

On arrival in Thailand: non-Thai nationals currently need to complete the free Thailand Digital Arrival Card within the three-day window before arrival, including arrival day. This is separate from any visa requirement.

Current reference: Bhutan entry guidance. Requirements depend on your passport and may change before November 2027.

The guide lists a 40 kg Business Class baggage allowance on international flights to and from Paro, with cabin baggage up to 7 kg and maximum dimensions of 45 × 35 × 20 cm. Drukair currently publishes these limits, but the operating airline and the allowance on your ticket will be confirmed when flights are booked.

Keep power banks and spare lithium batteries in hand luggage and check the airline’s battery rules before packing. Keep essential medication and travel documents accessible in your cabin bag.

Plan to arrive at Paro airport at least three hours before an international departure, unless your confirmed airline instructions say otherwise. Your departure transfer will be arranged around the final schedule.

Current Drukair baggage guidance. Allowances and security requirements will be reconfirmed with your tickets.

Arrange comprehensive travel insurance covering medical treatment, evacuation, cancellation and disruption, baggage, and the hiking, cycling and rafting activities you intend to do. Check any altitude limits or activity exclusions in your policy.

Discuss vaccinations, medication and your route with a travel-health professional ahead of departure. Carry sufficient regular medication, a copy of your prescription and any relevant medical information. Let me know about any health needs that may affect your activities.

Some walks take place at altitude. Take your time, stay hydrated and tell your guide if you feel unwell. Strong sunshine can catch you out even in cool weather, so use sunscreen and a hat.

Use sealed bottled or appropriately treated drinking water rather than drinking tap water.

Bhutanese cooking features red rice, buckwheat, chillies and cheese, with dishes such as ema datshi, dumplings and warming soups. Food can be spicy; your hotels also offer a range of international dishes.

Please send me any food or medication allergies and dietary requirements well before travel so the hotels can prepare. Remind the restaurant team or chef when you arrive, and check dishes directly. Bhutan’s remoteness means some specialist ingredients may be harder to obtain.

The local currency is the Bhutanese ngultrum (Nu.), linked at parity to the Indian rupee. Carry some cash for smaller purchases, village visits and gratuities rather than relying entirely on cards or ATMs.

Visa and Mastercard are accepted at many hotels, but card facilities can be limited outside the main towns. American Express acceptance is more limited. Card payments and cash withdrawals may attract fees; check your bank’s overseas charges and make sure your cards are enabled for travel.

Tips are discretionary. Your guide and driver can help you judge suitable local amounts, and I can share gratuity guidance before departure. Check restaurant bills for an included service charge before adding a tip.

Bhutan uses 220–240 V, 50 Hz electricity. The guide notes Type D and Type G sockets; bring a suitable universal travel adaptor and check that chargers support the local voltage.

Major hotels generally offer Wi-Fi, while mobile coverage is better in towns and valleys than in remote areas. Check your roaming costs or ask about a local SIM for an unlocked phone. Download any maps or documents you want to use offline.

Bhutan is on GMT +6, so it is six hours ahead of the UK during your November trip. The official language is Dzongkha.

Dress modestly for monasteries, dzongs and other religious sites, with long trousers and long-sleeved tops. Remove hats where requested and follow your guide’s advice on local etiquette.

Ask permission before photographing people. Photography inside shrine rooms is generally not permitted; check with your guide before taking pictures at religious sites. Outdoor photography is usually allowed where indicated.

A few useful Dzongkha phrases from the guide: Kuzu zangpo la for greetings and Kadrin chhoey for thank you.

Look out for handwoven textiles, carved masks, handmade paper, wooden bowls and thangka paintings. Buy from reputable shops and keep receipts, particularly for more valuable items.

Avoid buying antiques or old religious objects without first checking with your guide; export restrictions apply. Check current customs rules before bringing tobacco, alcohol, plants or specialist equipment, and do not bring a drone without confirming the required permissions.

Your guide will be your first point of contact during the journey. The travel guide also lists the following local emergency contacts; these will be reconfirmed in your final travel documents:

• Ninzy Wangmo: +975 1716 3623
• Sonam Pemo: +975 1771 7850

Keep your final itinerary, insurance details and important contact numbers available offline.