Paro International Airport is the country’s sole international airport. Here are a few options for booking your flights:
1.Directly with Airlines: Bhutan’s national carrier, Druk Air (Royal Bhutan Airlines), and Bhutan Airlines operate flights into Bhutan. You can book directly through their official websites or contact their customer service representatives for assistance.
2.Travel Agents: Consider reaching out to travel agencies or tour operators specializing in Bhutan travel. They can help you arrange flights, as well as other aspects of your trip, such as accommodations, transportation, and sightseeing tours. They may also offer package deals that include flights, accommodation, and other services.
3.Bhutanese Tour Operators: Bhutanese tour operators are authorized to handle visa applications and make travel arrangements for visitors to Bhutan. They can assist you in booking flights, obtaining visas, and planning your itinerary within Bhutan.
Once you’ve arranged your flights to Bhutan, you’ll need to book accommodation in Thimphu. We have compiled a list of recommended hotels here:
Please use the following to book your rooms:
Online Booking Platforms: Use websites like Booking.com, Hotels.com, or Airbnb to search for and book accommodation from the list of hotels in Thimphu.
Directly with Hotels: Many of hotels in our list have their own websites with online booking capabilities. You can browse their offerings, check availability, and make reservations directly through their websites. Some hotels may also offer special promotions or discounts for direct bookings.
Through Tour Operators: If you’re booking your trip to Bhutan through a tour operator or travel agency, they can assist you in arranging accommodations in Thimphu as part of your travel package.
Regardless of how you choose to book your flights and accommodation, it’s advisable to plan and book in advance, especially during peak travel seasons, to ensure availability and secure the best deals.
When packing for your trip to Bhutan, it’s important to consider the country’s varying altitudes and weather conditions. Thimphu, where the BATIF 2024 is taking place is at an elevation 2,334 m above sea level. May is summer in Thimphu with temperatures ranging from 10 – 23°C.
Here’s a suggested packing list:
1. Layers of Clothing:Bring clothing suitable for layering, including T-shirts, long-sleeved shirts, sweaters, and a lightweight jacket. This allows you to adjust to temperature changes throughout the day.
2. Comfortable Walking Shoes: Pack sturdy and comfortable walking shoes, especially if you plan day hikes in Thimphu. Waterproof shoes are advisable.
3. Business/Business Casual Attire: It is advisable to pack your business or business casual attire to wear for the BATIF as many presentations and panels are expected to be formal.
4. Rain Gear: Be prepared for rain showers. Bring a lightweight, waterproof jacket or poncho, as well as waterproof pants or an umbrella.
5. Sun Protection:s Bhutan’s high altitude means stronger UV rays. Don’t forget to pack sunscreen, sunglasses with UV protection, and a wide-brimmed hat to shield yourself from the sun.
6. Daypack: A small backpack or daypack is useful for carrying essentials during day trips and hikes, including water bottles, snacks, sunscreen, and extra layers of clothing.
7. Documents and Essentials: Don’t forget to pack essential documents such as your passport, visa, travel insurance, and any necessary medications. It’s also advisable to carry a reusable water bottle to stay hydrated while exploring.
8. Camera and/or: Bhutan’s stunning landscapes and rich cultural heritage make it a paradise for photographers and nature enthusiasts. Bring a camera or smartphone for capturing memories, along with binoculars for spotting birds and wildlife.
To obtain a SIM card in Bhutan as a tourist, you have a few options:
At the Airport: Upon arrival at Paro International Airport or Bhutan’s other entry points, you can purchase a SIM card from the airport’s telecom counters. Look for booths operated by local telecom companies like Bhutan Telecom or TashiCell.
Local Telecom Outlets: Throughout Thimphu and Paro, you’ll find authorized outlets (usually electronics shops) of Bhutan’s main telecom providers, Bhutan Telecom and TashiCell. You can easily purchase a SIM card along with a data plan.
The official currency used in Thimphu, Bhutan, is the Bhutanese Ngultrum (BTN). However, Indian Rupees (INR)are widely accepted throughout the country, especially in border areas and towns frequented by tourists. It’s recommended to carry a mix of Ngultrum and Indian Rupees for your transactions in Thimphu and other parts of Bhutan.
In Bhutan, cash is the primary mode of payment, especially in smaller establishments and rural areas where card payment facilities may be limited. Credit and debit cards are increasingly accepted in larger hotels, restaurants, and shops in urban centers like Thimphu and Paro. However, it’s advisable to carry sufficient cash for your daily expenses, as card acceptance can vary.
Bhutan typically uses the Type D and Type F electrical outlets, which are commonly found in Europe. These outlets are compatible with plugs with two round pins. If your electronics use plugs with different configurations, such as those with flat pins or three-pronged plugs, you may need a plug adapter to fit into Bhutanese outlets. Additionally, Bhutan operates on a
230V supply voltage and 50Hz frequency, so ensure that your devices are compatible with these specifications or bring a voltage converter if necessary. It’s recommended to check the electrical requirements of your devices before traveling to Bhutan to ensure compatibility and avoid any inconvenience.
While there are no mandatory vaccinations for visiting Bhutan, it’s recommended to be up-to-date on routine vaccinations and consider vaccinations for diseases like hepatitis A, typhoid,and tetanus.