不丹 Bhutan

Yes, a visa is required to enter Bhutan. DeWonder will assist with the visa application to ensure travellers enter the country smoothly. However, the local immigration authorities are currently unable to process visas for BNO passports. If you are applying for a visa with a passport issued outside the Hong Kong SAR, please contact DeWonder customer service for enquiries.

Bhutan's official currency is the Ngultrum (BTN), which is exchanged at a 1:1 rate with the Indian rupee, so you may receive Indian rupees in change. Local banks only accept US dollars issued after 2006. Some shops accept credit cards, but cash remains the most widely used payment method.

Bhutanese culture and traditions are conservative. We recommend wearing long trousers or long skirts and avoiding shorts, paying particular attention to dress codes when entering religious sites. Before visiting temples, remove your hat and shoes, and at stupas or other places of worship, walk clockwise to show respect.

Bhutan's altitude is generally not too high overall. Paro and Thimphu sit at an average altitude of about 2,200 to 2,400 metres, while Punakha is lower still at only around 1,200 metres. As such, altitude sickness generally does not occur during the overall itinerary.

The must-visit Tiger's Nest Monastery, however, sits at an altitude of 3,120 metres, where a mild headache may occur. We recommend taking adequate rest and slowing your pace during the itinerary to allow your body to gradually adapt to the high-altitude environment.

Signal is stable in major cities such as Thimphu and Paro, but may be interrupted in remote mountainous areas. You can purchase a local SIM card (such as B-Mobile or TashiCell), or activate international roaming. Some hotels provide Wi-Fi, but at limited speeds.

Bhutanese cuisine tends to be spicy, with common staples including chilli cheese (Ema Datshi), rice and curry. At the same time, Bhutan also offers plenty of vegetarian dining options. If you have any special dietary requirements, please let us know in advance so that we can make arrangements as early as possible.

Bhutan's only international airport is located in Paro, and currently only Druk Air and Bhutan Airlines operate international routes. We will confirm flight arrangements 3 weeks before departure. Rest assured, both airlines have extensive operational experience and can ensure a safe and reliable flying experience.

The round-trip hike to Tiger's Nest Monastery takes about 5 to 6 hours and is of moderate difficulty. We have specially scheduled it for the second-to-last day of the itinerary, allowing travellers to first acclimatise to the high altitude. There are several rest points along the way, with local guides and a DeWonder Travel tour leader accompanying and looking after you throughout.

If you prefer not to walk the entire way, you can choose to ride a horse up the mountain one way (you'll still need to walk down), at a cost of about USD 45, payable in local cash, and we will help arrange it. Everything is well organised, so you can join with peace of mind.

The official language is Dzongkha, but most guides and locals can speak English fluently, so basic travel communication is no problem.