FOOD
Bhutanese dishes consist mostly of vegetables, chili, cheese, chicken, beef, pork, yak, rice with “Ema Datse” is the national dish (chili & cheese stew), Momo (cheese or beef dumplings), Hogay (cucumber, tomato, onion, and cheese salad), curries with chicken or pork, Nosha Paa (beef and chili) – these are all popular Bhutanese dishes. Due to the hot flavoring and abundant use of chilies in the cuisine it is spicy. There is little to no sea food but on request you can get buffet style meals with choice of continental, Bhutanese and Indian Cuisine. Our cooks, who accompany the treks and camping tours, are well trained and equipped and can come up with delicious feasts every day. For beverages locals enjoy Yak Butter Tea (tea leaves, water, salt, & yak butter) and Ara (spirit distilled from rice).
CLOTHING
Due to wide range of temperature and climatic conditions it is advisable to bring appropriate clothing. For protection against cold-layered clothing is better than a few thick ones, so choose your cloths accordingly. As Bhutan is in its developing stage people think differently therefore it would be advisable for you to avoid walking around in skimpy or tight fitting clothes. For visits to Monasteries, Dzongs and other religious institutions dress modestly and respectfully, and refrain from smoking while on the premises. Hats, caps, shoes etc. should be removed before entering the religious sites.
You need to pack clothes as per season, sunglasses/spare glasses, pair of casual shoes, hat, umbrella, camera, films and accessories (including spare camera batteries), insect repellent, hand cream, small sewing kit & safety pins, torch or flash light with spare batteries, mirror, scissors, sun cream, lip salve, soluble aspirin, antiseptic cream, anti-histamine cream, anti-diarrhea pills, a preparation for the relief of sunburn, and any medication you take regularly, or might need to take for a periodically recurring condition, such as asthma. Walking poles, if you are going for trek / day hikes.
ACCOMODATION
A wide variety of accommodation is available ranging from luxurious 5- star hotels to cozy little hotels and homestays in traditional Bhutanese homes and settings. Visitors can be assured of their warmth and comfort of the hotels. Similarly, the ambience and hospitality offered by the hotels are incredible.
LANGUAGE
Dzongkha is the national language of Bhutan and is one of the Tibetan families of languages. English is commonly spoken in main towns and also it is the medium of education in schools throughout the Kingdom.
TRANSPORTATION
Smaller groups of one to two passengers we provide SUVs 4WD cars such as Toyota Land Cruiser Prado and Korean Tucson, Santa Fe, Creta and Terracan. For three to six people in a group, we provide comfortable Korean Hyundai H-1 and Toyota Hi-ace buses and for seven people and above, we provide AC Toyota coaster bus.
SHOPPING
The country’s exquisite postage stamps, lovely hand woven fabrics, carved masks, woven baskets, wooden bowls, handmade papers, finely crafted metal objects, thangka paintings are the items mostly purchased by travelers in Bhutan. Buying and selling of antiques is strictly forbidden in the Kingdom.
MONEY/CURRENCY
Bhutan unit of currency is the Ngultrum (Nu.). US$1= 55 Nu. The Ngultrum is fixed to the value of Indian rupee. Tourists are advised to carry their money in form of traveler checks (preferably American Express) with a little cash (US Dollars) which might be needed for incidental expenses. A few places accept visa and American express credit cards.
TOUR GUIDES
All clients of Bhutan VIP Travel are escorted by well trained and knowledgeable guides who are certified by Tourism Authority of Bhutan. We can also provide the services of Chinese (Putonghua), German, French, Italian, Japanese, Thai and Korean speaking guides with prior notification and on additional cost.
GRATUITIES
Tipping is neither compulsory nor is there any fixed amount, but it is normally expected. It is left to the individual to determine how much to tip depending on how much the individual concerned added to the value of your travel experience. You can either tip in US dollars, Euros or in Ngultrum (Local Currency).
ELECTRICITY
In Bhutan, electricity runs at 220/240 volts, 50 Hz. If you do bring electrical appliances, bring along an international converter kit complete with a set of adaptor plugs.
TIME
Bhutan is 6 hours ahead of GMT and there is only one time zone throughout the country.
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