Trip Planning
The TakeYourBackpack guidebooks are your all-in-one travel companion, featuring the best cities, national parks, hikes, beaches, and unique sites, along with essential tips on when to go, how to get around, exchanging money, and even local phrases to get you started — everything you need for a smooth, unforgettable backpacking adventure.
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Personal tip: I normally search on good rating for atmosphere (for meeting people) and location (for easy exploring). Cleanliness as a bonus.
Travel Essentials
Hepatitis A and B, typhoid, and rabies are recommended for Bhutan. Consider Japanese encephalitis if you’ll be in rural areas for extended periods. Routine vaccines like MMR and Tdap should be up to date. Check with a travel clinic for the latest advice.
vaccination requirementsWhen I first started traveling, I often spent part of my first day in a new country hunting for a local SIM card. While this can still be slightly cheaper, it also takes time and planning.
These days, it's much simpler to install an eSIM before leaving home. Once you arrive in Bhutan, you can activate it immediately and have mobile data from the moment you land — which is especially useful for ordering transport or navigating away from busy airports.
There are many providers nowadays, and price differences are usually small. I personally go with Airalo, as it offers excellent network coverage throughout the country and strong global coverage, so you can manage multiple countries from a single app.
Get your e-sim for BhutanCulture & Customs
Dress modestly, especially when visiting dzongs (fortresses) and temples. Cover your arms and legs and remove shoes before entering sacred sites. Always walk clockwise around religious monuments.
Do respect the royal family; criticism is frowned upon. Avoid public displays of affection as they are not culturally accepted. For LGBTQ+ travelers, discretion is advised, though Bhutan is generally safe.
Photography of people requires permission, and avoid taking pictures inside temples unless explicitly allowed. Gifting is not expected but appreciated; offer with both hands. Smoking is restricted in public places.
Do not point at people or religious icons, and avoid touching someone’s head. Women should be cautious and aware of local customs but generally find Bhutan safe.
Trying traditional food is always a great way to experience the culture. Here are some must-try dishes for Bhutan.
- Ema Datshi: This is the national dish of Bhutan, a spicy and cheesy stew made with chili peppers and local cheese called datshi. It’s a staple in Bhutanese cuisine and reflects the country’s love for spicy food.
- Phaksha Paa: A hearty dish of pork cooked with spicy red chilies and radishes or spinach. It’s a great way to experience the bold flavors that define Bhutanese cooking.
- Jasha Maru: A spicy chicken dish that’s usually served with rice. It’s packed with flavor thanks to a spicy sauce made from ginger, garlic, onions, and tomatoes.
- Red Rice: Native to Bhutan, this nutty and slightly sticky rice is often served alongside many traditional dishes. It’s a staple food in the Bhutanese diet.
- Suja: Also known as butter tea, this drink made from tea leaves, yak butter, and salt is a Bhutanese favorite, especially in the colder regions. It’s an acquired taste but an important part of the local culture.
Locals in Bhutan often boil tap water before drinking it, as it’s not always safe due to potential contamination. For tourists, it’s best to stick to bottled or filtered water to avoid any health issues. Always ensure your water is from a sealed or trusted source to stay on the safe side.
The main language in Bhutan is
Dzongkha. Backpacking is way more rewarding if you know a bit of the local language, so I'd suggest brushing up on the basics just in case your Dzongkha skills have become a bit rusty.
Want to understand locals better?The complete Travel Guide for Bhutan includes 52 essential words and phrases — greetings, thank-yous, ordering food, transport, numbers, and common local expressions you'll actually hear.
Get your local basic phrases 👉
Get the Travel Guide - is widely spoken in Bhutan, particularly in urban areas and among the younger population. It is the medium of instruction in schools, so most Bhutanese people, especially those in the service industry, have a good command of the language. In cities like Thimphu and Paro, you’ll find that shopkeepers, hotel staff, and tour guides can communicate effectively in English.
However, in rural areas, English proficiency may vary. While many locals can understand basic English, some may prefer to communicate in Dzongkha, the national language. It’s always appreciated when travelers make an effort to learn a few phrases in Dzongkha, as it fosters goodwill and connection with the locals.
Overall, English is sufficient for navigating most aspects of travel in Bhutan, from booking accommodations to engaging with locals. Nevertheless, patience and a friendly demeanor can enhance your interactions, especially in less touristy regions.
Money & Payments
The local currency of Bhutan is BTN (Nu).
In Bhutan, cash is king, especially outside Thimphu and Paro. While ATMs are becoming more common, they’re not always reliable and often only accept local bank cards. If you do find a working ATM that accepts international cards, be prepared for potential withdrawal limits and steep fees.
Bring enough USD or Euros to exchange at banks or licensed money changers in major towns. USD is generally more widely accepted if you’re looking to pay directly, but not all places will take foreign currency, so don’t rely on that.
Credit card acceptance is limited, mostly to higher-end hotels and restaurants in tourist-heavy areas, and the fees can be high. To avoid headaches, plan to pay for most things in cash.
For exchanging money, head to the Bank of Bhutan or Bhutan National Bank branches for decent rates. Avoid changing money at the airport, as rates tend to be less favorable.
Tipping in Bhutan isn’t customary, but it’s appreciated for good service. For guides and drivers, a tip of around 10% of the total service cost is respectful. At restaurants, rounding up the bill or leaving small change is sufficient.
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Over the years, I've learned the importance of packing minimally. It's so much easier to jump on the back of a truck or squeeze yourself into the last spot of a minibus without that supersized backpack. If you're headed to a warm destination, leave your winter jacket at home; for colder regions, opt for thin thermal underlayers. Instead of packing your entire wardrobe, bring just three sets of clothes, as laundry facilities are available everywhere.
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Hi, I’m Johan (Netherlands 🇳🇱), the creator of TakeYourBackpack. Over the past decade, I’ve backpacked through 80+ countries across six continents, gaining extensive experience with independent travel, long-term trips, and overland routes.