BHUTAN

Bhutan ranks among the safest destinations globally for tourists. As a happy and devout Buddhist nation, it maintains a low crime rate, making it an exceptionally secure place to visit. While crime is uncommon, even petty crime, it's always advisable to remain vigilant about your surroundings.

In the countryside, you'll be in the capable hands of our seasoned Bhutanese guides and drivers well-versed in the terrain and surroundings. Additionally, your village community accommodations and campsites will be provided by trusted local families, ensuring a warm and secure experience throughout your journey.

If you hold a Singapore passport, you will need a visa for Bhutan. Rest assured, our trip cost covers the payment and arrangement of your visa.

If you hold a passport from any country other than India, you will also need a visa for Bhutan. Let us know, and we will assist you with the application. The cost and arrangement of the visa are included in your trip package with Beyond Expeditions, ensuring a seamless and hassle-free process for all our travelers.

Additionally, the Bhutan Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) costs US$100 per person per night for international tourists. This fee is already included in the total price of the tour, so you won't need to pay it separately. The SDF is used to support Bhutan's sustainable tourism initiatives and conservation efforts, ensuring that tourism benefits the environment and local communities.

Travel insurance is your safety net for unexpected stuff like flight hiccups and surprise medical moments. It’s the unsung hero of hassle-free travel. Trust us, a bit of preparation goes a long way. So, buckle up, worry less, and let the adventures roll with the peace of mind that comes with travel insurance!

For adventures beyond 4000 meters such as this one, it’s especially important to have insurance that covers high-altitude activities. We recommend ensuring your policy includes coverage for extreme conditions and emergency evacuation.

Unsure of which to go for? Go ahead and explore and compare potential travel insurance providers!

Here is a good one.

This platform offers a comprehensive search feature that allows you to compare various insurance policies specifically tailored for adventure tours. This platform is a good kickoff for information, but just so you know, we’re not the gurus in this area. For the real scoop on coverage, exclusions, and anything special for extreme sports, reach out to the insurance companies directly. They’ve got all the details!

For those based in Singapore, consider AIG Singapore insurance. AIG Singapore offers a range of travel insurance plans designed to cater to different needs, including comprehensive coverage for medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and lost belongings. They also provide specific plans for adventure travelers, ensuring that you’re covered no matter where your adventures take you.

If you're looking for premium coverage, do consider International SOS. International SOS specializes in health and security services, offering medical assistance, travel risk management, and emergency evacuation services.

While visiting Bhutan, being reasonably fit can enhance your experience, especially if you plan to engage in our tours that involve hikes through its diverse landscapes or endure long car rides between destinations. Many attractions, such as national parks and remote villages, will involve hiking trails that vary in difficulty. Additionally, road conditions can be challenging, requiring endurance and comfort during extended journeys. Ensuring a moderate level of fitness can help you fully enjoy the natural beauty and cultural richness that Bhutan has to offer.

For our Bhutan tours, you will experience a mix of accommodations, including hotels, campsites, and farmhouses.

For our main Bhutan tour, you will stay in a combination of hotels, campsites, and farmhouses. Twin-sharing rooms will be assigned for your comfort in hotels, with roommates of the same gender unless you are a couple or have made special arrangements in advance. 

For the Laya itinerary, you will stay in hotels except for days 2-5 when you will be camping. This offers an incredibly authentic and adventurous experience, immersing you in the beautiful natural surroundings of Bhutan.

Please note that accommodations in rural areas tend to be more basic. Remember, you've chosen to embark on an adventure with us for an authentic and unfiltered experience, not a luxury trip. Please keep this in mind before expressing concerns. However, our seasoned guides are always ready to ensure you have a pleasant and comfortable experience as much as possible.

In Bhutan, the official currency is the Bhutanese Ngultrum (BTN), which is pegged to the Indian Rupee (INR). Accessing cash is possible through ATMs and banks in major cities like Thimphu and Paro. Ensure that your card, particularly one with international capability, is suitable for successful withdrawals.

Upon your arrival at Paro International Airport, you can exchange local currency at one of the airport offices after collecting your luggage. Please be prepared with sufficient USD or euros for conversion to the local BTN, as other currencies, such as SGD, may not be accepted.

Bhutan operates primarily as a cash-driven economy. While some higher-end establishments may accept credit cards, usually Visa and Mastercard, most shops and restaurants prefer cash. Be sure to plan accordingly and carry cash. Credit cards are more commonly accepted in larger hotels and some restaurants but are less common in rural areas. It is crucial to activate your overseas PIN code for card transactions.

We recommend that each individual carries a cash reserve of approximately $100 to $300 or more in U.S. dollars or euros, depending on your intended purchases and potential tipping scenarios. For your reference, the exchange rate is approximately 82 Bhutanese Ngultrum (BTN) for 1 USD. The highest denomination of the Bhutanese Ngultrum is the 1,000 BTN note.

Mobile phone signal quality in urban areas of Bhutan is generally reliable, but it can be inconsistent or even unavailable in remote regions. To enhance your connectivity while in Bhutan, we recommend obtaining a local SIM card upon your arrival, which you can purchase at Paro International Airport or in Thimphu. Our guides will be available to help you with this process.

For optimal telecom services, consider the following providers based on your location:

• Thimphu and major urban areas: Bhutan Telecom

• Rural areas: TashiCell is recommended for better coverage.

We strongly recommend consulting a medical professional to assess your specific health needs and adhere to Bhutan's health guidelines. Your well-being is our priority, and personalized medical advice ensures a safe and healthy journey.

Here are the recommended vaccinations for Bhutan: Hepatitis A, Typhoid, Tetanus, Hepatitis B and Rabies. For those at higher risk, consider additional vaccinations for: Cholera and Japanese Encephalitis. No yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for this country.

As Bhutan is located at a mountainous region, the sudden change in altitude from low (in Singapore) to high (in Bhutan) could result in Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS). Although AMS sounds very serious, it's very preventable. Here are some ways you can reduce the risks of AMS:

1. Hydration: Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids, preferably water, to help your body adjust to the altitude. We recommend drinking a minimum of 3-4 litres of water a day. They can be conveniently purchased in towns or small villages along the way.

2. Take it easy: Engage in light activities and avoid strenuous exercise during the first few days at higher altitudes.

3. Avoid alcohol and smoking: Alcohol and smoking can worsen the symptoms of altitude sickness. It is best to avoid them during your stay at high altitudes.

4. Proper nutrition: Eat a well-balanced diet with foods rich in carbohydrates and avoid heavy, greasy meals.

5. Medications: Consult with your healthcare provider about medications such as acetazolamide (Diamox) that may help prevent altitude sickness. It helps the body adjust to higher altitudes by increasing respiration and improving oxygenation; alleviating symptoms such as headache, dizziness, nausea, and fatigue associated with altitude sickness. It is crucial to consult with a healthcare professional before starting Diamox or any other medication, as they can provide personalized advice based on your medical history and specific needs. They will consider the potential benefits and risks to determine if Diamox is suitable for you.

6. Listen to your body: Pay attention to any symptoms of altitude sickness and inform your guide immediately if you experience any discomfort. We can provide appropriate assistance, such as oxygen supplementation or descending to a lower altitude if necessary.

Remember, everyone reacts differently to altitude, and it's important to be aware of your body's response. Please consult with your healthcare provider for personalized advice and recommendations regarding altitude sickness prevention.

For our Bhutan expeditions, flights are generally arranged in economy class without layovers. We handle all flight bookings, ensuring a seamless journey from your departure location to Paro International Airport (PBH). Depending on your travel dates, there might be a layover in Bangkok. The fastest route remains a direct flight through Bangkok, though guests may need to stay on the plane for about an hour. Typically, depending on the travel dates, we use either Thai Airways or Singapore Airlines from Singapore to Bangkok, and then Druk Air, Bhutan’s national carrier, to Paro.

Handling Your Own Flight Bookings: If you prefer, participants are welcome to manage their own flight bookings. We allocate a flight budget per participant, which will be deducted from the total tour cost. This option allows you to choose your preferred transit country and even arrange layovers according to your preferences. Simply secure your flight schedule and provide us with the details, and we will coordinate planning, including airport transfers, for a seamless experience.

Our adventure starts at Paro International Airport (PBH), located about 6 kilometers (4 miles) from Paro, the serene gateway to Bhutan. The drive from the airport to the city will take approximately 15 minutes.

Paro, nestled amidst breathtaking scenery, combines ancient charm with tranquil landscapes, inviting exploration of its rich cultural heritage, serene monasteries, and the peaceful rhythm of local life.

We aim to streamline your travel experience as much as possible. On our group expeditions, you have the flexibility to either meet at Paro International Airport upon arrival or coordinate offline with fellow travelers to check in together. Choose the option that best suits your preferences.

Lastly, upon your arrival at Paro International Airport, after retrieving your baggage, our dedicated guide(s) will be there to warmly welcome you at the immigration exit, identifiable by the Beyond Expeditions logo in a photo they will be holding. They are already included in the WhatsApp group chat with you, so in the event you inadvertently miss them as you exit immigration, simply send a message in the group to alert them of your presence.