The below information is provided to inform people of what to expect if they participate in this tour and to advise participants on how to prepare for the tour. We try to provide accurate information but conditions and travel requirements can change over time.

Entering Bhutan

Persons entering Bhutan require a valid passport with an expiration date more than 6 months after their planned departure from the country. They also require a visa and travel insurance covering emergency medical and evacuation. The visa is arranged by our agent in Bhutan. Insurance can also be arranged by our agent in Bhutan or can be purchased separately.

Leaving Bhutan

Bhutan charges a $20 departure tax, which is normally included in ticket prices when arriving by air.

Time Zone

Bhutan time zone is 11 hours ahead of Eastern Standard Time.

Immunizations & Health

Please contact the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention regarding health issues and immunization requirements when traveling in Bhutan. Immunizations against Hepatitis A, Typhoid, and Tetanus are advised.

Western medical facilities are available in major cities throughout Bhutan. Traditional allopathic care is still practiced in the country. The government offers free medical care to its citizens, but care for visitors is expensive. Hence, travel medical insurance is necessary for visitors.

Insurance

We recommend purchasing trip cancellation insurance, which will reimburse you for any non-refundable payments you would otherwise lose if you must cancel your participation in the tour for some unforeseen reason. Trip cancellation insurance must normally be purchased within a short time after you register for the tour. Travel medical insurance including coverage for emergency evacuation is required to enter the country as a visitor.

Altitude

Bhutan is located in the foothills of the Himalayan Mountains. The average altitude is 8000ft. However, the altitude varies with locale. The higher mountain passes we visit during the tour range in altitude from 10,000-12,000ft. The altitude near the border with India around Gelephu is 725ft. Tingtibe is around 2000ft. Sites farther north are higher. Paro is at 7200ft.

The climate in Bhutan varies greatly with altitude and seasons. The lowlands in the south are hot and humid. Higher elevation sites are cooler. Higher passes can be quite cold. There are 4 distinct seasons. Spring is from early March to mid-April and is the best time to visit Bhutan. Summer is from mid-April to mid-September with heavy rainfall from monsoons from late June to September. Autumn is from late September to early October. Days are typically bright and sunny. It's a good time for tourists to visit, but less so for birding. Winter is from late November to mid March. Higher elevations are typically blanketed in snow. High winds occur in mountain passes, making travel on many roads hazardous. The central highlands and south are more pleasant but winter temperatures at middle elevations are often below freezing.

Pace

The pace of our tours is generally easy. Most birding is along roadsides, though we may walk some trails. The hike up to Tiger's Nest requires reasonable fitness and takes 5-6 hours round trip.

Accommodations

Accommodations are in comfortable hotels when available, which is the case in major cities. Sites in more remote areas only offer very rustic accommodations or require tent camping.

Food

Hotels and restaurants in major cities typically offer both Bhutanese and international cuisine. In more remote areas, offerings may be more limited. The typical diet in Bhutan involves soupts and stews of chicken, yak meat, beef, pork, and lamb along with rice and dried vegetables.

Transportation

Land transport is in comfortable 4x4 vehicles suitable for 2-6 passengers. Driving is on the left side of the road in Bhutan.

Road Conditions

The mountain roads in Bhutan vary greatly in quality. Heavily traveled roads are paved and generally two-lane. However, roads in more remote areas can be unnerving. They may be single lane, dirt roads on mountainsides with no guard rails. On these roads, vehicles passing each other in opposite directions can be tricky. Some mountain roads are quite hazardous. For this reason, travel is generally quite slow, often only 15-20 mph. As a result, the relatively short distances separating many birding sites can take considerable time to navigate. Most accidents occur at night, which offers some comfort for those unnerved during transfers.

Registration & Payment

Please refer to the REGISTRATION menu for registration procedure. Trip cancellation insurance is highly recommended as payments may be partially or wholly non-refundable. See the POLICIES menu for our refund policy.

Additional Information

General information about the tour, including where to meet the group and contact information, will be sent by email or US mail prior to departure. Checklists will be provided before the tour. Please feel free to call us at 206-650-3425 or email us with any questions you may have.

Information last updated December, 2023.

 

 

ADDITIONAL INFO
(Not on Menu Above)

• Country Map
• Accommodations
• Photos from Past Tours
• Travel Information

BIRDING LOCALES

• Chele La Pass
• Dochu La
• Gelephu Area
• Jigme Dorji National Park
• Phobjikha Valley
• Punakha
• Royal Manas National Park & Panbang
• Tingtibi Area
• Trongsa Area
• Tsirang
• Yongko La
• Yotong La