Dos & Don’ts while visiting Bhutan

Bhutan can be rated as one of the world’s most exclusive destinations, guided by the premise of ‘High Value & Low volume’ tourism. Since the inception of tourism in 1974, the country has moved cautiously on the well-chartered path of quality tourism and few lucky visitors who make the lifetime journey to this extraordinary land, find the Bhutan experience really special and memorable. Buddhism since the 7th century has irrevocably shaped Kingdom’s history and destiny, having an indelible and enlightening impact on the daily life of people. Bhutanese by nature are warm, kind-hearted, friendly, ever-smiling people, forthcoming to share their rich heritage with outsiders so becomes important for visitors to abide by local norms, values and practices. Listed below are some salient points to pay attention to while visiting this celestial Kingdom:  

Dos
• While visiting temples, monasteries and other religious institutions, dress modestly and respectfully. Singlet and miniskirts should be avoided while visiting religious sites. Also, footwear, hats should be removed when entering altar rooms. 
• Always walk clockwise when visiting religious monuments. 
• Silence should be maintained at heritage and religious sites and monuments.
• Buying and selling of any antique is prohibited. For air travellers, to carry back handicrafts purchases in Bhutan, certificates of ‘non-antique items’ should be obtained in advance from the Department of Culture counter located at Paro airport.
• Please be informed of tour cancellation policy and refunds.
• Be fully ensured of unforeseen medical emergencies.
• In case of loss of travel document, report to nearest immigration, police of Tourism Council of Bhutan office.

Emergency Contacts
• National Disaster: 219 / 17124546
• Tourism Council of Bhutan: 2300
• Police: 113
• Health / Ambulance: 112

• Use proper toilet facilities where available. Be as discreet as possible if an open-air toilet is to be practised. 
• Be responsible for your own waste and dispose of them in designated areas.
• Follow traffic rules and use designated zebra crossing for your safety.
• Report to TCB (Tourism Council of Bhutan) on the misbehaviour of guides, drivers and tour operators.

Don’ts
• Refrain from touching any murals, religious paintings and objects in the temples as it is disrespectful as per local culture.
• Smoking in public areas is strictly prohibited and liable to be fined, so please refrain from smoking in public areas.
• Carrying and use of drones is strictly prohibited.
• Spitting on the wall and other places is discouraged.
• Taking photographs and filming is restricted in some areas. So please refrain from filming and taking photographs in those areas. Please seek your guide's advice.
• Refrain from feeding animals on highways, parks and other places.
• Washing, swimming or throwing objects into lakes and other water bodies are prohibited as these are considered sacred. 
• Do not site straddle or legs stretch in front of the altar as it is culturally offensive. We expect you to cross your legs or kneel when sitting in religious places.