Dos and Don'ts

When visiting Bhutan, there are several cultural and practical “Dos and Don’ts” that travelers should be mindful of to respect local customs and traditions:

Dos:

  1. Respect Religious Sites:
    • Always walk clockwise around religious monuments such as stupas (chortens) and temples.
    • Bow and remove your shoes when entering temples or dzongs (fortresses).
    • Wear modest clothing when visiting monasteries or religious sites.
  2. Greet with Respect:
    • The traditional Bhutanese greeting is to say “Kuzu Zangpo La” (Hello) with a smile.
    • When meeting monks or elders, a small bow is a respectful gesture.
  3. Follow Dress Code in Dzongs and Monasteries:
    • Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants or skirts. Bhutanese nationals are required to wear traditional dress in dzongs and other formal settings, and visitors should dress modestly.
  4. Be Mindful of Photography:
    • Ask for permission before taking photos of people, especially monks or religious ceremonies.
    • Photography inside temples, monasteries, and dzongs is often prohibited. Follow posted rules or ask guides.
  5. Respect Environmental Conservation:
    • Bhutan is very environmentally conscious. Avoid littering and try to minimize your plastic use.
    • Bring reusable water bottles and bags.
  6. Carry enough cash in hand for daily expenses:
  • It’s always a good idea to have some cash on hand for personal expenses, tips, and souvenirs.
  • Those mentioned here are entirely optional and is based on personal preference—there is no obligation to give. We make a mention here since it is a custom.
  • Typically carry $20 – $50 USD per day in Bhutanese Ngultrum (BTN)
  • When visiting Bhutan’s beautiful monuments and temples, you’ll have the opportunity to make offerings to the shrines. These can range at the least from BTN 50 to any amount depending on your wishes. If you’d like to offer butter lamps, there are different sizes available, and the minimum offering usually starts from BTN 50 per lamp. This small contribution helps the temple cover the costs of oil and daily preparation.
  • In addition, pilgrims may choose to purchase sacred items like medicine pills or amulets for a modest fee. Some visitors also offer donations to monks, temple caretakers, or practitioners in retreat at sacred sites.
  1. Be Open to Local Customs and Traditions:
    • Bhutan has deep-rooted traditions. Engage with locals and participate in festivals if possible.
    • When welcomed by village hosts, it is customary, though not mandatory, for guests to offer a minimum of USD 15 or more as a gesture of appreciation.
  1. Stay on Designated Trails:
    • Especially while hiking and trekking, follow local rules and stay on marked trails to avoid damaging the environment.
    • If in group travels, stay close to the group and do not stray far from sight and ahead of the group and guide.
  1. Bring Gifts if Invited to Someone’s Home:
    • If you’re invited to a Bhutanese home, a small gift like fruit, sweets, or tea is appreciated.
  1. Be understanding of the circumstances.
  • As you travel farther from the capital, particularly in Bumthang, hotels do their best, but you may occasionally encounter weaker internet connections and rare power outages.

Don’ts:

  1. Don’t Point at Religious Objects or People:
    • Pointing is considered rude. If you need to gesture towards something, use your whole hand.
  2. Avoid Displays of Affection in Public:
    • Public displays of affection, such as kissing or hugging, are considered inappropriate.
  3. Do Not Smoke in Public:
    • Smoking is restricted in Bhutan, and the sale of tobacco products is strictly regulated. Smoking is only allowed in designated areas, so avoid smoking in public spaces.
  4. Do Not Touch Religious Objects:
    • Avoid touching any religious artifacts, statues, or sacred objects. Even the murals or wall paintings in temples are not to be touched.
  5. Avoid Criticism of the Royal Family or Religion:
    • Bhutanese people hold deep respect for their royal family and Buddhism. Criticism or disrespectful comments could offend locals.
  6. Don’t Enter Restricted Areas Without Permission:
    • Certain religious sites or rooms within temples and dzongs may be off-limits to visitors, especially non-Buddhists. Respect these boundaries.
  7. Don’t Disturb the Local Wildlife:
    • Bhutan is known for its biodiversity. Avoid disturbing the animals and their natural habitats, and don’t feed them.
  8. Avoid Offensive Body Language:
    • Avoid touching others’ heads, as the head is considered the most sacred part of the body.
  9. Do Not Bargain Aggressively:
    • Bargaining is not common in Bhutanese markets. If you’re unsure about the price of something, politely ask for clarification.
  10. Avoid doing laundry in hotel washrooms
  • Aside from washing undergarments and socks if necessary, using hot water for anything other than showers may deplete the supply in some hotels. Please be mindful of this, and if you need laundry services, kindly contact the hotel (laundry costs are not included in the tour package).

By following these simple rules of etiquette, you’ll have a respectful and meaningful experience while visiting Bhutan!