Climate
Bhutan generally has four seasons in a year. Winter months in western and central region generally experiences warm days and cold nights. The temperature seldom drops below 0 degree Celsius and light snowfall is expected. Summer is characterized with frequent rainfall and humid conditions. The most favorable weather conditions are experienced in spring and fall. These periods are ideal for outdoor activities.
Customs & Duty free
Travellers can carry the following items for personal consumption:
200 cigarettes; 30 pieces of cigars or 150 gram of other tobacco
A person shall be allowed to import only one tobacco or tobacco product at a time as stated above. A proof or receipt of tax payment shall be valid only for one month from the date of payment of tax. A person importing tobacco and tobacco products from India for personal consumption shall pay 100% Sales Tax and at such rate as may be revised by the Board from time to time. A person importing tobacco and tobacco product from countries other than India for personal consumption shall pay 100 percent sales tax and 100 percent customs duty and at such rate as may be revised by the Board from time to time.
Note: While in Bhutan, visitors must retain the tax receipt to present to, if you encounter any checking by Tobacco Control Inspector.
Import/export of the following items is strictly prohibited:
- Arms, ammunition and explosives
- All narcotics and drugs except medically prescribed drugs
- Wildlife products, especially those of endangered species
- Antiques
- Import of plants, soils etc. are subject to quarantine regulations.
Visitors are advised to be cautious in purchasing old and used items, especially of religious or cultural significance, as such items may not be exported without a clearance certificate.
Money
Ngultrum is the local currency. The Ngultrum is pegged with the Indian Rupee at par. Foreign currency exchange services are available at the local banks. Updated foreign exchange rate information can be found at the local bank website and at the airport.
Banks have also installed many ATM across the country. The ATM accepts VISA and MasterCard. Service charges may vary depending on the country and the Bank of where the card was issued and therefore we recommend travellers to get in touch with their bank prior to travelling to Bhutan. Most hotels, restaurants and shops accept card payment as well.
Best time to Travel
Bhutan has a season for everyone. Kingdom stretches across all climatic zones, from the sub-tropical jungles in the south, to the moderate heights of 2000 – 5000 meters in the center and up to the alpine world of the towering Himalayas and glaciers in the north.
Winter:
Winter is dry and pleasant and makes it the best time of the year for bird watching in the jungles, village to village trekking in the lower altitudes or a bicycle trip along quiet mountain roads. The endangered Black Necked Cranes spend their winter in Bhutan.
Spring:
Spring brings the trekking season in moderate altitudes where spectacular rhododendron forests bloom. The largest monastic festivals, the Paro festival, take place. The temperature is pleasantly mild even up to the Alpine regions.
Summer:
Summer is the monsoon season but the settled areas of Central and Western Bhutan have pleasant summer temperatures. Rain falls regularly but is manageable with adequate planning and equipment. Treks in high mountain areas are characterized by mild temperatures, green meadows, and pastures of Blue Poppies and Edelweiss.
Autumn:
Autumn is the festive season in Bhutan. September and October have the highest number of festivals. Trekkers particularly enjoy the clear view of the mountains in October with low rainfall. Harvests, harvests rituals and festivals can add to your Bhutan experience.
