DOs and DON’Ts in Bhutan

Bhutan always welcomes the foreigners as it’s guests, however, the country is extremely careful to preserve its ages-old cultural heritage and it’s religious wisdom. Bhutan is one of it’s kind in the world being the only country which practices Vajrayana Buddhism, and the influence of these traditional beliefs infuses every aspect of daily life.

Here are some guidelines, Dos and Don’ts to follow during your stay in Bhutan:

• Bhutanese people have the ultimate respect for the king and former king of Bhutan. So, while communicating with local people the guest should always keep that in mind and should never show disrespect by any means.
• It is always better to avoid discussing the politically sensitive issues.
• Please use your both hands or only right hand when giving or accepting any object. Using the left hand on such occasion is disrespectful.
• Maintain silence in heritage and religious sites and monuments.
• The guest should always remove footwear and hat when visiting the temples. Dress conservatively in a way that expresses respect for the place of worship.
• The guest should never point their finger at any sacred items or paintings. Instead, they can motion with their chin or extend their hand at the object you’re referencing. Please remember to keep the palm flat and skyward while referring.
• While walking, always pass chortens / stupas (Buddhist monuments), manis (carved stones), and prayer flagpoles with your right side facing the sacred object.
• A prayer wheel contains a scroll of mantras always spin clockwise, as the prayers are written in the same direction and it is also inline with how the sun moves on the sky. The effect of spinning the wheel is the same as chanting a mantra orally and it is believed that it spread blessings, wisdom and good karma. So, the guest should always follow it while spinning.
• Refrain from touching any murals, religious painting and objects in the temples as it is disrespectful.
• Sitting on mani stones is awfully disrespectful, as they are decorated with the mantra of Avalokitesvara, a being of enlightenment who embodies the compassion of Buddha. The same applies for stupas, as these sacred structures contain relics and are places of meditation and worship for Buddhists.
• The guest should never sit straddle or leg stretched toward any Buddhist statue, alter or any elderly person as it is extremely disrespectful and considered culturally offensive. Please keep your knee down (kneel-down position) on the ground when sitting in religious places or in front of altar.
• It is customary to make a small donation at any monastery or temple as a token of respect.
• Generally the guest can take pictures and videos inside most of the temples, however, there are few restricted places too. So, please ask the guide. The Bhutanese people generally do not mind to being photographed, but still it is always better to ask their permission before taking their photos.
• Carrying and use of Drone is strictly prohibited.
• Smoking is illegal in public areas and liable to be fined. Refrain from taking tobacco products to the sacred sites.
• Climbing some of the Himalayan peaks is forbidden, as those mountains are considered sacred and the dwelling places of spirits and deities.
• Washing, Swimming, or even throwing stones into lakes, is forbidden—it is thought to disturb the souls of deities.
• Do not litter anywhere. Pack your trash in a small plastic bag and dispose of it at your hotel. The Bhutanese treat their natural environment as a divine gift.
• Taking antiques (religious items more than 70 years old or any other item more than 100 years old) out of Bhutan is prohibited by law unless you obtain a permit from the Department of Antiquities. Instead, look for artifacts that have an official seal from the government certifying that they can be exported. If you have bought a thangka (Buddhist painting) or other cultural artifact or sacred relic, make sure you have receipts and permits ready to present to a customs officer on departure.

The guests should always use Tourism Council Of Bhutan (TCB) certified ;

• Accommodation facilities
• Tour Guides
• Tour Operators to organize your tour.

The guests are requested to know about the cancellation policy of exquisitebhutan.com.

Report to TCB for any complications arises or misbehavior attitude of guides, drivers and tour operator during your tour to Bhutan.

Emergency Contacts

• National Disaster : 219/17124546
• Tourism Council : 2300
• Police : 113
• Health/Ambulance : 112