What to Pack for Bhutan: A Practical Checklist for Your Trip

Packing for Bhutan is less about bringing a lot and more about bringing the right things. In one day you might stroll a valley town, cross a mountain pass at 3,100 metres, step into a dzong where a dress code applies, and end the evening in a hot stone bath. Here is a practical checklist built around the journeys we run, so you arrive ready for all of it.

Documents and money

• Your passport and visa email. Before you travel, we send a visa email that includes your visa documents, Drukair e-tickets (if applicable), your final itinerary, your hotel list and the contact details of your guide and driver. Keep a copy on your phone and a printed copy in your day bag.
• Travel insurance. Insurance is not included in our packages, so arrange your own policy before you leave and carry the details with you.
• Some spending money. Bhutan's currency is the Ngultrum (Nu). Your package already covers meals (unless noted), bottled water, hotels, taxes and the Sustainable Development Fee, but tips, souvenirs, alcoholic drinks and personal expenses are on you.

</ul><h2 class="text-2xl font-bold text-gray-900 mt-10 mb-6">Clothes: think in layers</h2>

Bhutan's valleys and passes sit at very different heights, and the weather can change through the day. Dochula Pass, on the road between Thimphu and Punakha, is at 3,100 metres, while Punakha lies lower in a river valley. Layers let you adjust as you go.

• A warm fleece or light down jacket for early mornings, evenings and high passes.
• A waterproof jacket or compact umbrella.
• Breathable shirts and comfortable trousers for long sightseeing days.
• Sun protection: a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen, since the mountain sun can be strong even on cool days.

</ul><h2 class="text-2xl font-bold text-gray-900 mt-10 mb-6">Dressing for dzongs and temples</h2>

Dzongs, monasteries and temples are living religious and government buildings, so pack modest clothing for these visits. Bhutanese traditional attire is elegant and available locally, and dressing up in it is part of the cultural day on our 8-day golf journey. If you wear Bhutanese dress to a dzong, men must also wear a ceremonial scarf and long socks. Your guide will help you get it right.

Shoes for every kind of day

• Comfortable walking shoes for dzong courtyards, markets and town walks.
• Sturdy shoes with good grip if your itinerary includes the hike to Taktsang, the Tiger's Nest Monastery, which takes about 2 to 3 hours on our Classic Bhutan Experience and 8-day golf tour.
• Golf shoes, if you are joining Swing Into The Hearts Of Bhutan and playing Drakpoi and the Royal Thimphu Golf Course.

</ul><h2 class="text-2xl font-bold text-gray-900 mt-10 mb-6">Small things that make a big difference</h2>

• A small day bag for water, layers and your camera.
• A reusable bottle to refill from the bottled water we provide each day.
• Any personal medicines you need, in their original packaging.
• A power bank and spare memory card. Between Buddha Dordenma, Punakha Dzong and the view of Tiger's Nest, you will take more photos than you expect.
• Something comfortable to change into after a traditional hot stone bath, the perfect way to rest tired legs after a big day.

</ul><h2 class="text-2xl font-bold text-gray-900 mt-10 mb-6">Tell us before you pack</h2>

Please let us know about any dietary needs, allergies or special requests at least 7 days before you travel, and share your preferred comfort level and interests so we can match hotels and activities to you. Every Welcome Travels trip is fully private, and your coordinator is available before and during your journey if a packing question comes up.

Ready to start planning?

Browse our itineraries on the [tours page](https://wel.cometobhutan.com/tours), then [send us a booking request](https://wel.cometobhutan.com/booking) or [get in touch](https://wel.cometobhutan.com/contact). We will take care of your visa, Drukair flights and logistics, so all you need to do is pack your bag.