Etiquette, Health & Safety

Etiquette

• Walk clockwise around chortens, prayer wheels and temples.
• Remove hats and shoes where asked; photography is not allowed inside most temples and dzong shrines.
• Don’t point your feet at altars or people, and don’t touch religious objects.
• Ask before photographing people, especially monks.
• Smoking is banned in public places.

Health

• No vaccinations are mandatory, but check routine vaccines and hepatitis A/typhoid with your doctor.
• Drink bottled or filtered water.
• Bhutanese food can be very spicy — ask for “less chilli” (ema chung).
• Good hospitals are in Thimphu; travel insurance with medical evacuation is required.

Safety

Bhutan is very safe with little crime. The main risks are winding mountain roads and altitude, both managed by your driver and guide.