Is it safe to travel to Bhutan? 10 Safety Tips for Your Bhutan Tour

Bhutan is, overall, a very safe country to visit. The people are very welcoming to visitors and devoted to the tenets of Buddhism. The low crime rate and policy of guided travel combine to make for safe conditions for both group and solo travelers. There are some things to be aware of, but with common sense precautions, it’s as safe as almost anywhere else in the world.

Here are ten safety tips to ensure you have a great Bhutan tour.

1. Traveling Alone in Bhutan is Safe, Even for Solo Female Travelers

Bhutan is revered as one of the safest destinations for solo travelers, particularly for solo female travelers. First, no international traveler can travel independently and alone in Bhutan. You are required to have your guide/driver with you at all times. These guides are charged with the safety of their guests, making it very safe for solo travelers.

For female travelers in particular, there are very few incidents of crimes against women in Bhutan. Women in Bhutanese culture are considered to be the equals of men, and enjoy considerable freedom, with no overt discrimination based on gender. Since the main cause of violence against women lies in gender bias, the equality of women in Bhutan has helped to overcome this. And with Bhutan being a mainly matrilineal society, men tend to treat women more respectfully.

2. The Crime Rate is Low in Bhutan; It is Among the Lowest in Asia

Crime in Bhutan is quite rare, as the people are devout Buddhists, and a criminal act against another person is considered a huge demerit in Buddhist beliefs. For devout Buddhists on their journey towards enlightenment, this is anathema to them.

Petty crimes do occur and are normally opportunistic in nature. A few pickpockets, or the odd scammer, sometimes pop up, but they are far less common than in other Asian countries. However, you should still keep an eye on your belongings during your trip.

3. Flights to Bhutan are Safe, but May be Delayed by Bad Weather

Paro International Airport is the only international airport in the country. Flights into Bhutan are safe, but the airport is considered one of the most challenging in the world. It is at an elevation of 2,235 meters in a deep valley, surrounded by mountain peaks as high as 5,000 meters. Landing at Paro airport is heavily weather-dependent.

Conditions around the airport are often unpredictable. Flights to Bhutan do not operate at night and will be delayed if there is a risk of unsafe conditions. In rare occasions, delays can be for several days, so make sure to keep basic necessities in your carry-on baggage to manage in case of an unexpected stopover.

4. Pack Wisely for Changeable Weather in Bhutan

Dressing in layers is good advice for visiting Bhutan in all seasons, so make sure to pack accordingly. In colder seasons or at high altitudes, the weather of Bhutan can vary a lot over the course of a single day. Pack lightweight clothes that can be layered so you can adjust. A thermal base layer, wind and waterproof outer shell, and light trekking pants and shirts are important.

Summers are warm, but it is also the time of the monsoon rains. Lighter clothing will keep you comfortable, but you’ll want wet-weather gear to keep you dry. A waterproof hat, jacket, and pants are useful to be able to wear over other clothes.

Bhutan is also a modest country, so revealing clothes should be avoided. This is especially important when visiting temples or attending festivals. Having an extra layer of long sleeves and long pants to cover up can be helpful.

5. Prepare for Poor Road Conditions and Long Drives Between Cities in Bhutan

Bhutan is a land of rugged terrain with long, winding mountain roads. The road conditions in Bhutan can be challenging, especially in remote and mountainous areas, like the road to Bumthang in central Bhutan.

To ensure a safe road trip in Bhutan, we provide professional local drivers in Bhutan who are familiar with navigating even the most challenging roads in Bhutan. All of our vehicles are also well-maintained and in good condition for handling the terrain.

6. Altitude Sickness is Rare in Bhutan, but it May Occur During Trekking

Altitude sickness is a rare but still serious concern when trekking in Bhutan. Most valleys are under 2,500 meters, where the risk of altitude sickness is almost non-existent. Even many mountain passes are just over 3,000 meters, and any risks are minimized if you’ve spent time acclimatizing before ascending.

On treks that reach elevations of 5,000 meters or higher, altitude sickness becomes a more serious concern. The lower oxygen levels are due to reduced air pressure and put some stress on the body. Symptoms include headaches, nausea, dizziness, shortness of breath, and rapid heartbeat.

The best way to avoid altitude sickness is to ascend gradually after acclimatizing at lower elevations. Keep a slow and steady pace, you should never push yourself so that you are out of breath while trekking. Drink more water than you think you need. If you start to experience any symptoms, inform your guide immediately so they can escort you to a lower altitude to recover.

7. Be Aware of Street Dogs in Bhutan

Street dogs can be a kind of must-see for all Bhutan tours. In fact, there are over 50,000 dogs across the country. The dogs in Bhutan are furry, often dirty, and can sometimes be seen sleeping silently at the side of the road during the day or wandering the lesser-used roads in Bhutan.

If you do come across these dogs, do not attempt to scare them off, and stay in the vehicle or close to your guide, who will know how to deal with them. Stray dog bites are very rare in Bhutan, and the dogs will normally run away rather than attack you.

Rabies is not a common disease in Bhutan, but outbreaks do sometimes occur. Rabid dogs are normally put down on sight, with government officers or locals dealing with them quickly and efficiently. If you should come across a rabid dog on your travels in Bhutan, stay in the vehicle and point it out to the driver, who will take the necessary action.

8. Tap Water is NOT Safe to Drink in Bhutan; We Prepare Bottled Water for You

Tap water is NOT safe to drink in Bhutan, and you should only drink bottled mineral water that can be found all over the country. Water in the faucets in Bhutan is not treated to the standards expected in Western countries and, as such, is not safe to drink. However, it is fine to boil the tap water first before drinking, which will remove the bacteria that can cause stomach problems, as well as amoebae that can often be present in the deep water that is pumped up from underground to be piped into homes and businesses. You should also avoid ice that has been made from tap water when asking for cold drinks.

But don’t worry! We prepare bottled water for you during your trip in Bhutan to ensure you stay hydrated and comfortable throughout your journey. Also, you can buy kinds of soft drinks in local restaurants or hotels.

9. Food is Quite Safe in Bhutan; Most Meals are Served in Hotels

Bhutanese cuisine is delicious yet simple. Most meals consist of beef or chicken and often contain vegetables. Rice is a common staple in all meals, and chilies feature heavily in almost all of the recipes in Bhutan. However, this intense use of the chilies is often the main problem for international travelers to Bhutan, as they may not be used to the very liberal amount of dried, fresh, and ground chilies that are found in Bhutanese cuisine. Chilies are even used in some dishes as the main vegetable.

Regarding food safety in Bhutan, we usually arrange your meals in hotels or clean and hygienic restaurants that meet local hygiene standards. If you want to try some street food or local snacks, please pay attention to choosing a relatively clean and hygienic place.

10. The Professional-trained Tour Guide and Driver Ensure a Safe Journey in Bhutan

A professionally-trained tour guide and driver significantly reduce any possible risks while traveling. Guides registered with the Bhutan Guide Association are required to undergo training and qualifications for their positions. They are an irreplaceable resource for tourists to Bhutan, not only showing you around the country but also assisting with translations and interactions with locals, including helping you to barter for goods. They will also take care of you in all aspects of the tour, making sure that your safety is ensured throughout the trip.

Drivers are also professionals in Bhutan who are required to undergo training to ensure their driving skills are adequate for the poor road conditions in the kingdom. Bhutan’s roads are not the best in Asia, let alone the world, and drivers need to be careful on steep climbs, sharp bends, and slippery roads, not to mention the dirt and gravel tracks you will often come across.

Conclusion

The combination of a friendly culture, low crime rates, and travel with experienced guides makes Bhutan as safe a destination as anywhere you can imagine. Common sense precautions towards personal belongings, food safety, and good preparation when packing will ensure an unforgettable experience. Choose a reputable Bhutan travel operator, and rest assured that you will be able to focus on enjoying your tour, relaxed in the knowledge that everything is taken care of.