Is it safe to Travel Bhutan? Tips for Bhutan Safety

Generally, Bhutan is a very safe place to travel to. A country with very friendly people, who are devoted to the tenets of Buddhism, Bhutan is a remarkably safe destination to travel to in Asia, for both groups and solo travelers. And the policy of guided travel and tours actually makes it even safer for travelers than almost anywhere else in the world. As safe as you may feel at home in your own country, in Bhutan, you will feel even safer, and well looked after to boot.

Is it Safe to Travel to Bhutan?

Bhutan is probably the safest destination in Asia for travelers. When it comes to personal security, the tour operator you use is obliged to provide security and safety for their travelers, as part of the overall policy of guided tours in the kingdom. Tour operators and travel agencies do not actually get paid for the tour you take until after it has finished, and you are completely satisfied with your trip, with no complaints that may affect the reputation of the Tourism Council of Bhutan and the Kingdom itself. Therefore, your safety and security is their prime concern.

Your guide is also a professionally-trained tour guide, also registered with the Bhutan Guide Association under the Tourism Council of Bhutan. All guides are required to undergo training and qualifications for their positions and the best guides are often the ones with the most experience of giving travelers the best possible tour in their country. Guides are an irreplaceable resource for tourists to Bhutan, and they not only show you around the country but assist with translations and interactions with locals, including helping you to barter for goods you are buying. They also take care of you in all aspects of the tour, making sure that your safety is ensured throughout the trip, whether you are trekking along the Snowman or having a short break in Thimphu.

Drivers are also professional in Bhutan and are required to undergo training to ensure their driving skills are adequate on 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.

Bhutan is also a country where Dengue Fever is prevalent, although cases of Dengue are actually rare. Mosquitos carrying dengue can bite at night when you are sleeping, s you should take precautions against mosquito bites in areas where standing water is present in larger quantities.

Be Careful of Aggressive Dogs

Street dogs can be a kind of must-sees for all Bhutan tours. In fact, there are over 50000 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.

There are also those dogs that you can sometimes see in Bhutan guarding properties. While they may seem quiet and friendly-looking, these dogs are normally kept to guard the home, farm, or business, and can be vicious, when threatened or if you are trying to enter where they have been put. Most of these dogs are tied up, and can only reach so far, so it is advisable to give them a wide berth when passing.

You may find that you will hear dogs barking loudly at night, and it often seems to be right outside your window. The best thing to do is to bring earplugs for sleeping, in case you do experience noisy dogs at night.

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 n your travels in Bhutan, stay in the vehicle and point it out to the driver, who will take the necessary action.

Crime in Bhutan

In fact, crime in Bhutan is quite rare, as the people themselves are devout Buddhists, and a criminal act against another person is a huge demerit in Buddhist beliefs. And for devout Buddhists on their journey towards enlightenment, this is anathema to them. Crime does occur, minimally, and is normally opportunistic in nature. A few pickpockets, or the odd scammer sometimes pop up, but are far from the norm, unlike in many Asian countries, where begging, scams, and theft is a common affliction. However, crime is rising slowly as the population increases and with some of the younger generations being less devout and more westernized in their ideas. You should still take care of possessions and be as careful in Bhutan as you are in your home or resident country.

Is Bhutan Safe for Solo Female Travelers?

One of the most commonly-asked questions is whether solo female travelers are safe when traveling in Asia. In Bhutan, there is little to worry about for female travelers, as they are not really ever traveling alone in the kingdom. No international traveler can travel independently and alone in Bhutan, as they are required to have their guide/driver with them at all times. This makes it very safe for solo females to travel in Bhutan.

There are actually very few incidents of rape or abuse of women in Bhutan, as the culture itself does not really allow for it. The 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 the gender bias, equality of women in Bhutan has overcome this. And with Bhutan being a mainly matrilineal society, men tend to treat women with more respect.

Is the Water Safe to Drink in Bhutan?

Tap water is NOT safe to drink in Bhutan, and travelers 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 such as the United States and the United Kingdom, 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 ameba 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.

It is also not a good idea to eat salads and vegetables or fruits that have been washed only in tap water, as the bacteria and ameba can still survive and be found in the food. If you are unsure as to the hygiene status of salad vegetables, then it is best to avoid them. However, many hotels do wash their vegetables well, and the instances of food-poisoning from bacteria, or even amebiasis, are low.

Is the Food Safe to Eat in Bhutan?

The cuisine in Bhutan is one that is delicious, yet simple. Most meals consist of yak meat, chicken, pork, or beef, and often contain vegetables. Rice is a common component 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.

In terms of general food safety, be aware of the conditions of the place in which you are eating. If the place you are intending to eat looks very old and unclean, then it is normally a good indicator that the food there is likely to be just as unclean. However, most tour guides will take you to restaurants that have good food and clean premises, as they want you to see the best of their country, and not end up spending days laid up with diarrhea. It is also advisable to stick to freshly-cooked food, and avoid buffets that look like the food has been sat there for a while.

Conclusion of Bhutan Travel Safety

Overall, travel to Bhutan is as safe as travel within your own country, and in some instances, often a lot safer. With the low amount of crime and violence, combined with the guide/driver that accompanies you on your tours, you are as safe as it is possible to be, as long as you follow a few guidelines for those instances that you cannot avoid in any country.