Dos and Don’ts in Bhutan
Dos and Don’ts in Bhutan: A Guide to Respectful Travel
Bhutan, a country steeped in tradition and spirituality, requires visitors to be mindful of local customs and laws. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you navigate the dos and don’ts of traveling in Bhutan:
Dos:
- Remove hats and sunglasses: When entering temples, monasteries, dzongs, chortens, or crossing bridges, remove your hat and sunglasses as a sign of respect.
- Dress modestly: Cover your arms and legs, especially when visiting temples or public buildings.
- Turn off phone and talk quietly: Maintain silence and turn off your phone when visiting temples, monasteries, dzongs, and chortens.
- Circle sanctuaries clockwise: When visiting temples, chortens, stupas, or mani walls, circle them in a clockwise motion.
- Ask permission for photos: Before taking pictures of local people or religious sites, ask for permission.
Don’ts:
- Avoid revealing clothing: Refrain from wearing shorts, especially in temples, monasteries, dzongs, chortens, or public buildings, as it’s considered disrespectful.
- No photography indoors: Avoid taking photos inside temples, monasteries, dzongs, and chortens.
- Respect artifacts: Refrain from touching monks’ robes, artwork, murals, or other items used in rituals.
- Smoking restrictions: Smoking is prohibited in public areas. Be aware of designated smoking zones.
- Proper waste disposal: Dispose of trash only in designated locations.
- Preserve natural sites: Avoid swimming, diving, or disrupting lakes, as they’re considered sacred.
- Respect local environment: Refrain from hunting, fishing, or exploring wilderness without an authorized guide.
Additional Tips:
- Hire a guide: When visiting monuments like dzongs or trekking, hiring a guide is mandatory.
- Travel insurance: Ensure you have valid travel insurance covering medical expenses, including evacuation and hospital stays.
- Respect local laws: Familiarize yourself with Bhutan’s laws and regulations, including those related to tobacco, drugs, and cultural preservation