Dos and Don’ts in Bhutan

Dos:

• When entering temples, monasteries, dzongs, and chortens as well as when crossing bridges, keep in mind to remove your hat and sunglasses.
• If you’re unsure about whether you need to remove your shoes before entering a temple, monastery, dzong, or chorten, check with your guide.
• Remember to turn off your phone and talk quietly when you visit temples, monasteries, dzongs, and chortens.
• Keep in mind to circle sanctuaries in a clockwise motion (temples, chortens, stupas, mani walls).

Don’ts:

• When visiting places of worship like temples, monasteries, dzongs, and chortens, or when you are in public buildings, avoid wearing shorts. This can be viewed as disrespectful.
• Inside temples, monasteries, dzongs, and chortens, no photos are allowed.
• Monks’ robes, any artwork, murals, or other things used in rituals should not be touched.
• Avoid smoking in public areas. Locate the regions where smoking is permitted.
• Throw trash only in the designated locations.
• Do not swim, dive, or otherwise disrupt lakes as they are almost all believed to be hallowed places with hidden deities.