TRAVEL TIPS - BASIC ETIQUETTE FOR TOURISTS VISITING BHUTAN.
Clothing & Behaviours
Dress neatly and modestly (covered arms, no shorts or short skirts) and do not wear a hat in the precincts of Dzongs or religious complexes. Do not smoke. Walk clockwise around Chortens (stupas) and Mani (prayer) walls. If you see a fallen prayer flagpole on the ground waiting to be re-erected, do not step over it, as this is considered extremely disrespectful: walk around it instead.
Here are some dress codes you will have to follow for visiting Dzongs and some Monasteries
- Shorts are not allowed. If you are wearing a dress, it should be long enough to cover your knee
- Collarless shirts have to be full sleeves. Collar shirts can be half-sleeve
- Flip flops are not allowed
Photography
Photography is usually permitted in public areas, such as courtyards and dance grounds, but not permitted inside the chapels of religious complexes. Check first with your guide to avoid inadvertently offending, and at all times, take care not to intrude upon the social space of others when taking photographs. Never stray onto the dance ground at a festival in search of the perfect shot – this is the height of bad manners and will definitely give offence to all Bhutanese who see you!
Important reminder
When in doubt always ask your guide he/she will brief you thoroughly.