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Wangduephodrang Dzong

FAQ

Wangdue-Bhutan
Ola Tours and Trek

Tour Guide, Thimphu, Bhutan

| 6 mins read

Do you provide travel insurance?

Sorry, we do not provide travel insurance.


What is the weight limit for luggage on Drukair and Bhutan Airlines?

The limit is 20kg for economy class and 30kg for business class on DrukAir.

The limit is 30kg for economy class and 40kg for business class on Bhutan Airlines. (except for Paro Kathmandu it is 20/30kg).

It’s possible to pay for excess baggage, but there is a chance that the luggage will have to be sent on the next flight. Also, there is not a great deal of cabin space, so carry-on luggage should be kept to a minimum.


Can I have a private tour?

Yes, we offer private tours based on the interests of the clients. You can travel alone or brings your friends and family. You will accompanied by a private guide, vehicle and driver throughout your tour.


Why do I need a guide? Can I tour on my own?

Tourism in Bhutan is highly regulated by the government. If you want to visit Bhutan, you must do so through a licensed Bhutanese tour company. You cannot tour the country on your own. And you cannot rent a car on your own. You are obligated to have a guide and a driver. This policy ensures that when you come to Bhutan, you will be immersed in a culture and environment that have been carefully preserved.


Can I have a customized itinerary?

Our expert will customize an itinerary based on your interest and duration of the stay. If there are any local festivals or any other occasions during your date of travel, we will add that too !


What kind of vehicles do you use?

We use luxurious, clean and well maintained vehicles like Toyota and Hyundai and Prado. Our drivers are all seasoned drivers and carefully chosen to escort our guests.

SUV - for groups of one or two people.

Hiace bus (Vans) – for groups of three to seven.

Toyota Coaster bus for larger groups with luggage van if necessary.


What's the food like? I'm a vegetarian; is that a problem?

The food is one of the greatest experiences when you travel to a different destination. You will have a variety of cuisines to choose from, including Bhutanese, Indian, Tibetan, Continental, and Chinese. The main staples of the Bhutanese diet are rice (red or white) and chillies. One dish favoured by most Bhutanese is called “Emadatsi,” which is chillies and cheese. Meat and vegetables are widely eaten in Bhutan. Bhutanese food tends to be spicy since many dishes are made with chillies, but the spiciness can be reduced to your liking.


Can I get halal food in Bhutan?
Unfortunately we don’t have halal food here however, if you are comfortable with vegetarian foods, you will get to test some of the freshest and 100% organic vegetables straight out of the gardens.


Is it safe to travel to Bhutan?

The crime rate is very less in Bhutan. Security and safety are a high priority to every guest who travel to Bhutan and it is safe for women and solo travelers.


Do I have to worry about altitude sickness in Bhutan?

The altitude in Bhutan is higher than many people are used to. Though most visitors will have no problem adjusting, altitude sickness may be a problem for certain people. Our cultural tours do not reach altitudes higher than 3,500 meters. All of our treks reach at least 3,500 meters, and some of our treks go as high as 5,000 meters.


How much money should I bring?

This will depend on the duration of your stay and the money you spend on local handicrafts. Some visitors like to carry hefty sums because they want to buy souvenirs and gifts for their family and friends back home. Some bring very little cash because food, accommodation, vehicle, guide etc… is covered in the tour price and they don’t want to do shopping. We highly recommend you bring USD dollars for shopping in Bhutan because it’s widely accepted in handicraft stores and other stores. There are a few ATMs in Thimphu where you can withdraw money with your credit card, but we would advise you to carry cash in USD for convenience. Please check what is included in the tour cost you paid and then you will have better ideas on how much to bring.


What is the currency in Bhutan?

The currency in Bhutan is called the Ngultrum. It is linked and equal in value to the Indian rupee, which is also accepted in Bhutan. You cannot purchase ngultrum prior to arriving in Bhutan, but you can easily buy ngultrum at the Paro airport, at Bhutan National Bank and the Bank of Bhutan, and at major hotels in Thimphu and Paro, all of which accept traveler’s checks and/or dollars and various other currencies. When visiting smaller towns, however, you should bring ngultrum for your purchases, as it may not be possible to exchange your currency.


What is the time zone in Bhutan?

Bhutan has only one time zone. It is six hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT), 30 minutes ahead of India, 15 minutes ahead of Nepal, and one hour behind Thailand. In the USA, during daylight saving time (April through October) Bhutan is 10 hours ahead of New York City. During standard time (November through March), Bhutan is 11 hours ahead of New York City.


What type of hotels do you use?

We use hotels that are all approved by Tourism Council of Bhutan. The hotels are all 3 star hotel and above except for few hotels if you are traveling to Eastern Bhutan. The hotels are basic however they are clean, comfortable and they provide good service. We keep our guests in the best hotels possible.


When should I book my trip?

There are only two airlines in Bhutan and the hotels are limited, we recommend 12 weeks in advance during peak season and 8 months in advance during low season early to avoid disappointment. Festivals held in Autumn and Spring are peak season for tourists and it can be difficult to secure bookings of hotels and Druk Air seats without advance notice. We will of course make every effort to accommodate last minute bookings.