FAQs for Bhutan
Q. Where is Bhutan located?
Bhutan is a small Buddhist kingdom located in the Himalayas.
Q. Is Bhutan a country?
Yes, Bhutan is a country which is bordered by China, India and Bangladesh.
Visa/Permit related FAQ
Q. Do I need a visa for Bhutan?
Indians don’t need a visa for Bhutan. But an entry permit is needed. Which can be obtained at the immigration office at Phuenthslong.
Q. What documents do I carry for the entry permit?
Passport and five photocopies of the same. Passport size photographs. Print out of your return flight tickets.
Q. How long is the permit valid for?
The permit is valid for seven days. But it can be extended at Thimphu.
Q. Who will extend the permit for us?
Your tlow representative will take care of all the permit work which includes the extension as well.
Q. Cost of the permit?
Entry permit is free and will be taken care by our tlow representative.
Network related FAQ
Q. How do I get a sim card in Bhutan?
After you get your entry permit, you need to make a photocopy of the permit and provide the same as your proof for a sim card in Bhutan.
Q. Is there cell phone network in Bhutan?
Yes, there is cell phone coverage in Bhutan. Tashi cell is the best network provider for tourists.
Q. Is there 3G/4G in Bhutan?
Surprisingly there is excellent 3G network all over. Even at the highest pass Chelela you’ll have cell phone coverage with Tashi cell. Sadly 4G hasn’t yet come to Bhutan yet as of March 2018.
Meeting point and how to reach there
Q. Where does the trip start and end?
Our Bhutan trip starts at Siliguri in West Bengal.
Q. How do we reach Siliguri?
Bagdogra air force airport (IXB) is the entry point to Siliguri and the most convenient way to reach.
Q. What time should we reach Siliguri?
Reach Siliguri anytime before 14:00 HRS on day one.
Q. How to reach Siliguri city?
From the airport take a direct bus which leaves every 30 minutes. Good options if you want to avoid spending on a taxi.
Take a taxi from the airport.
Q. Where will we meet the tlow representative for the trip?
Our tlow representative will meet you at Siliguri for the start of the trip.
Accommodation related FAQs
Q. What kind of accommodation will be provided?
We will be using homestays and guest houses all along the trip.
Q. Will the accommodation be clean?
Since no one in the world likes to keep their home untidy, it’s safe to say that every place we stay at will be clean and will give you a homely feel.
Q. Will we get a bed, blankets and pillows?
Yes, at every place we stay at you’ll get a blanket, a pillow and if not a bed then surely a mattress to sleep on.
Q. Will we get hot water for a bath?
Every guest house and homestay we stay at will have geysers so you’ll surely get to have a bath at least once a day.
Q. Will the rooms be based on gender or mixed?
It will be girls in a separate room and boys in a separate room, for all those backpacking solo.
Food-related FAQ
Q. Why is food not included?
Since this is a backpacking trip, we want to leave the eating for you’ll to explore on your own. You’ll never go hungry in Bhutan.
Q. Do we need to carry food along?
Not needed. Every place we stay at will have plenty of eating options. Both veg and non veg.
Q. What kind of food should we expect to get?
In every town and village you’ll get a variety of food options from pastas, pizzas and Burgers to local Bhutan cuisine.
Q. Can we cook?
Yes, you can cook in our home stays. Provided you make the time.
Sickness related FAQ
Q. How do I avoid altitude sickness?
The only way to avoid altitude sickness is to rest well, keep yourself hydrated and have plenty of water.
Q. What about motion sickness?
Consulting local physician is the best for motion sickness.
Q. What about the oxygen level?
The oxygen is moderately thin in Bhutan but if you remember to keep yourself hydrated with small sips of water, it should not bother you.
Q. Is there a hospital in Bhutan?
Yes, every town and city has a hospital in Bhutan.
Solo Travelers FAQ
Q. Is it okay if I enroll solo for a trip?
Yes, it’s absolutely fine to enroll solo. All our trips have 70% solo travellers who enroll.
Q. What if I don’t get along with the other backpackers?
If no one talks to you, don’t worry our tlow team members will be your friend and give you an experience of a lifetime.
Travel related FAQ
Q. What will be our mode of transportation?
The entire road trip to Bhutan will be covered in an SUV.
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