Bhutanese are courteous, tolerant people and will forgive a visitor almost any mistake made in good faith. A few customs matter to them, though, and most concern religious places. Your guide will remind you as you go. This page is so that nothing comes as a surprise.
What to wear
For dzongs, temples and monasteries you should be covered from shoulders to knees at the least, and long sleeves and full-length trousers or a long skirt are expected. A shirt with a collar is best. Shorts, short skirts, sleeveless tops, flip-flops and hats are not acceptable inside, and a guard may turn you away.
Bhutanese themselves wear national dress to enter a dzong: the gho for men and the kira for women, with a ceremonial scarf. Nobody expects this of visitors, but you are welcome to wear it, and people will be pleased if you do.
In dzongs and temples
- Take off your hat and sunglasses as you enter, and your shoes before stepping into a temple.
- Walk clockwise around temples, chortens, prayer wheels and prayer flags, keeping them on your right.
- Do not take photographs inside any temple or shrine room. Courtyards are usually fine. Ask your guide if you are unsure.
- Speak quietly, and do not walk between someone praying and the altar.
- Do not touch statues, paintings or ritual objects, and do not point at them with a finger. Use an open hand.
- Do not sit with the soles of your feet towards the altar or towards a monk.
- If you wish to make an offering, a small note placed on the altar is the custom. The caretaker may pour a little blessed water into your palm. Sip it and pass the rest over your head.
With people
- The greeting is “kuzuzangpo la”. The “la” is a mark of respect and can be added to almost anything, including “thank you”, which is “kadrinche la”.
- Give and receive with your right hand, or with both hands. It is polite to refuse an offer of food or drink once before accepting. There is more on meals in what to eat in Bhutan.
- Ask before you photograph anyone at close range, and take no for an answer. Most people say yes.
- Do not touch anyone on the head, including children.
- Public displays of affection are kept modest.
- The King and the royal family are deeply respected. Speak of them accordingly.
At festivals
A tshechu is a religious event, not a performance staged for visitors. Dress as you would for a dzong. Stay out of the dance ground, do not use flash, and keep out of the way of people who have come to pray. The atsaras, the masked clowns, may tease you and ask for a small donation. It is good-natured, and a small note is the right response.
On the road and outdoors
- Take your litter with you. Bhutan is proud of how clean its countryside is.
- Do not smoke in public places. If you smoke, ask your guide where you may.
- Do not swim in or throw anything into lakes, many of which are held sacred.
- Do not pick plants or disturb wildlife. In Phobjikha, keep well away from the cranes.
- Drones are not permitted for visitors.
- Do not buy anything sold as an antique. Exporting antiques is illegal.
Tipping and bargaining
Tipping your guide and driver is customary but not required. See money and currency. Prices in shops are mostly fixed. A little polite bargaining is accepted at handicraft stalls, and hard bargaining is not.
Dress rules checked against the Department of Tourism’s website on 3 October 2026.