Pack for a mountain country where the temperature changes with every hour and every valley. A morning in Paro can start close to freezing and be warm enough for shirtsleeves by lunchtime, and Punakha is several degrees warmer than Thimphu on the same day. Layers are the answer in every season.
Clothing
- Long-sleeved shirts or tops, and at least one with a collar for dzongs and temples
- Full-length trousers or long skirts. Shorts are not acceptable at religious sites.
- A fleece or light jumper
- A warm jacket: a down or insulated jacket from October to April, a lighter one in summer
- A waterproof jacket, all year. In the monsoon, add a small umbrella.
- Thermal base layers for winter, and for Phobjikha and Bumthang in any season
- A warm hat and gloves from October to March
- A sun hat
Footwear
- Walking shoes or light boots with a good grip, already worn in, for Tiger’s Nest and other walks
- Comfortable shoes that slip on and off easily. You remove them at every temple.
- Warm socks. Temple floors are cold.
Sun, health and comfort
- Sunglasses and high-factor sun cream. The sun is strong at altitude, even in winter.
- Lip balm and moisturiser for the dry air
- Any prescription medicine, in its original packaging, with enough for a few days more than your trip
- A small first-aid kit: plasters, pain relief, rehydration salts, something for an upset stomach
- Motion-sickness tablets if winding roads trouble you
- Insect repellent for Punakha and the south in the warmer months
- A refillable water bottle
Documents and money
- Passport, valid for at least six months beyond your trip
- A printed copy of your visa clearance letter
- Your travel insurance details
- Some US dollars in cash, and a Visa or Mastercard for ATMs
Electronics
- A travel adaptor. Bhutan uses plug types D, G and C, so a universal adaptor is the simplest choice.
- A power bank. Power cuts are uncommon but do happen.
- A head torch, for early starts and evening walks
- Camera, spare battery and memory cards. Leave the drone at home: drones are not permitted for visitors.
For festival days
- Your smartest long-sleeved clothes
- A cushion or folded scarf to sit on
- Water, sun cream and a sun hat for outside the dzong
- A warm layer for the early morning, especially for the thongdrel
For treks
On a trek the pack animals carry your main bag and you carry a day pack.
- Waterproof walking boots with ankle support, well worn in
- Camp shoes or sandals
- A soft duffel bag, not a hard suitcase, lined with a waterproof bag
- A day pack of 25 to 35 litres with a rain cover
- A four-season sleeping bag and a liner
- A down jacket, thermal layers, waterproof jacket and trousers
- Warm hat, sun hat, gloves and a neck warmer
- Walking poles
- Two water bottles, and purification tablets as a back-up
- Head torch with spare batteries
- Quick-dry towel, wet wipes and hand sanitiser
- Snacks you like. Three meals a day are provided, but a favourite chocolate bar helps on a pass.
What to leave behind
Leave valuables and anything you would hate to lose. Tobacco may be brought in only in small personal quantities, with duty paid on arrival, and you should keep the receipt. Antiques may not be taken out of the country, so buy only new crafts and ask for a receipt.
Most hotels offer laundry, so on a longer trip you can pack for a week and wash as you go.