Unique Path Trekking

Bhutan trip notes

How to enter Bhutan?

Bhutan is well connected to the outside world through Druk Air (Royal Bhutanese Airlines), the national carrier which is the only airline operating flights in and out of the kingdom. The country's only airport is situated at Paro. and two flights a week from Kathmandu (Nepal).
Does Unique Path arrange visa and other travel documents for traveling in Bhutan?
We arrange Visas and travel permits. We need your tour confirmation and your passport details (Name, Sex, Nationality, Date of Birth, Passport Number, and Occupation).

What are the trips leaders like?

Leaders are carefully selected for their personality, general travel experience and enthusiasm for our style of travel. They facilitate the smooth running of your trip and are there to help you get the most out of your adventure. They are recruited on the basis of their resourcefulness and people skills, rather than for expert knowledge of a destination.

Is independent tour allowed in Bhutan?
Independent tour is not allowed in Bhutan. You should join an organized group.

What is the best season for tour in Bhutan?

Spring and autumn are considered to be the peak seasons. Spring starts from April through June and autumn from September through November. Many festivals are held in these periods. It is best time for visitors to take advantage pleasant climate and the festivals. Tourism infrastructure is limited in Bhutan.
So, in the peak seasons all tourists’ facilities are fully booked. Off season would be better if you wish to be in less crowded time.

What medical preparations the travelers need to make before Bhutan tours?

Most Bhutan tours are not highly demanding physically. However, the travelers need to be in good conditions and able to walk up and down moderate hills on a daily basis. In some cases they may be a day or more away from modern medical facilities. So it is better for the travelers with a pre-existing heart and lung problems to consult the doctors before taking Bhutan tours. According to the scientific studies, high altitude sickness has nothing to do with the age, sex or state of fitness of the travelers and can affect anyone who travels to the areas with the elevation of over 10,000 feet. Consult the doctors for getting the prescribed medicines for the possible high altitude sickness.

What is high altitude sickness?

High altitude sickness, also called mountain sickness, is a problem that occurs when people travel from lower elevations to about 8,000 feet or more above sea level. Serious types of altitude sickness include high-altitude pulmonary edema (fluid in the lungs) and high-altitude cerebral edema (swelling of the brain). With altitude sickness, the travelers may first feel like having the flu or a hangover, with symptoms such as, headache, fatigue, appetite loss, nausea, insomnia and difficulty breathing during exercise.

How to avoid and treat the high altitude sickness?

1. Please try not to strain yourself and avoid excessive working before taking Bhutan tours.
2. Avoid drinking coffee or alcohol, and taking sleeping pills in the high altitude areas.
3. Drink plenty of water or tea.
4. Eat high-carbohydrate foods (rice, pasta, cereal) while avoiding fatty stuff.
5. Avoid active movements and try to relax in the first one or two days upon arrival at the high altitude areas.
6. Diamox 125 mg. tablets taken twice a day is F.D.A. approved for prevention and treatment of A.M.S. Although it originally was released as a diuretic (water pill), it also helps you breath deeper and faster. This allows you to get more oxygen. Diamox is especially helpful with the sleeping problems and other symptoms of A.M.S. Avoid sleeping pills because they may cause shallow breathing at night and make it more difficult for your body to absorb oxygen while you sleep.
7. If nothing else works, return to the areas with the lower elevation.

Malaria: Keep plenty of mosquito repellent, cream or lotion on any exposed areas of skin when you are in outdoors. This is especially important for travelers who plan to travel by surface or Chitwan for safari.

Medication: Bring all your customary medicines with you, an anti diarrhea medicine, antihistamine tablets, anti-nausea tablets, eye lotion, lip salve. There are several pharmacies and medical clinic in cities like Kathmandu and Pokhara that can supply antibiotics and analgesics.

What type of insurance should I have? Can I get there?

Travel insurance is compulsory for all Clients undertaking any tour. It should provide adequate protection for the full duration of the tour to cover personal injury, medical expenses, repatriation expenses, helicopter evacuation, loss of luggage, etc.

if you wish to arrange your travel insurance from our Company; we will arrange travel insurance for you.

8. What equipment should I bring?

FOOT WEAR

CLOTHING

OPTIONAL

Trekking boot: (one pairs), Thick socks ( 4 pairs)
Light socks ( 3 pairs)
Camp shoes (1 pair), Sandals (1 pair)

OTHER EQUIPMENT

Sleeping bag (4seasons) 1
Down jacket -1
Daypack – 1
Water bottle – 1
Sun cream
Sunglasses
Flashlight with spare bulbs, batteries, lip salve, gaiters.

Down or fiber filled waterproof jacket and trousers (1)
Fleece jacket or pullover ( 1)
Warm cotton trousers (2 pairs)
Shirts and T-shirts ( 4 pieces)
Lightweight cotton long pants ( 3 pairs)
Long under wear (2 pieces)
Short under wear (4 pieces)
Sun hat or scarf ( 1) Woolen hat (1)
Sunglasses (1)
Lightweight gloves (1)
Rain coat(1)
Heavyweight gloves or mittens with a waterproof (1)

Insect repellent, toilet articles, note book & pen, toilet roll, laundry soap, pocket knife, towel, sewing kit, plasters, binoculars, camera, film, cards and personal medical kit

What should I keep in mind when I contact with the Tibetans?

Bhutan's people are very kind and hospitable; you can feel free to talk with them. But there are some rulers you should go by!

Do not photo them without getting the permit, please show the respect to them!
Don't talk the sensitive topics like the political and the religion matters!

Malaria: Keep plenty of mosquito repellent, cream or lotion on any exposed areas of skin when you are in outdoors. This is especially important for traveler who plan to travel by surface or Chitwan for safari.

Medication: Bring all your customary medicines with you, an anti diarrhoea medicine, antihistamine tablets, anti-nausea tablets, eye lotion, lip salve. There are several pharmacies and medical clinic in cities like Kathmandu and Pokhara that can supply antibiotics and analgesics.