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Health, Altitude & Safety
Bhutan is a safe, welcoming country. A little preparation for altitude, mountain roads and sunshine makes every journey more comfortable.
Altitude by region
| Place | Approximate altitude |
|---|---|
| Punakha | about 1,200 m |
| Paro | about 2,200 m |
| Thimphu | about 2,300 m |
| Bumthang (Jakar) | about 2,600 m |
| Phobjikha | about 2,900 m |
| Dochula Pass | about 3,100 m |
| Tiger’s Nest viewpoint | about 3,100 m |
| Chele La pass | about 3,900 m |
Most cultural tours stay between about 1,200 m and 3,100 m. Mild symptoms — a headache, breathlessness on stairs, a restless first night — are common and usually pass in a day or two.
How we pace your journey
- Gentle first days, with the longer hikes later in the trip.
- Plenty of water, and go easy on alcohol for the first nights.
- Treks include acclimatisation days; your guide watches for symptoms and will descend if needed.
- If you have heart or lung conditions, please talk to your doctor before travelling.
Travel insurance
Travel insurance is not mandatory for visitors to Bhutan (it has not been required since 23 April 2024), but we strongly recommend it. Choose a policy that covers medical care, evacuation and trip changes, and trekking at altitude if you are trekking.
Medicines and healthcare
Bring any prescription medicines you need for the whole trip, in their original packaging, plus a small kit: plasters, pain relief, rehydration salts and something for an upset stomach. Hospitals and basic health units are found in district towns; the national referral hospital is in Thimphu.
Roads and everyday safety
Mountain roads are narrow and winding, and drives take longer than distances suggest. Our drivers are experienced and unhurried. Bhutan has very low crime; the usual care with valuables is all you need. Drink bottled or filtered water, and wear sunscreen — the sun is strong at altitude.
More travel info
Keep reading
Visa & Entry Permits
Who needs a visa, who needs a permit, and how we help.
Sustainable Development Fee
Current SDF rates, what it pays for and how it appears in your quote.
Getting to Bhutan
Flights into Paro, overland borders, and onward travel.
Best Time to Visit
Four seasons, month by month, with festivals and treks.
Money, Phones & Internet
Ngultrum and rupees, cards and cash, SIMs, Wi-Fi and power.
Culture & Etiquette
Dress for dzongs, temple manners, photography and festivals.
What to Pack
By season and by trip type — culture tours and treks.
Where You Stay
Our own hotels, certified hotels elsewhere, farmhouses and trek camps.
Ready when you are
Ready to plan your journey?
We handle visas, permits and the SDF for you — and answer every question along the way.