What to Pack for Bhutan: The Ultimate 2026 Guide

• Shoulders & Knees: Must be covered at all times.
• Tops: Long-sleeved shirts or blouses are preferred. T-shirts are usually okay if they have a collar (polo style), but sleeveless tops are a strict "no."
• Bottoms: Full-length trousers or long skirts. Shorts, capris, and short skirts are prohibited in sacred sites.
• Footwear: You must remove your shoes before entering any temple. Wear slip-on shoes to save time, and always pack extra thick socks because the stone floors are freezing in the winter months.
• Headwear: Hats and sunglasses must be removed before entering a temple precinct.

• Broken-in Hiking Boots: Do not bring brand-new boots; the steep descents will cause blisters.
• Trekking Poles: Highly recommended to protect your knees during the 700+ steps down from Taktshang.
• Daypack (20–30L): With a rain cover to keep your camera and layers dry.
• High SPF Sunscreen & Lip Balm: The Himalayan sun is much stronger than it feels due to the thin air.

• Universal Adapter: Bhutan primarily uses Types C, D, and G plugs. A universal adapter is your best bet.
• Power Bank: Cold weather drains phone and camera batteries 30% faster than usual.
• Flashlight/Headlamp: Frequent power cuts can happen in rural areas, and many temple interiors are dimly lit.
• Reusable Water Bottle: Bhutan is environmentally conscious and discourages single-use plastics. Most hotels provide filtered water for refills.

• Motion Sickness Meds: The roads in Bhutan are notoriously winding. If you are prone to carsickness, these are essential for the long drives between valleys.
• Altitude Sickness Pills (Diamox): Consult your doctor before travel, as most of your trip will be spent above 2,300m.
• Hydration Salts: Dehydration happens fast at high altitudes.
• Antacids: Bhutanese food is famous for its heat (Ema Datshi is mostly chilies!). Your stomach may need help adjusting.

• Pack light: Most hotels offer laundry service, and you'll be moving between hotels frequently.
• Leave room for souvenirs: Bhutan has beautiful textiles, handicrafts, and artwork you'll want to bring home.
• Bring snacks: Long drives between valleys mean limited food options. Pack energy bars and trail mix.
• Dress in layers: You can experience four seasons in one day.

Save space and avoid issues at customs by leaving these items at home:

• Drones: Strictly prohibited for tourists. They will be confiscated at Paro Airport without a government permit (rarely granted).

• Excessive Luggage: You'll change hotels frequently. A single medium suitcase plus a daypack is ideal.

• Formal Attire: Unless attending a specific event, you won't need suits or dresses. Smart casual is the norm.

• Heavy Reading Material: Download e-books instead. You'll want that luggage space for souvenirs.

• Tobacco Products (in excess): Bhutan has strict anti-tobacco laws. You can bring limited personal quantities but must declare them and pay duty.

• Single-Use Plastics: Bhutan is environmentally conscious. Bring reusable bags and bottles instead.

Flying into Bhutan has strict baggage requirements:

• Checked Baggage: Drukair and Bhutan Airlines allow 20kg for economy class, 30kg for business class.

• Carry-On: 5kg limit with dimensions not exceeding 55x35x25cm.

• Excess Baggage: Charged at approximately $5-8 USD per kg. Fees are steep, so pack wisely.

• Bag Type: Soft-sided luggage is recommended. You'll be loading bags in and out of vehicles daily, and hard cases are cumbersome on unpaved roads.

• Daypack: Essential for daily excursions. Keep it under 30L with rain cover.

Tip: Leave 3-5kg of luggage space free for souvenirs. Bhutanese textiles and handicrafts are worth bringing home.

Add these items based on when you're traveling:

• Spring (Mar-May):

  Light rain jacket, allergy medication (pollen from rhododendrons), layers for variable temperatures, sunscreen.

• Summer/Monsoon (Jun-Aug):

  Waterproof jacket (essential), umbrella, quick-dry clothing, insect repellent, waterproof bag for electronics, extra socks.

• Autumn (Sep-Nov):

  Medium-weight layers, light fleece, sun protection, comfortable trekking gear (best trekking season).

• Winter (Dec-Feb):

  Heavy down jacket, thermal underwear, warm hat and gloves, hand/toe warmers, thick wool socks, moisturizer (dry air).

Keep these documents organized and accessible:

• Passport: Valid for at least 6 months from arrival date. Keep a photocopy separate from the original.

• Visa Clearance Letter: Print multiple copies. You'll show this at check-in and upon arrival at Paro.

• Travel Insurance: Print your policy details and emergency contact numbers. Ensure it covers high-altitude trekking if applicable.

• Flight Tickets: Print or save offline copies of your e-tickets.

• Hotel Confirmations: Useful for reference, though your guide handles logistics.

• Emergency Contacts: Your tour operator's 24/7 number, embassy contacts, and personal emergency contacts.

• Vaccination Records: If required for your transit countries.

Pro Tip: Store digital copies of all documents in your email and a cloud service. If anything gets lost, you can access copies from any device.

Don't overpack—these items are easily found in Thimphu and Paro:

• Basic Toiletries: Shampoo, soap, toothpaste, and deodorant are available at pharmacies and general stores.

• Snacks: Biscuits, chips, chocolate, and instant noodles are sold everywhere.

• Basic Medications: Paracetamol, cold medicine, and digestive aids are available at pharmacies.

• Bottled Water: Widely available, though we recommend a reusable bottle.

• SIM Cards: TashiCell and B-Mobile SIMs available at Paro Airport arrivals.

• Warm Clothing: Basic sweaters and jackets can be purchased, though quality trekking gear is limited.

Note: Selection is limited outside Thimphu. If you need specialty items (specific medications, dietary foods, high-end gear), bring them from home.

While not required, small gifts from your home country are deeply appreciated:

• For Guides: Quality pens, branded T-shirts, regional souvenirs from your country, books about your home region, small electronics (earbuds, phone accessories).

• For Drivers: Sunglasses, baseball caps, snacks from your country, car accessories.

• For Children (at schools/villages): School supplies like notebooks, colored pencils, and erasers are always welcome. Avoid sweets.

• For Monasteries: If you wish to make an offering, incense, butter lamps, or small cash donations are appropriate.

Cultural Note: Gifts are given with both hands as a sign of respect. Your guide will be genuinely touched by thoughtful gifts, especially items that share something about your culture.