When you are traveling, you have to make sure that you are safe throughout the journey. Safety, as well as keeping oneself at convenience at all times, may be a major challenge for every other traveler. However, there are always ways and important tips that you can use whenever you are traveling. If you are traveling to Nepal and Bhutan anytime soon, there are many things that are different in these countries in comparison to other places. Hence, keeping everything in mind to ensure a safe trip for oneself becomes necessary during Nepal and Bhutan tour.
Photo: Abovethehimalaya
Nepal and Bhutan are possibly two of the safest places in the world to travel. The hospitality of the people is very pleasing even for a first time traveler. But one can never tell how different locations in these places may require different types of precautions.
In this article, we have mentioned everything that you need to remember during Nepal and Bhutan travel. Make sure to stick with us till the end to know more!
Are the traveling tips to both Nepal and Bhutan the same?
While some basic tips for traveling to both Nepal and Bhutan are the same, not everything in both these countries is alike. Therefore, to guarantee safety and comfort for yourself during Nepal and Bhutan travel, you have to go through the important tips for safe travel to both the countries.
Things to remember for safe travel in Nepal
The following are the things that you should remember in order to travel safely in Nepal:
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is extremely crucial for travelers to remain safe during your Nepal trip. Travelers can never know when they are going to come through a trip cancellation, medical emergency, or theft. When you have a financial backup for all the possible risks that may happen during your trip, you will have the protection that you need.
Similarly, when you are choosing a travel insurance, you should choose one that fits with the requirements of the destination you are traveling to, your health, and the length of your trip.
Language
While it is not possible for travelers to learn a foreign language in the matter of a few months or weeks, it is wise that you learn a few phrases that may help you become familiar with the locals in Nepal. Learning greetings in the native language can be extremely beneficial as Nepalese people appreciate and are overjoyed when people from outside their country learn their language.
No solo traveling/trekking
Traveling or trekking alone in an unknown and a new country is not recommended, regardless of how friendly and hospitable the locals in that country are considered. Book yourself a travel guide or travel around with a group of other travelers. Trekking alone also possesses a lot of threats, especially if you are trekking to a rural area. There have been several incidents where tourists have been robbed and even physically harmed. Try your best to keep yourself out of these dangers.
Currency
You cannot use the currency of any other countries when you are in Nepal. Hence, only the Nepalese currency can be used when you are in the country. Exchanging currencies is not going to be confusing when you visit the right money exchange or bank. Many of these places even guide tourists in the language they are comfortable with, most possibly English. If you are not familiar with the universal language, take along someone who you can trust with the money exchanging process.
Keep tourist police helpline numbers in your phone or notebook
As a tourist, you cannot put your safety at risk and roam around without any safety measures. Therefore, always make sure that you have the following police helpline numbers:
- Bhrikutimandap: +977-1-4247041
- Thamel: 977-1-4700750
- Basantapur: 977-1-4268969, 4269452
- Pokhara: 977-61-521087
- Belhiya: 977-71-520197
- Metro Police Control, Ranipokhari: 100, 120, 130
- Department of Immigration, Kalikasthan: 977-1-4433934,4429660
- Police Headquarters Operation, Naxal: 977-1-4412780,4411549
- Nepal Tourism Board, Bhrikutimandap: +977-1-4256909
- Nepal Tourism Board, Pokhara: 977-61-465292,463029
- Tourism Crisis Unit: 977-97510-44088
- Himalayan Rescue Association: 977-1-4440292, 4440293
Documents safety
The documents that you need to get inside Nepal and return home must be kept very safely. If you are carrying a bag with your documents, make sure that everything is with you and don’t let just about anyone keep your belongings while touring around. Likewise, don’t leave your documents in your hotel room without safely locking the doors and windows because there might be chances of them getting misplaced.
Visa entry
Travelers will be permitted with different types of visa as per the requirements. You can get yourself a visa as soon as you land in Nepal from the Nepalese Embassy. One is likely to face a lot of troubles when they come to the country without proper documentation and visa. Similarly, travelers can always get all the information they need from the website of the Nepalese Embassy and the Nepalese Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Things to remember for safe travel in Bhutan
The following are the things that you need to remember when you are traveling in Bhutan to ensure your safety:
Language
The Bhutanese people are always impressed when a foreigner speaks in their native language. This is likely to increase their interest in the traveler as well. Dzongkha is the official language of the country. Learning a few phrases, including greetings and basic words, can help tourists create a positive impression on the locals. This is also likely to improve their trip experience.
Warm clothing
Bhutan is a cold country. While the summers and spring are not as cold, if you are traveling even during fall, then you need to carry at least two to three warm jackets and some scarves to keep away the cold. Additionally, during some days in spring, you might feel cold when there is a sudden drop in the temperature, which is likely. Hence, keep warm according to the season you are traveling in.
Antique purchase prohibition
Bhutan is very strict about its rules on the safety of antiques. You will come through many shops that are selling antique looking handicrafts. Though it is completely perfect for you to purchase stuff that is rather cheap and aesthetic looking, you will make a wise decision by avoiding buying expensive antiques. If a seller or a shop is luring the tourists with antique statues or things, make sure that you stay away from these sellers.
Tobacco prohibition
The authorities in Bhutan have prohibited not only the consumption but also selling or buying tobacco at all. Cigarettes and tobacco are strictly banned from the country. If you have any in your pocket or your bag, you may get in trouble when you go for bag checking. Not carrying is the best option, but even if you have some left in your bag, you can throw it safely in a trash bin in Nepal(if you are continuing the Bhutan tour from Nepal).
Currency
Travelers can exchange their currency at a money exchange or a bank in Bhutan. However, if you are in a rush and are carrying only Indian currency or U.S. dollars, even then you will be safe to use the money in the country. Except for some places, most shops, hotels, and restaurants in Bhutan accept both U.S. dollars and Indian rupees.
Royal family
Though not a safety tip, you have to keep in mind that the Bhutanese people are very keen about respecting and even worshiping the royal family. The highest authority in the country is the royal family, and disrespecting them in any way, even as a joke, may get you inside the bars. Though not a major pressure, being as respectful as possible towards the traditions and beliefs of the Bhutanese people will keep you safe from a negative experience.
Entry permit
When you are in Bhutan, you don’t need a visa. However, you need an entry permit. It will not be an issue for travelers to get an entry permit from the Department of Immigration in the Pedestrian Terminal at Phuentsholing if you have valid documents required for travel. This permit is mandatory and must be carried throughout your time in Bhutan as a traveler.
Minimum Daily Spend Package
With a keen interest in spending on travelers, the government of Bhutan has fixed a minimum daily spend package for them. This package helps the government monitor the travelers with only the best interest in mind. A group or three or more tourists are given a spending price range of 200 to 250 dollars, depending on which season you are traveling. This cost covers the expenses of your accommodation, transfer, food, guides, etc.
Permission for temple/monastery entrance
While many temples and monasteries in Nepal can be visited without permission, the Bhutanese authorities have a different rule for the same. You need to get permission before entering either a temple or a monastery. Entering religious sites without taking permission from the authorities of the area is going to put you in deep trouble.
Conclusion
Countries with rich cultural and religious excellence, like Nepal and Bhutan, have people with high moral values. Furthermore, like any other places in the world, there are possible threats and dangers for travelers from foreign countries in these nations as well. Keeping the precautions and the rules of these countries will help the travelers a great deal while touring around different places. When foreigners know what they can expect and what they are expected to do in a country, it becomes easier for them to blend with the culture and traditions.
0 Comments