The following packing list contains general recommendations for tour to Bhutan. If you are currently booked on a Bhutan and Nepal tour with Trekking Plus, please consult your pre-departure materials for the most up to date packing checklist specific to your trip. Your style of dress will, in part, determine your acceptance by, and interaction with, local people. Always check with your guide concerning proper dress code for the day’s activities.
Clothing
Bhutan is a conservative country, so much so that locals are required to wear their traditional dress most of the time. However, visitors are only required to wear certain clothes when entering dzongs or monasteries, but since this occurs most days in Bhutan, it’s best to be prepared.
- Two pairs of lightweight, quick-dry trekking pants
- Two t-shirts
- One long sleeve shirt or thin sweater
- 2 pairs of underwear
- 3 pairs of blister proof socks
Foreigners are required to wear pants when entering a dzong or monastery so its recommended you to wear a dress covers your elbows as well.
- One raincoat
- One packable down jacket– October is autumn in Bhutan and can get cool at altitude.
- One large hoodie – for warmth at night while camping
- Running shoes
- Flip flops
- Hiking boots
- Sleepwear
- One buff or Lightweight neck gaiter
- Warm, windproof outer jacket or fleece jacket - For layering, especially for earlier departures that can experience colder temperatures.
Hygiene and Personal Care
- Solid shampoo, conditioner bar and face wash
- Sunscreen, Lip balm and Deodorant
- Toothpaste and Toothbrush – I prefer to use an environmentally friendly toothbrush as well
- Hand cream/body lotion and Baby wipes
A little baggy with hand sanitizer and toilet paper in it – carry this with you at all times. Even in the capital, most bathrooms do not offer you toilet paper and instead provide you with a bucket of water and a cup to rinse off.
- Any prescription medication you take
- Travelers diarrhea medication
- Hair ties and Hairbrush
Technology
- Phone
- iPad/tablet and headphones – Pre-download any tv shows or movies you like before you arrive in Bhutan
- Power adapter and power bank
- Camera, Extra memory cards and Camera battery charger
Trekking Extras
- Trekking poles ( It can be rent from your tour company)
- Day bag , Camel bag and Water bottle
- Headlamp or small flashlight - Power outages are not uncommon in this part of the world. Its grateful to have our own light source during night time.
- Steripen – you will get bottled water daily, but its recommend being environmentally friendly and bringing your own purification system.
Travel Essentials
- American currency – sometime ATMs in Bhutan doesnot accept international debit cards. So its good to have extra American currency with you that you can exchange for the Bhutanese ngultrum.
- A copy of your visa and itinerary – Whenever we tried to enter a monastery without guide, You are kindly asked to produce a copy of you visa.
- Travel insurance – Several people got altitude sickness and needed to be airlifted out of the Laya Highlander Festival. Be prepared if in case.
Miscellaneous
- A book to read, small notebook, sunglasses and travel towel ( towel are provided in each hotel but if you like to have your own, you can bring )
