One of the most challenging airports in the world
Watch any documentary on Bhutan and you’ll notice the passengers clinging to their seats as the plane descends into the country. As one of the most challenging airports to fly into in the world, only 12 commercial pilots have a license to land at Paro Airport—the one international airport of the four in Bhutan. Pilots must fly under strict weather conditions and during daylight hours.
Dress appropriately in a Dzong
A dzong is an ancient fortress with towers, courtyards, temples and administrative offices. Before entering a dzong you need to dress appropriately. You can't wear jeans, wrap your jacket around your waist, or have your jacket unbuttoned or unzipped. No hats, shorts, short skirts, flip-flops or t-shirts can be worn inside. Travelers aren't expected to wear the traditional gho or kira, but you should cover your arms and legs with long-sleeved clothing.
There are phallic symbols everywhere
You should plan to see phallic paintings and symbols everywhere. These include wood carvings of every size, vibrant paintings on walls of homes and businesses, and key chains in the hands of locals. Why? These symbols represent the Buddhist teachings of Drukpa Kunley, an unorthodox saint who loved wine and attractive Tibetan women. The phallic obsession even has international reach: Women with fertility issues often visit Bhutan to pray and make a donation, all in hopes that this will encourage their baby-making abilities.
Roads are winding and rough
Although Bhutan has nearly completed construction on its national highway, a modern two-lane paved road, you may still encounter plenty of dirt roads, one-way streets, hairpin turns, and everything from cows to dogs lounging in the middle of the road. Travel generally takes longer than it would at home–keep this in mind when plotting out your itinerary and be sure to pack motion sickness pills if you think you’ll need them. Choose your trip wisely.
Sale and production of tobacco is banned
Bhutan banned the sale and production of tobacco. Smoking is prohibited in public places but allowed privately. Tourists and Bhutanese can bring in up to 200 cigarettes. Hotels will accommodate smokers, some local bars and restaurants have indoor smoking rooms, and many nightclubs informally allow it after dark. Importing cigarettes overland from India (for personal use) is allowed, but they’re slapped with up to 200 percent duty. Smuggling tobacco can net someone three years in prison, but the black market is flourishing. Because it’s not feasible for most Bhutanese to go on expensive cigarette runs, local smokers buy them from ‘dealers’ at market stalls.
Summer is monsoon season
When planning your trip, take into consideration what you’d want to see and the seasons. Spring and fall are often considered the best times to visit, especially if you’re going hiking as the skies are mostly clear and the temperature is not too hot or cold. Also, September to November are considered their tourism high season months. Winter will give you the clearest views of the snowcapped Himalayas, but you run the risk or not reaching some of the most mountainous regions since several roads are closed when there’s heavy snowfall.
Summer, on the other hand, brings heavy rains. And even when it isn’t rainy, clouds and fog tend to hover the sky and cover some of the best views.