Bhutan Above the Everyday

Spring and fall are generally the most comfortable times to travel in Bhutan, with mild daytime temperatures and clearer mountain views. Summer brings warmer temperatures, greener valleys and more rain, while winter can be quite cold at higher elevations but relatively mild in the lower valleys. Because Bhutan changes considerably with altitude, conditions can vary quite a bit during a single journey.

Most international visitors need a visa before traveling to Bhutan. On a Pedalers trip, we handle the visa arrangements for you and include the required government fees in the tour price, so there is no separate application process for you to manage.

Everyday costs in Bhutan are not dramatically different from elsewhere in the region, but international visitors pay substantial government tourism fees and taxes in addition to the normal cost of hotels, transportation and services. Those revenues help support national programs such as education, healthcare, environmental protection and preservation of Bhutan's cultural heritage.

Pedalers' tour price is inclusive of those required government costs rather than breaking them out as a separate Sustainable Development Fee.

Our Bhutan trips begin and end in Paro. Flights connect Bhutan with a limited number of Asian gateway cities, including Bangkok, Delhi and Kathmandu, with additional routes depending on the season and airline schedule. Many flights depart early in the morning, so arriving in your gateway city a day ahead can make the journey considerably more relaxed.

Probably at times, but our itineraries naturally follow the mountaineer's principle of "climb high, sleep low." Or in our case, pedal high and sleep low. During the day we may cross high mountain passes, but our hotels are generally at considerably lower elevations. Most travelers adjust well, although climbing stairs or walking uphill may feel harder than expected during the first few days.

Bhutan's tourism system is more structured than in many countries. Visitors are generally accompanied by an accredited Bhutanese guide while traveling around the country and when visiting cultural and religious sites. On a Pedalers trip, the guide, transportation and day-to-day arrangements are all part of the journey.

Rice is a staple, accompanied by vegetables, meat, soups, curries and plenty of cheese and chilies. Ema datshi, made with chilies and cheese, is probably the country's best-known dish, but Bhutanese cooking varies by region and not every meal is fiery. Pedalers trips focus mainly on Bhutanese and Indian cuisine, with more familiar international dishes available when requested rather than forming the basis of the menu.

It certainly can be. In Bhutan, chilies are often treated as a vegetable rather than simply a seasoning. That does not mean every dish is hot, and guides can help identify milder choices or make sure there are alternatives on the table. Guests who love spicy food will have plenty to explore, while those who do not can still eat quite happily.

We generally use comfortable upper-midrange hotels, often smaller locally owned and managed properties with Bhutanese architecture and a strong sense of place. As in Thailand, character, hospitality and location matter more to us than a formal star rating. In the larger towns this may mean a polished boutique-style hotel or resort, while accommodations become simpler as we travel into more remote parts of the country.

Cards are increasingly useful in Thimphu, Paro and other larger towns, but cash is still advisable when traveling through rural Bhutan. ATMs are available in the main towns, although relying entirely on cards is not a good plan once you move farther into the countryside. Bhutanese ngultrum is the local currency, and your guides can help with practical money questions along the way.

Bhutanese culture is closely tied to Buddhism, and respectful behavior is especially important at dzongs, temples and monasteries. Dress modestly when visiting religious sites, remove shoes when requested, do not touch religious objects or paintings, and ask before photographing people. There is no need to memorize a rulebook before arriving, your guides will explain the local customs as they come up.