Shopping : As you know, there are wonderful things to buy in Bhutan - hand woven textiles, some jewelry (gold, silver, coral and turquoise), Thangkas, and woodcarving - to name just a few.
There will be many opportunities to purchase items throughout Bhutan. The hotels have gift shops which actually have a good selection of handicrafts and jewelry. There are several shops in Thimphu that also offer a variety of goods - from everyday ready made textiles to some older pieces. Finally, you may have the opportunity to purchase textiles from weavers in their homes (for example in the Bumthang valley). Look around, compare quality and prices before making purchases. There are few places where bargaining is not appropriate, but for the most part in the shops it is way of life.
Remember that old thangkas and religious items are forbidden for export if they are more than 100 years old. Certificates are required to prove their younger age if there is any doubt.
Cultural Courtesies : Remember that you are coming as guest of the Kingdom of Bhutan. The current restrictions places on tourists have come from the actions of the past visitors and future rulings will be determined by your actions and the actions of others visiting Bhutan.
It is vital that you act in a respectful and considerate manner while in the country. For example:
When you visit Buddhist shrines or temples, it is appropriate and a sign of respect to walk around the building in a clockwise direction (so that the structure is to your right side). This is also true for Mani walls (walls built of stone tablets with Buddhist mantras carved on them) and chortens (small Buddhist shrines). NEVER WALK AROUND A TEMPLE OR MANI WALL COUNTERCLOCKWISE!
When you are permitted into a temple, remove your shoes and leave them outside. (This is when a heavy pair of wool socks is very beneficial. The floors in the temples are often very cold!)
Photography will not be permitted within temples or monasteries. When in doubt, ask your leader or guide weather it is allowed. Always ask permission to photograph people - most often they are very eager and ask for you to send a print to them after you return home.
Never point at deities or religious items with your finger. Always use your open hand with the palm up.
Using both hands to give or receive signifies that you honor the offering and the recipient or giver.
The accepted form of greeting is "KUZU ZANGPO LA", La being an honorific term added to the end of any sentence to show respect.
More information regarding cultural courtesies will be given during the trip by your guide.
Insurance : The purchase of "medical, baggage and trip cancellation insurance is strong recommended in your home country before the commencement of your journey. Besides reimbursement of non-refundable air tickets, it should also cover the cost of rescue operations by helicopter in the event of an evacuation. However, all local charges must be paid by the client before leaving Bhutan.
Communication with Home : We do not recommend that mail be sent from home to you. Expect mail or postcards to take 3 weeks to reach you or to reach anyone at home. If you wish (to try) to receive mail while in Bhutan it should be addresses as follows:
Your name
Tour Group
C/o Shangri-La Bhutan Tours & Treks
P.O. Box 541
Thimphu,
Bhutan
It may reach you while you are in Bhutan, or it may not. For sure if it does not reach you before leaving Bhutan, then Shangri-La Bhutan will re-direct the mail to you.
For emergency purposes, it is possible for faxes or e-mails to be sent to Shangri-La Bhutan office in Bhutan for you. Please give our phone, fax number and e-mail address to your family members and others who may have to contact you in the event of an emergency.
< Previous  Next Top >
More on Checklist -
- 2 to 3 months before departure, Before your departure, please check, Flights, Druk Air Flight Schedule, Lost Luggage, Clothing and Packing, Weather in Bhutan, Arrival in Bhutan
- Customs, Gifts, Tipping, Time, Eletricity, Films, Money Matters
- Transportation in Bhutan, Hints & Suggestions, Driving Time, Food & Water Precautions, About Group Travel, Ttour Booking, Liability
|
