Being an open nation, Bhutan has no set laws or regulations dictating what is permitted or prohibited. However, as a nation steeped in ancient history and customs, we value and work to protect what we have.
It is not a matter of law but rather of our nature and respect for our customs, culture, and religion that makes some things unacceptable or not very appreciative. Therefore, the following are some things you might want to know before traveling to Bhutan.
Important Etiquette and Guidelines in Bhutan
Key cultural practices every visitor should observe
Respect Temple Access
Always seek permission before entering temples and monasteries. Most dzongs and larger temples are open to respectful visitors during daylight hours, but inner sanctums, Goenkhangs (protector deity chapels), and areas actively used for prayer may be restricted. Your guide will advise on access at each site. If a door is closed, do not open it — this is universally understood as restricted.
Dress Respectfully
Cover shoulders and knees at all religious sites — dzongs, temples, monasteries, and festivals. This applies to all genders. Singlets, sleeveless tops, shorts, and miniskirts are inappropriate at sacred sites. A light scarf or shawl is useful for covering bare shoulders quickly. Some dzongs require visitors to wear traditional Bhutanese dress (Gho for men, Kira for women) — your guide will advise in advance.
Remove Shoes at Temples
Remove footwear before entering any temple or dzong prayer hall. A rack or designated area near the entrance will be obvious. Socks are acceptable. Never step over the threshold of a doorway — in Bhutanese Buddhist tradition, door thresholds are considered sacred and must be stepped over, not on.
Mind Your Headgear
Inside religious sites, avoid wearing hats and sunglasses as a sign of reverence.
Always Walk Clockwise
Walk clockwise around all chortens, mani walls (stone walls carved with prayers), prayer wheels, and religious structures. This mirrors the direction of the Buddha's teachings and is universally observed by Bhutanese people. When spinning prayer wheels, turn them clockwise. Walking anticlockwise is a serious cultural offence at sacred sites.
Tobacco — Strict Rules Apply
Bhutan has some of the world's strictest tobacco laws. Smoking is prohibited in all public places — temples, dzongs, restaurants, transport, and festivals. Visitors may bring up to 200 cigarettes for personal use, but must declare them at customs and pay an import duty of approximately 100–200%. Receipts must be carried; spot checks occur. Undeclared tobacco is confiscated and fines are imposed. There is no duty-free tobacco in Bhutan.
Do Not Touch Sacred Objects
Never touch statues, thangkas (scroll paintings), butter lamps, or ritual objects inside temples unless explicitly invited to do so. Do not point your feet toward religious objects or images — feet are considered the lowest, least clean part of the body in Bhutanese culture. Sit cross-legged or with feet tucked behind you when seated on the floor in a temple.
Ensure Adequate Cash
Be well-prepared with enough cash; exchange US dollars and other currencies at the airport or major banks in larger towns.
Responsible Disposal
Dispose of waste only in designated areas; avoid littering to keep Bhutan's pristine environment clean.
Be Polite
Avoid pointing fingers at individuals or artwork, as it is considered impolite in Bhutanese culture.
Photography in Temples
Photography inside temples and dzongs is often restricted or prohibited. Look for signs, follow your guide's instruction, and when in doubt — ask before shooting. The interior of many temples may never be photographed; the rule exists to protect both the sacred objects and the sanctity of worship still taking place.
Follow Your Guide's Lead
Strictly adhere to the instructions provided by your tour guide, who understands local customs deeply.
Respect the Royal Family
Do not speak critically of the royal family. Photography of royal family members, royal palaces, or restricted government buildings is forbidden unless clearly permitted. Images of the King are displayed in virtually every Bhutanese home, business, and government office — treat them with the same respect you would a sacred image.
General Travel Etiquette in Bhutan
Practical guidelines for a smooth and culturally sensitive journey
Protect Your Valuables
While Bhutan is a safe destination, we recommend securing your valuable items like wallets, cameras, and passports in a safe location.
Observe Traffic Rules
Always adhere to road traffic rules and regulations during your travels in Bhutan, particularly on mountain roads.
Stray Dogs
Bhutan has a large population of stray dogs, particularly in towns and outside monasteries. Most are docile but can be territorial, especially at night. Do not approach or feed them. Dog bites do occur — carry antiseptic in your first aid kit and consult a doctor immediately if bitten. Rabies exists in Bhutan; post-exposure treatment is available in Thimphu.
Consider Temple Donations
Leaving a donation at temples is a personal choice, although it's a common and appreciated practice among both Bhutanese and visitors.
Public Behaviour Norms
Public displays of affection are uncommon in Bhutan and considered inappropriate in most public settings, especially near religious sites. Raised voices, displays of anger, or confrontational behaviour are also deeply uncomfortable for Bhutanese people culturally — if something goes wrong, handle it quietly and calmly. Bhutanese culture prizes composure and indirect communication.
Sacred Nature
Do not throw objects into lakes, swim in rivers near sacred sites, pick flowers from monastery grounds, or disturb the natural environment in ways that would be considered desecration. Many natural features — lakes, mountains, rivers, trees — are believed to be inhabited by local deities. Bhutan is constitutionally required to maintain at least 60% forest cover; environmental respect is not just custom but national identity.
Understanding Bhutanese Culture
Context behind the customs
Bhutan's cultural norms emerge from a specific confluence: Vajrayana Buddhism woven into every aspect of daily life, a royal family whose authority is deeply respected, a constitutional commitment to Gross National Happiness over GDP, and a deliberate choice to open the country to tourism only on its own terms. Understanding these foundations makes the customs feel natural rather than arbitrary.
The Role of Buddhism
Bhutan is one of the last remaining Vajrayana Buddhist kingdoms in the world. This is not merely a religious affiliation — it is the structural framework of Bhutanese society. The Je Khenpo (Chief Abbot) is co-equal in spiritual authority with the King. Monks are deeply respected; sitting or walking at the same level as a senior monk in a temple is considered improper. The deities depicted in temple paintings and statues are not historical figures to be admired — they are understood as genuinely present and capable of bestowing blessings or causing harm depending on how they are treated. This is why touching sacred objects without permission, photographing restricted interiors, or behaving carelessly near altars matters so much.
Receiving and Giving
Always receive food, gifts, or offerings with both hands — or with your right hand supported by the left at the wrist. Handing things to someone with a single hand, particularly the left hand, is considered disrespectful. When a monk, elder, or high-status person offers you a blessing thread, incense, or food, accept it graciously with both hands and a slight bow. Refusing without good reason is impolite. Similarly, giving gifts to your guide, driver, or hosts is entirely appropriate — small, thoughtful gifts from your home country are genuinely appreciated.
The Tipping Norm
Tipping is not a traditional Bhutanese custom but is now well understood as an expression of appreciation from foreign visitors. A reasonable amount for your guide is USD 10–20 per day at the end of the trip; for your driver, USD 5–10 per day. These are guidelines, not requirements — the most important thing is that it feels genuine. Tips handed directly and personally, with a brief word of thanks, mean considerably more than an envelope left behind.
Alcohol
Bhutan produces its own rice wines, ara (a distilled spirit), and Red Panda beer (brewed in Bumthang). Alcohol is legal and drunk at social gatherings and festivals. However, drinking near sacred sites, at religious ceremonies, or during festivals (even as a spectator) is inappropriate. The legal drinking age is 18. Bhutan has introduced measures to address alcohol abuse as a public health issue — excessive or visible drunkenness is frowned upon.
