Safety & security

IS IT SAFE TO TRAVEL IN BHUTAN?
Bhutan is probably one of the safest places on earth. The country has a low crime rate, possibly due to Buddhism, a religion that places great emphasis on compassion and non-violence. Violent crime is extremely rare, especially towards foreigners, but there are occasional reports of petty crimes like pick-pocketing. Try avoiding bringing anything that is not necessary, especially jewelry and too much cash. Use your room safe for valuables, spare cash, and essential documents such as passport or ID cards. While outdoors, especially in more crowded locations such as markets, try to hide your camera, wallet, purse, and mobile phone. As Bhutanese culture frowns upon the killing of animals, the stray dog population blew out of proportion in the last decade. They can be seen everywhere - through crowded streets, Buddhist monasteries, schools, and in the mountains. As cute as the dogs may be, resist patting them even if they appear friendly. Though not common, cases of rabies still occur in the southern parts of the country along the border with India. Though most stray dogs have been vaccinated against the disease, a dog bite may expose you to virus infection. Also, in the southern belt of the country, malaria risk exists throughout the year. Not many of our trips go to these areas, but if so, please inquire with your doctor for guidelines.

IS TRAVEL IN BHUTAN DIFFICULT?
You will find the majority of our tours appropriate for you, regardless of your age or gender. However, the country's poor infrastructure and geography may cause a few complications for travelers. The average elevation of Bhutan is around 3200 meters (10,499 feet) above sea level, but the altitude can range from 300 meters (984 feet) in the valleys of the south to the peaks rising over 7000 meters (22,966 feet) in the North. Such elevation differences form a treacherous topography of narrow valleys, with regions separated by impenetrable mountain ranges with only narrow and rough roads traversing through these. For those suffering from motion sickness, an extra load of nausea control medication is advised. Though one is likely to cross mountain passes rising well over 3000 meters (9843 feet) above sea level during a tour to Bhutan, most overnight stays will be at altitudes below 2500 meters (8200 feet). Therefore, the chances of developing altitude sickness are relatively low. Nevertheless, those less suited to traveling at high altitudes may experience some discomfort, including headaches, sleeplessness, shortness of breath, and vomiting. Our trips are planned to provide several days of rest and acclimatization before ascending to higher altitudes. However, as every individual has a different reaction to altitude, please pay close attention to your body and inform your guide if you do not feel well.

WHO WILL BE MY GUIDE?
To ensure that visitors receive high-quality professional service, the Bhutanese government requires all tour operators to employ only registered and certified guides. The training and certification process for tour guides is lengthy and complex, requiring many exams and tests on foreign language skills, Bhutanese history, and in-depth knowledge of Buddhism. Some guides will speak fluent English, while others will have better general knowledge. Some will be more courteous, some more enterprising, and some will make extraordinary efforts to adapt to travelers' needs. Some guides will be experienced, while some are new in the industry. In general, we make every effort to work with the same tour guides we know and learned to appreciate.

CAN I EAT THE FOOD?
To put it bluntly, Bhutan is not an ideal country for culinary tours. The prominent problem foreigners have with Bhutanese food is the excessive use of chili in almost every dish. Many travelers often say that food is somewhat repetitive. Various grains - wheat, red wheat, buckwheat, or rice - form the main body of most traditional meals. It is accompanied by side dishes consisting of meat, lentils, and vegetables. You are likely to come across many Tibetan or Nepalese specialties, including Momo and noodles. If you plan to explore the local restaurants on your own, please follow simple safety rules such as eating in clean restaurants and avoiding eating food items that seem to be not fresh. We will also provide you with drinking water daily. If you run out of drinking water, just ask our staff, and they will be happy to help you purchase some more.

Trips@Asia strives to make adventure travel as safe as is practically possible. Safety is a top priority when we plan and prepare the itinerary for each trip. Our office staff members have many years of experience in leading expeditions to remote places. At all times, our staff is available to resolve problems and assist in emergency situations. They will work with your guide or trip leader to ensure that timely and full assistance is given in the event of an emergency.