Packing Guidelines
PACKING GUIDELINES
In October, temperatures where we will be in Bhutan are likely to range from a maximum of 22°C (72°F) to a minimum of 4°C (39.2°F), at night in the mountains. The weather will generally be clear and sunny, and it’s thus advisable to bring sun protection in the form of a sunhat, sunscreen, and UVA and UVB-blocking sunglasses. Lightweight rain gear is also advisable.
Clothing should range from comfortable travel wear to hiking clothes to one or two dressier options. Your clothing should include loose-fitting yoga pants and tops and a Ngakpa meditation shawl (available for purchase in Bhutan). Yoga mats will be provided. Hiking clothes should include lightweight hiking shoes (heavy hiking boots aren’t necessary); hiking socks; hiking pants; two or more pullover and/or button-down shirts; a fleece or down vest; a fleece jacket; a lightweight rain jacket; and, optionally, a collapsible umbrella and folding Nordic walking poles. A down jacket isn’t necessary unless you are particularly sensitive to cold. Laundry service will be available throughout the trip, so it isn’t necessary to take too many changes of clothing.
Additional items to include in your packing include a small headlamp and/ or small flashlight; one or two water bottles (drinking water will be provided throughout the trip and a filtering device isn’t necessary); a small, lightweight towel; hand sanitizer; notebooks and pens; a laptop computer and/ or iPhone; power cords and voltage adapter. Standard voltage in Bhutan is 230 V and the frequency is 50 Hz. This is compatible with most computer related appliances, so you do not need to bring a converter if your devices are serviceable at the standard 100-240V, 50/60 Hz. You will, however, need a two-pin or three-pin adaptor (type G, D, or F) for your power cords. An international multi-plug may be the most versatile and convenient. Adapter plugs are also available for purchase in Bhutan. You may also want to bring a portable power bank to recharge your appliances when electricity isn’t available.
Please bring two or three small, three-digit combination locks for your luggage. A good day pack is essential for everyday use. Limit your checked luggage to 30 kilos (66 lbs) to avoid overweight charges on Druk Air and Bhutan Airlines.
We also recommend that you bring a spare iPhone, or Samsung equivalent, for use with a locally available Bhutanese SIM card. In addition to increased intragroup connectivity, a Bhutanese mobile number will provide you with a ‘hotspot’ for internet and WhatsApp access on your regular phone. An e-SIM is also an option. Please note that Wifi may not be available while we are in more remote areas, although Bhutan cell phone receptivity, and thus hotspot access, will be almost continuous.