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BHUTAN VISA: Out Adventures will facilitate your Bhutan visa, however, it is your responsibility to have a passport that is valid for at least 6 months after the trip finishes. In order to process your visa we will require the following details no less than 90 days prior to departure: a clear copy of your passport, a scanned passport photo, and a copy of your travel insurance that meets our minimum requirements.
CULTURE SHOCK: Typically, Bhutanese people greet others with a slight bow and open hands to show respect. Handshaking is not common. Public displays of affection are rare by couples of any orientation in Bhutan, so travellers should be respectful and avoid them.
LOCAL LGBTQ+ SCENE: Bhutanese people consider homosexuality to be “non-Bhutanese.” There is no LGBTQ scene in Bhutan.
WEATHER: The ideal seasons to visit are spring (March to May) and fall (September to November). During these months, the weather is generally pleasant with clear skies, making it suitable for outdoor exploration, trekking, and visiting cultural sites. The average temperature is around 18C/64F during the day and may get as low as 7C/45F at night. We recommend being prepared for the possibility of rain by packing multiple layers including waterproof outerwear.
REQUIRED VACCINATIONS: Based on the entry requirements for Bhutan, there are no mandatory vaccinations. To determine if you should take preventative measures to reduce the risk of illness, consult with your doctor or a travel medical clinic. Out Adventures cannot provide vaccination recommendations.
ELECTRICITY: You will need an international travel plug/adapter for Type E, F, and G sockets. Visit the Bhutan page on Power Plugs and Sockets of the World for more info.
CONNECTIVITY: All of our hotels will have Wi-Fi access. If you require connectivity, we recommend purchasing an international data plan or local SIM card (with an unlocked device). Even with a SIM card or roaming plan, coverage may be weak.
Altitude sickness and oxygen deprivation may be felt while travelling to high altitudes. Symptoms include shortness of breath, headaches, general lethargy and a reduced appetite. It is important that you drink plenty of water, and don’t attempt too much in a day.
We’re dedicated to ensuring our tours are safe for everyone, but it is our belief that each traveller has a responsibility to protect themselves and their fellow travellers from COVID-19. As of May 1, 2023, Out Adventures no longer requires guests to provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination on most of our tours. Before booking, we recommend that you read our COVID-19 Information Page and our COVID-19 Frequently Asked Questions to understand what we’re doing to minimize risk, and what will happen if you contract COVID-19 before or during an Out Adventures tour.
Out Adventures is all about good times with like-minded folks. Whether we’re sitting around a campfire or indulging in five-star decadence, our goal is to make the experience magical. We also support the communities we visit by hiring local guides, staying at locally-owned accommodations whenever possible, and seeking out authentic local cuisine. It all adds up to a great way to immerse yourself in the culture.
All meals on this trip are included except for 1 lunch.
Terma Linca Resort and Spa
Babesa, Thimphu 00975, Bhutan
Phone: +975 2 351 490
Standard check-in time is between 2PM and 3PM. We are unable to arrange early check ins, however you are able to store your luggage and explore the central area near the hotel while you wait. If you would like a guaranteed early check-in, you will need to reserve a pre-tour night of accommodation.
Naksel Boutique Hotel & Spa
Ngoba Village, Lango Gewog, Paro, Bhutan
Phone: +975 8 272 992
Gratuities are included for hotel porters, drivers, and day guides but not for your local group leader. More details will be provided with your final trip documents.
The local currency is the Bhutanese ngultrum (BTN). We recommend carrying local currency, however credit cards are accepted at most restaurants and hotels.
NOTE: We recommend carrying approximately $400 USD to be used in case of an emergency, or if your credit/ATM cards are placed on hold. This should be in addition to any spending money.
Most Out Adventures entail carrying your own luggage on occasion. The following packing list is a guideline, not gospel. Out Adventures specialists are happy to answer any specific questions about how much or little to bring.
Travel Documents:
General Personal Items:
Shoes:
Bottoms:
Tops:
Health-related Items:
For everybody’s peace of mind, medical travel insurance is required on all Out Adventures tours. At a minimum, your travel insurance must include medical coverage of US$50,000 and emergency repatriation coverage of no less than US$200,000.
Click here for more details on our requirements and how to obtain coverage.
All Out Adventures are led by an LGBTQ+ (or LGBTQ+-welcoming) Out Adventures guide. Whenever possible, we hire destination locals. And we can also connect you with the right people if you’d like to delve deeper into the local culture.
Out Adventures are a great way to meet people from around the world and all walks of life. Bear in mind that everybody’s there for a good time, so mutual respect will go a long way. Please be on time for any meet ups, empathetic to the needs of others, and ready to roll with whatever the adventure brings.
Although we can’t tell you who your fellow travellers will be for privacy reasons, we can tell you many great friendships began with an Out Adventure. And just because we’re a gay tour operator doesn’t mean we’re exclusive: friends and family are always welcome to join the fun.
If you’ve never travelled on your own, it’s an amazing way to get to know yourself while making new friends along the way. We can arrange for you to share a room with people in your age range at no charge, or you can pay a supplement for your own room. If there’s an odd number of solos, we’ll rotate a single room on a random basis.
We love when groups of friends join us on an Out Adventure, whether you’re celebrating a major milestone, or you just love to travel together. However, since we have travellers that will be flying solo, or as a couple, we would love your help ensuring everybody feels welcome and has an epic time. Here are some ways you can give us a hand, while also getting to know and befriending your fellow travellers:
If you’d rather relish an exclusive escape with just your own party, we also offer private departures. This is a great way to create and manage your own holiday guest list, while possibly saving money as well. Please contact one of our Adventure Specialists if you’re interested in a customized quote.
This tour is rated 3-3.5/5. All guests must have a good level of health, and all tours involve uneven steps or stairs, and you will be required to carry your own luggage from time to time. Unfortunately, we are not able to accommodate individuals with limited mobility unless they are willing to absorb the cost of a private guide/assistant which varies by country and is only possible on a case by case basis. It is also your responsibility to advise Out Adventures of any pre-existing medical conditions that may increase the risk of you requiring medical attention, or that may affect the normal conduct of the tour and the enjoyment of the tour by other participants.
Below is a breakdown of our Physical Rating guide.
1 – Relaxing
2 – Light
3 – Average
4 – Demanding
5 – Challenging
The itinerary is correct at time of publishing. If anything, it will only improve with feedback from prior travellers and our own research. It’s best to reference your final trip documents, rather than our website, in case there have been any changes that affect your departure.
