Bhutan Packing List 2026: What You Really Need (Checklist)
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A thoughtful packing list makes the difference between a relaxed and stressful Bhutan trip. Elevations ranging from 2,000 to 3,500 meters, dress codes for temple visits, and changeable mountain weather require careful consideration. This checklist is based on our years of experience and is organized by travel type and season – so you pack exactly what you really need.
The Key Packing Principles
Base Packing List: Cultural Trip
This base packing list is designed for a classic cultural trip through western and central Bhutan. It covers stays in Paro, Thimphu, Punakha, and similar regions where you'll be at elevations between 1,500 and 3,500 meters. For multi-day trekking tours, find an additional equipment list below.
Clothing
| Item | Quantity | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Long pants | 2–3 pairs | Mandatory for temple visits, comfortable and easy care |
| Long skirts (women) | 1–2 pairs | Alternative to pants, must be at least knee-length |
| Long-sleeved tops | 3–4 pieces | Shoulders must be covered for temple visits |
| Short-sleeved collared shirts | 2 pieces | Acceptable in Dzongs, neat appearance important |
| Pullover or fleece jacket | 1–2 pieces | For cool evenings and air-conditioned spaces |
| Warm jacket | 1 piece | Temperatures can drop significantly in afternoon |
| Rain jacket | 1 piece | Waterproof, useful even outside monsoon season |
| Underwear | 7+ pieces | Alternatively: laundry service available in most hotels |
| Socks | 7+ pairs | Including warm socks for cold nights |
| Comfortable shoes | 1 pair | Well-broken-in, for daytime activities and light hiking |
| Temple shoes | 1 pair | Easy to remove, e.g., sandals or slip-ons |
Clothing for Temples and Dzongs
Detailed information about dress codes and respectful behavior in Bhutan can be found on our separate page about clothing and etiquette.
More about clothing and etiquette in Bhutan
Equipment and Accessories
| Item | Priority | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Day backpack (20–30 L) | Essential | For hikes and excursions, comfortable straps |
| Sun hat or cap | Essential | Intense UV radiation at altitude |
| Sunglasses | Essential | With UV-400 protection, category 3 or higher |
| Sunscreen (SPF 30+) | Essential | Altitude-suitable, water-resistant recommended |
| Lip balm with SPF | Important | Lips dry quickly in dry mountain air |
| Headlamp/flashlight | Useful | Power outages possible, also for early temple visits |
| Travel adapter | Essential | Type D/G (like India/UK) – universal adapter recommended |
| Power bank | Important | For smartphone and camera, at least 10,000 mAh |
| Earplugs | Useful | Dog barking can be disturbing at night |
| Reusable water bottle | Important | Bhutan has a plastic ban – avoid single-use bottles |
Toiletries
| Item | Note |
|---|---|
| Biodegradable soap | Environmentally conscious – aligns with Bhutan's sustainability philosophy |
| Detergent (tube) | For hand washing on the go |
| Small towel | Quick-drying, for travel |
| Wet wipes | Practical for travel when no water is available |
| Hand sanitizer | For hygiene before eating while traveling |
Documents and Finances
| Document | Note |
|---|---|
| Passport | Valid for at least 6 months beyond trip end date |
| Passport copy | Keep separate from original, also store digitally |
| Visa confirmation | Print Visa Clearance Letter and bring it |
| Travel insurance proof | With repatriation clause, note contact numbers |
| Credit card(s) | Visa/Mastercard accepted in larger hotels |
| Cash (EUR/USD) | 50-denomination or smaller, for exchange to Ngultrum |
| Passport photos | 2–3 spares for unforeseen situations |
Everything about visa applications
Additional Packing List: Trekking
If you're planning a multi-day trek like the Druk Path Trek or Jomolhari Trek, you'll need additional equipment. This list complements the base packing list above. Note: Many trekking operators provide tents, cooking equipment, and sometimes sleeping bags – clarify beforehand what's included in the package and what you need to bring yourself.
Trekking Clothing
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Hiking boots | Ankle-high, waterproof, must be broken in! |
| Trekking pants | 2 pairs, quick-drying, zip-off option ideal |
| Functional underwear | Merino or synthetic – no cotton |
| Fleece mid-layer | Warm and lightweight, quick-drying |
| Windproof jacket | For pass crossings and windy heights |
| Gore-Tex rain jacket | High-quality and breathable |
| Gore-Tex rain pants | Optional, but recommended for longer treks |
| Gaiters | For wet terrain and snow patches |
| Trekking socks | 4–5 pairs, no cotton – prevent blisters |
| Warm hat | For cold nights and elevations above 4,000 m |
| Gloves | Lightweight and windproof |
| Buff/neck cloth | Versatile: sun protection, warmth, dust filter |
Trekking Equipment
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Trekking backpack (40–60 L) | For personal gear if porters carry the bulk |
| Day backpack (20–30 L) | For personal items during daily stages |
| Telescopic trekking poles | Highly recommended – protect knees on descents |
| Sleeping bag | Depending on tour – often provided by operator, check beforehand |
| Sleeping pad | Depending on tour – often provided, comfort varies by model |
| Water hydration bladder or bottles | At least 2-liter capacity |
| Water purification tablets | As additional safety |
| Zip-lock bags | Protection from moisture for electronics and documents |
Medicine and First Aid Kit
A well-stocked first aid kit is especially important in Bhutan. Pharmacies are poorly equipped and Western medications are often unavailable. Bring all needed medications from your home country – especially personal medications in sufficient quantity for your entire stay plus a one-week reserve.
Basic First Aid Kit
| Medication | Use |
|---|---|
| Personal medications | Sufficient supply for entire trip plus 1 week reserve |
| Pain relief (ibuprofen/paracetamol) | Headaches, including altitude-related |
| Anti-diarrheal (loperamide) | For stomach upset |
| Electrolytes | For dehydration and diarrhea |
| Altitude medication (Diamox/acetazolamide) | Altitude sickness prevention – discuss with doctor first |
| Blister plasters and blister pads | For hiking injuries – Compeed highly recommended |
| Disinfectant | Wound care |
| Broad-spectrum antibiotic | Only with doctor's prescription, for emergencies |
| Insect repellent (DEET) | Especially in lower elevations |
| Antihistamines | For allergies, particularly relevant in spring |
| Eye drops | For dryness from altitude air |
Additional for Trekking
| Medication | Use |
|---|---|
| Diamox (acetazolamide) | Altitude sickness prevention above 3,000 m – prescription required |
| Blister pads (Compeed) | Ample supply – most common trekking complaint |
| Bandaging supplies | Sterile compresses, elastic bandages |
| Sports tape | Support and blister prevention |
Detailed health information and vaccination recommendations
Tech and Photography
Bhutan offers spectacular photo opportunities – from snow-capped Himalayan peaks to traditional Dzongs to colorful festivals. Note that cold significantly reduces battery capacity, so bring plenty of spare batteries. Important: Drones are strictly prohibited in Bhutan.
| Item | Note |
|---|---|
| Camera | According to personal preference – smartphones also take good photos |
| Spare batteries | Cold reduces capacity by up to 50% – bring at least 2 spares |
| Memory cards | Sufficient capacity, at least 64 GB, ideally multiple |
| Chargers | For all devices, don't forget universal adapter |
| Smartphone | With offline maps (download maps.me or Google Maps) |
| E-reader | Space-saving for reading on longer drives |
Photography Rules in Temples and Dzongs
Seasonal Adjustments
Depending on when you travel, you'll need additional or different equipment. Adjust your packing list according to the following recommendations.
Detailed guide to the best time to visit
Spring (March – May)
| Item | Reason |
|---|---|
| Good rain protection | Occasional showers, especially in April and May |
| Lightweight layers | Warm days (20–25°C), but cool nights (5–10°C) |
| Antihistamines | Rhododendron bloom can trigger allergies |
Autumn (September – November)
| Item | Reason |
|---|---|
| Warm mid-layer | From October it gets noticeably cooler |
| Hat and gloves | For cold nights and early mornings |
| Good sunscreen | Clear air means strong UV radiation |
Winter (December – February)
| Item | Reason |
|---|---|
| Down or down-filled jacket | Temperatures drop below freezing at night |
| Thermal underwear | Essential for cold nights and poorly heated rooms |
| Multiple pairs of warm socks | Keeping feet warm is important |
| Intensive lip care | Dry, cold air stresses lips significantly |
What You Can Buy in Bhutan
You don't need to bring everything from home. Some things are readily available in Bhutan. For specific equipment and medications, however, you should play it safe and bring them yourself.
| Item | Availability | Where |
|---|---|---|
| SIM cards | Good | Paro Airport, Thimphu (TashiCell, B-Mobile) |
| Basic clothing | Good | Thimphu has stores with simple clothing |
| Souvenirs | Excellent | Everywhere in tourist areas |
| Sunscreen | Limited | Only in larger cities, selection restricted |
| Medications | Limited | Unreliable – definitely bring your own |
| Outdoor equipment | Poor | Better to bring high-quality equipment |
Practical Packing Tips
Save space
- Vacuum bags for clothing – reduces volume by up to 50%
- Roll instead of fold – less wrinkles and more space
- Choose multi-functional clothing – one piece for multiple purposes
Recommended luggage by trip type
| Trip Type | Recommended Luggage |
|---|---|
| Cultural trip | Suitcase or travel bag + day backpack |
| Trekking | Trekking backpack (40–60 L) + day backpack |
| Combined (culture + trek) | Soft travel bag + trekking backpack |
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need special clothing for Bhutan?
For temple and Dzong visits you need modest clothing – long pants or skirts and tops that cover the shoulders. Otherwise normal, neat casual clothing is completely sufficient. For trekking we recommend high-quality functional clothing made from breathable materials.
What electrical outlet adapter do I need for Bhutan?
Bhutan uses Type D and G outlets, similar to India and Great Britain. A universal travel adapter is the best solution and works reliably in all hotels.
Can I buy medications in Bhutan?
Medication availability in Bhutan is limited. Pharmacies stock only basic medications and don't meet European standards. Bring all needed medications in sufficient quantity from your home country – especially prescription medications.
Can I bring my drone to Bhutan?
No, drones are strictly prohibited in Bhutan. At entry, drones can be confiscated. There are no exceptions for tourists. Definitely leave your drone at home.
How cold does it get in Bhutan at night?
Temperatures vary greatly depending on elevation and season. In Paro and Thimphu (2,200–2,400 m) it can cool to 5–10°C at night even in spring and autumn. In winter temperatures drop below freezing. Always pack warm layers.
Do I need to bring my own sleeping bag?
Not for regular cultural trips. For trekking tours many operators provide sleeping bags. Clarify this beforehand with your provider. If you have high comfort standards or are sensitive to cold, bringing your own sleeping bag may be worthwhile.
How much cash should I bring?
Credit cards are accepted in larger hotels and restaurants. For smaller purchases, tips, and souvenirs we recommend bringing about 50–100 EUR per week in cash. EUR or USD can be exchanged for Ngultrum locally – smaller denominations (50 or less) are more practical.
More Helpful Information
With this packing list you're well prepared for your Bhutan trip. These related topics will help with your planning:
Best Time to Visit
When is the ideal time for your Bhutan trip? Climate, temperatures, and festival dates.
Trekking in Bhutan
All treks at a glance: From day hikes to the legendary Snowman Trek.
Clothing and Etiquette
How to dress appropriately and behave respectfully in Bhutan.
Ready for Your Bhutan Trip?
We help you plan and answer all questions about equipment and preparation.