DESTINATION GUIDE : BHUTAN : PREPARATION

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Nomad of the week
Wednesday, 03rd January
DESTINATION GUIDE : BHUTAN : PREPARATION

PHOTOGRAPHS BY ARIYA HAMA

What inspired you to go to Bhutan?
Recommendations from friends and photos they took while there. I remember when I was in my teenage years, a friend at boarding school told me about this country as her father was a UN officer there. She told me she hated going there during school holidays as there is nothing in Bhutan and she had to ride a donkey to get home. I thought it sounded amazing, and that one day I would love to visit.

How did you plan your trip?
A friend organized it. You have to do everything through a travel agent and there are strict laws for travel (a daily tariff, required tourist’s visa, visitors must spend a daily minimum and enter through specific cities, and all cell phones and cameras must be registered) which makes it an amazing trip, but necessitates a lot of research and preparation with your agent. I can't remember the name of the travel agent I used, but all the Bhutanese guides and drivers were polite, helpful and courteous. One guide in particular (his name was Tim) had an extensive knowledge, and it made a whole lot of difference to the trip.I also used Lonely Planet and accuweather.

What items should you never leave home without when traveling to Bhutan?
A very warm Shahtoosh scarf has saved me from cold on many occasions. Make sure they are the legal kind as the production has almost wiped out all the chiru… I think they are raised in farms nowadays, instead of being hunted (not sure). Comfortable walking shoes, a camera, a thermal flask to put warm masala tea or soup broth in, music and good quality headphones are also essential.

January 2013