Thimphu Safety Guide
Health, security, and travel safety information
Emergency Numbers
Save these numbers before your trip.
Healthcare
What to know about medical care in Thimphu.
Healthcare System
Bhutan provides free healthcare to its citizens, and tourists can access public healthcare facilities, though services may be basic. The Jigme Dorji Wangchuck National Referral Hospital in Thimphu is the country's largest and most advanced medical facility, but capabilities are limited compared to Western hospitals. Private clinics are available for minor ailments.
Hospitals
Jigme Dorji Wangchuck National Referral Hospital is the primary facility for tourists. Several private clinics in Thimphu offer consultations for minor issues. Your tour operator can arrange medical appointments and translation if needed. Wait times can be long at public facilities.
Pharmacies
Pharmacies are available in Thimphu, but selection is limited. Common medications like pain relievers, antibiotics, and cold medicine are available, but specialized medications may not be. Bring sufficient prescription medications for your entire trip, plus extras. Some pharmacies are located near the hospital and in the city center.
Healthcare Tips
- Bring a complete first-aid kit and all prescription medications in original packaging with doctor's letters
- Acclimatize properly to Thimphu's 2,320m altitude before engaging in strenuous activities
- Download offline medical information and your insurance policy details
- Register your insurance details with your tour operator upon arrival
- Consider bringing altitude sickness medication (Diamox) after consulting your doctor
- Water is generally safe to drink in Thimphu, but bottled water is widely available for sensitive stomachs
Common Risks
Be aware of these potential issues.
Thimphu sits at 2,320 meters (7,610 feet), which can cause altitude sickness symptoms including headaches, nausea, fatigue, and shortness of breath, especially for those arriving directly from low-altitude areas.
Petty theft is rare in Thimphu due to strong cultural values and low crime rates. However, opportunistic theft can occasionally occur in crowded areas or from unattended hotel rooms.
Roads in and around Thimphu can be narrow, winding, and poorly maintained. Drivers may not always follow traffic rules, and roads can be dangerous during monsoon season or winter. Pedestrian infrastructure is limited.
Thimphu has a population of stray dogs that roam freely, especially at night. While generally not aggressive, they can bark loudly, travel in packs, and occasionally bite if provoked or if protecting territory.
During monsoon season (June-September), landslides can block roads, cause delays, and pose safety risks. Flash floods can also occur in valleys.
Bhutan has strict laws protecting cultural heritage and religious sites. Unintentional offenses can result in fines, deportation, or arrest. This includes disrespecting Buddhism, improper dress at religious sites, or damaging cultural property.
Scams to Avoid
Watch out for these common tourist scams.
Since all tourism in Bhutan must go through licensed operators, there are no street scams or touts. However, some travelers may encounter unlicensed operators online offering discounted packages that don't meet government requirements.
Some shops may sell mass-produced items from neighboring countries as authentic Bhutanese handicrafts at inflated prices, particularly textiles, thangkas (religious paintings), and wooden crafts.
While rare, some shops or services not included in your tour package may attempt to overcharge foreign visitors, particularly at some bars, nightclubs, or independent restaurants.
Safety Tips
Practical advice to stay safe.
General Safety
- Keep your passport and important documents in hotel safes; carry photocopies when out
- Share your itinerary with family/friends and check in regularly (internet can be unreliable)
- Stay with your licensed tour guide and follow their advice - they are required by law to accompany you
- Respect the tobacco ban - smoking in public and importing tobacco (without paying 200% duty) is illegal
- Be aware that plastic bags are banned in Bhutan; bring reusable bags
- Download offline maps as internet connectivity can be spotty outside main areas
Cultural Safety
- Dress modestly throughout Thimphu, especially at religious sites (shoulders and knees covered)
- Always walk clockwise around religious monuments and stupas
- Remove shoes and hats before entering temples and dzongs
- Ask permission before photographing people, monks, or inside religious buildings
- Do not point your feet at Buddha statues or religious objects
- Avoid public displays of affection, which are considered inappropriate
- Do not touch anyone's head, which is considered sacred in Buddhist culture
Health and Altitude
- Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated at altitude (3-4 liters per day)
- Avoid alcohol and heavy meals for the first 24-48 hours
- Ascend gradually and include rest days in your itinerary
- Recognize altitude sickness symptoms: headache, nausea, dizziness, fatigue
- Bring hand sanitizer and use it frequently, especially before meals
- Consider bringing water purification tablets as backup
- Wash hands thoroughly and choose freshly cooked foods to avoid stomach issues
Money and Valuables
- ATMs are available in Thimphu but can be unreliable; carry sufficient cash
- Notify your bank of travel plans to Bhutan to avoid card blocks
- US dollars and euros can be exchanged at banks and some hotels
- Credit cards are accepted at limited establishments in Thimphu
- Keep emergency cash separate from your main wallet
- Most expenses are covered in your tour package, reducing the need for large amounts of cash
Communication
- Purchase a local SIM card (B-Mobile or TashiCell) for reliable communication
- Internet can be slow and unreliable; download important information offline
- Learn a few basic Dzongkha phrases, though English is widely spoken in Thimphu
- Keep your tour operator's contact information easily accessible
- WhatsApp works well for international communication when WiFi is available
- Inform your guide immediately of any problems or concerns
Photography
- Photography is prohibited inside most temples and dzongs
- Always ask permission before photographing people, especially monks and children
- Do not photograph military installations, airports, or government buildings
- Respect 'no photography' signs at all locations
- Be sensitive when photographing religious ceremonies
- Your guide can advise on appropriate photography etiquette at specific sites
Information for Specific Travelers
Safety considerations for different traveler groups.
Women Travelers
Thimphu and Bhutan generally are very safe for women travelers, including solo female travelers. Bhutanese culture is respectful, and harassment is rare. Women hold prominent positions in Bhutanese society, and female travelers are treated with respect. The regulated tourism system, where you'll be accompanied by a licensed guide, provides an additional layer of security. Violent crime against tourists, including women, is extremely rare.
- Dress modestly to respect local culture and avoid unwanted attention (cover shoulders and knees, especially at religious sites)
- While solo exploration in Thimphu is generally safe during daytime, inform your guide or hotel of your plans
- Avoid walking alone in poorly lit areas after dark; stray dogs can be more intimidating at night
- Your tour guide (who may be male or female) will accompany you to most sites, providing natural security
- Bhutanese men are generally respectful; persistent harassment is uncommon but report any issues to your guide immediately
- Stay in reputable hotels arranged through your tour operator
- Trust your instincts and maintain normal travel precautions
- Female hygiene products are available in Thimphu but selection may be limited; bring preferred brands
- Solo female travelers should feel comfortable dining alone at restaurants in Thimphu
- Join your guide's recommendations for evening activities rather than exploring nightlife alone
LGBTQ+ Travelers
Homosexuality was decriminalized in Bhutan in 2021, making it legal. However, there are no specific anti-discrimination laws protecting LGBTQ+ individuals, and same-sex marriage is not recognized.
- Exercise discretion with public displays of affection, as this applies to all couples in Bhutanese culture
- Book accommodation through your tour operator; request double beds discreetly if needed
- Bhutan's tourism structure means you'll interact primarily with your guide and hotel staff, who are generally professional
- There is no visible LGBTQ+ scene or community spaces in Thimphu
- Consider discussing your situation with your tour operator in advance to ensure comfortable arrangements
- Focus on Bhutan's cultural and natural attractions; it is not a destination known for LGBTQ+ nightlife or events
- Discrimination or harassment is unlikely, but social acceptance should not be expected
- International LGBTQ+ travel forums may have limited information specific to Bhutan due to the regulated tourism system
Travel Insurance
Comprehensive travel insurance is absolutely mandatory for visiting Bhutan and must be verified before your visa is approved. This is not optional. The high altitude, remote location, limited medical facilities, and potential need for emergency evacuation make insurance critical. Medical evacuation to India, Thailand, or Singapore can cost $50,000-100,000 USD or more. Trip cancellations due to weather, political situations, or personal emergencies are also possible.
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