Responsible Guidelines

Exotic Vacations Bhutan is one of the leading responsible travel companies in Bhutan. The company work towards in minimizing the harmful impacts on the local communities and their environment. Many of our tour are designed to offer opportunities to visit ancient historical sites, monasteries, temples, dzongs, museum, local village and homes, national parks and wildlife areas and many of the sites required to pay entrance fees that contributes to the maintenance and restoration of the unique places and conservation of local flora and animal species. Exotic Vacations Bhutan asks that travelers respect and adhere to the following guidelines when visiting areas with delicate natural environments, when interacting with wildlife, and while visiting historical sites and ruins.

Things to know before you travel

01. Learn a bit of the local language. Being able to say Hello, Hi, Thank You, will help connect better with local people.
02. It will be of great help, doing some research about Bhutan culture, religious perspective and local values. It will not only add up your knowledge but make your Bhutan trip more meaningful and lasting memories.
03. Be aware that both men and women traveling to Bhutan required dressing modestly in places like spiritual significance, like temple, monasteries and dzongs. If possible, bring along with you like long-sleeved shirts, long pants, skirts that reaches well below the knee. Shorts or half paints are not permitted while entering the dzongs, temples or monastery. Remember you may miss out some special places if you are without appropriate clothing.
04. Try to pack light. It reduces the amount of carbon emissions by reducing the weight of airplane and your land transportation vehicle. It will also help make your travel life more easier.
05. Cut out plastic, remove and recycle plastic package of new travel gear before you pack, and bring a light cotton or string bag for your shopping so you can politely refuse plastic bags at shops and markets.
06. Bring your own metal water bottle. Fill up at the restaurants or treat your own water on tour instead of buying pots of plastic bottles.
07. Please do not encourage begging by giving alms, candies, etc. If you wish you may leave small donations for genuine purposes at designated areas

Things to know while visiting historical sites

01. Follow the instruction of our guides regarding appropriate conducts
02. Respect signage
03. Please speak softly within the religious permises
04. Make sure to request permission before taking photographs of people, events and objects.
05. There are certain restriction inside the premises of temples, dzongs or monastery, where taking photographs is not permitted. You are only allowed to take photographs in the courtyard.
06. Please be aware that public displays of affection such as kissing and holding hands may be inappropriate in certain destinations, no matter what genders the couple is made up of 07. Do not attempt to purchase any religious antique.
08. Kindly note that before entering a dzong, monasteries, and temples, switch off your mobile phone or keep in silent or vibration mode.
09. Please do not point with single finger but use an upturned flat extended hand especially to indicate a sacred objects or place
10. Please refrain from touching any ritual objects or mural paintings
11. Please refrain from smoking or drinking alcohol while visiting religious places or objects like temples, monasteries, stupas, prayer flags etc.

Things to know while visiting pristine areas and interacting with wildlife

01. Always maintain a legal distance from animals, do not feed the animals, this can make the animal sick.
02. Do not touch the animal, it may transmit diseases to the animals and at the same time it may put you at risk of transmission.
03. Consider using a long-range lens for your camera while taking photograph of the wild animals
04. Do not be tempted to purchasing anything made of ivory, bones or skin.
05. Do not disturb vegetations or avoid damaging the pristine environment.
06. If you are smoker be extremely careful with cigarette butts as this is the cause of many an unintended forest fire.
07. While walking through the forest, munching a chocolate or a biscuit, put the wrapper in your pockets and get rid of it later.
08. While using streams or lakes for washing or cleaning utensils, avoid using strong detergent.
09. Do not uproot plants, trees or cut down the branches - seeking clearing and trying to create new trail or tracks.