It is always a good idea to pre-book your car rental, especially if you are traveling in the high seasons (October to December and March to May). The tourism sector in Bhutan may be quite packed at a certain moment, and it is very probable that the offer of rental vehicles, especially the drivers, becomes a real problem. A great number of tourists usually reserve the carrier in advance, thus they can sit down calmly and enjoy the stunning nature of Bhutan.
One of the key rules when driving a vehicle in Bhutan is to choose an accredited rental company. The first thing you should do is to select those companies that get a valid government license and obey all legal rules. A responsible company like Your Trip Planner will both keep the car in good shape and provide a qualified driver for you. Also, as for the insurance coverage, you will be surely protected accordingly. Consider checking out the one with good online reviews and recommendations from other travelers for the best choice.
The land of Bhutan is very different, the roads can be found from poor or good paved ones, from low to high mountains. The most important thing to consider is what kind of car you may need when you are going to different sites, since not all types will work. Feel free to explore remotest areas and count on a 4WD car to drive through the tough weather conditions. Request the car rental company to choose the car that best serves your travel itinerary.
Nearly all car rentals in Bhutan are provided with a driver who is not simply there to steer the vehicle but is actually a person who can take you to beautiful places and also introduce you to the country’s culture and past. A local driver provides the confidence that they can steer the vehicle safely, especially since certain roads in Bhutan can be quite challenging. On top of that, the local driver, being familiar with weather and road conditions as well as with customs, is a major component of your journey.
One of the main things you should think about when you are going to be involved with the crossroads of Bhutan is that you should always keep yourself from danger. Vehicle insurance is the number one measure of your safety and should not be ignored. Check carefully the conditions of the agreement to find out what is included in the bill, and have in mind what you should do in case of an emergency.
Bhutan allows tourists to drive themselves, but they have to follow the regulations set forth. Holidaymakers may rent a car to be able to drive themselves, yet they will be asked for a vehicle permit from the government along with green fee payment so as to preserve Bhutan’s nature. The green fee is a part of Bhutan’s sustainable tourism policy that makes sure tourism remains sustainable and never affects the resources. You must purchase (apply) this permit in advance by an authorised agent (travel agency).
Bhutan is no tourist spot for those who would prefer speed. The land of the thunder dragon’s altitude and capricious weather conditions make journey by road often the slowest and the distance at times illusory. Racing from one place to another may end up in missing out on charming sightseeing locations and you may just end up being worn out. Make sure that you arrange some time for travel and keep saying to yourself that the journey is as important as the goal.
While in Bhutan, it is true that most shops that are provided as businesses, in the towns of Thimphu and Paro, are generally accepting credit cards but the rural shops and remote areas far from the shops out there are strict, mostly where it is cash only. Ensure that you are carrying enough Bhutanese Ngultrum (BTN) or Indian Rupees (INR) for your own use. In major towns, there are ATM’s that you can use to withdraw money, but in the country terrains, cash will be the only mode of cash.
The weather in Bhutan will be quickly influenced, and especially the higher altitudes. Expect snow and ice during the winter months (December to February) and heavy rain in the monsoon season (June to September). If you’re renting a car, make sure your vehicle is appropriate for such conditions, (e.g., a four-wheel-drive for snowy roads) and always check the weather forecast before you hit the road.
Bhutan is very much concerned with road safety. In this country all passengers are obliged to fasten seat belts, whereas it is also very important to comply with the traffic rules. The traffic in Bhutan is in general pretty light; however, roads should still be treated with special care, particularly, in the parts located far away from populated areas where there is a high risk of animals’ crossing the road. No phones can be used while driving unless there is a hands-free system in place, therefore full focus should be on driving the vehicle.
Tip is appreciated if you rent a car with a driver, and is not obligatory. Nonetheless, considering that your driver will be your tour guide for the most part, showing your gratitude with tipping would be a nice gesture.
