Travel Vaccinations for Bhutan

Advice for Travellers to all Destinations

The Vaccinations and Medications that are needed for travel vary from person-to-person. Everyone should have a personal risk assessment with a travel health professional to take into account a range of factors such as itinerary, medical condition, occupational and lifestyle risk factors and previous vaccination history.

Further Travel Health Advice for Bhutan

Malaria
There is low- to no risk of malaria in Bhutan, chemoprophylaxis is not advised.

Dengue Fever
Dengue fever precautions should be taken for travel to Bhutan. Dengue fever is caused by mosquito bites from a specific mosquito, which seems to be most active during daylight. There is no medical protection against dengue fever. What you can do is try to avoid mosquito bites and use mosquito repellent. Our travel nurse will be able to advise you.

Altitude Sickness
Bhutan is in the Himalayas so some parts of the country are situated higher than 2500m. As such, altitude sickness may present a problem. You can obtain altitude sickness medication and practice appropriate acclimatisation and gradual ascents to counter altitude sickness. Don’t forget, it’s not just your climbing altitude but your sleeping altitude as well that must be considered. Our travel nurse will be able to discuss these with you.

Heat and Humidity
There are four distinct seasons in Bhutan but it is also fair to say that due to the ups and downs in elevation, weather is variable from even one small area to the next. Check the weather for the period you are travelling, as you will need to pack adequately and take reasonable precautions for the climate here.

Water Safe
Tap water in Bhutan is not considered safe for foreigners to drink so drink bottled water or boiled water and always check the water that food has been washed in. As an extra precaution, take some water purifying tablets with you or some kind of water purification system.

Food and Drink
Bhutan is not the worlds most exciting place for food. Choices are quite limited and you’ll be hard pressed to find fine dining establishments. Rice is common and served regularly. You will find a decent cup of tea here though bit don’t hold out for a soy latte or even a cappuccino. It’s not likely.

Animals and Insects
Lots of different infections can be spread through insect bites, including Malaria and Dengue Fever, which is spread by mosquitoes. Symptoms can include fever, headache and severe joint, bone and muscular pain. Advice for these infections listed above. Bhutan also has a lot of dogs in the streets, so be aware.

Health Insurance
Make sure you have health insurance in place that will cover the full range of activities you plan to undertake while in Bhutan.

Personal Safety
Bhutan is relatively safe for travellers, but that said, please take sensible precautions. If you’re in the mountains, watch out for bears and make sure you pack a first aid kit. Be respectful of statues, stupas, mani stones and the monarchy in Bhutan. Remember don’t sit on mani stones, statues or stupas, keep them on your right when passing and turn always prayer wheels clockwise.