THE PHYSICAL REALITY & CULTURE SHOCK
Aside from serious trekking travel in Bhutan is comfortable and at relatively low altitude.
Bhutan has preserved its traditional way of life which means that infrstructure is less developed than you may be used to - international phone and internet connections are possible, but not always readily available, the pace is slower and more relaxed.

ACCOMMODATION & TRANSPORT
In Bhutan all tourist accommodations and transport are government controlled.
All transport in Bhutan is by private vehicle of a good, comfortable standard.
All accommodations are on a twin share basis with private bathrooms - in remoter areas lodges are simpler, but always clean and comfortable.

RESPONSIBLE TRAVEL
Responsible or ‘low impact’ travel may be defined as “minimizing the negative impact on environments and cultures caused by tourist activity and enhancing the positive results of tourism”.
Traveling is as much about how you visit as where you visit. Tourism does impact on local communities and we strongly believe in a need to balance the welfare and conservation of all people and environments with the benefits sustainable tourisms offers to protect the people, cultures, environments and resources of the areas in which we work.

Bhutan is a unique and fragile land that should be visited with a high level of consciousness for the impact of those traveling through it.

Respect: This is the basis of every great travel experience, and its lack the cause of the bad ones. Showing respect for everyone around you, traveling companions and locals alike is essential. This applies to behavior, attitudes, religious beliefs, actions, concepts of personal space and cultural differences - many of which you may find alien or unpleasant.
Please ask people before taking their photograph and respect their refusal.

Religion: Buddhism is absolutely central and essential to the lives of all Bhutanese. In order to preserve the traditional lifestyle of the temples and dzongs the Bhutanese government limits entry to many inner parts of the monasteries. Offerings include incense, prayer flags, butter, kataks, repetitious mantras & the spinning of prayer wheels to invoke the gods.
* Don’t take photos inside monastery buildings - outside is OK unless there are signs prohibiting it; many monasteries charge a fee to take photos inside. Views on the appropriateness of this vary. If you decide to take photos please pay the advertised fee.
* There is no need to remove your shoes, but please do not cover your head inside buildings.
* Don’t turn your back on the Buddha.
* Only walk clockwise around the halls in temples.
* Always keep your voice low in and around the temple.
* Do not touch the monks.
* Always dress in long trousers and shirts covering the shoulders.

Appearance: It is highly offensive and inappropriate in Bhutan, especially in monasteries, for women to wear skimpy string tops. Not wearing a bra or wearing tight, body-hugging attire is also not acceptable. Men should always wear shirts and long pants (shorts below knee length are OK).

Environment: Bhutan is a pristine and unpolluted environment that should be preserved. There are problems though which need to be addressed - particularly litter and waste around the cities and towns. We can not change this, but can set an example, try not to add to the problem and help locals develop awareness that will benefit the future of the environment.