Frequently Asked Questions

School kids in Laya

Q. How can I reach Jachung Tours & Treks?
Q. What is the Jachung difference?
Q. Do I have to be an athlete to do a trek?
Q. Do I have to carry my own luggage or gear?
Q. What kind of support can I expect along the way?
Q. Who travels with Jachung?
Q. What do I need to bring?
Q. Photography?
Q. Is there any shopping in Bhutan?
Q. Health info?
Q. Electricity?
Q. What is the Time difference?

 

Q. How can I reach Jachung Tours & Treks?
You can phone us, e-mail us, fax us, write us a letter or drop by for a cup of coffee. For all the details on how to get more information or share your thoughts, see Contact Us.

Q. What is the Jachung difference?
In a nutshell, it’s everything we do to make our trips unique, memorable and filled with experiences that meet and exceed our travellers’ high expectations. The Jachung difference is the best cultural and trekking routes in the country’s most incredible places. It's the smartest, most capable and genuinely interesting guides you'll find anywhere. It’s the best hotels in every region - and the best rooms in those hotels. It’s unique access to events and special places you’d find very difficult, if not impossible, to visit on your own.

Above all, the Jachung difference is the special touches - what's not written in the itinerary. We're a group of people who are passionate about travel and committed to delivering a once-in-a-lifetime experience. We provide unrivalled personal service, delivered by bright, innovative people who anticipate your every need. We foster creativity in the way we put our trips together, making savvy choices in order to build memorable travel experiences. That's what the Jachung difference is really all about - not just touring, but experiencing.

Q. Do I have to be an athlete to do a trek?
Not at all. Our treks are not athletic events. If you walk to stay fit, or if you like to swim, play golf or take aerobics classes, you shouldn't have any trouble doing our treks. We’re not distance walkers out to challenge your limits. We trek simply because we believe this is the best way to get a real taste of a region. Our treks span a whole range of activity levels. You choose the level that suits you, and then set your own pace.

Q. Do I have to carry my own luggage or gear?
No. On our treks, you never carry your own luggage. Everything you need during the day can fit into a small day pack or “fanny pack” that you can carry on the walks. All other luggage is transported by horses and mules. Your luggage will be waiting at the camp when you arrive at the end of the day.

Q. What kind of support can I expect along the way?
On all our trips, whether trekking or cultural touring, our guide will be with you at all times. On treks, depending on the size of the group, you will be accompanied by at least one guide and an all round “assistant” who will have a ready supply of water, tea and coffee and other goodies. On cultural tours, beside your guide, you will have at your disposal, the full time service of a car with a driver.

Q. Who travels with Jachung?
Jachung appeals to travelers from 18 to 82, both singles and couples, from all around the world. Although many of our walkers come from the United States a, we also attract travellers from Japan to Finland. Over the years, we have hosted diplomats, bankers, lawyers, doctors, students, retired people, etc. More than half of our clientele join us on their friends’ recommendations. We also handle special interest groups (botany, textile, etc).

Q. What do I need to bring?
Bhutan's changeable climate means you have to bring an assortment of clothes, including rain gear. A layered wardrobe probably makes the most sense. Good walking shoes or tennis shoes are essential even if you are not hiking. Because of the altitude, a hat or cap and a good pair of sunglasses are essential. Warm clothes are recommended for the evening. Because of the long distances between towns and villages bring the medicines you'll need along with some first-aid supplies. A good flashlight (torch), water bottle and polarizing filter for your camera will also come in very handy. We have also found the addition of a day pack or shoulder bag and a pair of walking poles to be very handy.

For trekking gear please contact us.

Q. Photography?
 Bhutan is very photogenic, so bring plenty of film. Films are readily available in Thimphu but if you are using slides, please bring enough as they are difficult to find in Thimphu.

Q. Is there any shopping in Bhutan?
The country’s beautiful postage stamps, exquisite hand woven fabrics, carved masks, woven baskets, wooden bowls, handmade papers, finely crafted metal objects, thangka paintings are the items mostly purchased by travelers in Bhutan. Buying and selling of antiques is strictly forbidden in the Kingdom. The bigger shops accept credit cards, while US dollars and Euros are accepted widely. The Bhutanese currency Ngultrum (Nu.) is pegged to the Indian Rupee.

Q. Health info?
No vaccinations are currently required for traveling to Bhutan. However if you are arriving from an area infected with yellow fever, you are required to have yellow fever vaccination and it shall be administered at least 10 days before your arrival into Bhutan. Also if arriving from Cholera infected area, the vaccination is strongly recommended. Anti-malarial medication is also recommended for all travelers who are visiting rural areas in the districts that border India.

The government provides free medical facilities. The biggest hospital is in Thimphu while other the towns have reasonably well equipped and staffed facilities.

Q. Electricity?
In Bhutan, electricity runs at 220 / 240 volts. If you do bring electrical appliances, do not forget an international converter kit complete with a set of adapter plugs.

Q. What is the Time difference?
Bhutan time is 6 hours ahead of GMT and there is only one time zone throughout the country.

> Back to top