What not to wear in Bhutan? Dressing Tips for Visiting Bhutan

Having a rich cultural experience is one of the highlights of visiting Bhutan. You are welcome at monasteries, religious sites, and during important festivals, and learning how to dress appropriately will help you show proper respect for local customs. Find everything you need to know about what to wear and what not to wear when visiting Bhutan. This guide will ensure you’re safe and comfortable while trekking and dressed appropriately for all occasions. Here are all the best dressing tips for visiting Bhutan.

#1 Dress Taboo in Bhutan: Avoid Revealing Clothes for Religious Sites

Religious sites in Bhutan such as dzongs and temples have dress codes, and if you’re wearing the wrong type of clothing, you could be refused entry. Revealing clothes are taboo in Bhutan, and disrespectful to local beliefs.

Revealing clothes include halter and spaghetti-strap tops, shorts for both men and women and short skirts. Shorts-sleeved shirts are not allowed at religious sites, so make sure your arms are covered. Shirts should also not have a low collar. Skirts can be okay, but they should extend down to your ankles. Even long clothing should not be too tight-fitting, as this also does not conform to expectations of modesty.

#2 Dress Taboo in Bhutan: Avoid Inappropriate Footwear

You’ll be doing a lot of walking in Bhutan, whether you’re trekking or not, so make sure to have comfortable footwear. Strong hiking boots are essential for any trek in Bhutan, as the ground can be rough and rocky in many places across the kingdom.

Hiking boots should lace up over the ankle for better support on rough ground and have deep treads for grip on slippery and smooth surfaces or on slopes. The boots should also be waterproof to keep your feet warm and dry. Even in the cities, you can encounter some rough or uneven surfaces when walking.

Slippers and flip-flops are not allowed when visiting monasteries in Bhutan. When entering a monastery, you will be required to remove your shoes, and walking barefoot is not permitted, so wear socks that cover the whole foot. Better to have black or dark socks so that the dirt from the floors does not show so easily while you are touring.

More Dressing Tips for Visiting Monasteries in Bhutan

Monasteries in Bhutan have strict dress codes for visitors, and dressing modestly is essential. For men and women, shoulders and legs need to be covered with long shirts, pants, or skirts. It’s best to choose loose and comfortable clothes, to make sure nothing is too tight.

Hats, sunglasses, caps, and headscarves are considered to be disrespectful to the deities in Bhutan since it is widely believed that the deity will bless you through the top of the head. Remove any headgear and sunglasses before entering the Dzong or Lhakhang.

If you’re not sure what’s appropriate, check with your guide before visiting any monasteries. People in Bhutan dress modestly overall, so seeing how other people dress can also be a good guide.

More Dressing Tips for Trekking in Bhutan

Ideally, trekking pants and shirts are the best option for those who are planning a trek in Bhutan, no matter what time of year it is. Lightweight clothing is the best option for hiking, and light pants and shirts are much better than heavy, thick clothing.

While trekking in Bhutan, dress in layers when it gets colder so that you can remove layers from the top as it gets warmer and better regulate your internal temperature. And avoid cotton in the inner layers, as this is where the body traps moisture to help insulate you from the cold. The top layer should also be waterproof, windproof, and easily removable for changing or adding/removing layers.

Heavy clothing is not a wise choice when trekking in Bhutan, as it will wear you down with the excess weight. Avoid things like heavy jackets and denim pants (jeans), as these can be too heavy when you’re trekking for several hours each day. They also do not dry very fast, so they can get heavier as they absorb sweat or if there’s rain.

While cotton is more comfortable than heavier fabrics, it’s also not a great choice for trekking. Cotton does not dry as fast as fabrics such as nylon or Lycra, and trekking in wet clothing is uncomfortable.

More Dressing Tips for Visiting Bhutan in Different Seasons

What to wear when visiting Bhutan in spring?

Spring starts off cold and slowly warms. In the colder weather, bring warmer clothing, similar to winter wear. Even if you visit Bhutan in April or early May, bring some warm sweaters for the evenings, which can still be chilly. A good warm fleece or down jacket will keep you comfortable as the sun goes down and temperatures drop.

What to wear when visiting Bhutan in summer?

Summer in Bhutan is nice and warm, but it is also the time of the monsoon rains. While you can get away with lighter clothing and fewer layers, you should have good wet-weather gear to keep you dry in the rainy season. Waterproof hats, jackets, and pants can be very useful, and bring an umbrella for those times when it is just a light shower.

What to wear when visiting Bhutan in autumn?

Similar to spring, autumn weather varies with the months. Autumn starts out warm, but the further you get from summer, the colder it gets. Bring raincoats in September, as there can still be a few last remaining showers hanging around. By the latter part of the season, in November, you will need warmer clothing for the colder weather. Nighttime temperatures can drop significantly, so bring a thick fleece or down jacket with you.

What to wear when visiting Bhutan in winter?

Generally, winter in Bhutan can be chilly but comfortable in the daytime and cold at night. Nights can drop to below freezing in several places around the major tourist areas, so be prepared for true winter weather. Bring layers of clothes, including long underwear, and a good fleece or down jacket to keep out the worst of the cold. Warm hats and gloves are essential and can help to keep your body temperature up. Don’t forget some good thick socks to wear inside your warm hiking boots, even if you are not hiking.

Try Bhutanese Traditional Dress When Visiting Bhutan!

Bhutan’s traditional dress is a reflection of the country’s rich culture and history. It is worn not only during festivals in Bhutan, but also daily attire by Bhutanese people.

You will often see men wearing the gho, a traditional robe. It’s made from wool or cotton in vibrant patterns and colors. The gho is tied with a woven fabric belt called a kera, and the ensemble is accented with a kabney scraft draped over the left shoulder. The kabney is mandatory during formal occasions and can indicate the wearer’s social status.

Women in Bhutan traditionally wear the kira, a long, ankle-length dress. It is made from beautiful fabrics and wraps around the body. Beneath the kira, women wear a long-sleeved blouse called a wonju. It’s a comfortable base layer and is made of colors and patterns to complement the kira. On top, a toego traditional jacket is worn. These often feature intricate embroidery and allow for individual expression. Women’s scarves are called rachu and also worm during formal events and ceremonies.

While visiting Bhutan, you can try the traditional Bhutanese outfit, particularly during cultural events or when visiting religious sites. People in Bhutan are very happy to share their culture with visitors. You can find services that offer traditional costume experiences for visitors. Rent or buy traditional clothing, and take part in some of the great Bhutan festivals and cultural events around the country.

Conclusion

Traditional clothing is an important part of Bhutanese culture, and learning what to and not to wear during your Bhutan tour will help you have an immersive cultural experience in the Buddhist kingdom. You’ll see all the local people in traditional attire every day and are welcome to take part in donning the national dress and joining in local festivals. It’s not required, though, and as long as you dress modestly, you’ll be welcome at temples and monasteries all over the country.