Known for its ethereal beauty and unique culture Bhutan is a Himalayan country receiving numbers of tourists from across the world. However, this country has its own rules and regulations relating to moral conduct, like drinking alcohol being mandated for everyone. When travelling to Bhutan, keeping these things in mind will help you explore the places without the worry of breaching them.
Plan your trip from a local Bhutan travel agency for a holistic travelling experience. However, drinking alcohol is not completely prohibited in Bhutan; they have their own traditional drinks loved by the tourists. But drinking alcohol on certain days and places is strictly prohibited followed by the traditional dress code. By understanding the country’s priorities, you can travel without hurting their faith and getting into trouble.
Let’s Explore the Drinks in Bhutan
Every tourist visiting Bhutan immerses in the unique tradition and culture of the country. Bhutanese people prepare their delicacies from locally produced items. They also prepare their traditional drinks with local products such as buckwheat, rice and barley. Serving alcohol or traditional drinks is also a sign of honour, respect and hospitality.
You may be offered with a welcome drink and farewell drink in Bhutan. Drinking is allowed in Bhutan, but it follows the laws of restricting alcohol consumption in religious places. However, in other places you can experience the authentic taste of Bhutan’s traditional drinks, such as :
● Suja or Butter Tea: Unlike milk or sweetened tea, this savoury tea is one of the most popular drinks of Bhutan. It’s a go-to drink of the country, made with butter, giving it a creamy texture. Suja tea is served as a welcome drink to the guests on special occasions like the Losar Festival (New Year), weddings or other religious events. It keeps you warm in the cold weather of Bhutan.
● Ara: This is the national drink of Bhutan, which contains alcohol. This beverage is prepared by fermenting the grains. The liquid produced from the fermentation process is used to make Ara, which is usually creamy, clear and white in colour. Ara tea is served at special celebratory events, and it is a staple at archery tournaments, as the alcohol improves the archer’s aim. Ara tea can be enjoyed with an egg that is cooked with butter.
● Chang: This is another traditional drink in Bhutan, similar to Ara but consumed as a local beer. This is a low-alcohol drink prepared from home-brewed grains, and it is milky white and cloudy with a gritty texture, often described as a combined flavour of sweet and tart. This drink can be prepared by fermenting rice, which is creamier and whiter compared to that prepared from fermenting barley.
● Ngaja Tea or Milk Tea: Unlike butter tea, Ngaja tea is a sweet drink like Indian tea made with milk, black tea and sugar. This offers a comforting taste and is often enjoyed with puffed rice or zaw or pounded corn, and is a staple in Bhutanese hospitality and refreshment. This is a sweet, creamy and comforting drink you can savour in Bhutan to keep yourself warm.
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● Bhutanese Beer: As Bhutanese people brew their own beer, you can explore various local breweries such as Namgay Artisanal Brewery or Bumthang Brewery. In these breweries, a diverse range of beers is produced, catering to different palettes and ensuring a satisfying experience with quality and innovation. Some popular local beers include Druk 11000, Druk Premium Lager, Druk Supreme, Thunder 15000 Strong and Red Panda Weiss Bear. These drinks are served with various Bhutanese delicacies like yak cheese, spicy ema datsy, spicy curries and chilled meats, offering various range of tastes and alcohol quantities.
● Bhutanese Wine: There are various types of wines in Bhutan that you can try. It is a fun fact that a US-based wine company has collaborated with the Bhutanese to build their first fine-wine vineyard in Bhutan which is known as Yusipang Vineyard. Some Bhutanese wines include Takin Red Wine, Aroya Wines, which is a fruit wine made of peach, plum and apple, Zumzin Peach Wine, which is a peach-based wine widely available in Bhutan, Vintria Shiraz Dry Wine and Homemade fruit wines used in rural villages, occasionally served during festivals or local dinners.
Here are the things you should consider about drinking in Bhutan
Indeed, alcoholic drinks hold a special significance in Bhutanese culture as a part of their hospitality and celebration. But they follow strict rules on selling and consuming alcohol on special days, such as Tuesday, and at religious sites like monasteries. If you are travelling to Bhutan, you should be mindful of the following things about drinking alcohol :
● Dry Tuesday: Bhutanese people love to drink, and there are several bars in Bhutan serving various kinds of beers and wines. But Tuesdays in Bhutan are observed as Dry Tuesday; on that day, the sale of alcoholic beverages is not allowed. This rule poses a nationwide ban on alcohol sales and public consumption to curb alcohol use, promote public health, aligning with Buddhist principles. Follow this rule when travelling to Bhutan.
● Sacred Sites: Bhutan is scattered with numerous monasteries in every town, holding Buddhist culture in its centre. Make sure you avoid drinking and carrying alcohol in these religious places. Bhutanese people are also concerned about dressing when in religious places, so dress modestly, covering yourself, or use a scarf when visiting monasteries, temples and other religious places in Bhutan.
● Public Drinking: When exploring the various places in Bhutan, refrain from drinking in public places, which is strictly prohibited. There are many bars and restaurants in Bhutan where you can enjoy your drinking, but local people discourage alcohol consumption in public.
● Limited Imports: Travelling to another country requires following their import instructions to avoid any problems. In Bhutan, tourists can bring a limited amount of alcohol, around 1.5 litres, duty-free. But they need to be aware of the customs declaration and follow it seriously.
● Government Rule: Bhutan promotes responsible drinking, which incorporates high taxes and restrictions to limit substance abuse. When travelling to Bhutan, make sure you are aware of potential bar closures and limited drinking hours to prevent breaching their regulations.
Final Words
The answer to the question of whether drinking is allowed in Bhutan is yes, it is allowed. Bhutan offers a wide range of drinking delights to quench your thirst, ranging from traditional drinks to imported drinks in bars and restaurants. However, keeping the abovementioned things in mind is crucial when travelling in Bhutan. Refrain from drinking in public and religious places, and follow their timing and occasion of consumption. Plan your trip accordingly from a Bhutan travel agency to explore the country’s tradition and culture.
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