Emergency Numbers and Contacts in Bhutan

Knowing how to access emergency services is essential for anyone travelling in or residing in Bhutan. While Bhutan is generally a safe country with low crime rates, the mountainous terrain, remote trekking routes, unpredictable weather, and limited medical infrastructure in rural areas mean that emergencies — from traffic accidents and altitude sickness to natural disasters and medical crises — require visitors to be prepared. This guide provides the key emergency numbers, hospital contacts, and practical advice for handling emergency situations in Bhutan.^[1]

Bhutan's emergency response infrastructure has improved significantly in recent years, but it remains constrained by geography and resources. Response times in Thimphu and Paro are generally reasonable, but in rural areas and on trekking routes, professional emergency assistance may be hours or even days away. Visitors should understand these limitations, plan accordingly, and take preventive measures — particularly when trekking at high altitude or travelling in remote eastern districts.^[2]

Emergency Telephone Numbers

Service	Number	Notes
Police	113	Royal Bhutan Police. Available 24/7. Can be dialled from any phone.
Ambulance	112	Emergency medical services. Response time varies significantly by location.
Fire	110	Fire and rescue services. Fire stations in major towns; volunteer services in rural areas.
Tourist Helpline	1199	Tourism Council of Bhutan helpline for tourist assistance and complaints.
Traffic Police	113	Same as general police line. For road accidents, call 113.
Disaster Management (DDM)	233	Department of Disaster Management for earthquakes, floods, landslides.

These numbers can be dialled from any Bhutanese mobile phone (either a local SIM card or international roaming) and from landlines. Mobile coverage is necessary for the call to connect — in areas without coverage, these numbers will not work. Trekkers in remote areas should carry satellite communication devices.^[3]

Hospitals and Medical Facilities

Bhutan's healthcare system is free for citizens and provides emergency treatment to visitors. The country's hospitals range from the national referral hospital in Thimphu to small district hospitals and Basic Health Units (BHUs) in rural areas. For serious medical emergencies, Thimphu's Jigme Dorji Wangchuck National Referral Hospital (JDWNRH) is the most capable facility in the country.

Facility	Location	Phone
JDWNRH (National Referral Hospital)	Thimphu	+975-2-322496 / 328091
Paro General Hospital	Paro	+975-8-271260
Punakha District Hospital	Punakha	+975-2-584216
Bumthang District Hospital	Jakar, Bumthang	+975-3-631115
Gelephu General Hospital	Gelephu, Sarpang	+975-6-251111
Mongar Regional Referral Hospital	Mongar	+975-4-641112
Phuentsholing General Hospital	Phuentsholing	+975-5-252204
Trashigang District Hospital	Trashigang	+975-4-521113

Visitors should note that Bhutanese hospitals, while competent for common medical issues, have limited specialist capabilities, surgical facilities, and diagnostic equipment compared to hospitals in larger countries. For serious injuries, complex surgical cases, or critical illnesses, medical evacuation to hospitals in India (typically Delhi, Kolkata, or Guwahati) or Thailand (Bangkok) may be necessary. Travel insurance with medical evacuation coverage is strongly recommended for all visitors to Bhutan.^[2]

Altitude Sickness

Altitude sickness (acute mountain sickness, or AMS) is a significant health risk for visitors to Bhutan, particularly those trekking at elevations above 3,000 metres. Even non-trekkers may experience mild symptoms in high-altitude towns such as Bumthang (approximately 2,600 metres) or when crossing high passes such as Dochula (3,100 metres) or Pele La (3,400 metres).

Recognising Altitude Sickness:

Mild AMS: Headache, nausea, fatigue, dizziness, loss of appetite, difficulty sleeping. Common above 2,500 metres and usually resolves with rest and hydration.
Moderate AMS: Persistent severe headache unresponsive to painkillers, vomiting, increasing fatigue, shortness of breath with exertion. Requires descent to a lower elevation.
Severe AMS / HACE / HAPE: Confusion, loss of coordination (ataxia), severe breathlessness at rest, coughing pink or frothy sputum, inability to walk straight. This is a life-threatening emergency requiring immediate descent and evacuation.

What to do:

Do not ascend further if you have symptoms of AMS.
Descend immediately if symptoms worsen or if you suspect HACE (High Altitude Cerebral Edema) or HAPE (High Altitude Pulmonary Edema).
Inform your guide immediately — experienced trekking guides are trained to recognise and respond to altitude sickness.
Administer supplemental oxygen and/or Diamox (acetazolamide) if available, as prescribed by a doctor before the trip.
Evacuate to the nearest hospital. On remote treks, satellite phone communication may be necessary to arrange helicopter evacuation.

Helicopter rescue services exist in Bhutan but are limited in capacity and dependent on weather conditions. The Royal Bhutan Army and the Department of Disaster Management can coordinate helicopter evacuations in extreme emergencies, but this is not a reliable or rapid response — weather, cloud cover, and terrain may prevent flights for hours or days. Trekkers on high-altitude routes such as the Snowman Trek or the Jomolhari Trek should carry portable altitude chambers (Gamow bags) if possible and ensure their tour operator has a detailed emergency evacuation plan.^[1]

Natural Disasters

Bhutan is prone to several types of natural disasters due to its Himalayan geography:

Earthquakes: Bhutan lies in a seismically active zone. The most significant recent earthquake, in September 2009 (magnitude 6.1), caused fatalities and extensive damage to dzongs and other structures. In the event of an earthquake: drop, cover, and hold on. Move to open ground after shaking stops. Avoid damaged buildings. Follow instructions from local authorities.

Landslides: Particularly during the monsoon season (June-September), landslides are common along mountain roads. Road closures are not unusual. If you encounter a landslide area, do not attempt to cross until authorities have declared it safe. Your tour guide and driver will manage road safety decisions.

Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs): Bhutan has numerous glacial lakes whose failure could cause catastrophic downstream flooding. The Department of Disaster Management monitors high-risk lakes. Visitors in river valleys should be aware of this risk, though GLOF events are rare.^[4]

Road Accidents

Bhutan's mountain roads, while generally well-maintained on main highways, are narrow, winding, and often feature steep drop-offs without guardrails. Road accidents are one of the most common causes of serious injury and death in Bhutan. In the event of a road accident: call 113 (police) and 112 (ambulance). Do not move injured persons unless there is an immediate danger (such as fire or the vehicle sliding). Note the location and vehicle details. Your tour guide or driver can assist with communication with authorities. Most tourist vehicles are driven by experienced local drivers familiar with the roads, significantly reducing risk compared to self-driving.^[3]

What to Do in an Emergency (General)

Stay calm. Assess the situation before acting.
Call the appropriate emergency number (113 police, 112 ambulance, 110 fire).
Inform your tour guide. Licensed guides are trained in first response and can communicate with local authorities in Dzongkha.
Contact your embassy or consulate if you need consular assistance. India has an embassy in Thimphu (+975-2-322162); Bangladesh has an embassy in Thimphu (+975-2-322539). Most other countries do not have embassies in Bhutan — contact your nearest embassy (typically in New Delhi).
Contact your travel insurance provider as soon as possible to arrange evacuation or coordinate medical care if needed.
Call the tourist helpline (1199) for non-life-threatening situations where you need assistance or guidance from the Tourism Council.

Pharmacies and Medications

Pharmacies are available in Thimphu, Paro, and other major towns. The range of medications stocked is more limited than in larger countries, and specific medications you require may not be available. Visitors who take prescription medications should bring a sufficient supply for the entire trip, along with a copy of the prescription. Basic over-the-counter medications (painkillers, anti-diarrheal, cold medicines) are generally available. Traditional Bhutanese medicine (Sowa Rigpa) facilities exist throughout the country and offer complementary treatment options.^[2]

Preparedness Checklist for Visitors

Purchase comprehensive travel insurance with medical evacuation coverage before arriving in Bhutan.
Save emergency numbers (113, 112, 110, 1199) in your phone.
Carry a basic first aid kit including altitude sickness medication if trekking above 3,000m.
Bring sufficient prescription medications for the entire trip.
Ensure your phone is charged and has a local SIM card with active credit.
Share your itinerary with someone at home.
Know the location of the nearest hospital relative to your daily itinerary.
Carry a photocopy of your passport, visa, and insurance documents separately from the originals.
If trekking, ensure your operator carries a satellite communication device and a detailed emergency plan.