Travel Guide

Every international traveler must obtain a visa or entry permit before visiting the Kingdom of Bhutan — except citizens of India, Bangladesh and the Maldives, who follow different procedures:

• Indian citizens can enter using a valid passport or Voter Identity Card and obtain an entry permit at the border or through pre-arrangement.

• Bangladeshi and Maldivian citizens also do not need a prior visa but must obtain their visa/permit on arrival or via application.

Book Through a Licensed Tour Operator : All international travelers (except India, Bangladesh, Maldives) must book through a licensed Bhutanese tour operator. We handle your itinerary, hotels, transport, guides, and government approvals so your trip is smooth and stress-free.

Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) : All visitors pay a daily SDF, supporting Bhutan’s environment, culture, and social services

International adults - USD 100

Children 6–11 - USD 50

Children under 6 - Free

Indian adults - INR 1,200

Indian children 6–11 - INR 600

✈️ By Air

The main gateway is Paro International Airport (PBH). Flights are available from:

• Thailand: Bangkok

• India: Delhi, Kolkata, Guwahati

• Nepal: Kathmandu

• Singapore: Changi

• Bangladesh: Dhaka

🛣️ By Land

Visitors can enter Bhutan from India at:

• Phuentsholing

• Gelephu

• Samdrup Jongkhar

💱 Currency

• Local currency: Bhutanese Ngultrum (BTN)

• Indian Rupee (INR) is widely accepted, preferably ₹100 notes

• Credit cards are accepted in major towns and hotels, but smaller shops and rural areas may only take cash

Our service: We advise on how much cash to carry and where cards are accepted, so you’re always prepared. We can also do currency exchange for you.

🏧 ATMs

• Limited availability outside major towns , Recommended to carry some cash for remote areas

📶 Connectivity Overview

• Hotel Wi-Fi: Most hotels in Bhutan provide free Wi-Fi, so you can stay connected even if mobile signal is weak in some areas.

• Mobile Coverage: Major towns like Thimphu, Paro, and Punakha have good 4G coverage, but remote regions may have limited signal.

📱 Local SIM Cards

Available at Paro Airport or authorized telecom shops. Providers include Bhutan Telecom and TashiCell. We can arrange your SIM in advance so it’s ready on arrival.

We offer a range of accommodation options across Bhutan, from comfortable three-star hotels to luxury five-star resorts. As per government regulations, international tariff-paying tourists stay in certified three-star hotels and above, ensuring consistent standards of comfort, cleanliness, and service.

If you are travelling on a budget, we can arrange well-rated three-star hotels at affordable prices that still offer good comfort, beautiful views, and essential amenities like private bathrooms, heating, and Wi-Fi.

For travelers looking for a more authentic experience, we also organize stays in family-run farmhouses, eco-lodges, and heritage homes, giving you a closer look at Bhutanese daily life and culture.

Accommodation in eastern Bhutan is generally simpler compared to the western regions, as it receives fewer visitors.

For trekking tours, we provide fully supported camping with weatherproof tents and necessary equipment. Since there are no tea houses along some trekking routes, you will enjoy a true wilderness camping experience.

Bhutanese meals mainly consist of red or white rice served with meat or vegetable side dishes. The national dish, Ema Datshi, is a spicy mix of chillies and local cheese, with milder versions available if preferred. Popular local dishes also include momos (dumplings) and traditional pork, beef, or chicken preparations.

Besides Bhutanese cuisine, Indian, Chinese, and continental dishes are widely available in hotels and restaurants.

On trekking trips, our experienced camp chefs prepare hot, balanced meals each day, maintaining proper hygiene standards and providing nourishing food even in high-altitude and remote wilderness areas.

We ensure comfortable and reliable transport for your entire trip in Bhutan.

• Solo or duo travelers: Comfortable 4WD SUVs, including models such as Toyota Prado, Hyundai Tucson, Hyundai Santa Fe, Creta, and similar vehicles.

• Groups of 3–5: Spacious vans like Hyundai H-1 or Toyota Hiace.

• Groups of 6 or more: Air-conditioned Toyota Coaster buses.

Our vehicles are available not just for sightseeing, but also for local trips, shopping, and market visits.

To save time on long drives, we can arrange domestic flights with Drukair to destinations including Bumthang, Yonphula, and Gelephu.

Bhutan experiences varied weather throughout the year, so packing the right clothing is essential. October to March is cold, especially in the mornings and evenings, so warm layers are recommended. April to September is warmer, but during June to August, the monsoon brings frequent rain, making waterproof jackets and rain gear necessary.

When visiting Dzongs and temples, Bhutanese dress formally, and guests are expected to do the same. Wear long pants or skirts below the knee and shirts with full sleeves. Hats and shoes are not allowed inside these sacred sites, so plan accordingly.

In Bhutan, greetings are an important part of showing respect. A simple “Kuzuzangpo” works for general hellos, while “Kuzuzangpo La” with a slight bow is used for elders or senior individuals. Handshakes have also become widely accepted in modern interactions.

• Taking Photos: You may capture the exteriors of monasteries and temples, but interiors are sacred and off-limits. People are usually happy to be photographed, but always ask permission if focusing on someone individually. Never photograph members of the Royal Family, even at public events or festivals.

• Walking Direction: While visiting temples, chortens, or prayer flags, always walk clockwise, following local religious traditions.

• Pointing: When pointing at sacred places, statues, Dzongs, or religious paintings, never use your index finger. Instead, point with your hand open, with the thumb pressed to the palm or slightly extended, showing respect.

• The national language of Bhutan is Dzongkha, but English is widely spoken, especially among the educated population. Schools use English as the medium of instruction, and signboards, menus, books, and road signs are usually in English, making it easy for visitors to get around.