Preparing for the Kingdom

Most international visitors need a visa to enter Bhutan, arranged in advance through a licensed Bhutanese tour operator — we handle the application for you once your journey is confirmed. Approval typically arrives by email within a few working days, and the visa is stamped on arrival at Paro International Airport.

Indian nationals follow a separate, simpler entry process with their own permit requirements. If you hold a different nationality or have questions about dual citizenship, enquire with us and we will confirm the exact process for your passport before you commit to anything.

Bhutan funds its free healthcare, education and forest conservation partly through a Sustainable Development Fee paid by visitors. The amount, and current rules and exemptions, are set by the Royal Government of Bhutan and have changed several times in recent years.

Because figures change, we verify the current SDF directly against official Bhutanese sources at the time of your quotation — you will always receive the exact, current number in writing as part of your proposal.

Spring (March–May) brings blooming rhododendrons, green valleys and warming days — a favourite for trekking and photography. Autumn (September–November) offers the year's clearest skies and the great festival season, including the Thimphu and Wangdue tshechu.

Winter (December–February) is crisp and quiet, with brilliant mountain views and mild days in Punakha; summer (June–August) turns the hills emerald with the monsoon, best suited to travellers who don't mind afternoon rain.

Bhutan is reached by air through Paro International Airport, served by Drukair and Bhutan Airlines with connections from cities including Bangkok, Delhi, Kolkata, Kathmandu, Dhaka and Singapore. The approach to Paro — threading between Himalayan ridges — is counted among the world's most spectacular flight arrivals.

We advise on flight options and timings as part of your planning. Entry by road is possible from India through designated border points; most international visitors arrive by air.

Bhutan's tshechu festivals follow the lunar calendar, so dates shift each year and are announced by the Central Monastic Body and district administrations.

We track the official announcements and confirm exact festival dates with you before any festival journey is booked — never rely on generic dates from last year's calendars. See our Festivals page for an introduction to the major celebrations.

Bhutanese courtesy is gentle and easy to honour: dress modestly (covered shoulders, long trousers or skirts, especially in dzongs and monasteries), remove hats and sunglasses inside temples, and walk clockwise around chortens and prayer wheels.

Ask before photographing people at close range, accept tea or snacks offered with your right hand or both hands, and note that public affection is not customary. Your guide will happily brief you on any situation — Bhutanese people are famously warm and forgiving of visitors' missteps.

Bhutan's currency is the Ngultrum (BTN), pegged one-to-one to the Indian Rupee, which is also widely accepted. ATMs exist in towns, and card acceptance is growing but not universal — your guide can help you exchange or withdraw as needed.

Most costs of your journey are covered in your package, so you'll mainly need cash for souvenirs, drinks, tips and small purchases in markets.

Bhutan's valleys range from around 1,200 m in Punakha to over 3,000 m in Bumthang and Phobjikha, so pack in layers: warm mornings and evenings even in spring and autumn, strong sun at altitude, and rain gear in the monsoon.

Most itineraries keep sleeping altitudes moderate, and driving days climb gradually — but take it easy on the Tiger's Nest hike and let your guide set the pace.

Comfortable walking shoes, layered clothing, a warm jacket, sun protection, a refillable water bottle, any personal medication, and modest attire for temples. Power sockets are Type D/G (230V), and Bhutan's hotels provide heating in winter.

Leave room in your bag for textiles, hand-made paper and the other beautiful crafts you will inevitably bring home.