Practical guide
Practical guide
Bhutan isn't a place you can just book a flight to and figure out when you land. There's a process — visas, permits, the Sustainable Development Fee — and it can feel overwhelming if you're doing it alone. That's where we come in. We handle everything, so all you need to do is pack your bag and show up.
Here's what you need to know before you come:
All visitors (except citizens of India, Bangladesh, and the Maldives) need a visa to enter Bhutan. But don't worry — you don't need to visit an embassy. The visa is processed online by your licensed Bhutanese tour operator, which is us.
We'll need a scan of your passport (valid for at least 6 months), a passport-sized photo, and your travel dates. We submit the application, and you receive your visa approval letter before you fly. The actual visa stamp goes into your passport when you arrive at Paro Airport.
Cost: USD $40 visa fee (paid once, valid for up to 30 days)
Processing time: 5-7 working days (we recommend applying at least 2 weeks before travel)
This is Bhutan's way of ensuring that tourism helps rather than harms. Every visitor pays a daily fee that goes directly to funding free healthcare, free education, environmental conservation, and infrastructure in Bhutan.
It's not a tourist tax — it's your contribution to keeping Bhutan the way it is: pristine, authentic, and deeply human. The fee ensures that visitor numbers stay manageable and that the country doesn't lose what makes it special.
Current rate: USD $100 per person per night
Children under 6: Exempt
Children 6-12: 50% discount
Rates are set by the Royal Government of Bhutan and may change. We'll confirm the current rate when planning your trip.
By air: Paro International Airport is Bhutan's only international airport — and one of the world's most dramatic landings. The plane weaves between mountains before touching down in the valley. Two airlines serve Bhutan: Druk Air (Royal Bhutan Airlines) and Bhutan Airlines, with connections from Delhi, Kolkata, Kathmandu, Bangkok, Singapore, and Dhaka.
By land: You can also enter Bhutan overland through the town of Phuentsholing on the Indian border. It's a long but scenic drive up to Thimphu and Paro — we can arrange the transport.
We'll help you find the best flights and can arrange airport pickup. We'll be waiting for you in Paro.
When you travel with us, we handle everything on the ground:
Bhutan is mountainous and the weather changes quickly. Here are the essentials:
The little things that are good to know before you arrive. Don't worry about memorizing all of this — we'll remind you of everything closer to your trip.
Bhutan's currency is the Ngultrum (BTN), pegged 1:1 with the Indian Rupee. Indian Rupees are accepted everywhere.
ATMs are available in Thimphu, Paro, and Punakha (Visa/Mastercard), but they can be unreliable. Carry cash — especially outside the main towns.
Hotels and larger shops may accept cards, but don't count on it for smaller purchases.
WiFi is available in most hotels and cafes in Paro, Thimphu, and Punakha. Outside main towns, coverage is patchy.
Local SIM cards from B-Mobile or TashiCell offer 3G/4G data — we can help you get one at Paro Airport.
Starlink has arrived in Bhutan (since late 2024), so connectivity is improving fast.
No mandatory vaccinations, but Hepatitis A/B and Typhoid are recommended. Consult your doctor before travel.
Altitude sickness is a real concern above 3,000m. We pace our trips carefully and know the signs. Drink plenty of water and acclimatize slowly.
We strongly recommend travel insurance with at least $50,000 medical coverage and helicopter evacuation — the nearest major hospital is in Delhi or Bangkok.
Bhutanese people are warm and welcoming, but there are a few things to keep in mind at sacred sites:
Cover your knees and shoulders when visiting monasteries and dzongs. No shorts, no sleeveless tops, no hats indoors.
Remove shoes before entering temples. Walk clockwise around religious monuments. Ask before photographing monks or ceremonies.
230V / 50Hz — same as most of Europe and Asia.
Plug types D, F, and G are used. A universal adapter is the safest bet. Most hotels have multiple socket types.
Power cuts are rare in towns but can happen in remote areas. Bring a small power bank for treks.
Druk Air flies from Bangkok, Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Kathmandu, Singapore, Dhaka, Guwahati, Bagdogra, and Gaya.
Bhutan Airlines flies from Bangkok, Kathmandu, Delhi, and Kolkata.
The approach into Paro is one of the world's most dramatic landings — the plane weaves between mountains. Window seat on the left side for the best views!
Planning a trip to Bhutan can feel complex. It doesn't have to be. Write to us and we'll walk you through everything, step by step.
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