FAQs for travel to bhutan [ frequently asked questions]

1.What languages are spoken in Bhutan?

There are 19 languages spoken in Bhutan, but the national language is Dzongkha. English is medium of instruction in the education system, so it is widely used and understood.

2. Do I need a visa to visit Bhutan?

Yes, all travelers to Bhutan require a valid visa. The Bhutan visa will be processed by us as part of the tour package. Our guests will receive a visa clearance document letter from us via email, which you will need to present upon arrival at Paro International Airport.

3. How do I book a tour?

Booking a tour is simple! Contact us via email or WhatsApp or phone. Once we receive your request and instructions, we'll provide you with a detailed itinerary and pricing options.

4. What is included in the tour package?

Our tour packages include:

 Government mandated sustainable development fee

Bhutan visa processing and visa fees

Accommodation [based on your selected package]

Packaged drinking water supply throughout the trip

All meals [breakfast, lunch, and dinner]

Private transportation within Bhutan

Private airport transfers

All sightseeing and activities as per the program

Experienced and Licensed English-speaking tour or trek guide

Entrance fees to monuments, monasteries and museums

Trek arrangements and logistics in the case of trek programs

Bicycle rental charges in the case of cycling trips

5. How much is the government mandated Sustainable Development Fee [SDF] ?

The SDF is USD 100 per night for adults from all countries except for India. Children aged between 6 years and who have not yet turned 12 are eligible to pay USD 50 per night. Children who have not yet turned 6 years old do not have to pay any SDF.

The SDF for Indian nationals [holding a valid Indian passport or Voter ID card] is Nu. 1200 (or the equivalent amount in Indian rupees] per person, per night. Children aged between 6 years and who have not yet turned 12 are eligible to pay Nu/INR 600 per night. Children who have not yet turned 6 years old do not have to pay any SDF.

6. What is the minimum duration for a tour in Bhutan?

There is no minimum duration requirement for our trips, we can customize a trip based on your preferences and time limits. Trip extensions are also available and can be personalized to include additional destinations and activities.

7. What is the cost of a tour in Bhutan?

The cost of a tour varies based on the season, duration, add-ons and type of accommodation. Our trip packages include all essential services as outlined in the package. For a precise quote, please contact us with your prospective travel dates and requirements.

 8. When is the best time to visit Bhutan?

Bhutan is a year-round destination with each season having its own attributes. The best times to visit Bhutan are during the spring [March to May] and autumn [September to November] when the weather is pleasant and the skies are clear. Winters can be cold however it is gaining popularity for its peaceful atmosphere and those panoramic mountain views, while summer brings some intermittent rainfall however greenery is abound in summer [June to August]

 9. What type of accommodation can I expect?

Since the quality of accommodation is detrimental for any travel experience the hotels we use on our trips are carefully selected to ensure best ambience to complement your trip with us. Conveniently located, clean and hygienic rooms, en-suite bathrooms, restaurants and government certified 3 star deluxe hotels which exude traditional charm and aesthetics are used on our standard trips while 4 star semi-luxury and 5 star luxury hotels can also be arranged with an additional supplement. While our treks and expeditions are backed by quality camping equipment’s, dining tents, sleeping tents, toilet tents, camp furniture, supplies, a caravan of horses/mules to transport equipment/supplies and an experienced crew to serve you.

10.  What sort of meals can I expect during the tour?

On our trips we ensure that guests also derive a good wholesome culinary experience. Each meal will comprise of an eclectic mix of 6 to 8 different items which include traditional Bhutanese, Indian/Nepalese, Chinese, Western and Continental cuisine. We also cater to both vegetarian, non-vegetarians, pescatarians and any other special dietary requirements/restrictions with advance notice.  

11. Are there any special requirements or restrictions I should be aware of?

Yes, Bhutanese culture emphasizes respect and modesty. While visiting temples, monasteries and other religious / official institutions, please dress modestly and respectfully. Trousers/ Long Pants are more appropriate. Shoulders must also be covered when inside religious and official buildings. Please bear in mind that shoes and hats/caps must be removed when entering temples and monasteries. Our guide brief on the monastery/monument etiquette well in advance.

 12. Can I travel independently in Bhutan?

No, independent travel is not allowed in Bhutan. All visitors must travel with a licensed tour operator, like us. Our guide and driver will accompany you on the travels to ensure maximum care and attention. This also helps maintain the country’s cultural integrity, manage tourism sustainably and cater a wholesome travel experience.

13. What is the currency used in Bhutan?

NU/Ngultrum is the Bhutanese currency. It is at par with the Indian Rupees. There are ATMs in Bhutan compatible with both debit and credit cards [Visa Mastercard & Maestro] however technical glitches are common and only few establishments apart from the hotels and few handicraft shops accept credit card payments hence US Dollars or Australian Dollars or Euros cash is suggested as it can easily be converted in Bhutan. This is also convenient to cover any personal expenses such as beverages, laundry, phone bills, tipping to guide/driver [there is no standard rule or bracket and therefore you may choose to tip more or less or nothing depending on the satisfaction level of services], shopping etc. US Dollars or Australian Dollars or Euros Cash is easily convertible at the Banks and hotels in Bhutan. 1US$ is equivalent to Nu. 83, 1 AUD is equivalent to NU.55 and 1 Euro is equivalent to Nu.92 as of today, at the time of writing this text. NU= Ngultrum, the Bhutanese currency. Higher denominations of 50’s and 100’s derive better exchange rates at the Banks or/and currency exchangers.

14. What should I pack for my trip to Bhutan?

Pack layers of clothing suitable for varying temperatures, especially if you are traveling between regions with different climates. The global climate change has made our mountain weather even more unpredictable therefore layering of clothing works best in Bhutan. This essentially means that the majority of your clothing can be worn in layers, so that you can put on more clothing if it is cold or shed the layers as it gets warmer. For example, it is much better to wear a t-shirt (long sleeve), light fleece/wool sweater and a windbreaker than to wear one bulky jacket. Sunscreen lotion, sunglasses and hats are also useful to beat the high altitude day time sun.  

Modest clothing is required for visiting temples, official institutions and monasteries. While visiting temples, monasteries and other religious / official institutions, please dress modestly and respectfully. Trousers/ Long Pants are more appropriate. Shoulders must also be covered when inside religious and official buildings. Please bear in mind that shoes and hats/caps must be removed when entering temples and monasteries.Our guide will also brief on the monastery/monument etiquette in advance.

15. Are there any health precautions or vaccinations required?

Bhutan does not have any specific vaccination requirements, but it’s advisable to be up-to-date on routine vaccinations and consult with your healthcare provider about any additional precautions based on your health and travel history.

 16. How do I get to Bhutan?

You can fly into Paro International Airport (PBH/VQPR), which is the only international airport in Bhutan. Bhutan is connected by scheduled flights to Paro from New Delhi/Kolkota/Bodh Gaya/ Bagdogra in India, Kathmandu in Nepal, Singapore and daily flights to/from Bangkok,Thailand. 

The domestic airports in Bumthang [Central Bhutan], Yongphula [East Bhutan] and Gelephu [ South Bhutan] are also connected by air with seasonally operated scheduled flights.We can assist with flight arrangements and airport transfers as part of our trip handling responsibilities.

17. Can I enter Bhutan by road/overland?

Yes.  Bhutan can be entered via our terrestrial borders with India. Samdrup Jongkhar bordering Guwahati[India] in the east and Phuntsholing bordering Jaigaon, West Bengal[India] in the south-west.

18. What is the luggage allowance on the flights to Paro and from Paro?

The checked-in luggage allowance is 30 kgs [88 pounds] in Economy class and 40 Kgs [ 66 pounds] in business class while the cabin baggage allowance is 5 kgs [11 pounds]  in economy and 8 kgs [17 pounds] in Business class. Additional excess baggage fees will be applicable in case of any significant difference vis a vis the baggage allowance restrictions.

19. What if I need to cancel or change my booking?

If you need to cancel or update your booking, please notify us as soon as possible. Cancellation policies and fees vary depending on the timing and specifics of your booking. We will do our best to accommodate changes and provide you with options. We highly recommend the purchase of travel insurance from a recognized agent or insurance provider to cover any cancellation eventualities including cancellations based on medical grounds, professional commitments and/or travel interruptions. 

20.How fit do I need to be for the trip?

We cater our cultural trips to all age groups therefore fitness level is not a requirement however if you are on a hiking or trekking program a moderate fitness level with make the hiking and treks more engaging and fun.

21. Is there an age limit for the trip?

There is no age limit for our trips, and programs can be personalized to suit any age bracket or fitness levels.

22. Is Bhutan a LGBTQI friendly travel destination?

Bhutan is not hostile toward LGBTQI individuals or groups. A persons orientation, gender identity and characteristics is a personal matter and we have catered our trips to trips for guests from the LGBTQI community. Although there is no discrimination towards LGBTQI individuals here in Bhutan however public displays of affection between same-sex couples are generally not common and might attract unwanted attention. 

23. Can I use credit cards in Bhutant?

Credit cards can be used for transactions at most hotels and handicraft shops however not all establishments accept credit cards due to the high processing charges ranging from 3% to 5% therefore credit cards are advisable to be used only at the ATM’s to dispense local currency.  VISA and Mastercard Maestro are compatible with most of the ATMs in Bhutan.

24. Are there any communication facilities during the tour? Is internet widely available during the trip?

Yes. All hotels have WIFI facilities. You may also choose to purchase a local SIM card on arrival. A 4G/5G SIM card with 8GB data costs about US$10.

 25. Can I charge my digital camera or my travel gadgets on my trip?

All hotels and your rooms are equipped with electric sockets for charging your travel devices and gadgets. No extra charges are required for charging phones and gadgets in Bhutan. The electricity rating is 220+ Volts.  Three different kinds of electrical plugs are used throughout Bhutan: the British plug [three square pins, compatible with type G sockets], the European plug [two round pins, compatible with type C socket] and the Indian plug [three thick round pins, compatible with type D sockets] It’s a good idea to bring power adaptors for all three or you may purchase it in Bhutan, costs about US$2 at the hardware stores in town.

26. What is the time zone for Bhutan? 

Bhutan is 6 hours ahead of the Greenwich Mean Time [GMT]. We are 1 hours behind of Bangkok, 2 hours behind Singapore, 3 hours behind Tokyo, 4 hours ahead  of Berlin, 4 hours behind Melbourne,  5 hours ahead of London, 10 Hours ahead of New York, 13 hours ahead of San Francisco, 10 hours ahead of Toronto, 4 Hours ahead of Geneva and 11 hours ahead of Austin.

27. Will somebody come to pick me up at the Airport upon my arrival?

Our guide and driver or a representative from our office will receive you at the airport upon arrival and also see you off at the airport upon completion of your trip and adventures in Bhutan.

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Please contact us in case of any questions or clarifications.

We look forward to meeting you in Bhutan!