Bhutan tRAVEL faqS

Bhutan, a small landlocked country nestled in the eastern Himalayas between India and China, boasts a diverse landscape. It features subtropical plains and forests in the south, transitioning to subalpine forests and snow-capped mountains in the north. Predominantly a Buddhist nation, Bhutan is renowned as the last bastion of Mahayana Buddhism.

Bhutan is considered a safe destination for travelers. While the country maintains a low crime rate, instances of petty crime can occur. Travelers are advised to remain vigilant and monitor their belongings, especially in crowded or popular tourist areas.

If you plan to visit high-altitude regions, it's important to consult with a doctor regarding altitude sickness and make appropriate preparations. During the monsoon season (June to September), flooding and landslides may occur, potentially disrupting travel plans. It's advisable to follow local guidance and stay informed about any disruptions through your tour operator.

Bhutan is home to 19 different languages, with Dzongkha serving as the national language. English is extensively utilized in the country's education system, making it widely spoken and understood across Bhutan.

Bhutan is a year-round travel destination with four distinct seasons: summer (June to August), autumn (September to November), winter (December to February), and spring (March to May). The country's climate varies significantly due to its range of altitudes and the influence of the north Indian monsoons.

In the southern regions, a humid subtropical climate prevails year-round, with temperatures ranging from 15°C to 30°C. Central Bhutan, characterized by temperate forests, experiences warm summers and cool, dry winters. The northern areas are much colder during the winter months. Due to the high altitude, mountain peaks remain snowy throughout the year, while lower areas stay cool even in summer.

During the summer, from late June or July to late September, the Indian monsoon primarily affects the southern regions, creating ideal conditions for farming as crops flourish in the lush landscapes.

Autumn, spanning late September or early October to late November, follows the rainy season and features bright, sunny days with some early snowfall at higher elevations. This period is marked by festivals and feasts as farmers harvest their crops.

From late November to March, Bhutan experiences a crisp, clear, and sunny winter, with widespread frost and common snowfall above 3,000 meters. The winter northeast monsoon brings strong winds through the high mountain passes, earning Bhutan the name Drukyul, or Land of the Thunder Dragon, in Dzongkha.

Spring, generally dry, begins in early March and lasts until mid-April, showcasing Bhutan's flora in full bloom. Summer weather starts in mid-April, with occasional showers continuing until late June.

Bhutan's currency is known as the ngultrum, and it maintains 1:1 parity with the Indian rupee.
100 Ngultrum = 1,17$

When making telephone calls to Bhutan from abroad, remember to prefix the number with Bhutan's country code, which is +975.

1.All travelers, with the exception of Indian visitors, will need to obtain a visa to enter Bhutan, while Indian visitors will require a permit.

2. Citizens of Bangladesh and the Maldives can obtain a visa upon arrival at the entry point.

3.Diplomatic and official passport holders from Switzerland and Thailand are eligible for a visa upon arrival at the entry point.

4.Indian visitors, including those with an Indian passport or an Indian voter ID card, must obtain a permit to enter Bhutan. For Indian nationals under the age of 18, a passport or birth certificate is acceptable, and they must be accompanied by legal guardians.

You have the option to apply for a visa online by filling out the designated application form, or if you're traveling with Go Bhutan Tours, we can handle the application process for you. Further details regarding the visa can be found here.

Travelers from Bangladesh and the Maldives who need a visa have the flexibility to apply either online prior to their journey or in person upon arrival in Bhutan.

No, there are no restricted nationalities in Bhutan.

A visa application that is accurately submitted may require up to five days for processing.

You'll need to pay a one-time processing fee of US$40 when submitting your visa application, which is due simultaneously with your Sustainable Development Fee (SDF).

The visa permits you to stay in Bhutan for up to 90 days from the date of entry.

No, the mandatory travel insurance requirement was lifted on April 23, 2024. Nevertheless, it is highly advised that all visitors to Bhutan obtain travel insurance prior to their visit to the Kingdom as a precautionary measure against unexpected circumstances.

The country is equipped with one international airport situated in Paro. Flights are operated by Drukair and Bhutan Airlines, connecting to destinations like Bangkok, Delhi, Kolkata, Bagdogra, Bodhgaya, Dhaka, Kathmandu, Guwahati, and Singapore. Private jets or chartered flights can enter Bhutan following the acquisition of appropriate approvals.

Additionally, domestic airports are available in Yonphula in eastern Bhutan, Bumthang in central Bhutan, and Gelephu in south-central Bhutan.

Face masks are no longer required to be worn at any venue or at any time in Bhutan, except in hospitals and health centres. However, guests can choose to wear face masks at their convenience should they wish. Also, it may be mandated by the government that face masks need to be worn in the future if the number of COVID-19 cases go up, therefore it is recommended that guests always travel with a face mask in their luggage as a precaution.

While we strongly advise all visitors to ensure they are vaccinated against COVID-19 to help curb the spread of the disease, as of September 23rd, 2022, there are no COVID-19 vaccination requirements for adults or children entering Bhutan. Additionally, there is no mandatory quarantine upon arrival.

Random COVID-19 testing will not be conducted at any entry points into Bhutan; however, testing may be arranged if a guest displays symptoms or requests it.

In the event that a guest tests positive for COVID-19 during their stay in Bhutan, they will be allowed entry into the country without undergoing a quarantine period. However, they must adhere to wearing a face mask at all times and observe other precautionary measures until they test negative.

There are no specific COVID-19 protocols for departing Bhutan unless the guest's destination country requires them.

You have the option to hail a taxi from the designated taxi stand outside the airport, or arrange for an airport transfer through your hotel or tour operator. There are no alternative public transportation options available at the airport.

The most convenient way to get around Bhutan is by hiring a vehicle and driver through a car rental company or or a tourism service provider such as a Go Bhutan Tours. Self-drive vehicle rental is not available in Bhutan.

Your hotel may also offer transportation services or assist in arranging transportation for you. If you're traveling with a tour operator, they will organize transportation for you.

For longer distances, domestic flights are often the quickest option. Domestic airports operate flights to and from Yonphula in eastern Bhutan, Bumthang in central Bhutan, and Gelephu in south-central Bhutan.

All trekking activities must be conducted under the guidance of an authorized tour operator or guide. Your tour operator will handle all essential arrangements and ensure safety measures are in place.

It is strongly advised for all visitors to Bhutan to be accompanied by a guide. This ensures a positive experience while exploring our country and discovering its highlights. Guides also ensure the safety and well-being of visitors, especially in rural areas where encounters with wild animals and challenges posed by altitude and terrain may occur. While guides are not required for every activity, such as dining out and shopping, it is recommended that they accompany visitors for experiences like temple visits and exploring local attractions. Additionally, guides are mandatory for all trekking activities and for journeys extending beyond Thimphu and Paro to visit cultural sites.

For visitors entering Bhutan through land borders, guides are compulsory when departing from the border towns.

Bhutan provides diverse lodging options, ranging from opulent five-star hotels to charming homestays set in traditional village environments.

LGBT community is fully welcome to travel to Bhutan. Bhutan is a country with deep-rooted traditions but is becoming increasingly open and hospitable to international visitors.

When trekking in Bhutan, tourists need to bring trekking shoes, warm clothing, sleeping bag, backpack, first aid kit,...

The Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) is a daily charge imposed by the Bhutanese government on every tourist. Essentially, it functions as a financial contribution aimed at bolstering the country's sustainable development initiatives, including the conservation of its untouched natural surroundings, vibrant culture, and heritage.

Bhutan adopts a distinctive approach to tourism, aiming to maximize its benefits while mitigating adverse impacts. The Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) is instrumental in financing projects focused on environmental conservation, cultural safeguarding, and infrastructure enhancement. This approach seeks to harmonize engagement with the global community while safeguarding Bhutan's unique heritage.

The government of Bhutan has introduced a new Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) incentive for visitors, effective from September 1, 2023, to August 31, 2027, with a current rate of $100 per person per night. It's important to note that this policy pertains to payments made in US dollars.

Concessional rates are applicable as follows:

1.Children aged between six and twelve are eligible for a 50 percent discount on the SDF, while those aged five or younger are exempt from this fee.

2.Indian guests are subject to an SDF rate of 1200 Ngultrums (approximately $15), or the equivalent amount in Indian rupees, per person per night.

Bhutan is a year-round travel destination with four distinct seasons: summer (June to August), autumn (September to November), winter (December to February), and spring (March to May). The country's climate varies significantly due to its range of altitudes and the influence of the north Indian monsoons.

In the southern regions, a humid subtropical climate prevails year-round, with temperatures ranging from 15°C to 30°C. Central Bhutan, characterized by temperate forests, experiences warm summers and cool, dry winters. The northern areas are much colder during the winter months. Due to the high altitude, mountain peaks remain snowy throughout the year, while lower areas stay cool even in summer.

During the summer, from late June or July to late September, the Indian monsoon primarily affects the southern regions, creating ideal conditions for farming as crops flourish in the lush landscapes.

Autumn, spanning late September or early October to late November, follows the rainy season and features bright, sunny days with some early snowfall at higher elevations. This period is marked by festivals and feasts as farmers harvest their crops.

From late November to March, Bhutan experiences a crisp, clear, and sunny winter, with widespread frost and common snowfall above 3,000 meters. The winter northeast monsoon brings strong winds through the high mountain passes, earning Bhutan the name Drukyul, or Land of the Thunder Dragon, in Dzongkha.

Spring, generally dry, begins in early March and lasts until mid-April, showcasing Bhutan's flora in full bloom. Summer weather starts in mid-April, with occasional showers continuing until late June.

While the Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) is initially determined based on your pre-arranged travel itinerary before entering Bhutan, it is also subject to change under certain circumstances:

1.If you intend to prolong your stay in Bhutan, extensions must be arranged in person at the Department of Immigration before your original permit expires. The SDF for the additional nights will be charged on a per-night basis.

2.In the event that you need to cancel or curtail your trip, SDF refunds can be obtained through the Department of Immigration. To request an SDF refund, you must submit your request online via the visa portal. Refunds will be processed after your departure from Bhutan. Should you opt to depart Bhutan earlier than initially scheduled, refunds for any unused nights of the SDF will be issued.

Most power sockets in Bhutan are of the three flat-pin type.

Yes. Bhutan's Department of Tourism has a visitor center at Paro International Airport. There are also centers at the four border entry points.

Upon arriving at Paro International Airport or at banks, major hotels, and authorized currency exchange establishments in Thimphu, you have the opportunity to exchange your local currency for ngultrum.

You are permitted to carry cash up to the value of US$10,000 into the country.

ATM and banks in Bhutan accept Visa and Mastercard, making international credit cards commonly used in urban areas. However, it's worth noting that the number of ATMs in Bhutan is relatively limited compared to other countries. Therefore, it's advisable to plan your cash withdrawals in advance and ensure you have enough local currency for your needs, particularly if you're traveling to remote areas where ATMs may be scarce.

Most ATMs in Bhutan are connected to major banks and accept both Bhutanese Ngultrum and Indian Rupees. Nevertheless, it's recommended to carry Bhutanese currency for smaller purchases and transactions, as some businesses may not accept Indian Rupees or may only provide change in Ngultrum. Additionally, informing your bank about your travel plans to Bhutan is wise to avoid any potential issues with your debit or credit cards.

In Bhutan, most hotels provide Wi-Fi services, yet we advise acquiring a guest SIM card for more convenient access to data and a more reliable internet connection.

SIM cards are available for purchase at the visitor information center at Paro International Airport upon arrival, as well as at branch offices of Bhutan Telecom and TashiCell, or from authorized agents in towns.

There are no specific regulations regarding attire for visitors. However, when visiting places of religious importance, it is recommended to wear respectful smart-casual attire that covers your body from shoulders to knees, which is both suitable and appreciated.

Yes, to visit monuments and Dzongs in Bhutan, a guide is essential. While entry to some of these sites is free, others may require a fee upon arrival, which can be paid in cash or through the GoBob app.

Numerous options are available for shopping for unique items, ranging from luxurious pieces to small souvenirs. Popular shopping destinations include the Cottage and Small Industries (CSI) Market and the Centenary Farmers' Market. The Textile Museum shop offers a fantastic array of artisan-made textiles and home goods, as do nearby Tarayana and Craft galleries. Additionally, the OGOP shops are excellent places to discover food, beverages, and handcrafted products directly sourced from Bhutan's artisans and farmers.

Preserving significant antiques and artifacts within Bhutan is integral to safeguarding our heritage for future generations. We have legislation that outlines which artistic, historical, cultural, religious, social, archaeological, and technical objects cannot be taken out of the country upon departure. To ensure that any items you obtain adhere to these regulations, you will require an Export Permit for Non-Antique Artefacts.

If your inquiry relates to your tourism activities, you can contact the Department of Tourism directly at +975 1712 2257 (or 2300 within Bhutan). For emergency services, please dial 110 for fire, 112 for an ambulance, or 113 for the police.

While many monuments in Bhutan are free to visit, some do have an entrance fee. Children under the age of 18 receive a 50% discount, while those aged five and under are exempt from fees. Most monuments are open from 9am to 5pm daily. In June 2023, it was announced that foreign visitors can now access monuments during their general opening hours without any restrictions.