A visa is required for most travelers to enter Bhutan. The process is straightforward:

• Submit a copy of your passport's photo page (valid for at least 6 months).
• We will handle the visa application on your behalf, typically processing it within 3 working days.
• Citizens of India, Bangladesh, and the Maldives enjoy visa-free entry. Simply present your valid passport (at least 6 months validity) or a voter ID card (Indian nationals only) at the port of entry to obtain a free permit.

Once approved, you'll receive a visa clearance letter via email. Upon arrival, present this letter to immigration officials for your visa stamp.

We offer a variety of accommodation options:

• Hotels: Choose from government-approved hotels ranging from cozy 3-star options to luxurious 5-star resorts like Amankora and Taj Tashi.
• Farm Stays: Immerse yourself in rural life by staying in a family-run farmhouse.
• Camping: For multi-day hikes, enjoy camping with the support of a guide, cook, and packhorses.

Bhutan’s cuisine is known for its fiery character, with chilies featuring in most dishes. Here are some popular dishes:

• Ema Datshi: The national dish with chilies and cheese.
• Kewa Datshi: A creamy cheese and potato dish.
• Shamu Datshi: Mushrooms in a rich cheese sauce.
• Rice with lentil stew (Dhal): A signature local dish.

Feel free to adjust the spice level to your preference by letting your server know!

While Bhutanese nationals are required to wear the traditional dress (Gho for men and Kira for women) in official settings, tourists have more flexibility:

• Wear comfortable clothing when exploring towns.
• For visits to Dzongs, monasteries, and temples, long pants and collared shirts with sleeves are recommended.
• Hats and shoes should be removed when entering religious sites.

You can also purchase a Gho or Kira for a cultural experience and locals may help you wear it properly.

The two main religions in Bhutan are Buddhism and Hinduism. Bhutan is the only country that champions Mahayana Buddhism, while Hinduism thrives in the south. Bhutan is a religiously tolerant country, and visitors are free to practice their own faith.

Bhutan has a robust telecom network, and Wi-Fi is available in most hotels and cafes. Global roaming might work, but purchasing a local SIM card is the most cost-effective way to stay connected. You can get a local SIM from Thimphu or Paro.

Bhutan’s climate varies by season:

• September to March: Chilly weather with frost and potential snowfall above 3000 meters. Pack warm clothes!
• June to August: Warmer temperatures with monsoon rains.

The official currency of Bhutan is the Ngultrum (Nu.), but Indian Rupees are also widely accepted. You can exchange US Dollars for Nu. upon arrival at the airport. ATMs are available in major towns and accept Visa and Mastercard.

We offer comfortable tourist vehicles for transportation, including Toyota Coaster buses, Hiace buses, SUVs, and Land Cruisers. Experienced, licensed drivers will accompany you throughout your trip for a smooth and enjoyable experience.

Consult your doctor before traveling to Bhutan to ensure you have necessary vaccinations, such as tetanus, typhoid, and hepatitis A.

Bhutan is a very safe country, but here are some general precautions to follow:

• Keep your belongings secure, especially in crowded places.
• Drink only bottled water to stay hydrated.
• Bhutan strictly enforces regulations on drugs and tobacco, so be sure to follow the rules.

The national language is Dzongkha, but English is widely spoken by shopkeepers, taxi drivers, and hotel staff. Communication should be easy for English-speaking travelers.

The Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) is a daily levy paid by visitors to support Bhutan’s development. Since the kingdom first opened its doors in 1974, guests have played a critical role in our country’s growth.

The SDF is collected by the national exchequer and funds are allocated to various projects that create long-term, sustainable opportunities for the Bhutanese people, through free healthcare, education and training, upskilling the tourism and hospitality industry, improved infrastructure, environmental preservation and conservation, cultural preservation programmes and initiatives that support local businesses and economies. The SDF is also a vital means of maintaining the exceptional forest cover and carbon-neutrality for which our small nation is world-renowned and globally critical. The SDF also helps us to ensure that we can continue to offer guests tranquillity and an intimate experience

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 (showing a valid Indian passport or Voter ID card) is Nu. 1,200 (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.