Frequently Asked Questions
We are here to assist and serve you at our best to make your trip a memorable one.
Bhutan is a very safe place to visit, even if you’re travelling alone. There is very little crime experienced by locals or visitors, although we advise you to take care of yourself and your belongings. In some areas you may encounter stray dogs – please be cautious around them as they are not domesticated. They normally keep their distance, but please stay away from them as much as possible, especially if travelling with children.
Bhutan’s physical environment presents occasional safety hazards, including flooding and landslides. From June to September the monsoons can affect transport and services.
Before embarking on a trip to Bhutan, please seek advice from your doctor with regard to vaccinations and appropriate medication you should have prior to your travels. As a minimum you should have tetanus, typhoid and hepatitis A inoculations.
Travel / Medical Insurance:
The government of Bhutan requires full and valid travel insurance for the duration of their visit for all the visitors except those from India, Bangladesh and the Maldives, it is required to be in place when you make your visa application. You can use your own international travel insurance however, if you don’t have one, the Royal Insurance Corporation of Bhutan has launched a travel and medical plan for visitors only. To learn more, visit www.ricb.com.bt.
Visitors from India, Bangladesh and the Maldives have the option to purchase domestic travel insurance at their port of entry.
Although we recommend all visitors stay up to date with vaccinations against covid-19 to help stop the spread of the disease, there are now no covid-19 vaccination requirements for adults or children to enter Bhutan from September 23rd 2022. There is no quarantine requirement either.
No random covid-19 testing will be undertaken at any port of entry into Bhutan, however this may be done if a guest is showing symptoms or asks for a test.
If a guest tests positive for covid-19 during their stay in Bhutan, they will be admitted entry into the country without any quarantine period, however will be required to wear a face mask at all times and maintain other precautionary measures until they test negative again.
There will be no covid-19 protocols to leave Bhutan, unless the country the guest is travelling to requires them.
Travel / Medical Insurance:
The government of Bhutan requires full and valid travel insurance for the duration of their visit for all the visitors except those from India, Bangladesh and the Maldives, it is required to be in place when you make your visa application. You can use your own international travel insurance however, if you don’t have one, the Royal Insurance Corporation of Bhutan has launched a travel and medical plan for visitors only. To learn more, visit www.ricb.com.bt.
Visitors from India, Bangladesh and the Maldives have the option to purchase domestic travel insurance at their port of entry.
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.
Bhutan is a year-round destination. There are four seasons: summer (June to August), autumn (September to November), winter (December to February) and spring (March to May). But because of the range of altitudes in the country, and the influence of the north Indian monsoons, the climate is incredibly varied.
In the south, the humid, subtropical climate is fairly consistent year-round, with temperatures between 15oC and 30oC. Central Bhutan, with its temperate forests, has a more seasonal climate, with warm summers and cool, dry winters. The northern regions are much colder during winter. Because of the high altitude, mountain peaks are snowy year-round and the lower reaches remain cool in summer.
In summer, the Indian monsoon season runs from late June or July to late September, mostly affecting the southern regions. Most farming activities take place in the summer, when crops thrive in verdant landscapes.
Autumn, from late September or early October to late November, follows the rainy season. It is characterised by bright, sunny days and some early snowfall at higher elevations. It’s the season of feasts and festivals as farmers reap the fruits of their work.
From late November until March, the crisp, clear and sunny winter sets in, with frost throughout much of the country and snowfall common above elevations of 3,000 metres. The winter northeast monsoon brings gale-force winds at the highest altitudes through high mountain passes, giving Bhutan the name Drukyul, which means Land of the Thunder Dragon in Dzongkha (Bhutan’s national language).
Bhutan’s generally dry spring starts in early March and lasts until mid-April. It is a botanist’s delight, with nature in full bloom. Summer weather commences in mid-April with occasional showers and continues to late June.
The country has one international airport located in Paro. Flights operated by Drukair and Bhutan Airlines arrive and depart from destinations including Bangkok, Delhi, Kolkata, Bagdogra, Bodhgaya, Dhaka, Kathmandu, Guwahati and Singapore. Private jets or charters can fly into Bhutan after obtaining the relevant approvals.
There are also domestic airports in Yonphula in eastern Bhutan, Bumthang in central Bhutan, and Gelephu in south-central Bhutan.
There is some very good content in the form of SHINE Tourism Attraction Books that list activities and helpful information available to download at the following link: https://shine.grat.at/photos/
For detailed and comprehensive information we can assist you, as we have the ground knowledge about the highlights of each regional district (Dzongkhag)
In keeping with the Tourism Council of Bhutan’s policy of “High Value Low Volume” tourism, you will be required to pay the Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) of US$100 per day (per adult; concessionary rates apply for children). More information about the SDF can be found here.
A non-refundable, one-off visa application fee of US$40 is also payable.
Regarding our charges for organizing your trip very memorable with our full commitment, you can negotiate and discuss the price with us through various communication media shared on our website and social media page.
The agreed charges will include following:
o Airport Transfer
o A minimum of 3 star accommodations, which are monitored timely and approved by government. (4 & 5 star may require a premium payment)
o A licensed English Speaking tour Guide for the extent of your stay (we can arrange language guide if you will require with bit extra fees)
o All three meals, + tea, coffee & snacks
o Bottled mineral water for the entire trip (except water ordered in the hotels and restaurants)
o Dedicated SUV vehicle with a driver
o All internal ground transport
o Day hikes, Packed lunches and snacks wherever required
o Monumental and Museum entrance fees
o All administrative cost
o Full service & assistance before, during and after your Bhutan trip
Package Does Not Include:
1. Sustainable Development Fees (SDF)
2. Visa fees
3. Airfare to and from Bhutan (we can arrange you tickets for you if you wish)
4. Refreshments and bottled drinks and alcoholics/gratuities
5. Cost arising out of Flight Cancellation/road blockades/ landslides and events beyond our control
6. Expenses of personal nature and any other expenses not mentioned in the above cost
7. Tips and gratuities to the local staffs
8. Travel and medical insurance
9. Wire transfer charge/fees
You may bring cash equivalent to US$10,000 into the country.
We can assist you fully on that. Please do not worry.
ATMs are located within all main towns throughout Bhutan, where money can be withdrawn using a Visa or MasterCard. International credit cards are widely used in urban areas of Bhutan. However this service may not be available in other parts of the country. Visitors can download the digital wallet app goBoB launched by the Bank of Bhutan, which can be used with a local SIM card and is widely accepted throughout the country. Another option is the MyPay digtal wallet app launched by Bhutan National Bank. Both apps can be connected to international credit cards and used widely. Cash in US dollars and Indian rupees is also widely accepted. We advise bringing some cash in either of these currencies, or in Bhutanese ngultrum.
Bhutan’s currency is the Ngultrum (Nu.) It is at par with the Indian rupee, which is widely accepted in the country.
We the ‘Absolute Happiness Origin Tours and Travel to Bhutan’ can arrange your airline tickets on both Druk Air and Bhutan Airlines. We are authorized ticketing agent for two international airlines.
The advantages of purchasing fight ticket through us are as follows:
• You’ll get the ticket cost bit cheaper to what you’ll see online of these flight agent
• There is no commission fee or service charges for this service
• You can avail discount for your children at various age category and students concession
• We can do online check in with choosing best window side seats and aisle for you to have a great view over Himalayas (including Mount Everest)
• Your e-ticket will be sent to your desktop
· Taking pictures inside the alters of the Dzongs (fortress), in some temples and in monasteries is strictly prohibited. You should check with your guide before taking pictures or filming inside Dzongs, temples, monasteries and religious institutions as in some area photograph/filming is not permitted.
· Dress code; we expect visitors to dress modestly and respectfully especially if you are planning a visit to the monasteries, Dzongs and other religious institutions. Long pants and long sleeved tops should be worn when visiting such places. As a mark of respect, be kind enough to remove your hats, caps etc. as you enter religious and administrative premises, institutions and in any other place that you come across with the national flag being raised.
· Although Bhutan is safe, we advise you to keep your valuable items like wallets, cameras, passport etc, in safe place.
· Avoid drinking tap water which has not been boiled or ice cubes in drinks at all times, as most water sources in Bhutan are untreated. One can easily acquire affordable treated and bottled water.
· Drugs and Tobacco; Bhutan has a duty to protect its citizens from drugs and tobacco products, so to do this we need your help and cooperation.
· Please co-operate if stopped and asked about your baggage. Please do not carry tobacco goods in excess of the set limit. For more information please see following link for Tobacco Control Act; http://bnca.gov.bt.
· Buying of antiques from Bhutan is strictly monitored by the custom at the checkpoints. Please always buy goods with cash memo or original bills/invoices.
There is a ban on the sale of cigarettes in Bhutan. Smoking is also prohibited in public places, hotels and offices but each person is allowed to bring in 200 sticks or a carton for personal consumption.
A local guide will help you see the best that the country has to offer and will ensure your safety when exploring unfamiliar terrain and altitude. It is mandatory to be accompanied by a guide for any journey or any trek beyond Thimphu and Paro. Guides are also mandatory for visitors who enter Bhutan via our land borders and plan to travel beyond the border towns.
Guests no longer require a Route permit to travel around the country, so long as they are accompanied by a guide certified by the Department of Tourism.
While guides aren’t necessary for all experiences, such as dining out and shopping, we strongly recommend that guides accompany visitors for experiences such as visiting temples and local places of interest. It is mandatory to have a guide when visiting monuments such as dzongs, for instance.
Keeping important antiques and artefacts in Bhutan is a key part of how we preserve our heritage for future generations. We have a law that sets out which artistic, historic, cultural, religious, social, archaeological and technical objects you may not take with you when you leave. To ensure any items you acquire comply with the law, you will need an Export Permit for Non-Antique Artefacts. Find out more about the permit and how to apply for one here.
A permit, which must be applied for in advance, is required to fly a drone either recreationally or commercially in Bhutan. Please email media@tcb.gov.bt to find out more about the regulations.
There are no rules about what visitors should wear. However if you are planning to visit places of religious significance, respectful smart-casual clothing that covers your body from shoulders to knees is appropriate and appreciated.
While most monuments in Bhutan are free, some are chargeable. For the full list of monument fees, please click here for more information. Children below 18 years will have a 50% concession and children aged five years and below will be exempted. Most monuments are open from 9am – 5pm each day. In June 2023 it was announced that foreign visitors can now visit monuments whenever they are open to the general public, without any restrictions
Bhutan offers a wide range of accommodation, from luxurious five-star hotels to cosy homestays in traditional village settings.
You may only stay in accommodation or campsites approved by the Tourism Council of Bhutan.
There are 19 languages spoken in Bhutan, but the national language is Dzongkha. English is used throughout Bhutan’s education system, so it is widely used and understood.
The most distinctive characteristic of Bhutanese cuisine is its spiciness. Chillies are an essential part of nearly every dish and are considered so important that most Bhutanese people would not enjoy a meal that is not spicy.
Rice forms staple Bhutanese diet. It is accompanied by one or two side dishes consisting of meat or vegetables. Pork, beef and chicken are consumed most often. A wide selection of western and Indian food is also available in many of the restaurants around the country.
The country has a good network of telecommunication facilities. All the hotels and cafe’s offer free Wi-Fi Internet access. Bhutan has a comprehensive mobile (cell) phone network with global roaming also assessable.
Most hotels have Wi-Fi in Bhutan, but we recommend obtaining a guest SIM card for more convenient access to data and a more reliable internet connection. Mobile data in Bhutan can also be expensive. You can find the B Mobile SIM in mobile stores in larger cities, which you can easily top up using the Bank of Bhutan app goBoB. This app also facilitates other payments within the country.
For telephone calls, Bhutan’s country code is +975. Make sure you add this to the beginning of any number if calling Bhutan from abroad.
With great altitudinal variations, weather is quite mixed in Bhutan. So be prepared to face the unforeseen weather conditions and enquire us of seasonal clothes to be packed prior to your journey.
Bhutan offers immense opportunities for photography especially during outdoor sightseeing trips. You are free to capture images of the landscape, the panoramic views of the mountain ranges, rural life, flora and fauna, distinctive Bhutanese architecture and the exterior of Dzongs and Chortens. Hence, do not forget to pack your camera.
Some popular handicraft items available for purchase are hand-woven textiles of raw silk or silk, carved masks of various animals, woven baskets of cane and bamboo, wooden bowls known as Dapas, handmade paper products or finely crafted gods of silver. Other items you may be interested in are the exquisite Buddhist Thangkha paintings or Bhutan’s wide array of colourful and creative postage stamps. You can come across these items in the many handicraft shops in and around Thimphu and in other major towns. Please remember that buying and selling of antiques is strictly forbidden in Bhutan.
There are plenty of places to shop for special objects, from high-end pieces to small mementos. Many visitors enjoy shopping at the Cottage and Small Industries (CSI) Market and the Centenary Farmers’ Market. The Textile Museum shop has a wonderful selection of artisan-made textiles and homewares, as do the nearby Tarayana and Craft galleries. Our OGOP shops are also excellent places to find food, drink and handcrafted products sourced directly from the country’s artisans and farmers.
Bhutan ascribes to the metric system and most weights are measured in gram (g) and kilogram (kg). The standard time is 6 hours ahead of GMT.
Tipping is a purely personal matter. We leave it up to you as to whether you want to give a gratuity to your tour guides and drivers.
There is a charge of Nu. 4,500 per car, per day. A guide is also mandatory and will be at an additional charge.
If guests want to bring their own car, the cars must meet the requirements of Bhutan’s Roads Safety and Transport Authority, and must also have a valid driver’s license, insurance documentation, pollution control documentation, an entry permit, and a vehicle in reasonable condition. A valid Indian driver’s license is accepted for self-driving within Bhutan. The same fees and rules apply for motorbikes.
In case the vehicle is not owned by the guests travelling to Bhutan, an authorisation letter is required.
There is no limit on the number of tourists allowed to visit in a year. In order to protect our culture, traditions and natural environment, the government has adopted a unique policy of “High Value, Low volume ”. This policy is aimed at attracting discerning tourists that will respect the unique culture and values of the Bhutanese people while also providing the visitors with an unforgettable one of a kind experience.
All major towns are well connected with electricity that runs on 220/240 volts with multi socket to insert.
Three different 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 adaptors for all three.
a. Do I need a visa to enter Bhutan?
Visitors of all nationalities, except those from India, require a visa before entering Bhutan. For all visitors, except those from Bangladesh and the Maldives, this visa must be applied for and approved in advance of travel. Visitors from Bangladesh and the Maldives also require a visa, but this can be applied for and approved either in advance of travel or upon arrival in Bhutan.
Visitors from India are able to apply for a permit but are required to hold an Indian passport or an Indian voter ID card. For Indian nationals under the age of 18, a passport or a birth certificate can be used to enter and they must be accompanied by a legal guardian.
Nationals from Switzerland and Thailand holding diplomatic or government-official passports are eligible for a visa at their port of entry.
b. How do I apply for a visa/Permit?
Applying for a visa (or permit) is simple and straightforward – and brings your journey to Bhutan one step closer.
All visitors require a visa before travelling to Bhutan (except those from India, Bangladesh and the Maldives, for whom the relevant processes and fees are outlined separately below).
As part of the visa application process, you will be required to pay the Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) of US$100 per day (per adult; concessionary rates apply for children). More information about the SDF can be found here.
A non-refundable, one-off visa application fee of US$40 is also payable.
You can either apply online for a visa or permit by completing an application form by yourself, or we can apply on your behalf.
c. How long does it take to issue my visa? A correctly input visa application can take up to five days to process.
d. How much does the visa cost? There is a one-off fee of US$40 for the processing of your application. This is payable at the same time as your Sustainable Development Fee (SDF), as part of the process of submitting your visa application.
e. How long does my visa allow me to stay in Bhutan?
The visa allows you to remain in Bhutan for a maximum of 90 days from the date of entry.
f. Can I extend my visa while I’m in Bhutan?
Yes, provided the extension is applied for before the original visa or permit expires. Visitors can extend their stay via the online visa application portal, using the same log-in details that were used to process their original visa. The fees for processing your extension application, and daily SDF for the duration of your extended stay, will be payable via the same portal.
g. Are there any nationalities restricted from being granted a visa to enter Bhutan?
No, there are no restricted nationalities in Bhutan.
h. I’m an Indian national, or from Bangladesh or the Maldives. How can I obtain a travel permit or visa?
Before travelling, visitors from India, Bangladesh and the Maldives can apply for a permit (Indian nationals) or visa (Bangladeshi or Maldivian nationals) here. You may also apply at the point of entry, but please be aware that there may be a long wait depending on the number of applicants at the time. We recommend arranging your permit/visa beforehand.
Documents required
We will ask you to send some information and following documents to process your visa.
· A digital copy of a valid passport
A recent digital passport photo
Arrival and departure dates
Valid travel insurance for the duration of your travel
Payment details
APPLY HERE: https://visit.doi.gov.bt
VISITORS FROM INDIA, BANGLADESH AND THE MALDIVES
Visitors from India require a permit. You or we can apply for this before travelling here, No fees are payable in advance.
You can also apply at your point of entry, but please be aware that there may be a long wait depending on the number of applicants at the time. If you are applying for a permit on arrival, you will need a passport-size photograph. You must also have insurance for the duration of your visit, which you can prearrange or purchase upon arrival. Your SDF is payable when applying for your permit, either online or in person.
Visitors from Bangladesh and the Maldives require a visa, but the process is the same as the one outlined above for Indian nationals: you may apply and pay the relevant SDF online and prearrange your travel insurance before travelling, or you can do this in person upon arrival.
We recommend arranging your permit or visa beforehand.
APPLY HERE: https://bhutan.travel/visa
1. What is the SDF and how is it used?
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.
2. What is the 24 hour SDF border town waiver?
Tourists visiting Samtse, Phuentsholing, Gelephu, and Samdrupjongkhar towns for 24 hours need not pay Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) beginning April 14, 2023. The waiver will be enforced for a year. The SDF waiver will only apply for tourists who do not travel beyond the designated zones of border towns. However, SDF will apply for visitors who travel beyond the designated zone of border towns.
Tourists will be charged SDF if they go beyond Gurung Basti in Samtse, and beyond Rinchending Checkpost in Phuentsholing. The designated zone in Gelephu is at Aipoli Bridge and Pinchinna checkpost in Samdrupjongkhar.
3. Can I use my international credit card to pay for my visa / SDF online? Yes, it is possible to use your credit card to pay for your visa and SDF online. However, we strongly recommend that you notify your bank prior to making the credit card transaction to ensure that the payment is processed successfully. If they are not informed in advance, sometimes international banks will block online payments to Bhutan as part of the bank’s online security measures.
4. If I cancel my trip will my SDF be refunded?
Yes, the SDF will be refunded by the Department of Immigration for any cancelled or shortened trips; any bank charges will be deducted from the total refunded. Requests for SDF refunds should be submitted online using the visa portal. The refund will be processed after visitors leave Bhutan.