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Booking & visa
Do I need a visa?
All visitors except Indian, Bangladeshi, and Maldivian nationals need a visa, arranged through us as part of your booking. The visa fee is USD 40 and the application takes about 3–5 business days.
What is the Sustainable Development Fee?
An SDF of USD 100 per adult per night (USD 50 for ages 6–12, free under 6). It funds free healthcare, free education, and conservation across Bhutan. Indian, Bangladeshi, and Maldivian nationals pay a reduced INR 1,200 per night.
How far in advance should I book?
For festival tours and the busy spring and autumn windows, book 3–6 months ahead. Off-peak travel, 4–6 weeks is usually enough. Snowman Trek and other long expeditions need 6+ months.
Do I need to pay a deposit?
No deposit at the inquiry stage. Once you confirm an itinerary, full payment is required at least 30 days before arrival to process visa and permits.
What is your cancellation policy?
Full refund if you cancel 60+ days before arrival. Tiered refund within 30–60 days. Within 30 days, refunds are negotiated case-by-case based on costs already incurred (visa, hotel deposits, flights).
The trip
What is included in the price?
All ground transport, accommodation, meals, entrance fees, government taxes, the SDF, the visa fee, a private guide, and a private driver. International flights are not included.
What is the typical group size?
2–8 travellers per trip. Most of our trips run as private departures for a single group of friends or family. We do not run mixed-group trips unless specifically requested.
Can I customise my itinerary?
Yes — every itinerary is built around your dates, interests, fitness level, and pace. Treat the published trips as starting points.
What is the food like?
Hotel restaurants serve a mix of Bhutanese, Indian, Continental, and Chinese cuisine. The national dish is ema datshi (chillies in cheese sauce); we will introduce you to the full spectrum, including red rice, momos, butter tea, and ara if you want it.
Can you handle dietary requirements?
Vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and most allergies are well handled. Tell us in advance and we will brief the hotels and cook crews.
On the ground
How fit do I need to be?
For cultural tours: comfortable walking 2–4 hours a day, including the Tiger's Nest hike (5–6 hour return). For treks, fitness requirements scale with the route — we will be honest about whether a particular trek is right for you.
What about altitude sickness?
Cultural sites sit between 2,000 and 3,500 metres; most travellers have no issue. For treks above 4,000 metres, our itineraries build in proper acclimatisation days. We carry first-aid kits and supplemental oxygen on all high-altitude treks.
Is Bhutan safe?
Yes — among the safest travel destinations in Asia. Crime against tourists is essentially unheard of. Roads are well-maintained but mountainous; our drivers are licensed and experienced.
Can I use my phone in Bhutan?
International roaming works on most carriers. For better local coverage, buy a Tashi Cell or Bhutan Telecom prepaid SIM at the airport (passport required, around USD 10 with data). 4G is strong in towns and along the main highway.
What about tipping?
Tipping is appreciated but not expected. Your guide will advise on appropriate amounts at the end of the trip.
Practical
What currency should I bring?
USD or Indian Rupees, in small denominations. The local Ngultrum is pegged 1:1 to the Indian Rupee. ATMs accept international cards in Paro, Thimphu, and Punakha but can be unreliable.
Should I get travel insurance?
Strongly recommended. For trekking trips, make sure your policy covers altitudes appropriate to your route (most cap at 3,500 m unless you upgrade). Helicopter-evacuation cover is sensible for treks above 4,000 m.
What language is spoken?
Dzongkha is the national language; English is widely spoken and the language of instruction in schools. All our guides speak fluent English.