A practical guide to planning your trip to Bhutan — visa, timing, what to bring, and what to expect on the ground.
Best time to visit
Spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November) offer the clearest weather and the country's biggest festivals. Spring brings rhododendron bloom and warm valleys; autumn delivers post-monsoon clarity with sharp Himalayan views. Winter (December–February) is dry, cold, and ideal for crane viewing in Phobjikha. The summer monsoon (June–August) brings rain and reduced visibility.
Visa & permits
All visitors except Indian, Bangladeshi, and Maldivian nationals need a visa, arranged through your tour operator. The visa fee is USD 40 and processed alongside your booking. A separate Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) of USD 100 per adult per night applies for most visitors.
Getting there
Druk Air and Bhutan Airlines fly into Paro from Bangkok, Singapore, Delhi, Kolkata, Kathmandu, Dhaka, and a handful of other regional cities. The descent into Paro is famously dramatic — only a small number of pilots are certified to land at the airport.
What to pack
- Layers. Bhutanese weather changes by elevation. Bring light layers plus a warm fleece even in summer.
- Walking shoes. Required for Tiger's Nest and any cultural day. Sturdy boots if you're trekking.
- Modest clothing for temples. Long sleeves and trousers (women: no shorts or short skirts) at religious sites.
- Sunscreen, hat, sunglasses. High-altitude UV is no joke.
- Personal medication. Pharmacies are basic; bring what you need, including any altitude medication.
Money
The local currency is the Ngultrum (BTN), pegged 1:1 to the Indian Rupee. Cash is king in rural areas; ATMs in Paro, Thimphu, and Punakha accept international cards but can be unreliable. Carry small US dollars or Indian Rupees as backup.
Connectivity
Tashi Cell and Bhutan Telecom offer prepaid SIM cards — bring an unlocked phone. 4G is strong in towns and along the main east-west highway; coverage thins quickly in remote valleys. Wi-Fi is available at most hotels and lodges.
Health & altitude
No vaccinations are mandatory unless you're arriving from a yellow-fever risk area. Many cultural sites sit between 2,000 and 3,500 metres; you'll feel the altitude on the Tiger's Nest hike. For trekking above 4,000 metres, allow proper acclimatisation days. We carry first-aid kits and supplemental oxygen on all high-altitude treks.
Etiquette
- Remove shoes before entering any temple or lhakhang.
- Walk clockwise around stupas, prayer wheels, and altars.
- Do not photograph the inside of temples; ask before photographing monks.
- Tipping is appreciated but not expected; your guide will advise on amounts at the end of the trip.
The Sustainable Development Fee
Bhutan's "high value, low volume" tourism policy charges an SDF of USD 100 per adult per night (USD 50 for ages 6–12, free under 6). The SDF funds free healthcare, free education, and conservation across the country. Indian, Bangladeshi, and Maldivian nationals pay a reduced SDF of INR 1,200 per night.
Booking with us
We respond to every inquiry personally — usually within 24 hours. Tell us your dates, group size, and what calls you to Bhutan, and we'll send back a thoughtful itinerary with no obligation and no deposit. Get in touch.