bhutan travel brochure

Traveling in Bhutan: What You Need to Know Before You Go

Unless you're from a select few countries, such as India, Bangladesh, and the Maldives, travel to Bhutan is expensive and not easily undertaken. However, the distinctive Buddhist culture, unspoiled scenery, and fresh mountain air make it very worthwhile. The number of people visiting Bhutan is increasing every year, reflective of growing interest in the country as a tourism destination. Here's what you need to know to plan your trip.

Tours and Independent Travel

The Bhutanese government is hesitant about allowing visitors into the country. Independent travel to Bhutan is opening up, but it's not something the government encourages. Generally, visitors to Bhutan must either be tourists or guests of the government. The only other options for visiting the country are to receive an invitation from "a citizen of some standing" or a volunteer organization.

With the exception of passport holders from India, Bangladesh, and the Maldives, all tourists must travel on a pre-planned, prepaid, guided package tour or custom-designed travel program.

Getting a Visa

Everyone traveling to Bhutan must obtain a visa in advance, except for passport holders from India, Bangladesh, and the Maldives. Passport holders from these three countries are classified as "regional tourists" and can obtain a free Entry Permit on arrival upon producing their passport with a minimum of six months validity. Indian nationals can also use their Voters Identity Card. Citizens of these countries must still pay a Sustainable Development Fee of $17 per day. An exemption applies to tourists visiting 11 specific districts in eastern Bhutan, from Trongsa to Trashigang. The Bhutanese government is aiming to increase tourism in this region.

For other passport holders, the Sustainable Development Fee is $65, which is included in the "Minimum Daily Package" rate (see below). The visa cost is $40. The visas must be applied for and paid for in advance, from registered tour operators (not embassies), at the same time as booking the rest of your trip. You should make your travel arrangements at least 90 days before travel to allow time for all the formalities to be completed.

The visas are processed through an online system by the tour operators and are approved by the Tourism Council of Bhutan once full payment of the cost of the trip has been received. Tourists are issued a visa clearance letter to be presented at immigration upon arrival at the airport. The visa is then stamped in the passport.

Getting There

The only international airport in Bhutan is located at Paro, about an hour's drive from Thimphu. Currently, two national airlines operate flights to Bhutan: Drukair and Bhutan Airlines. Departure points include Bangkok (Thailand), Kathmandu (Nepal), New Delhi and Kolkata (India), Dhaka (Bangladesh), Yangoon (Myanmar), and Singapore.

It's also possible to travel to Bhutan from India overland by road. The main border crossing is Jaigaon-Phuentsholing. There are two others, at Gelephu and Samdrup Jongkhar.

The minimum price of tours (called a "Minimum Daily Package") to Bhutan is set by the government to control tourism and protect the environment, and can't be negotiated. The price includes all accommodations, meals, transportation, guides and porters, and cultural programs. Part of it also goes towards free education, healthcare, and poverty alleviation in Bhutan.

"Minimum Daily Package" prices vary according to the season and the number of tourists in the group.

High Season: March, April, May, September, October, and November

• $250 per person per day for a group of three or more people.
• $280 per person per day for a group of two people.
• $290 per day for single individuals.

Low Season: January, February, June, July, and August

• $200 per person per day for a group of three or more people.
• $230 per person per day for a group of two people.
• $240 per day for single individuals.

Discounts are available for children and students.

Do note that each tour operator has their preferred hotels. These are often the ones that cost less. Therefore, tourists should find out the hotels they've been assigned to, do some research about hotels in Bhutan, and ask to switch hotels if they are not satisfied. Most people assume they're stuck with a fixed itinerary and the hotels allocated to them. However, tour companies will, in fact, accommodate requests in order to keep business.

Tour Companies

The Bhutan Tourist Corporation Limited (BTCL) is highly recommended for making travel bookings to Bhutan. This company is owned by members of the royal family and advertises itself as Bhutan's number one travel agency since 1991. The drivers, guides, and accommodations provided are excellent. If you're interested in photography, see what Rainbow Photography Tours of Bhutan has to offer.

The Tourism Council of Bhutan also has a list of registered tour operators on its website.

The Bhutanese currency is called Ngultrum (BTN) and its value is linked to the Indian Rupee. The Indian Rupee can be used as legal tender in Bhutan, but the Ngultrum is not legal tender in India. There are a limited number of ATMs available.

Development in Bhutan

Bhutan is rapidly changing with a great deal of construction going on, particularly in Thimphu and Paro. As a result, these places have already started to lose their charm and authenticity. Visitors are advised to fly internally from Paro to Bumthang, in the heart of Bhutan, in order to experience the traditional Bhutan. If you're thinking about visiting Bhutan, it's better to go sooner rather than later!

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The Best Bhutan Travel Guide｜ Everything You Need to Know About Kingdom of Bhutan

Bhutan is one of the most preserved, small yet highly valued countries to travel to. The enigmatic mountains, the colourful festival and the peaceful clean cities create a lot of curiosity for foreign tourists.

As the country has strategically implemented a high-value low impact tourism policy, it has become a country be sought after in many travellers’ bucket lists. Bhutan’s tourism industry is almost worth $4.83 million dollars each month contributing greatly to the employment and revenues of the country.

If you’re looking to explore Bhutan’s stunning landscapes and rich cultural heritage, you’ve come to the right place! As a seasoned traveller to this beautiful country, I’ve compiled a comprehensive Bhutan travel guide to help you plan your perfect trip. From must-see attractions to hidden gems, I’ve got you covered. Let’s get started!

WHAT IS COVERED IN THIS ARTICLE?

Best time to visit Bhutan .

Regional differences in Bhutan

Bhutan, a small country in the Himalayas, has distinct regional differences in climate and geography. The southern region of Bhutan experiences a hot and humid subtropical climate with temperatures ranging from 15-30 degrees Celsius throughout the year.

In contrast, the central parts of the country have a cooler and more temperate climate due to their higher elevation. These regional differences also influence the local culture and traditions of the Bhutanese people.

Seasonal differences in Bhutan

Bhutan experiences four distinct seasons throughout the year, each with its own unique characteristics. In addition to these seasonal changes, there are also regional differences that contribute to the country’s diverse climate and landscape.

Weather in Bhutan from October to January is best for visiting as the weather is clear and the roads are perfect for travelling. In the southern parts of Bhutan, you will experience a subtropical climate with sunshine and forests and mountains in the middle part of the country will have cold winter while the mountains in the Northern parts of the country will be covered with thick snow if you travel in the winter.

Plan your itinerary while discussing with your operator to make your visit memorable and hassle-free. If you want to truly discover every aspect of the country, points of attraction, tourist places, activities and the local culture you can plan a month-long visit to this country.

Is it safe to travel to Bhutan?

If you’re wondering whether travelling to Bhutan is safe, the answer is a resounding yes! This small Himalayan kingdom is known for its peaceful and welcoming culture and has one of the lowest crime rates in the world. So, whether you’re exploring the stunning natural landscapes or immersing yourself in Bhutanese culture, you can rest assured that you’ll be safe and secure throughout your travels.

What are the requirements for Bhutan Travel?

Because of Bhutan’s tourism policies citizens of countries other than India , Bangladesh and Maldives require to pre-arrange their tour of a minimum of $250 with a Bhutanese registered travel agency and obtain their hotel bookings and the visa their after.

You can arrange your Bhutan travel only through the tour agencies that are approved tour operators by the Bhutan Tourism Council as listed on their official websites.

You will find different tour operators offering tours based on your interest in culture, nature, adventure and wellness.

What is the Bhutan visa policy ?

Bhutan visas are expensive as most countries have to obtain them after choosing a tour package of a minimum of $250 through a registered tourist agency. However, citizens of Maldives, Bangladesh, and India only have to pay a sustainable Development Fee of around $17. It’s important to plan ahead and budget accordingly for your Bhutan adventure.

Bhutan Visa Requiremen ts:

Here are the documents you will require while applying for a Bhutanese visa :

• You have to book your stay through a registered Bhutanese agency .
• You have to book a tour package which has nightly charges of at least $250.
• Validity of your existing passport for minimum six months.
• You have to submit the document for proof of your occupation.
• Provide contact information and address.

Application process : Through a registered travel operator

Cost: $40 just for the visa for each person and $250 per night for the tour

Time Validity : Single-entry with six months validity

Extension: Through your tour operator

SDF: Sustainable Development Fee is abducted from regional

Bhutan Tour Booking Guide

One of the few things you should remember while booking the tour package through your agency is to read the company policies and the refund policies if your visa gets cancelled. As per the tourism council of Bhutan, here are the necessary steps for tour booking in the Bhutan travel guide.

Step 1:  Select the TCB registered tour operator you want to choose from the official website.

Step 2: Plan an itinerary or a tour package with your tour operator.

Step 3: Pay the amount for the tour package in advance along with the $40 for the one-time visa, through the international partners of Bhutan National Bank.

Step-4: The tour operator will complete your visa application and most of the time the visa is issued mostly within 1 week.

Step-5: Receiving the visa once approved through the mail.

Here is the list of Registered Tour Operators

Bhutan travel packages

Bhutan, the Land of the Thunder Dragon, is a unique and mystical destination that offers visitors a glimpse into a world unlike any other. If you’re planning a trip from Malaysia , there are a number of travel packages available that can help you make the most of your journey.

From exploring ancient monasteries and temples to trekking through the stunning Himalayan landscapes, these packages offer a range of experiences that are sure to leave you with memories that will last a lifetime.

Here are some package tours from Viator:

Glimpses of Bhutan – 4 Days Tour

7 Days Western Bhutan Tour

Photography Tour in Thimphu and Dochula Pass

A Journey to the Center of Bhutan

5 Nights 6 days Bhutan Tour

Types of Accommodation in Bhutan

When you are choosing your tour package with your choice of tour agency you will have to choose your accommodation or stay. If you arrive through the Paro International airport and create an itinerary where you decide to stay at a hotel in Paro, here are some options for choosing accommodation.

Accommodation for visitors is of a few categories’ hotels, farm-stays, homestays, resorts, and guesthouses.

All the registered tour operators provide foreign tourists with at least 3-star hotels. Bhutan’s government has a preset system to rate hotels based on their service, hospitality and the set guidelines by the government.

Here is a list of the top-rated hotels you can consider to stay:

Zhiwa Ling Hotel (Address: Satsam Chorten, Paro, Bhutan)

Le-Meridian Paro (Address: Paro thimphu hwy, Shaba, 12001, Bhutan)

Gangtey Palace (Address: CCF7+R4J, Paro, Bhutan)

Terma Linka resort & spa (Address: Babesa-Thimphu Expressway, Thimphu 11001, Bhutan)

If you are from visa-free countries travelling to Bhutan, you can choose some of the budget options as most of them are two or three stars.

Foreigners from countries other than India, Bangladesh and Maldives may not be able to choose the budget hotels because of the set amount by TCB in Bhutan travel guide.

Here is a list of the best-rated budget hotels:

Khamsum Inn (Address: Phenday Oudpel Lam, Thimphu, Bhutan)

Zambala Riverview Hotel (Address: Bondey, Paro, Bhutan)

Centennial Hotel (Address: V97H+FXW Lower Market, Phuensum Lam, Phuentsholing, Bhutan)

Hotel Shantideva Bhutan (Address: Norzin Lam 1, Thimphu, Bhutan)

Guest-houses:

Guesthouses are one of the best options if you are looking for a traditional yet cosy environment. Many top-rated guest houses are located across the country which you can discuss with your tour operator. The guest houses are similar in terms of services offered by the hotel.

Farm-stays : Many tourists enjoy experiencing farm stays in Bhutan which will give you the experience of the locals and you can include it in your itinerary. Many farm-stays will ensure your experience of authentic meals, sighting of century-old farming traditional in the mountains.

Types of tours Bhutan Travel Guide

Cultural tour in bhutan:.

If you are planning your trip to Bhutan to understand the culture and heritage of the country you must visit the UNESCO heritage sites in Bhutan like the National Museum of Bhutan in Paro and the National Library , Royal Textile of Bhutan and the Dzongs .

As the primary religion of Bhutan is Buddhism their lifestyle, art,and customs are deeply influenced by Buddist values. Along with pristine rivers, Rocky Mountains you will also visit a lot of monastries, shortens and Ihakhangs in your Bhutan travel guide.

As far as Bhutanese lifestyle and traditions are concerned most Bhutanese love to live simply, worship their deities, enjoying their colourful traditional festivals, Bhutan is one of the countries in the world promoting sustainable tourism and living. The main sources of economy in the country is agriculture, hydropower and forestry.

Most cultural tour packages in Bhutan are planned highlighting Here is an exemplary of 5-day itinerary for Bhutan you can work with for the cultural tour of Bhutan :

Arrival and move to Thimpu : Arrive in Paro and move to the capital Thimpu. In Thimpu, you will visit the Zulekha Nunnery, National Emporium, Thimpu Dzong, the Motithang Takin Preserve.

Sightseeing in Thimpu : Visit the most appreciated tourist places in Thimpu like the Memorial Chorten, National Library, Handicrafts emporium, Institute of traditional medicine.

Thimphu to Punakha via Dochula la : In the drive, through the Dochul La, you will get a scenic view of the Himalayas and visit Wangduephodrung, Mehsina village, Chime Lakhang or Temple of fertility. After reaching Punakha visit the stunning Punakha Dzong in the mountains.

Punakha to Paro : Embark on a journey from Punakha to Paro and discover the vibrant local culture by wandering through the enchanting streets of Paro City.

Paro sightseeing : Visit its most popular heritage and historical sites like Tanpung dzong which is the residency of the Desi Tenzin Ragbye , Rinpun dzong and Nya-Mey Zam bridge.

Adventure tour in Bhutan:

Activities to do in Bhutan: If you want to enjoy the mountains, rivers at their best and the sheer thrill of adventure sports Bhutan has a lot to offer. Here is the ultimate list of adventure sports to try in Bhutan.

Rock Climbing in the Nose in Thimpu: The climbing route of ” The Nose ” ranges from 12 meters to 27 meters where rock climbing is conducted by Vertical Bhutan Club. It has 13 routes of climbing which you can choose from.

Whitewater rafting in Mo Chuu and Pho Chuu: This is one of the most fun adventure sport anyone can try. If you are a beginner at kayaking and rating in Mochu is advised as the water is calmer with fewer currents. The rafting starts at the bridge that leads to Khansum valley in Punakha and the rafting course stretches about 5.6 miles.

Kayaking in the Wang Chuu and Puna Tsang Chuu : Wang Chuu and Puna Tsang Chuu are two of the rivers in Thimpu that you can enjoy rafting on according to Bhutan Travel Guide. Wang Chuu is one of the tributaries of the Bramhaputra river. Rafting on Wang Chuu also gives you the chance to get the sight of Samteling palace and SAARC buildings.

Trekking and hot springs in Paro: Trekking to the Tiger’s Nest monastery is one of the enthralling activities you must try. There are also other one-day hiking routes such as Bumudra Hike, Chumpu Ney Hike in Paro that you can also attempt.

Paragliding in Kamshet near Ura valley : If you really want to feel the pumps of your heart and try adrenaline-induced paragliding near Kamshet where you will get a glance of the Sahyadri ranges of Himalaya.

Mountain biking: You can try mountain biking near Punakha, where the classic biking route famous among tourists are Khuruthang-Samdiingkha and Punakha etc.

Crossing suspension bridges in Punakha : One of the oldest and historically valued suspension bridges in the world, the Punakha suspension bridge surely should be one on your list. This 160-meter bridge will give you extreme thrill as you cross the bridge and you will see many Buddhist prayer flags.

You may not be able to include all of the above-listed activities in your itinerary but water rafting, rock climbing, crossing suspension bridges are unavoidable if you are a seeker for an adventure. Here are three adventure activities anyone can try if you are not anything scary.

Fishing in Thimpu, Punakha, Bumthang

Archery in villages near Paro

Wildlife Safari at the Royal Manas National Park

Nature Tour and Off-beat places:

As stunning as the country with the bliss of mountains Bhutan has a lot of offbeat and popular places where you can rest your wearing heart. If you are focusing on healing and absorbing the energy of nature while visiting Bhutan here is your Bhutan travel guide tips.

1. Plan your trip including the best places for nature and wildlife.

2. Include hikes with the tour operators to the rugged mountains and trekking in the valleys.

3. Try to get a glimpse of offbeat places like Haa, Phobjika valley, Jangtsa Dhumtseg Lhakhang, the 4. 4. Paro Taktsang to imbibe the memories deep in your heart.

5. Visit the National Handloom Project run by the Bhutanese National Women’s Association.

The ‘ Peaceful country of Dragons ” is surely one of the high-value countries that you can travel to. The picturesque trails, traditional architecture, green environment-friendly lifestyle will surely enthrall you. If you are from South Asia, then Here is a complete Bhutan Travel Guide for South Asians.

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