About

Bhutan

Bhutan, a tiny Buddhist kingdom known as the Land of the Thunder Dragon, is nestled between China and India in the heart of the eastern Himalayas. Bhutan is famous for its imposing monasteries, colossal fortifications and breathtaking scenery. It is divided into 20 districts, each with different traditions and ways of life.

The Bhutanese way of life is a perfect blend of tradition and modernity and gives the country a unique identity that sets it apart from all others. Because of its uniqueness, visitors to Thimphu, the kingdom’s capital city, are eager to immerse themselves in the local culture and customs.

Important things to know

Please take a look at the most important topics

Unless you are a citizen of Bangladesh, India or Maldives, the Government regulation mandates that you must book your trip through a local tour operator.

With the exception of Indian, Bangladeshi and Maldivian, all tourists visiting Bhutan must apply for a tourist visa prior to their arrival to Bhutan. Tourist Visa can be processed through a local tour operator.
You will need to submit a duly filled Visa form, scanned copy of your passport (with at least a validity of 6 months). The Department of Tourism of Bhutan approves your Visa upon the full payment for your trip.

All international tour agencies work in partnership with a local tour operator. Even if you book your trip through an international tour agency, all your Visa processing, reservation confirmation will be handled by the local tour operator. It is very likely that most international tour agencies will charge a service fee and a markup on the price quotation offered by the local tour operator. We recommend booking your trip directly with a local tour operator to get the best rate.

Only Druk Air and Bhutan Airlines operate an inbound flight to Paro International Airport in Paro Bhutan from India (New Delhi, Calcutta, Guwahati and Bagdogra) Dhaka Bangladesh, Bangkok Thailand and Singapore.

Bhutan receives majority of the tourists in the spring months of March, April and May and fall months of September, October and November as major festivals are celebrated in these period.

Weather in Bhutan varies in different region. The climate ranges from sub-tropical in the lower altitude to alpine in the north. Southern and Eastern Bhutan enjoys a subtropical climate and are generally warmer and humid. The temperature in the capital city of Thimphu ranges from -2.5 degrees Celsius in winter to 25 degrees Celsius in summer.

1. Choose from our wide selection of pre-designed Bhutan tour packages.

2. You can contact us and discuss on changing any details of your tour, including itineraries, accommodations, etc.

3. You need a basic travel insurance.

4. Once your itinerary is finalized, we will check and confirm the availability of flights and hotel rooms. Once the availability is confirmed, The next process is to apply for the visa followed by securing flight and hotel room reservations.Note* you may opt to make your own flight reservation. Learn more about flights to Bhutan.

5. Copy of passport (with photo) with at least 6 months validity. No discounts for students.

6. You will now transfer your entire tour payment + visa application fee to Department of Tourism (Green Heart Bhutan as the ultimate beneficiary). You can either make the payment via wire transfer from your bank or use our online secure payment gateway. We accept VISA and MasterCard cards. Department of Tourism will only approve visas subject to full payment of tour calculated based on the minimum daily tariff.

7. Upon successful payment transaction, Department of Tourism will approve your visa application and we will share you a PDF copy of your visa.

  1. Guests from India are levied SDF of Nu. 1,200 or equivalent amount in INR per person per night, which will remain in effect for two years, following which time it may be reviewed and revised in keeping with the principle of the preferential rate after two years.
  2. Visitors from all other countries are levied SDF of USD 200 per person, per night.
  3. There will be a concessionary levy of 50% on the SDF for children between the ages of 6-12 years and exemptions of SDF for children aged 5 years and below.
  4. The SDF funds go to the national exchequer and are allocated to various projects that enhance facilities, services and infrastructure for nationals and guests who visit Bhutan, as well as funding free healthcare and education.