How to Travel to Bhutan

Published December 1st, 2024 by

Visiting Bhutan involves a few specific steps due to the country’s unique tourism policies. Here's a guide to help you plan your trip:

1. Visa Requirements
Tourists (except from India, Bangladesh, and the Maldives) need a visa to enter Bhutan.
The visa application is processed by a licensed Bhutanese tour operator or their international partners.
Submit a copy of your passport, a passport-sized photograph, and the visa application form.
Pay the Sustainable Development Fee (SDF), which is $200 per day per person (as of 2024).

2. Book Through a Licensed Tour Operator
Bhutan has a mandatory guided-tour policy. You must book your trip through a licensed Bhutanese tour operator or their international partners.
They will arrange your itinerary, accommodation, and guides, ensuring you meet the required daily SDF and other regulations.

3. Choose an Itinerary
Bhutan offers a variety of experiences, from cultural tours to high-altitude treks. Popular destinations include:
Paro: Tiger’s Nest Monastery (Taktsang)
Thimphu: Buddha Dordenma, Tashichho Dzong
Punakha: Punakha Dzong
Bumthang: Temples and valleys
Haa Valley: Scenic beauty and local culture

4. Travel to Bhutan

By Air:
Bhutan is served by Paro International Airport. Flights are operated by Druk Air and Bhutan Airlines.
Popular routes include flights from cities like Delhi, Kolkata, Kathmandu, Bangkok, and Singapore.
By Land:
Enter through Phuentsholing, the border town connecting Bhutan and India. Other entry points include Samdrup Jongkhar and Gelephu.

5. Best Time to Visit


Spring (March to May): Ideal for trekking and witnessing blooming rhododendrons.
Autumn (September to November): Clear skies and popular for festivals like Thimphu Tshechu.
Winter (December to February): Cold but perfect for cultural tours with fewer crowds.


6. Plan for Special Activities
Attend a Bhutanese festival (Tsechu) to experience local culture.
Include a high-altitude trek like the Druk Path Trek or Jomolhari Trek if you're adventurous.
Explore Bhutan’s rich handicrafts, traditional food, and serene landscapes.

7. Sustainable Travel
Bhutan focuses on high-value, low-impact tourism to protect its environment and culture. Respect local customs, avoid single-use plastics, and follow your guide’s instructions.