Bhutan Travel Information: Complete Guide to Visa, Permits & Trip Planning
Travel Entry and Visa Formalities
Planning a trip to Bhutan? Our team at Bhutan Holiday Trips ensures a seamless entry process for every guest. If you travel from India, Bangladesh, or the Maldives, you only need a valid passport to receive a permit upon arrival. Indian citizens may also use a Voter Identity Card instead of a passport.
Visitors of all other nationalities must secure a visa before travelling. To save you the hassle, our expert team manages the entire application from start to finish. Simply send us a clear scan of your passport’s photo page, ensuring it remains valid for at least six months beyond your entry date. Once authorities approve the request, we will email you an approval letter to present upon arrival. Immigration then stamps your visa at the airport, leaving you free to enjoy your Himalayan adventure!
Visas & Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) 2026
All international visitors to Bhutan (except citizens of India, Bangladesh, and the Maldives) must obtain a visa prior to travel. As part of the visa process, travellers are required to pay the Sustainable Development Fee (SDF):
· US$100 per adult per day
· US$50 per child (ages 6–12) per day
· Children aged 5 and below: Exempt from SDF
A non-refundable visa application fee of US$40 per person also applies. Bhutan Holiday Trips can assist with the complete visa process for a smooth and hassle-free experience. Our travel packages are inclusive of SDF and Visa fees.
Travellers from India
Indian nationals do not require a visa to enter Bhutan but must obtain a travel permit. While the visa fee is waived, Indian travellers are subject to the SDF as follows:
· INR 1,200 per adult per day
· INR 600 per child (ages 6–12) per day
· Children aged 5 and below: Exempt from SDF
Bhutan Holiday Trips can assist with permit arrangements and provide guidance to ensure all formalities are met. Our travel packages are inclusive of SDF.
Your stay in Bhutan
Whether you dream of waking up in a quiet farmhouse or a luxury spa overlooking Himalayan peaks, Bhutan offers an incredible range of stays. Our team at Bhutan Holiday Trips matches you with the perfect option.
By regulation, international visitors stay in government-approved three-star hotels or higher. We work exclusively with trusted accommodations that ensure comfort, cleanliness, and an authentic experience. For those seeking luxury, we arrange stays at world-renowned resorts like COMO Uma, Zhiwa Ling, Pemako, Amankora, Le Meridien, and Six Senses. These properties blend refined elegance with Bhutan’s rich heritage for an additional cost above the standard tariff.
To connect deeply with local culture, choose our boutique eco-lodges, heritage homes, or traditional farm stays. These family-run properties offer a front-row seat to Bhutanese life, from shared meals to storytelling. While lodgings in eastern Bhutan are more modest than those in the west, our planners ensure every stay is clean, safe, and welcoming. For trekkers, we provide well-equipped camps with waterproof tents and essential gear, as the remote wilderness lacks trail-side lodges. We handle the logistics while you enjoy the journey!
Flavours of Bhutan – A Culinary Experience
Bhutanese cuisine blends fiery flavours, earthy textures, and fresh, organic ingredients sourced directly from mountain valleys. Whether you dine in a countryside lodge or a cosy city cafe, you will find meals both comforting and adventurous. Most dishes feature Bhutan’s signature nutty red rice or fragrant white rice paired with slow-cooked meats or vibrant, locally foraged vegetables.
Don’t miss the national dish, Ema Datshi—a bold mix of chillies smothered in creamy cheese sauce. For a deeper taste of the culture, ask your Bhutan Holiday Trips guide for traditional recipes rarely found in hotels, such as Phaksha Paa (pork stir-fry), Jasha Maroo (spiced chicken stew), or buckwheat specialities from the Bumthang region. You can even sample fresh rainbow trout from glacier-fed streams.
On treks, our trained chefs accompany you with a mobile kitchen to prepare hot, gourmet-style comfort food in the heart of the wilderness. While we prioritise local flair, most towns also offer familiar Indian, Chinese, and international cuisines. At Bhutan Holiday Trips, we ensure your culinary journey is as memorable as the landscapes.
Getting Around Bhutan – Travel Comfortably
Discover Bhutan’s breathtaking landscapes with our reliable and comfortable transport options. At Bhutan Holiday Trips, we provide vehicles tailored to your group size and travel needs. Solo travellers and couples journey in style in robust 4WD SUVs like the Toyota Land Cruiser Prado, Santa Fe, or Tucson—perfect for both city touring and off-road excursions. Groups of three to five enjoy spacious Hyundai H-1 or Toyota Hi-Ace vans, while larger groups travel in air-conditioned Toyota Coaster buses to ensure a smooth ride through mountainous terrain.
Beyond sightseeing, our vehicles handle market visits, cultural experiences, and personal errands. To skip long road journeys, catch a domestic flight with Drukair to destinations like Bumthang, Yonphula, or Gelephu. For a truly unforgettable perspective, charter a helicopter to soar over majestic valleys, monasteries, and snow-capped peaks. Whether you travel by road, air, or sky, Bhutan Holiday Trips ensures your journey remains safe, efficient, and memorable.
Staying Connected in Bhutan – Seamless Communication
Staying in touch while travelling through Bhutan is easy, especially in towns where mobile networks remain reliable. While remote valleys or mountain treks may offer intermittent signals, this adds to the charm of one of the world’s most untouched destinations. For hassle-free connectivity, pick up a local SIM or eSIM at the airport or in town.
These tourist SIMs provide affordable data and call packages for easy international communication. Our team at Bhutan Holiday Trips gladly assists you in selecting and setting up the best option for your phone. Most of our partner hotels offer complimentary Wi-Fi, though some may charge a nominal fee. Rest assured, you will maintain consistent access to email and messaging throughout your stay.
Bhutan’s Weather & What to Pack – Be Ready for Every Season
Bhutan’s weather shifts with the seasons and altitude, so wise packing ensures a comfortable journey. From October through March, temperatures drop significantly after sunset, requiring warm layers like down jackets, thermals, and gloves. Clear skies during these months reward photographers and trekkers who prepare for the crisp air.
Warmer days arrive from April to September, perfect for exploring lush valleys and vibrant festivals. Although the monsoon season from June to August brings unpredictable rain, light rain jackets and waterproof shoes keep you dry. Because even summer evenings at high altitudes turn chilly, webalways carry a mix of light and warm clothing. Bhutan Holiday Trips guides you on exactly what to pack for your specific itinerary so you remain prepared for every climate.
Dress Code for Visiting Bhutan & Cultural Norms
For everyday sightseeing, wear comfortable, modest casual clothing like jeans or slacks. Avoid shorts, short skirts, or tight-fitting clothes, as these offend local sensibilities. When entering sacred dzongs and temples, dress formally in long pants, long-sleeved shirts, or skirts that fall below the knee. Remember to remove hats and footwear before stepping inside.
To immerse yourself in the culture, rent or purchase traditional attire like the kira for women or gho for men. Greet locals with a warm “Kuzuzangpo,” adding a respectful “la” and a slight head bow when meeting elders. While you may photograph the exterior of religious sites, respect the sanctity of these spaces by keeping cameras away inside. Always ask individuals for permission before taking their picture, and never photograph members of the Royal Family. Finally, show devotion by walking in a clockwise direction around temples, stupas, and prayer flags.
Courtesy and Cultural Norms
When meeting people in Bhutan, a warm greeting is “Kuzuzangpo”, which means “hello”. To show respect to elders, it is customary to slightly lower your head and say “Kuzuzangpo la.” Handshakes are also widely accepted as a friendly way to greet yourself. Photography is allowed outside religious sites like monasteries, but taking pictures inside is not permitted as these places are sacred. Local Bhutanese are often happy to be photographed, but it is always polite to ask before capturing images of individuals. It’s important to never photograph any members of the Royal Family, even during public events or festivals. When walking around temples, stupas, or prayer flags, always move in a clockwise direction as a sign of respect and devotion.
Currency and Payments
Bhutan uses the Ngultrum (Nu), which maintains equal value to the Indian Rupee. While Indian Rupees are widely accepted, the Ngultrum holds no value outside the country, so spend or exchange your leftover cash before you depart. Cash remains your most reliable option—especially US dollars—which you can exchange at the airport or local banks.
Though ATMs in larger towns exist, they often process international cards unpredictably. Upscale hotels and shops in Thimphu and Paro accept credit cards, though usually with a 3% to 5% transaction fee. Bhutan recently made history by launching the world’s first national-level crypto payment system for tourism via Binance Pay. Travellers now use cryptocurrency for flights, hotels, visa fees, and even local market shopping by simply scanning QR codes.
Health & Wellbeing
There are no mandatory vaccinations for visiting Bhutan, but it’s wise to ensure your routine immunisation such as those for tetanus, diphtheria, and polio are current. It’s a good idea to consult a healthcare professional well in advance of your trip to get personalised advice based on your travel plans. Cleanliness standards in Bhutan are generally high, but to avoid stomach upsets, stick to bottled or properly boiled water, skip ice in drinks, and opt for food that is freshly cooked and peeled. Medical care is available throughout the country, with hospitals in all district capitals. Emergency services are accessible, and the government provides healthcare free of charge, even to visitors. Altitude isn’t usually an issue for most travellers, as popular tourist destinations sit below 3,000 meters. However, if you are trekking or heading to higher elevations, you need to be aware of altitude-related symptoms like headaches, nausea, and shortness of breath. If these arise, it is important to descend to a lower altitude promptly. Before your journey, it’s essential to review your travel health insurance to ensure it covers medical emergencies, including those related to high altitude or adventure activities. If you don’t have coverage, Bhutan Holiday Trips can assist you in securing a suitable policy locally before your travel dates, giving you peace of mind while you explore the Kingdom.
Language & Local Phrases
While Bhutan’s official language is Dzongkha, you will find that English is widely spoken, especially among those who have attended school. Most signs, menus, and written information in public places are displayed in English, making it easy for travellers to explore the country. For those interested in connecting more deeply with locals, learning a few words in Dzongkha can go a long way in creating warm interactions. Here are a few handy expressions to try:
• Hi/Hello – Kuzu Zangpo
• How are you? – Chhoe gadebe yue?
• Thank you – Kadrinche la
• Wishing you well / Good luck – Tashi Delek
• What is your name? – Chhoe gi ming gachi mo?
• My name is… Nga gi ming… (your name) een
Using even a few of these simple greetings can bring smiles and appreciation from the Bhutanese people you meet.
Power Supply & Plug Types
The standard voltage in Bhutan is 230 volts with a frequency of 50 hertz. Electrical sockets accommodate three main plug designs: a triangular arrangement of three round pins, a pair of round pins, and a flat pin configuration with two parallel blades plus a grounding pin. If you need an adaptor, you can find them easily at hardware stores in cities like Thimphu and Paro.