Bhutan Travel Information

Bhutan is a high-value destination in the Himalayas, about 133,480 foreigners visited Bhutan in 2014 in the first time of opening. There are 8 tentative tourist sites for UNESCO such as ancient ruin of Drukgyel Dzong, Bumdelling wildlife sanctuary, Dzongs etc. There are also numerous tourist sites available to be included in your trip to Bhutan. Please check the following Bhutan travel information on Bhutan visa, travel cost tariff & policy, to make hassle free and better plan before you getting to the destination.

Recommended trips to Bhutan: Photography Tour and Cultural Tour to the Kingdom of Bhutan.

Latest updated on: 2022.12.20 Bhutan travel information for regulations and news.

Getting to Bhutan

Overland to Bhutan (3 Borders open from Bhutan side.)

1. Phuentsholing Border: South-west of the Indian national airport at Bagdogra. Bycrossing Phuentsholing, you will drive about 6 hours to Bhutan with 170km.
2. Gelephu Border: South-central Bhutan, 250 kms away from Thimphu. It will take about 10 hours through the sub-tropical areas of Bhutan. Entering the alpine zone and then finally into Thimphu.
3. Samdrup Jongkhar Border: South-east Bhutan, the border from Darranga, Assam in India and 150 kms away from capital Entering Bhutan through Samdrup Jongkhar border will take you to Trashigang. From there over the lateral route to Mongar, Bumthang, Trongsa, Wangdue Phodrang and then finally you will get into the capital, Thimphu. It takes about 3 days to reach Thimphu with 700 kms.

Air to Bhutan – Travel Information

Flights into Bhutan’s Paro International Aiport is typically an exciting experience. Descent into Paro valley brings you closer to the mountain tops than most other flights in the world. Round ways of Direct Flights from destinations are: 

Bangkok, Delhi, Kolkata, Bagdogra, Bodh Gaya, Dhaka, Kathmandu, Guwahati, Singapore and Mumbai. 

The flight between Paro and Kathmandu is one of the most exciting ones as the aircraft passes over four of the five highest mountains in the world. In fine weather, as you soar higher up, can enjoy the spectacular view of Mt. Everest, Mt. Lhotse, Mt. Makalu and Mt. Kangchenjunga at their best.

Bhutan International Airlines: Drukair and Bhutan Airlines, situated at a height of 2,225m above sea level. It is surrounded by mountains as high as 4,876m.

Bhutan Domestic Airports: 1. Yonphula in eastern Bhutan 2. Bumthang in central Bhutan 3. Gelephu in south-central Bhutan.

Bhutan Visa and Entry Requirements

Bhutan travel information for all foreign travel to Bhutan require a passport and visa for entry. The exception are Indians, Bangladeshis, and Maldivians, who may obtain a visa upon entry. While parts of this process may be done directly, you will need the help of a travel agent. Your Bhutan tour operator is responsible for processing a traveler’s entry visa and clearance for you. The Royal Government of Bhutan has strong policies to ensure that only a low volume of highly moral tourists enter Bhutan. Bhutan is not allowing Independent travel. A cost of $US40 applies for international tourist visas. This can be paid in advance to your tour operator or travel agent abroad.

Bhutan Visa Information

The Tourism Council of Bhutan (TCB) based in Thimphu issue tourist visa who have a tour reservation with a local Bhutan tour operator, directly or through a foreign travel agent. You have show proof of Air ticket on Drukair or Bhutan Airlines. The Bhutan tour operator submits applications for tourist visas and it usually clear within 10 working days. The Bhutanese government sets minimum selling prices for tour packages this must be paid in US dollars prior to arrival. You might also interested to read our Bhutan travel Faqs to plan a better trip in the first.

To Apply Bhutan visa, you are required to provide the information listed below:

• Full name as written on your passport
• Occupation
• E-mail address
• Contact Number.(Prefer mobile number)
• A scanned copy of your passport

Bhutan Travel Tariff And Policy

A minimum daily Bhutan tour cost: The tour package is $400 per head per night halt includes:

• Internal taxes and charges (including the daily royalty of USD 200 per night halt)
• Accommodation on double / twin bed in 3-star hotels or in tourist standard farm house as per the clients choice
• Three meals
• Travel with a Bhutan tour operator
• Internal transport in tourist standard bus / SUV and entrance fees which come around $US150 for the entire tour.
• Visitors who opt for more exclusive resorts (more than 3 star) will have to pay for their accommodation on top of the daily tariff specified.

Royalty of USD 200/head/night goes towards a development fund for free health care, free education and road building in Bhutan.

The minimum price excludes:

• The airfare both international and domestic if one wishes to travel by air within Bhutan
• Bhutanese Visa fees is $US40 per head
• Insurance of any kind
• Tips to the tour guide / driver        

Complimentary service Info     

• Hot stone bath
• Locally brewed Ara (alcohol) will be served in the evenings.

Surcharges

Individual tourists and smaller groups of fewer than three persons shall be subject to surcharge, over and above the minimum daily rates applicable as follows:

1. Single individual: 40$US  per night
2. Group of 2 persons: 30$US per person per night

Other essential links: Guide to travel in Nepal, Tibet Travel Permit and Visas and Trekking Tour to Amnye Machen Kora. Check how to plan a trip to Himalayas with the guide.