Where is Bhutan?

The kingdom of Bhutan, approximately the size of 47,000 square kilometers (18,147square miles) is idle on the southern slopes of the Eastern Himalayan by China in the north and Indian states of West Bengal and Assam in the south. Bhutan’s landscape ranges from subtropical plains in the south to the sub-alpine Himalayan Mountain in the north.

Do I need a tour operator to book my travel?

As per the policy Tourism Council of Bhutan(TCB), all tourists to Bhutan are required to arrange all tours and treks through registered travel agents or one of their international partner and all visits are to be guided by licensed Bhutanese guides.

Do I need a visa to enter Bhutan?

All International tourists traveling to Bhutan (except Indian, Bangladeshis and Maldivian nationals) must obtain a visa clearance. Visas are provided by your licensed Bhutanese tour operator. While Indian, Bangladeshi and Maldivian nationals are not required to get a visa but must obtain a permit at the port of entry/Exit at immigration offices.

How much does the visa cost?

All International tourists traveling to Bhutan (except Indian, Bangladeshis and Maldivian nationals) are levied to USD 40 for visas.

How do I get to Bhutan?

The road entering to Bhutan is through Phuentsholing, in the south, through Gelephu, in the central region and Samdrup Jongkhar, in the east. The other option is to fly till Paro by either Drukair or Bhutan Airlines, two carriers that operate in Bhutan at present.  Paro is the only international airport that covers the destination like Bangkok, Dhaka, Kathmandu, Delhi, Kolkata, Bagdogra, Guwahati, Bodh Gaya, and Singapore.

When is the best time to visit Bhutan?

Months of March, April, May (spring season) and September, October, November (autumn season) are high/Peak season for the tourists. The months of June, July, August (summer season) and December, January, February (winter season) is usually a low season for the tourists. The winter months are cold at night, but the days are quite warm with bright and clear blue skies. In the summer season, Bhutan receives heavy monsoon rain causing difficulty in traveling sometimes.

How much does it cost to visit Bhutan?

During peak season (March, April May, September October, and November), visitors have to pay a minimum daily package rate of USD 250 per person per night including the onetime visa fees of USD 40 per person. However the tourists are required to pay USD 200 per person per night during the months of June, July, August (summer season) and December, January, February (winter season) which is usually a low season for the tourists. This is, of course, inclusive of a Royalty payment known as Sustainable Development Fund (SDF) of $65 per person per day, accommodation, food, English speaking guide services and land transportation within Bhutan.

What currency is used in Bhutan?

Bhutanese currency is known as the Ngultrum.  It has the same value as the Indian currency is known as rupee which is widely accepted in Bhutan. All the international tourists must make payment in the dollar. The transactions of foreign currency are done in Bhutan National Bank, it’s a head office at Thimphu.

Is there a limit on the number of tourists entering Bhutan?

There is no limit to the number of tourist entering Bhutan but The Royal Government of Bhutan adheres strongly to the principle “High Value, Low Impact/volume” to guide all the tourism activities in a country and a means of achieving socioeconomic development especially a developing country like Bhutan. Tourism was founded with a vision “To promote Bhutan as an exclusive travel destination based on GNH values.”

Is Bhutan Safe for the tourists?

Bhutan is undeniably the safest country for any tourists. Bhutan has been gaining popularity and everyone’s dream destination. Bhutan is a Buddhist country and strongly believes in the law of karma literally means “action” or “doing” and the consequences it brings.

What is the food habit in Bhutan?

Bhutan is culturally known for its spiciness and the consumption of rice is seen high in Bhutan. Chilies are the main ingredient and are generally acceptable favor in any occasion in Bhutan.   Popular Ema-Datsi, (made with chilies and cheese) is national curry in Bhutan. Western and Indian cuisine are also in wide varieties almost everywhere in hotels/restaurants. A common eating pattern is three meals – breakfast, lunch, and dinner per day.

Do Bhutanese speaks English?

Yes, almost all the Bhutanese from kindergarten speaks English. Bhutanese gives equal importance to English as that of Dzongkha (the official language of Bhutan). English is taught from kindergarten in schools and used as a medium of learning and international language for communication.