Planning
A VISIT?

Have a read through some of the most frequently asked questions when planning a trip to Bhutan!

FAQ

About
Bhutan

There are 19 languages spoken in Bhutan, but the national language is Dzongkha. English is used throughout Bhutan’s education system, so it is widely used and understood.

Bhutan’s currency is called ngultrum. It’s 1:1 with Indian rupees.

Three different electrical plugs are used throughout Bhutan: the British plug (three square pins, compatible with type G sockets), the European plug (two round pins, compatible with type C socket) and the Indian plug (three thick round pins, compatible with type D sockets). It’s a good idea to bring adaptors for all three.

For telephone calls, Bhutan’s country code is +975. Make sure you add this to the beginning of any number if calling Bhutan from abroad.

While distances between cities in Bhutan may appear short in kilometers, the actual travel time can be much longer than expected due to the winding and narrow roads. The speed limit on most roads is 25 to 30 km per hour.

Driving Distances and Times Between Major Cities in Bhutan

Driving Distances and Times Between Cities in Bhutan

FromToDistanceDriving Time
ThimphuParo65 km1.2 hrs
ThimphuPunakha72 km2.5 hrs
ThimphuPhobjikha135 km5 hrs
ThimphuPhuentsholing182 km6 hrs
ThimphuTrongsa200 km7 hrs
PunakhaPhobjikha72 km3 hrs
PunakhaTrongsa156 km5 hrs
PunakhaWangdue13 km0.25 hrs
PunakhaJakar, Bumthang197 km7 hrs
PunakhaParo134 km3.5 hrs
PhobjikhaTrongsa120 km4 hrs
PhobjikhaWangdue65 km3 hrs
PhobjikhaJakar, Bumthang188 km6.5 hrs
PhobjikhaParo192 km6 hrs
PhobjikhaZhemgang177 km6.5 hrs
TrongsaJakar, Bumthang65 km3 hrs
TrongsaZhemgang111 km4.5 hrs
TrongsaTang, Bumthang105 km4.5 hrs
JakarTang, Bumthang42 km2 hrs
JakarMongar198 km7 hrs
JakarThimphu268 km11 hrs
MongarLhuntse76 km3 hrs
MongarTashi Yangtse125 km5 hrs
MongarTrashigang91 km4 hrs
Tashi YangtseTrashigang55 km2 hrs
TrashigangSamdrup Jongkhar180 km6 hrs
TrashigangJakar, Bumthang289 km12 hrs

Travel times between cities in Bhutan can be longer than expected due to road conditions, but the journey is enriched by beautiful scenery and memorable roadside messages.

FAQ

Planning
your trip

Visitors of all nationalities, except those from India, require a visa before entering Bhutan. For all visitors, except those from Bangladesh and the Maldives, this visa must be applied for and approved in advance of travel. Visitors from Bangladesh and the Maldives also require a visa, but this can be applied for and approved either in advance of travel or upon arrival in Bhutan. 

Visitors from India are able to apply for a permit but are required to hold an Indian passport or an Indian voter ID card. For Indian nationals under the age of 18, a passport or a birth certificate can be used to enter and they must be accompanied by a legal guardian.

Nationals from Switzerland and Thailand holding diplomatic or government-official passports are eligible for a visa at their port of entry.

A Tour Company such as Himalayan Marvels may apply on your behalf. Kindly Contact Our Specialist to begin the process.
No, there are no restricted nationalities in Bhutan.
A correctly input visa application can take up to five days to process.
There is a one-off fee of US$40 for the processing of your application.
The visa allows you to remain in Bhutan for a maximum of 90 days from the date of entry.
Yes, provided the extension is applied for before the original visa or permit expires. 
Yes. All visitors must have full, valid travel insurance for the duration of their visit. For all visitors except those from India, Bangladesh and the Maldives, it is required to be in place when you make your visa application. 
Kindly contact our specialist
The country has one international airport located in Paro. Flights operated by Drukair and Bhutan Airlines arrive and depart from destinations including Bangkok, Delhi, Kolkata, Bagdogra, Bodhgaya, Dhaka, Kathmandu, Guwahati and Singapore. Private jets or charters can fly into Bhutan after obtaining the relevant approvals.  There are also domestic airports in Yonphula in eastern Bhutan, Bumthang in central Bhutan, and Gelephu in south-central Bhutan.
Our Himalayan Marvels Guide and Driver will be waiting for you at the airport upon arrival.
All treks must be undertaken with an accredited tour company. Your tour company will assist you with all the necessary logistics and safety precautions. Please contact our specialist to plan your trek.
Bhutan is very safe. It is perfectly normal to find tourists, including women, traveling alone in Bhutan. According to the 2022 Global Peace Index, Bhutan is ranked the 22nd most peaceful country in the world.
Bhutan is a very safe place to visit, even if you’re travelling alone. There is very little crime experienced by locals or visitors, although we advise you to take care of yourself and your belongings. In some areas you may encounter stray dogs – please be cautious around them as they are not domesticated. They normally keep their distance, but please stay away from them as much as possible, especially if travelling with children. Please don’t feed or pat these or any other wild animals. Bhutan’s physical environment presents occasional safety hazards, including flooding and landslides. From June to September the monsoons can affect transport and services. Check with your hotel or tour operator for possible disruptions.

FAQ

Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) Information

The Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) is a daily levy paid by visitors to support Bhutan’s development. Since the kingdom first opened its doors in 1974, guests have played a critical role in our country’s growth. The SDF is collected by the national exchequer and funds are allocated to various projects that create long-term, sustainable opportunities for the Bhutanese people, through free healthcare, education and training, upskilling the tourism and hospitality industry, improved infrastructure, environmental preservation and conservation, cultural preservation programmes and initiatives that support local businesses and economies. The SDF is also a vital means of maintaining the exceptional forest cover and carbon-neutrality for which our small nation is world-renowned and globally critical. The SDF also helps us to ensure that we can continue to offer guests tranquillity and an intimate experience.

The SDF is USD 100 per person, per night for adults from all countries except for India. Children aged between 6 years and who have not yet turned 12 are eligible to pay USD 50 per night. Children who have not yet turned 6 years old do not have to pay any SDF.

The SDF for Indian nationals (showing a valid Indian passport or Voter ID card) is Nu. 1,200 (or the equivalent amount in Indian rupees) per person, per night. Children aged between 6 years and who have not yet turned 12 are eligible to pay Nu./INR 600 per night. Children who have not yet turned 6 years old do not have to pay any SDF.

Extensions must be made in person at the Department of Immigration and must be paid in US Dollars.   For Indian Nationals, extensions can be made in person at the Department of Immigration and must be paid in INR.

FAQ

During
Your trip

You may bring cash equivalent to US$10,000 into the country.
ATM and banks accept Visa and Mastercard. International credit cards are widely used in Thimphu & Paro. However this service may not be available in other parts of the country. You may communicate with our Himalayan Marvels Guide and our specialist will help you make any local payments in Bhutan and extend a line of credit to you.
Most hotels have Wi-Fi in Bhutan, but we recommend obtaining a tourist SIM card from the airport for more convenient access to data and a more reliable internet connection.
SIM cards can be purchased from the Paro International Airport’s visitor information centre on arrival, or from branch offices of Bhutan Telecom and TashiCell, or from authorised agents in towns.
There are no rules about what visitors should wear. However if you are planning to visit places of religious significance, respectful smart-casual clothing that covers your body from shoulders to knees is appropriate and appreciated.
Yes, a guide is required to enter monuments and Dzongs in Bhutan. While some of the monuments and Dzongs have no entry fee, others have a fee on arrival, which can be paid in cash.
Museums and Monuments Fees in Bhutan

Museums and Monuments Fees in Bhutan

Museums & Monuments Location Fees (NU) Remarks
Bhutan Post Office Museum Thimphu 150 9AM-5PM
Folk Heritage Museum Thimphu 200 9AM-5PM
Zorig Chusum Arts and Crafts School Thimphu 200 9AM-4:30PM
Simply Bhutan Museum Thimphu 1000 9AM-5PM
Takin Preserve Center Thimphu 300
National Handicraft Emporium Thimphu 100
National Library Thimphu 100
Jungshi Handmade Paper Factory Thimphu 100
National Memorial Chorten Thimphu 500 9AM-5PM
Zilukha Nunnery Thimphu 100 9AM-5PM
Tashichho Dzong Thimphu 500 5PM-6PM, 9AM-5PM (PH)
Lampelri Botanical Garden Thimphu 300
Changangkha Lhakhang Thimphu 500
National Textile Museum Thimphu 250
Traditional Handmade Paper Mill Thimphu 100
Traditional Medicine Center Thimphu 500
Botanical Garden Servithang Thimphu 200
Ta Dzong/National Museum Paro 300
Taktshang/Tiger’s Nest Temple Paro 1000 9AM-12PM, 2PM-5PM
Kyichu Lhakhang Paro 500 9AM-12PM; 1PM-4:30PM
Jangtsa Dumtseg Lhakhang Paro 1000
Tachogang Lhakhang Paro 500
Punakha Dzong Punakha 500 9AM-5PM
Chhimi Lhakhang Punakha 500 9AM-12PM; 1PM-4PM
Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten Punakha 100
Sangchhen Dorji Lhuendrup Nunnery Punakha 200
Black-Necked Crane Education Center Phobjikha 200 9AM-5PM
Gangtey Monastery Phobjikha 100
Trongsa National Museum Trongsa 300 9AM-5PM
Swiss Factory Bumthang 700
Ogyen Choling Palace Museum Bumthang 100
Palden Tashi Choling Shedra Phuentsholing 1000

Note: 50% exemption of fees for children aged 6 to 18 years, and no fee for children aged 5 years and below.

Yes, permits are required to enter National Parks in Bhutan. Our Himalayan Marvels team will apply for you.
Yes, most important monuments in Bhutan are chargeable.  
Yes! Almost all restaurants have vegetarian options listed on menus. Many visitors to Bhutan are Indians who do not eat meat because of religious reasons, so you will be in good company.

FAQ

Climate and Weather of Bhutan

In May, Bhutan experiences a warm, dry, and sunny climate, making it an ideal time for travel. The temperature varies with altitude, ranging from cool in the higher regions to pleasantly warm in the valleys and lower elevations.

October is characterized by warm, dry, and sunny weather, with clear skies offering stunning views of the Himalayan peaks. This is a great time to visit Bhutan, especially for outdoor activities and trekking.

The climate and weather in Bhutan depend significantly on altitude. The northern regions, with mountains rising up to 7,000 meters, have weather conditions similar to the Arctic. In contrast, the southern areas near India are hot and humid in the summer and cool in the winter. The monsoon season brings heavy rains, while winters are a good time to visit the lower regions, though the highest areas are freezing.

 Seasonal Variations
– Spring (March to May): Warm, dry, and sunny, with the rhododendron flowering season from March to May, when the hillsides are covered with colorful blooms.
– Autumn (Late September to November): Warm, dry, and sunny, ideal for trekking and outdoor activities.
– Monsoon (July to September): July is the wettest month, with temperatures ranging from 13°C to 26°C. The southern parts receive the most rainfall, while the northern parts experience lighter showers.
– Winter (Mid-November to Mid-March): The southern regions have a moderate winter, while the northern areas are covered with thick snow, offering stunning snowy landscapes and the unique Dochula festival on December 13.

The best times for trekking in Bhutan are late September to mid-November and late March to mid-May. Spring offers a dazzling variety of rhododendrons, while autumn provides excellent weather with clear, crisp skies, perfect for trekking, hiking, birding, photography tours, and wildlife safaris.
Spring, from March to May, is the flowering season in Bhutan. The valleys become green and lush, with rhododendrons in full bloom, making it the best time to experience the stunning natural scenery of Bhutan.
The monsoon season begins in July and extends till September, with July being the wettest month. The temperature ranges from 13°C to 26°C, with high humidity. The southern regions receive the most rainfall, while the northern parts see lighter showers. Despite the rain, the monsoon season offers its own charm and beauty, especially in the northern parts of Bhutan.

Winter in Bhutan starts from mid-November and ends in mid-March. The southern part enjoys moderate winters, while the northern regions are shrouded in thick layers of snow. Winter is an excellent time to visit Bhutan for snowy landscapes and the beautiful snow-capped mountains, along with the unique Dochula festival.

Make Your Visit Unforgettable.

Contact us today to start planning your journey through the wonders of Bhutan.
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