Bhutan Travel Guide
Welcome to Bhutan
The Last Shangri-La - Your Complete Travel Guide
Getting to Bhutan
By Air
Druk Air (national airline) and Tashi Air are the only airlines serving Bhutan. The airport is located in Paro.
Flight Routes:
⚠️ Weather can delay flights during monsoons and winter. Consider adding an extra day to your itinerary.
By Road
Nearest Indian airport is Bagdogra. Road connects to Phuentsholing border town.
📋 Visa must be obtained prior to arrival through tour operators.
Essential Information
Currency & Payment
Currency: Ngultrum (Nu.) = 100 Chetrum
Fixed at par with Indian Rupee
US Dollars and Indian Rupees widely accepted
Language
Official: Dzongkha
Widely spoken: English (education medium)
Also familiar: Hindi, Nepali
Time & Communications
Time Zone: GMT +6 hours
Mobile: 4G/5G coverage in towns
Tourist SIMs: Available at entry points
Climate & Weather
Plan your visit according to the seasons
Spring
Mar - May
Warm days (20°C), cool nights
Summer
Jun - Aug
27-29°C, monsoon rains
Autumn
Sep - Nov
Clear skies, mild weather
Winter
Nov - Mar
16-18°C days, below freezing nights
Travel Essentials
Health & Safety
✓ No vaccinations required
Except for travelers from yellow fever/cholera areas
Electricity
Voltage: 220/240 volts
Reasonably reliable supply
Photography
35mm color print film available
Slide films difficult to find
Electronic equipment must be declared
Accommodation
Hotels, lodges and guesthouses available at tourist destinations
Western Bhutan has better facilities than central/eastern regions
Purpose-built huts on main trekking routes
Food & Cuisine
Rice is the main diet with hot chillies and cheese
Available in hotels and restaurants
Shopping
Traditional items make great souvenirs:
Customs & Regulations
❌ Export of antiques, plants, animal products prohibited
📱 Electronic equipment must be declared on arrival
Facts & Figures
Key information about Bhutan
Geography
38,394 km² land area
240m - 7,541m altitude
Population
634,982 inhabitants
Capital: Thimphu
Environment
72.5% forest coverage
National Tree: Cypress
National Bird: Raven
National Flower: Blue Poppy
Religion: Vajrayana Buddhism
Important Travel Notice
Payment: All tour payments must be made in advance through Bhutan National Bank (BNB) or Bank of Bhutan accounts.
Insurance: No personal insurance included in tour price. Obtain travel insurance from your place of residence before travel.
Contact your tour operator for specific bank details and flight schedules.
Visa & Entry Requirements
International Visitors
Sustainable Development Fee (SDF):
Visa Fee:
Children Rates:
- • Under 5 years: FREE
- • 5-12 years: 50% discount
- • Above 12 years: Full rate
Processing time: 5 working days
Indian Nationals
SDF Rate:
Entry Permit:
Required - can be obtained at entry point or through tour operator
Documents Required:
- • Valid passport or voter ID
- • Birth certificate for children under 18
- • Recent passport-size photo
Bangladesh & Maldives
SDF Rate:
Children (6-12 years):
Visa Required:
Same process as Indian nationals
Documents:
Valid passport, recent photo, birth certificate for children
Explore Bhutan's Regions
Western Bhutan
Comprised of Paro, Thimphu, Punakha, and Wangdue Phodrang valleys, separated by high passes. Known for stunning scenery with rice paddies cascading down magnificent mountains.
Paro
Home to Bhutan's only international airport
Your first vision of Bhutan, featuring the famous Tiger's Nest Monastery perched on a cliff 900 meters above the valley.
Key Attractions:
- • Taktsang (Tiger's Nest) Monastery
- • Paro Dzong (1646)
- • Kyichu Monastery (7th century)
- • National Museum
- • Drugyel Dzong ruins
Thimphu
Capital city with 200,000 people at 2,320m elevation
Bhutan's largest town and capital since 1961, featuring modern amenities while preserving traditional architecture.
Must Visit:
- • Trashichho Dzong
- • National Memorial Chorten
- • Weekend Farmer's Market
- • Textile Museum
- • Folk Heritage Museum
Punakha
Former capital with the most beautiful dzong
Three-hour scenic drive from Thimphu, featuring the stunning Punakha Dzong built in 1637.
Highlights:
- • Punakha Dzong (winter residence of monks)
- • Chimi Lhakhang (fertility temple)
- • Dochu La pass (3,050m)
- • 108 Druk Wangyal chortens
- • Himalayan mountain views
Wangdue Phodrang
Known for slate, stone carvings, and bamboo work
Last town before central Bhutan, famous for traditional crafts and the politically significant dzong.
Specialties:
- • Slate and stone carvings
- • Bamboo handicrafts
- • Wangduephodrang Dzong
- • Gateway to Phobjika Valley
Phobjika Valley & Gangtey
Winter habitat of black-necked cranes at 2,900m
Glacial valley where rare black-necked cranes migrate from Tibet every winter, featuring a 17th-century monastery.
Wildlife & Culture:
- • Black-necked crane watching
- • Gangtey Gompa monastery
- • Nature trails and hikes
- • Traditional valley life
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