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Travel Info & Tips

Everything you need to know before you go — visas, packing, climate, customs & more.

Before You Fly

Essential Travel Information

Useful guides and quick facts to help you prepare for a smooth, memorable journey.

Visa & Documents

All international tourists (except citizens of India, Bangladesh, and Maldives) require a visa processed in advance.

  • Passport validity: min. 6 months beyond travel dates
  • Visa Clearance Letter required prior to arrival
  • Sustainable Development Fee (SDF): USD 100 per night
  • Indian nationals pay SDF of Nu. 1,200 per night
  • Keep copies of your visa clearance & insurance

Health & Vaccinations

Ensure you are fit and prepared for the variable altitudes of the Himalayan valleys.

  • Hepatitis A, B, and Typhoid vaccines recommended
  • Yellow Fever vaccine required if arriving from endemic area
  • Altitude sickness medication (e.g., Diamox) advised
  • Comprehensive travel health insurance is mandatory
  • Carry personal prescriptions and basic first-aid

Currency & Money

Bhutan is largely a cash-based society; carry adequate funds for your daily needs.

  • Bhutanese Ngultrum (BTN) is the official currency
  • Indian Rupees (INR) are widely accepted (except 500/2000 notes)
  • Ngultrum is pegged 1:1 with the Indian Rupee
  • ATMs available in Thimphu & Paro, but often offline
  • Credit cards accepted only in major hotels/craft shops

Climate & Best Time

Bhutan has four distinct seasons, each offering a unique experience for travellers.

  • Spring (Mar–May): Ideal weather, wildflowers in bloom
  • Autumn (Sep–Nov): Clear blue skies, peak festival season
  • Winter (Dec–Feb): Cold, sunny days, clear mountain views
  • Summer (Jun–Aug): Monsoon rains, lush green landscapes
  • Trekking is best done in Spring and Autumn months

Packing Essentials

Prepare for temperature variations between day and night, and across valleys.

  • Layered clothing (fleece, windbreaker, down jacket)
  • Modest dress (long trousers/skirts, collared shirts)
  • Sturdy, broken-in hiking boots or walking shoes
  • Sunscreen (SPF 50+), sunglasses, and sun hat
  • Universal adapter and reliable power bank

Cultural Etiquette

Bhutan has rich, well-preserved traditions; show respect for local customs.

  • Remove shoes & hats before entering temples and Dzongs
  • Dress modestly: shoulders and knees must be covered
  • Always walk clockwise around temples and stupas
  • Photography is forbidden inside temple sanctuaries
  • Do not point your fingers at sacred objects or people
Pro Tips

Traveller's Insider Tips

Advice from our seasoned travel experts to make your trip effortless and unforgettable.

Booking & Planning

All visits must be booked in advance, either through a licensed Bhutanese tour operator or self-planned with direct SDF payment to the department of tourism. Paro Airport (PBH) is the only international airport, served exclusively by Drukair and Bhutan Airlines. Book flights early, especially for spring and autumn festival seasons, as flights fill up quickly.

Staying Connected

You can purchase a local prepaid tourist SIM card from B-Mobile or TashiCell at Paro Airport upon arrival or at their offices in Thimphu. You will need a copy of your passport and visa clearance. 3G and 4G connectivity is quite good in cities and valleys, but coverage can be patchy or non-existent in high-altitude trekking zones. Download offline maps beforehand.

Food & Dining

Bhutanese food is unique and famously spicy. The national dish is Ema Datshi (chillies cooked in a local cheese sauce). Other local dishes include Kewa Datshi (potatoes and cheese) and Phaksha Paa (pork cooked with red chillies). Most tourist hotels serve buffet-style meals featuring a mix of continental, Indian, and Chinese dishes. Suja (butter tea) is a popular local beverage.

Safety & Emergency

Bhutan is one of the safest destinations in the world with extremely low crime rates. The main considerations are physical health, altitude sickness during treks, and motion sickness on the winding mountain highways. Always carry altitude sickness remedies if climbing high. For emergencies, dial 113 for Police, 112 for Ambulance, and 110 for Fire.

Sustainable Travel

Bhutan operates a strict 'High Value, Low Volume' tourism policy. It is the world's first carbon-negative country. Respect this by avoiding single-use plastics, sticking to marked trails to prevent erosion, and never littering. Support local communities by buying authentic handicrafts and hiring local guides and porters.