BHUTAN TRAVEL GUIDE
Everything You Need to Know Before You Travel to Bhutan
A practical guide to visas, the Sustainable Development Fee, flights, seasons, festivals, suggested routes and thoughtful travel through the Kingdom of Bhutan.
Updated October 2026. Bhutan rewards travellers who slow down. Ancient monasteries, forested valleys, traditional villages and dramatic mountain roads are best experienced at a thoughtful pace, with time for conversations and unexpected moments along the way.
Bhutan at a glance
| Capital | Thimphu |
| International gateway | Paro International Airport |
| Currency | Bhutanese Ngultrum (BTN) |
| Language | Dzongkha is the national language; English is widely used in tourism |
| Ideal first journey | About 7–10 days for Paro, Thimphu and Punakha, with longer trips for Gangtey, Bumthang or eastern Bhutan |
Visa and Sustainable Development Fee
Most international visitors need a visa before travelling to Bhutan. The current visa application fee is US$40. The Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) is currently US$100 per adult per night for most international visitors. Children aged 6 to under 12 receive a 50% SDF concession, while children under 6 do not pay SDF.
Indian nationals follow a permit process and a different SDF rate. Visitors from Bangladesh and the Maldives also have specific arrangements. Because entry rules can change, always confirm the latest requirements before paying for non-refundable travel arrangements.
The official tourism website states that a correctly completed visa application may take up to five working days. A licensed tour operator can also assist with the application process.
How to get to Bhutan
Most travellers arrive by air at Paro International Airport. Bhutan’s two national airlines are Drukair and Bhutan Airlines. The official tourism site lists direct international connections with cities including Bangkok, Delhi, Kathmandu, Kolkata, Dhaka and Singapore, among others. Flight schedules vary by season, so your route should be checked for your exact travel dates.
Bhutan can also be entered by road through designated southern border points. For most first-time visitors, flying into Paro is the simplest way to begin a west and central Bhutan itinerary.
When is the best time to visit Bhutan?
Spring · March to May
A popular season for pleasant weather, flowering landscapes, cultural sightseeing and outdoor activities.
Summer · June to August
Lush valleys, green rice fields and fewer visitors. Summer showers are common, often later in the day.
Autumn · September to November
One of the most popular periods for clear mountain views, trekking and major festivals.
Winter · December to February
Crisp air, quieter roads and excellent Himalayan visibility on many days, with colder mornings and evenings.
A classic first-time Bhutan route
- Paro: historic temples, traditional architecture and the hike to Taktsang, the Tiger’s Nest Monastery.
- Thimphu: Bhutan’s capital, with museums, markets, monasteries, arts and contemporary Bhutanese life.
- Punakha: a warmer valley known for Punakha Dzong, rivers, village walks and fertile countryside.
- Gangtey and Phobjikha: a peaceful glacial valley, nature trails and winter habitat of the black-necked crane.
- Bumthang: ideal for longer journeys focused on sacred sites, traditional villages and Bhutan’s spiritual heritage.
Planning around a Bhutanese festival
Tshechus are among Bhutan’s most memorable cultural experiences. Sacred mask dances, music, elaborate textiles and community gatherings transform dzongs and monasteries across the country. Major festivals can also make nearby hotels and flights more sought after, so planning early is wise.
What to pack
- Comfortable walking shoes with good grip.
- Layers for changing temperatures, especially for mornings, evenings and high passes.
- A light rain jacket, particularly for summer travel.
- Sun protection, including sunglasses and sunscreen.
- Modest clothing for monasteries, dzongs and sacred sites.
- Any personal medicines you may need, carried in your hand luggage.
- A small daypack and reusable water bottle for hikes and day excursions.
Money and payments
The local currency is the Bhutanese Ngultrum. Cards are increasingly accepted at hotels, larger shops and tourism businesses, but carrying some cash is useful for smaller purchases and remote areas. Before travelling, enable your bank cards for international use and check transaction or withdrawal limits.
Respectful travel in Bhutan
Bhutan’s monasteries, temples and religious objects are active parts of daily life. Your guide will help with local etiquette, but a few principles go a long way: dress respectfully at sacred sites, ask before photographing people or religious ceremonies, follow instructions about photography inside temples, and avoid disturbing wildlife or removing natural and cultural objects.
Let us design your Bhutan journey
Every journey with Inner Himalaya Journeys is tailored around your travel dates, interests, preferred pace and style of accommodation. We can arrange your itinerary, hotels, private transport, guide, visa support and festival planning from arrival to departure.
Travel information: Entry requirements, fees, airline routes and other regulations can change. For the latest official information, consult Bhutan Travel or contact us before finalising your trip.