LA BHUTANZ TOURS

Planning a Bhutan trip?
These answers cover both Indian and international travellers. You will find the visa and entry permit rules and the Sustainable Development Fee and the guide rules. We also share the best time to visit and some practical tips. Prepared by La Bhutanz Tours. We are a specialist Bhutan travel agency based in Mumbai. We work directly with licensed partners and guides in Bhutan.

Last updated: October 2026. Government rules are based on information from the Department of Tourism and the Department of Immigration of Bhutan.

Do Need Visa To Travel Bhutan ?

It depends on your passport. International visitors need a visa and must have it approved before they travel. Indian travellers do not need a visa but they need an entry permit. Visitors from Bangladesh and the Maldives can also get their visa on arrival.

How Do I Apply For Visa Or Permit ?

Send us your passport details by email or WhatsApp. We arrange the visa or permit through our partners in Bhutan. International travellers pay the visa fee and the SDF during the application. Indian travellers pay only the SDF. Indian permits can also be processed on arrival but applying before you travel avoids waiting at the border or airport.

What Documents I Need For Order To Apply For Visa ?

You need three things. A digital copy of your passport that stays valid for at least six months after you leave Bhutan. A recent passport size photograph. Valid travel insurance for the full length of your trip. Indian travellers need different documents for the entry permit and they are listed in FAQ 6.

How much does the Bhutan visa or permit cost?

International travellers pay USD 40 per person for the visa. It is a one time fee and it is not refundable. Indian travellers pay no fee for the entry permit. Every traveller pays the Sustainable Development Fee on top of this.

How Long Does It Takes To Issue Visa ?

It may take up to five working days to process a correctly input visa application.

How long does it take to get a Bhutan visa or permit?

A correct visa application for international travellers can take up to five working days. Indian permits are usually quicker. We suggest applying at least two weeks before travel so your flights and hotels can be confirmed without stress.

What documents do Indian travellers need for the Bhutan entry permit?

Indian adults need a valid Indian passport or an Indian voter ID card. Children under 18 can use a passport or a birth certificate and must travel with a legal guardian. You also need a recent passport size photograph and valid travel insurance. The permit has no application fee.

How many days can I stay in Bhutan on my visa or permit?

Your stay matches the number of nights for which the SDF is paid. This is true for Indian and international travellers. If you pay the SDF for six nights then you can stay six nights.

Can I extend my Bhutan visa or permit during my stay?

Yes. You must apply before your current visa or permit expires. Extensions are made through the official online portal using the same login as the first application. International travellers pay a processing fee and the daily SDF for the extra nights. Indian travellers pay the daily SDF of Nu. 1,200. If you travel with us we guide you through every step.

What is the Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) in Bhutan?

The SDF is a daily fee charged by the Royal Government of Bhutan to every tourist. It supports free healthcare and education and also conservation and local infrastructure. It is the main tool behind Bhutan's high value and low volume tourism policy. Indian and international travellers both pay it but at different rates. The SDF is separate from your hotel and guide and transport costs.

How much is the Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) in Bhutan?

International visitors pay USD 100 per person per night. This is a 50% discount on the standard USD 200 rate and it applies until 31 August 2027. Indian visitors pay Nu. 1,200 or the same amount in Indian rupees per person per night. Children aged 6 to 12 pay half and children under 6 are exempt. For example a couple from abroad staying five nights pays USD 1,000 in total and an Indian couple staying five nights pays Rs. 12,000 in total.

How do I pay the SDF?

You pay the SDF during the visa or permit application by credit card or wire transfer. International visitors pay in US dollars. Indian travellers can pay in Indian rupees. Visitors who receive a visa on arrival pay at the port of entry.

Will I get my SDF back if I cancel or shorten my trip?

Yes. The Department of Immigration refunds the SDF for cancelled or shortened trips for both Indian and international travellers. Bank charges are deducted from the refund. The request is submitted through the online portal and the refund is processed after you leave Bhutan. The visa fee itself is not refundable.

Is there GST on a Bhutan tour?

Yes. Bhutan applies a 5% GST on tour package services like hotels and transport and guiding. It started on 1 January 2026. GST does not apply to the SDF or the visa fee or air tickets. This is the same for Indian and international travellers.

Is travel insurance mandatory for Bhutan?

Yes. Every visitor needs valid travel insurance for the full length of the trip. International visitors must have it ready when they apply for the visa. Visitors from India and Bangladesh and the Maldives can buy domestic insurance from Bhutanese providers at the port of entry.

What documents are needed to buy travel insurance for Bhutan?

Insurers usually ask for a copy of your passport or national ID card and your travel itinerary. You may also need baggage details if you want extra cover for lost baggage. Requirements differ by insurer so please confirm before you buy.

Is it mandatory to have a guide in Bhutan?

Yes. Visitors must travel with a guide certified by the Department of Tourism for the whole stay. This applies to Indian and international travellers. Your guide handles checkpoints and explains the culture and keeps the journey running smoothly. On our tours your guide comes from our trusted partners in Bhutan.

Can I stay in a private home or any hotel in Bhutan?

No. You must stay in accommodation certified by the Department of Tourism for the whole trip. This applies to every traveller. Certified stays range from comfortable three star hotels to luxury resorts. We select the stay that matches your comfort level and pace.

Can I travel to Bhutan on my own without a tour?

Independent travel without a certified guide is not permitted for Indian or international travellers. You need a certified guide and certified accommodation for the full stay. The old minimum daily spend rule no longer applies because the SDF replaced it in 2022. A private tour still lets you travel alone or as a couple at your own pace.

What is the best time to visit Bhutan?

The best months for all travellers are March to May and September to November. Spring brings rhododendron blooms and mild weather. Autumn has clear skies and major festivals. Winter is cold but quiet and sunny. Summer is green with monsoon rain. School holiday periods and festival weeks fill hotels and flights quickly so please book early.

What should Indian travellers know before visiting Bhutan?

Indian travellers do not need a visa. You need an entry permit with a passport or voter ID card and the permit has no fee. The SDF is Nu. 1,200 per person per night and you can pay in rupees. You can enter by road through Phuentsholing or Samdrup Jongkhar or Gelephu or fly into Paro. Our team arranges your permit before you leave.

What should international travellers know before visiting Bhutan?

International travellers need a visa approved before they fly. The visa costs USD 40 and the SDF is USD 100 per person per night until 31 August 2027. Flights reach Paro from a few international cities and you can also enter by road from India. Your passport must stay valid for six months after departure. We handle the visa and fees so you only send your documents.

How many days do I need for a trip to Bhutan?

Five to seven nights cover western Bhutan including Paro and Thimphu and Punakha. Eight to ten nights allow you to reach central valleys like Bumthang at an easier pace. Our itineraries range from 4 nights to 12 nights. The SDF is charged per night for everyone so trip length also shapes your budget.

Should I fly in or drive into Bhutan?

Flying into Paro is faster and the descent between Himalayan peaks is a highlight in itself. Driving in through Phuentsholing takes a day or more but it shows how the landscape changes from the plains to the mountains. Both options work for Indian and international travellers. We offer fly in and drive in tours.

Which airlines fly to Paro in Bhutan?

Drukair and Bhutan Airlines operate flights to Paro International Airport. Flights connect from select Indian cities such as Delhi and Kolkata and from a few international cities such as Bangkok and Singapore and Kathmandu. Schedules change by season so we confirm current flights when you plan your trip.

Can I use Indian rupees or US dollars in Bhutan?

Indian rupees are widely accepted in Bhutan and the ngultrum is linked to the rupee at one to one. Indian travellers can carry rupees and small notes are handy for local shopping. International travellers can use ATMs in main towns or exchange dollars at the airport and banks. Cards work in larger hotels and shops.

Does mobile internet and WiFi work in Bhutan?

Most hotels offer WiFi. Indian travellers should check roaming rates with their operator before travel. International travellers can buy a local SIM card with a data plan in Paro or Thimphu. The signal gets weak in remote valleys and on mountain passes. Many travellers enjoy this natural break from screens.

Will I get altitude sickness in Bhutan?

Paro and Thimphu sit at about 2,200 to 2,300 metres and most healthy travellers handle this well. Dochula Pass goes above 3,000 metres and the Tiger's Nest hike climbs to about 3,100 metres. We plan gradual days and advise drinking plenty of water. Please speak to your doctor before travel if you have heart or breathing concerns.

Which festivals should I plan my Bhutan trip around?

Tshechu festivals feature mask dances and colourful costumes in dzong courtyards. Paro Tshechu usually falls in March or April and Thimphu Tshechu in September or October. Dates follow the Bhutanese lunar calendar and change every year. Hotels and flights fill early for Indian and international travellers alike. See our Festivals page for current dates.

Is Bhutan a good place for a digital detox?

Slow travel means fewer stops and longer stays. You might spend two nights in Punakha instead of rushing through. Mornings stay unhurried and drives stay short. We plan one main activity a day and leave the rest of the day open for walks and meals and rest.

What does slow travel in Bhutan look like?

Can Bhutan be planned as a wellness and nature journey?

Yes. Popular choices include traditional hot stone baths and guided meditation and yoga and forest walks. These sit comfortably alongside monastery visits and dzong tours. Tell us your priorities and we balance culture and nature and rest to match your pace.

Is Bhutan suitable for a family trip across generations?

Yes. Grandparents and parents and children can enjoy Bhutan together with the right planning. We keep driving hours reasonable and choose hotels with easy access and plan lighter walks. Children aged 6 to 12 pay half the SDF and children under 6 pay none whether you travel from India or abroad. The Tiger's Nest hike can stay optional.

Is Bhutan good for travellers who want privacy and fewer crowds?

Yes. Bhutan limits tourist numbers through its high value and low volume policy. Most valleys and monasteries stay calm even in popular seasons. With a private vehicle and a private guide you control the pace and the timing. We also choose hotels that offer space and quiet.

What does luxury travel in Bhutan really mean?

Luxury in Bhutan goes beyond five star hotels. It means private transport and an experienced guide and thoughtful service and time to enjoy each place. It can include private cultural experiences and scenic routes and a relaxed schedule. We build it around comfort and privacy instead of fitting in more stops.

Can I customise my Bhutan trip instead of choosing a fixed package?

Yes. We shape each journey around your interests and travel dates and group size and hotel preference and pace. You can focus on culture or photography or festivals or food or wellness or a mix of these. We plan the same way for travellers from India and from abroad. Share what matters most and we build the itinerary from there.

What does responsible travel to Bhutan involve?

Respect local customs and dress modestly when visiting temples and dzongs. Ask before photographing people and follow your guide's advice. Stay in certified hotels and avoid littering on trails. The SDF paid by every traveller supports conservation and healthcare and education across the country.

Can I combine adventure and comfort on a Bhutan trip?

Yes. Options include day hikes and cycling and river rafting and short treks. After active days you return to comfortable hotels with good meals. We match the activity level to your fitness and age and the season.

Is Bhutan safe for tourists?

Yes. Bhutan is considered one of the safest countries in Asia for travellers. Crime against tourists is rare and your certified guide stays with you throughout the trip. The main things to plan for are mountain roads and weather and altitude. We choose experienced drivers and keep extra time in the schedule for road delays.

What should I pack for a Bhutan trip?

Pack in layers because temperatures change quickly between valleys and mountain passes. Bring a warm jacket and comfortable walking shoes and a rain jacket and sunscreen and a hat. Carry a basic medicine kit and any personal prescriptions. Winter needs heavier clothing while spring and autumn need light layers with a warmer jacket for evenings.

What is the dress code for temples and dzongs in Bhutan?

Dress modestly when you visit temples and dzongs. Cover your shoulders and knees. Remove your hat and shoes before you enter temple halls. Photography is usually not allowed inside temples so please ask your guide first.

Can I take photographs or fly a drone in Bhutan?

Photography is welcome in landscapes and villages and most outdoor spaces. It is usually not allowed inside temples and shrines. Drones need prior permission from the authorities so please do not bring one without checking with us first. We also plan dedicated photography journeys for travellers who want more time at the best viewpoints.

What is the food like in Bhutan and can I get vegetarian meals?

Bhutanese food is simple and hearty with rice and vegetables and plenty of chilli. Ema datshi made with chilli and cheese is the national dish. Vegetarian meals are easy to arrange. Most hotels also serve Indian and continental dishes. Tell us about any dietary needs before you travel.

Is Bhutan suitable for senior citizens?

Yes with the right planning. Most sightseeing involves short walks and the roads are scenic but winding. We keep driving hours shorter and choose hotels with easy access. The Tiger's Nest hike is optional so it can be replaced with a gentler cultural visit. Please speak to your doctor before you travel if you have heart or breathing concerns.

Who is La Bhutanz Tours?

La Bhutanz Tours is a specialist Bhutan travel agency based in Mumbai. We bring over 12 years of Bhutan travel experience. We plan private and customised journeys for Indian and international travellers. We work directly with licensed partners and guides in Bhutan. Our promise is Exceptional . Explorable . Experience.

How do I plan a Bhutan trip with La Bhutanz Tours?

Send us your passport type and travel dates and group size and the interests you have in mind by email or WhatsApp. We reply with a clear plan and the exact government fees for your dates. There is no pressure to book.

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