Spring
March - May
Highlights
- Rhododendrons in full bloom
- Clear mountain views
- Paro Tsechu festival
- Moderate temperatures
Considerations
- Some rain towards end of May
- Popular season - book early
Entry requirements
Visa information
Bhutan requires all tourists to obtain a visa before arrival. Here's what you need to know:
Required documents
- Passport valid for 6+ months
- Passport-size photo (digital)
- Travel itinerary
- Visa fee ($40)
Processing time
- Online application via DoT portal
- Processing: 5-7 business days
- Visa stamped on arrival
- We handle all paperwork for you
Visa fee
$40
One-time payment
Important: Indian, Bangladeshi, and Maldivian nationals do not require a visa but must carry a valid passport or voter ID card.
Plan your visit
Best time to visit
Summer/Monsoon
June - August
Highlights
- Lush green landscapes
- Fewer tourists
- Good for bird watching
- Lower prices
Considerations
- Heavy rainfall
- Leeches on trails
- Landslide risks
Autumn
September - November
Highlights
- Crystal clear skies
- Best mountain views
- Harvest festivals
- Ideal trekking weather
Considerations
- Peak season - book well in advance
- Higher prices
Winter
December - February
Highlights
- Clear weather
- Snow on high passes
- Fewer tourists
- Black-necked cranes in Phobjikha
Considerations
- Cold temperatures
- Some high passes may be closed
Be prepared
Packing list
Clothing Essentials
- Layered clothing (temperatures vary)
- Waterproof jacket
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Warm fleece or down jacket
- Sun hat and sunglasses
- Modest clothing for temple visits
Trekking Gear
- Hiking boots (broken in)
- Trekking poles
- Daypack
- Water bottle/hydration system
- Gaiters (for monsoon)
- Sleeping bag liner
Health & Personal
- Personal medications
- First aid kit
- Sunscreen (high SPF)
- Lip balm with SPF
- Hand sanitizer
- Altitude sickness medication
Electronics & Documents
- Camera with extra batteries
- Universal power adapter
- Power bank
- Passport (valid 6+ months)
- Copies of important documents
- Travel insurance documents
Budget planning
Costs & fees
International tourists
$100
SDF per night (adult)
- Child (6-12 years)
- $50/night
- Visa
- $40 (one-time)
- Under 6 years
- Free
Indian nationals
₹1,200
SDF per night (adult)
- Child (6-12 years)
- ₹600/night
- Visa
- Not required
- Under 6 years
- Free
Indian nationals do not require a visa. Entry permit is processed on arrival with valid passport or Voter ID.
Bangladeshi nationals
$15
SDF per night (adult)
- Child (6-12 years)
- $8/night
- Visa
- Not required
- Under 6 years
- Free
Included in tour package
- Licensed guide
- Accommodation
- All meals
- Internal transport
- Monument entry fees
About the SDF
The SDF is paid separately to the Royal Government of Bhutan and supports free healthcare, education, and environmental conservation.
All our tour packages include accommodation, meals, transport within Bhutan, a licensed guide, and entry fees to monuments. The Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) is paid separately during visa/permit application and goes directly to the Bhutanese government.
Stay safe
Health & safety
Altitude
Most destinations range from 2,200m to 3,500m. High-altitude treks can exceed 5,000m. Acclimatize properly and stay hydrated.
Travel insurance
Comprehensive travel insurance including emergency evacuation is strongly recommended, especially for trekking tours.
Medical facilities
Basic medical facilities are available in major towns. Hospital facilities are in Thimphu. For serious emergencies, evacuation to India or Thailand may be necessary.
Your journey
Getting there
By air
Paro International Airport is Bhutan's only international airport. Airlines operating:
- Druk Air (Royal Bhutan Airlines)
- Bhutan Airlines
- Flights from Delhi, Kolkata, Bangkok, Kathmandu, Singapore
By land
Entry points from India:
- Phuentsholing (most common)
- Gelephu
- Samdrup Jongkhar
Common questions
Frequently asked questions
Still have questions?
Ask our team
Your chapter
Your story in Bhutan begins here
Tell us how you like to travel. A local expert will shape an itinerary around you, usually within 24 hours.
Licensed by the Department of Tourism, Bhutan