The Kingdom of Bhutan is a small landlocked county nestled in the eastern Himalayas, bordered by China (Tibet) to the north and India to the south, east and west. With a population of around 700,000 people, Bhutan is known for its stunning landscapes, unique culture, and commitment to environmental conservation and sustainable development.
ABOUT BHUTAN
There are 19 languages spoken in Bhutan, but the national language is Dzongkha. English is used throughout Bhutan’s education system, so it is widely used and understood.
Bhutan is a year-round destination. There are four seasons: summer (June to August), autumn (September to November), winter (December to February) and spring (March to May). But because of the range of altitudes in the country, and the influence of the north Indian monsoons, the climate is incredibly varied.
In the south, the humid, subtropical climate is fairly consistent year-round, with temperatures between 15oC and 30oC. Central Bhutan, with its temperate forests, has a more seasonal climate, with warm summers and cool, dry winters. The northern regions are much colder during winter. Because of the high altitude, mountain peaks are snowy year-round and the lower reaches remain cool in summer.
In summer, the Indian monsoon season runs from late June or July to late September, mostly affecting the southern regions. Most farming activities take place in the summer, when crops thrive in verdant landscapes.
Autumn, from late September or early October to late November, follows the rainy season. It is characterized by bright, sunny days and some early snowfall at higher elevations. It’s the season of feasts and festivals as farmers reap the fruits of their work.
From late November until March, the crisp, clear and sunny winter sets in, with frost throughout much of the country and snowfall common above elevations of 3,000 meters. The winter northeast monsoon brings gale-force winds at the highest altitudes through high mountain passes, giving Bhutan the name Drukyul, which means Land of the Thunder Dragon in Dzongkha (Bhutan’s national language).
Bhutan’s generally dry spring starts in early March and lasts until mid-April. It is a botanist’s delight, with nature in full bloom. Summer weather commences in mid-April with occasional showers and continues to late June.
Bhutan’s currency is called ngultrum. It’s 1:1 with Indian rupees.
Three different electrical plugs are used throughout Bhutan: the British plug (three square pins, compatible with type G sockets), the European plug (two round pins, compatible with type C socket) and the Indian plug (three thick round pins, compatible with type D sockets). It’s a good idea to bring adaptors for all three.
For telephone calls, Bhutan’s country code is +975. Make sure you add this to the beginning of any number if calling Bhutan from abroad.
Visitors of all nationalities, except those from India, require a visa before entering Bhutan. For all visitors, except those from Bangladesh and the Maldives, this visa must be applied for and approved in advance of travel. Visitors from Bangladesh and the Maldives also require a visa, but this can be applied for and approved either in advance of travel or upon arrival in Bhutan.
Visitors from India are able to apply for a permit but are required to hold an Indian passport or an Indian voter ID card. For Indian nationals under the age of 18, a passport or a birth certificate can be used to enter and they must be accompanied by a legal guardian.
Nationals from Switzerland and Thailand holding diplomatic or government-official passports are eligible for a visa at their port of entry.
A tour company such as Lhalam Tours and Travels may apply on your behalf. Kindly contact us to begin the process.
No, there are no restricted nationalities in Bhutan.
A correctly input visa application can take up to five days to process.
There is a one-off free of US$ 40 for the processing of your application. This is payable at the same time as your Sustainable Development Fee (SDF), as part of the process of submitting your visa application.
The visa allows you to remain in Bhutan for a maximum of 90 days from the date of entry.
Yes, provided the extension is applied for before the original visa or permit expires.
No. However, it is strongly recommended that all guests travelling to Bhutan have travel insurance before visiting the Kingdom as a precaution in case of unforeseen situations.
Kindly contact us.
Bhutan is a very safe place to visit, even if you’re travelling alone. There is very little crime experienced by locals or visitors, although we advise you to take care of yourself and your belongings. In some areas, you may encounter stray dogs- please be cautious around them as they are not domesticated. They normally keep their distance, but please stay away from them as much as possible, especially travelling with children. Please don’t feed or pat these or any other wild animals.
Bhutan’s physical environment presents occasional safety hazards, including flooding and landslides. From June to September the monsoons can affect transport and services. Check with us for possible disruptions.
PLANNING YOUR TRIP
SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT FEE (SDF) INFORMATION
The Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) is a daily levy paid by visitors to support Bhutan’s development. Since the Kingdom first opened its doors in 1974, guests have played a critical role in our country’s growth.
The SDF is collected by the national exchequer and funds are allocated to various projects that create long-term, sustainable opportunities for the Bhutanese people, through free healthcare, education and training, upskilling the tourism and hospitality industry, improved infrastructure, environmental preservation and conservation, cultural preservation programs and initiatives that support local businesses and economies. The SDF is also a vital means of maintaining the exceptional forest cover and carbon-neutrality for which Bhutan is world-renowned and globally critical. The SDF helps to ensure that we can continue to offer guests tranquillity and an intimate experience.
The SDF is US$ 100 per night for adults from all countries except for India. Children aged between 6 yeas and who have not yet turned 12 are eligible to pay US$ 50 per night. Children who have not yet turned ^ yeas old do not have to pay any SDF.
The SDF for Indian nationals (showing a valid Indian passport and Voter ID card) is Nu. /INR 1,200 per person, per night. Children aged between 6 years and who have not yet turned 12 are eligible to pay Nu. /INR 600 per night. Children who have not yet turned 6 years old do not have to pay any SDF.
Extensions must be made in person at the Department of Immigration and must be paid in US$.
For Indian nationals, extensions must be made in person at the Department of Immigration and must be paid in INR.
Yes, the SDF will be refunded by the Department of Immigration for any cancelled or shortened trips; any bank charges will be deducted from the total refunded. The refund will be processed after visitors leave Bhutan.
You can change your local currency for Ngultrum upon arrival at Paro International Airport o at banks, larger hotels and authorised currency exchange businesses in Thimphu.
You may bring cash equivalent to US$ 10,000 into Bhutan.
ATM and banks accept Visa and MasterCard. International credit cards are widely used in Thimphu and Paro.
However, this service might not be available in other parts of the country. You may communicate with us and we will help you make any local payments in Bhutan and extend a line of credit to you.
Most hotels have Wi-Fi in Bhutan, but we recommend obtaining a tourist SIM card from the airport for more convenient access to data and a more reliable internet connection.
SIM cards can be purchased from the Paro International Airport’s visitor information centre upon arrival, or from branch offices of Bhutan Telecom and TashiCell, or from authorised agents.
There are no rules about what visitors should wear. However, if you are planning to visit places of religious significance, respectful smart-casual clothing that covers your body from shoulders to the knees is appropriate and appreciated.
Yes, a guide is required to enter monuments and Dzongs in Bhutan. While some of the monuments and Dzongs have no entry fee, others have a fee on arrival, which can be paid in cash.
Yes, almost all restaurants have vegetarian options listed on menus
DURING YOUR TRIP
OTHERS.
Yes, you can create your own itinerary to suit your style, needs and taste.
Tipping is permitted and accepted in Bhutan but it is not a rule of thumb.
Yes, it is absolutely safe because the payment goes directly to a government account. Bhutanese tour operators receive their due only once your tour is complete.
For the government to clear your visa formalities (done once the money is received), it is advisable to pay at least four weeks before your date of arrival. During the peak seasons, you should pay ten weeks prior to your arrival to confirm your airline bookings.
Yes, we are. We are registered with the Tourism Council of Bhutan.