guide_categroy: tour-list

Tsechus bring communities together to watch the sacred mask dances, meet with friends and family, and also to receive blessings and wash away their sins. Each mask dance is unique and some have been performed the same way for over a thousand years. Generally monks perform the dance, but in small villages, local men also join in.

Festival Dates 2025

Applying for a visa (or permit) is simple and straightforward – and brings your journey to Bhutan one step closer.

All visitors require a visa before travelling to Bhutan (except those from India, Bangladesh and the Maldives, for whom the relevant processes and fees are outlined separately below).

As part of the visa application process, you will be required to pay the Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) of US$100 per day (per adult; concessionary rates apply for children).

A non-refundable, one-off visa application fee of US$40 is also payable.

To apply for a visa online you will need:

• A digital copy of a valid passport
• A recent digital passport photo
• Arrival and departure dates
• Payment details

VISITORS FROM INDIA and BANGLADESH

Visitors from India require a permit. SDF payable for Indian nationals are Rs.1200 per night.

You can also apply at your point of entry and pay SDF at the port of entry, but please be aware that there may be a long wait depending on the number of applicants at the time. If you are applying for a permit on arrival, you will need a passport-size photograph. Your SDF is payable when applying for your permit, either online or in person.

Visitors from Bangladesh requires to pay USD15 per night along with visa fee of USD40 per person.

We recommend arranging your permit or visa beforehand.

Do’s and Don’t

• Few temples and monasteries maybe off limits to tourist, always ask for permission prior to entering.
• Always check if taking photographs is allowed once you’re in the premise of the temple or monastery.
• Remove your shoes while entering temples and monasteries.
• Visitors should be properly dressed while visiting dzongs, temples monasteries and Government institution. As a mark of respect, refrain wearing hats and shorts as you enter these premises.
• Do not wash, swim or dispose waste in lakes which may be considered sacred.
• Smoking in public area is strictly prohibited and violators will be penalized by authorities.

Travel/Medical Insurance

The Royal Insurance Corporation of Bhutan has initiated a travel and medical plan solely for the travelers. To find out more information on the insurance scheme, please visit ricbl.com.bt

Language

While Dzongkha is the national language, locals in the urban areas can speak English and Hindi. So if you ever get lost or need assistance, reach out to the locals and they will be happy to assist you.

Accommodation

Local hotels in Bhutan comply with the Tourism Council of Bhutan standardization policy and most tourist accommodate in a 3 star to a 5 star hotel. The star system is not the same as the international rating standard. However travelers can be assured of the quality of service offered by the local hotels.

Travelling Kits

Bhutan experiences great variations in its climate. In general summers are warm with average daily temperature ranging from 20 to 25 degrees Celsius, while winter temperatures are usually below 15 degrees Celsius. The northern regions are colder than the southern tropical region and travelers are recommended to pack accordingly.

Other suggested items to pack are a pair of sunglasses, sunscreen lotion, umbrella, camera, travel sickness tablets, antiseptic cream, insect repellent cream, altitude sickness medication, if trekking above 3000m.

Night Life

Contrary to traveler’s perception, there are many exciting places travelers can go and hang out. There are multiple options from bars where local bands perform impressive gigs or go to karaoke and nightclubs or if you prefer having a quiet dinner with your travelling companions, there are multiple cafes and restaurant which stay open during the night.

Learn Local language – Dzongkha 101

• Hello – Kuzu zangpola
• Thank You – Kadin chey la
• Goodbye – Log jay gay

Emergency Contacts

In the event of an emergency, please contact these toll free numbers below:

• Police: 113
• Hospital: 112
• Fire brigade: 110
• Bank of Bhutan: 1095
• Druk Air:1300
• Bhutan Airline: 1234

The fourth Druk Gyalpo, Jigme Sinye Wangchuck coined the term “Gross National Happiness” (GNH) in 1972. He put through a proposition that Gross National Product (GNP) was an insufficient measurement of the development of a country. GNP and GDP (Gross Domestic Product) were deemed as metrics that over-emphasized on production, consumption and therefore, material wealth. GDP did not take into account the people’s well-being and happiness level.

To understand GNH, one needs to have a basic understanding of the concept of happiness. In the secular sense, happiness is reliant on a person’s experiences; past and present. However, in the last century, happiness is often associated with external factors largely dependent on material wealth. The driving factor behind this is the movement of urbanization in the last century which has undeniably detached individuals from their communities, families and nature. However, the level of happiness one derives from material wealth is finite, unlike happiness derived from internal stimuli such as contentment and well-being.

The concept of Gross National Happiness (GNH) thus provides a guiding principle behind policy-making to ensure there is a balance between both material and non-material factors. GNH philosophy emphasis on harmonious living, conservation of the environment and the protection of sacred traditions and culture.

The fourth King made sure GNH was the DNA of policymaking by incorporating it in the Constitution of Bhutan which was passed two years after he stepped down from the throne. All the policies implemented in Bhutan were done so with GNH in mind.

4 Pillars of GNH

Today, GNH is well known for having the foundation of four pillars:

Conservation of the Environment

The country’s constitution states that Bhutan must maintain at least 60% of the country under forest cover at all times. Currently, 72% of Bhutan is forested and more than a third of the country is under protection. One of the reasons apart from maintaining the balance of their ecological system is also the challenges their fragile mountain terrain poses to the community. Over foresting will pose the dangers of landslides in any monsoons or erratic weather.

This commitment is however often at the sacrifice of economic development. The government decided against exporting timber to India despite it being a lucrative business as the government wanted to keep in view the long term impact of this business on its ecology, and not focus on the short term gains.

Its efforts are not in vain as the kingdom boasts a pristine environment and breathtaking views, earning its nickname as the “Last Shangri-La”.

Equitable and Sustainable Development

At the heart of Bhutan’s policies is to create an equitable and sustainable development that allows its people to enjoy a higher standard of health care, education, and social services. One of the focuses of this pillar is to ensure that the benefits of development was made available to all, regardless of where they lived or who they were.

Good Governance

The fourth King was far-sighted and understood that a country can only benefit from a democratic government. He first started the process of decentralizing his power in 1998 when he created the role of Prime Minister. The Bhutanese questioned the necessity of this move as Bhutan under his reign had enjoyed peace and progress. But the Fourth King explained that power centralized on one person might be a successful regime in this generation, but not so in future generations. His move was unprecedented as history proved that democracy often comes at the cost of bloodshed and protest.

Preservation of Culture

With urbanization and the decoupling of individuals from their communities, comes the inevitable loss of culture and tradition. The Bhutanese make a concerted effort to preserve them. Their distinct architecture, traditional rituals, cultural events and traditional dress are all part of the Bhutanese way of life.

9 Domains of GNH

The four pillars act as the foundation for the guiding principle of GNH and further distilled into nine domains:

• Living Standards
• Education
• Health
• Environment
• Community Vitality
• Time-Use
• Psychological Well-Being
• Good Governance
• Cultural Resilience and Promotion

Bhutan’s topography makes for exhilarating drives and breathtaking hikes. A fleet of transport options is at your disposal: from mountain bikes, motorbikes and yaks, to domestic buses and flights, suvs with private drivers and helicopter services.

Arrive by Air

Bhutan has two national airlines: Drukair and Bhutan Airlines. Direct flights to and from our international airport in Paro connect you to Bangladesh (Dhaka), India (Bagdora, Gauhati, Kolkata and New Delhi), Nepal (Kathmandu), Singapore, and Thailand (Bangkok).

Arrive by Road

There are four official entry points by road from India: Samtse and Phuentsholing (in western Bhutan), Gelephu (in central Bhutan), and Samdrup Jongkhar (in eastern Bhutan).

Travel in the Country

The most convenient way to travel in Bhutan is to hire a vehicle and driver from a car rental company or a tourism service provider. It is not possible to hire a self-drive vehicle in Bhutan. You can also book a local driver or transport service provider.

Four airports connect the country’s western, central, southern and eastern regions. Although airlines always aim to provide the highest service, Bhutan’s unique landscape occasionally makes for unreliable departure dates. Yonphula airport – located in the eastern part of Bhutan – is given to unpredictable weather in the summer months due to its altitude and micro-climate. Flights are thus sporadically delayed or cancelled. Other domestic airports are located in Bumthang and Gelephu, and there is the international airport in Paro.

The check-in baggage allowance for domestic flights is 30kg for business class and 20kg for economy class. International travellers are advised to keep their passports with them at all times (with a minimum validity of six months).

The Royal Bhutan Helicopter Services Limited (RBHSL) is available for private hire. The RBHSL was initially founded for emergency medical evacuations, but it also caters to heli-hiking and other guest services, making otherwise long journeys possible in less time, while offering an aerial view of our kingdom. Helicopters only fly in clear and calm weather conditions.

Spring and Autumn are the best time to visit Bhutan. Having said so, summer and winter have their own draws and attractions.

Spring

Spring is the favourite time to visit Bhutan. Nature lovers who are keen on local flora should consider visiting Bhutan end of April or in May. Flowers would be in full bloom then.

Fall

Fall is another high and crowded season for Bhutan. Though Bhutan does not offer browning forest nor Maples, the mild weather in autumn makes it a perfect time to visit Bhutan. Thimphu Festival usually takes places at the end of September or early October.

Summer

If you like to avoid the higher tariff and the cold of winter, consider visiting Bhutan early June. If the monsoon is late, the whole of June will be great for traveling. Monsoon will be in its earnest in July. Having said so, our personal experience with monsoon in Bhutan has been limited to afternoon light shower once every 2 to 3 days. Some outlying district such as Gangtey can be given a miss as the country road can be swollen with mud. Summer often offers vibrant green foresting and flourishing paddy fields against a backdrop of the clear blue sky after the rain.

Winter

To avoid the crowd and catch the Black-Necked Cranes, winter would be the time to go. To catch Himalayan blue sky without paying the additional tariff, consider visiting Bhutan in December. The temperature will not be too cold yet as lowest temperature usually takes places near the end of January. In January or February, Paro and Thimphu may experience a one-day snow.

We choose some of the finest hotels, offer free upgrades to make our visitors feel the most welcomed and well-taken care of while traveling in Bhutan. We take pride in providing first class accommodations for our travelers.

A wide variety of accommodations are available ranging from luxurious 5-star hotels to cozy little hotels, homestays in traditional Bhutanese homes to camping under the stars. Visitors can be assured of comfort, ambiance and hospitality.

The types of accommodations can be divided into:

• Government Categorized 3 Star Hotels and Resorts
• Luxurious 4 Star Hotels & 5 Star International Hotel Chains
• Village Homestay
• Camping

Government Categorized 3 Star Hotels & Resorts

Hotels in Bhutan are rated according to a National 5 Star rating System. All Tour Operators are required to provide their guests with Government Categorized Hotels and Resorts, a minimum of 3 Star accommodations so you can be assured of your comfort. Most hotels provide their guests with Basic Necessities, Room Service, Free Wi-fi, and Television and some of them also have Fitness Centers and Spas.

Luxurious 4 Star Hotels & 5 Star International Hotel Chains

The luxury packages are based on 4 star luxury hotels and 5 star International Hotels Chain (Aman Kora, COMO Uma, Zhiwaling, Le Meridien, and Taj Tashi) with extra charges.

Village Homestay

Visitors also have the option of spending a night in a traditional Bhutanese Farm House with a Bhutanese family. Agriculture is still one of the major sources of livelihood among the Bhutanese people and a farm-stay will give you an excellent glimpse into the day-to-day life of a typical Bhutanese family. You’ll be able to observe age-old Bhutanese farming traditions as the family goes about its daily tasks. You’ll enjoy delicious home-cooked meals and the unparalleled hospitality of a Bhutanese host.

Camping

There’s nothing like camping in some of the most breathtaking landscapes of Bhutan. Visitors embarking on long treks will be provided with tents and whatever other camping equipment is deemed necessary. Regardless of where you stay, visitors can be assured of their comfort and traditional Bhutanese hospitality.