Things to Know Before Stepping into Bhutan
We are socially, culturally, geographically, very different. Therefore, knowing a few things before entering Bhutan is very important.
Gateways
Bhutan via Air
If you choose air transport then it may be a little expensive but less tiring and time-saving. Druk Air or Bhutan Airlines are the two Airlines in Bhutan that would connect you to Bhutan via Nepal, India, or Thailand. To avail tickets or queries, please mail us at travelmoreticketingservice@gmail.com.
Bhutan via Land
If you choose to visit Bhutan via land then its time consuming yet a cheaper choice. In addition, land connectivity is only with India. Therefore, first, you need to land in India (Bagdogra), and then transfer to the Bhutan-India border area (Jaigoan). After that,t you need to do immigration formalities and enter Bhutan.
Sustainable Development Fee (SDF)
The Foreigners (Except Indian Nationals)
They need to pay a daily minimum fee of $100 per person per night. Children aged between 6-12 years need to pay half the SDF ($50 per person per night). Children aged under 5 years are exempted from the SDF.
Note: In additional to $100 SDF, you need to pay one time VISA fee of $40 which is non-refundable.
Regional tourists (Indian Nationals)
They need to pay a daily SDF of Rs.1200 per person per night, except the first 24 hours being free. However, children less than 6 years are free and children between 6 years to 12 years have to pay Rs.600 per person/per night.
Documents required
For foreigners
A digital copy of a valid passport must have at least 6 months of validity from the date of departure from Bhutan. A recent passport-sized photo.
For Indian Nationals
Only a passport or voter ID is accepted in Bhutan. Children aged under 18 years should have a birth certificate or passport, written or translated into English.
Note: Voter ID without hologram and necessary digital features will not be accepted.
Time Zone Differences
Bhutan is 6 hours ahead of UTC(Coordinated Universal Time) and operates in Bhutan Standard Time(BST). It is calculated as UTC+06:00.
Guide Requirements
A tour without a guide in Bhutan is prohibited.
Accommodations
In Bhutan, we have hotels starting from budget hotels to 5-star hotels. Since our tourism industry is standardized and well organized, we are supposed to accommodate our guests in a minimum of 3-star hotels. However, you can book higher-star hotels on additional charges. In addition, you can also choose to stay in Homestays to experience the typical Bhutanese way of living.
For hotel bookings please contact or WhatsApp us at +97517236237.
Vehicle Requirements
You will be designated with comfortable cars according to the number of pax as follows:
| Pax | Transportation |
| 2 pax | Hyundai Creta/Similar |
| 3-7 pax | Toyota Hiace Bus/Similar |
| 8-9 pax | Toyota Highroof Bus/Similar |
| 9 & above | Toyota Coaster Bus |
Note: For Indian vehicles, you need to pay, Rs.4500 (road tax) per night.
For Car bookings contact or WhatsApp us at +97517236237.
Travel Insurance
Though travel insurance is optional it is highly recommended to have one while travelling to Bhutan as a precautionary measure in case of any unlikely emergencies.
Currency
Bhutan’s official currency is known as Ngultrum(Nu.)which is equivalent to Indian Rupees(Rs.).In addition, Indian Rupee is highly accepted in Bhutan. It is highly recommended to take enough cash since digital transection is uncertain and is less popular in Bhutan.
Photography and Usage of Drone
Generally, Photography or Videography is permitted in Bhutan except in religious places like Temples/Monasteries, museums, or fortresses. Moreover, asking for individual consent before taking their photo is important. However, the usage of drones is strictly prohibited in Bhutan. In some cases, Drone usage is permitted with a special permit.
For more information please connect with Travel More Bhutan at +97517236237 or mail us at travelmorebhutan@gmail.com.
Medical Status and Altitude Sickness
If you are travelling with some medical conditions please be mindful of carrying your medicines as they may not be available in Bhutan. In addition to that, please know that you may get Altitude sickness at higher elevations. Therefore, carrying necessary medicines are essential.
My Waste My Responsible
Throwing rubbish is an offense in Bhutan. Let’s keep Bhutan Clean and Green so that it remains Carbon Negative Country for many generations to come.
Dress Code
It is very important to know that in Bhutan you are mostly visiting religious sites. Therefore, dressing modestly like covering your shoulders, and knees, and avoiding wearing caps is very important before entering religious sites.