Bhutan travel guide
Visas and the SDF, when to go, how to get there and what to pack. Everything we tell travellers before they book.
Updated
Bhutan's permits, licensed guides and Sustainable Development Fee are how the country keeps tourism small and intentional. Planning takes a little more care, but it doesn't need to feel complicated. We handle the licensed guide, permits, SDF, hotels, transport and meals; you choose the pace and the places that matter. Start with your dates.
The essentials
Every foreign visitor needs a visa, pays the SDF and travels with a licensed Bhutanese guide.
Visa & permits
- Tourist visa required for all foreign visitors ($40 USD)
- We apply for your visa online, no embassy visit
- Stamped on arrival at Paro Airport
- Region permits included in every booking
Sustainable Development Fee
- $100 USD/adult/day through 31 Aug 2027 (concession rate)
- Original 2022 rate was $200/day, could revert after the concession
- Supports Bhutan's free education & healthcare
- Government-set rate, included in every booking, no markup
Getting there
- Paro Airport - only international airport
- Druk Air & Bhutan Airlines serve Bhutan
- Fly via Delhi, Kathmandu, Bangkok, or Singapore
- Book flights early - limited daily capacity
Guide & arrangements
- Licensed Bhutanese guide required for cultural sites & trekking
- Full tour packages no longer mandatory (since Sept 2022)
- Most international visitors bundle the guide + permits + SDF together
- Custom or small-group tour options available
When to go
Spring and autumn bring clear skies and the big festivals. Summer is green and quiet; winter is cold, bright and the quietest time to visit.
Spring
March to May · 15-20°C, Clear skies
- Rhododendrons bloom
- Perfect for Tiger's Nest
- Festival season
Consider: hotels book up early, more crowded.
Best for: First-time visitors, photography
Summer
June to August · 20-25°C, Monsoon rains
- Lush green valleys
- Fewer tourists
- Easier hotel availability
Consider: afternoon rains, cloudy mountain views.
Best for: Quieter trips, cultural focus
Autumn
September to November · 10-20°C, Clear & crisp
- Crystal clear views
- Perfect hiking weather
- Major festivals
Consider: peak season crowds, book several months ahead.
Best for: Mountain views, festivals, hiking
Winter
December to February · 0-15°C, Sunny & clear
- Quietest months
- Clear mountain views
- Fewer crowds
Consider: cold temperatures, some passes may close.
Best for: Solitude seekers, clear-sky views
- JanCold-2–12°CBhutan in January
- FebCold-1–14°CBhutan in February
- MarPeak3–17°CBhutan in March
- AprPeak7–21°CBhutan in April
- MayGood11–23°CBhutan in May
- JunRain15–25°CBhutan in June
- JulRain17–26°CBhutan in July
- AugRain16–26°CBhutan in August
- SepPeak13–24°CBhutan in September
- OctPeak8–22°CBhutan in October
- NovPeak3–18°CBhutan in November
- DecCold-1–14°CBhutan in December
Places worth the journey
Paro
Tiger's Nest Monastery
Moderate hike (2-3 hours up)
Most iconic Bhutan landmark, cliffside monastery, spiritual significance.
Practical note: Start early, bring water, wear good shoes.
Punakha
Punakha Dzong
Easy walk
Most beautiful fortress, river confluence, winter residence of monks.
Practical note: Visit during golden hour, respect photography rules.
Thimphu
Thimphu Weekend Market
Easy walking
Local produce, Yak cheese, chilies & spices.
Practical note: Go Saturday morning, bring cash, try local fruits.
Thimphu to Punakha
Dochula Pass
Roadside stop
108 chortens, Himalayan views, prayer flags.
Practical note: Clear mornings best for views, dress warmly.
What to pack
Days are warm and nights cool at altitude, whatever the season. Layers beat bulk.
Clothing
- Layered clothing for varying temperatures
- Warm jacket (even in summer)
- Comfortable hiking boots
- Rain jacket/poncho
- Long pants for monastery visits
- Modest shirts covering shoulders
Health & Safety
- Altitude sickness medication
- Personal prescription medications
- Sunscreen (high altitude)
- Sunglasses
- First aid kit
- Hand sanitizer
Electronics
- Universal power adapter (Type D/F/G)
- Power bank for long days
- Camera with extra batteries
- Headlamp/flashlight
- Phone with offline maps
Local etiquette
Bhutanese are warm and relaxed with visitors. A few customs matter, especially at religious sites.
Respect local customs
- Remove shoes before entering temples
- Don't point feet toward Buddha statues
- Ask permission before photographing people
- Dress modestly, especially at religious sites
- Don't touch anyone's head
Photography etiquette
- No photos inside most temple interiors
- Ask permission for portraits
- Respect 'No Photography' signs
- Don't use flash near artwork
- Be mindful during religious ceremonies
Social interactions
- Greet with 'Kuzuzangpo' (hello)
- Accept offerings with both hands
- Don't refuse hospitality outright
- Learn basic Dzongkha phrases
- Show interest in local culture
Understanding costs
Included in every booking
- Sustainable Development Fee ($100/adult/night)
- Hotels (Standard 3-star, Boutique 4-star or Luxury 5-star)
- Licensed English-speaking guide
- Dedicated vehicle with driver
- All meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
- All entrance fees and permits
- Internal transportation
Additional costs
- International flights to Bhutan
- Travel insurance (highly recommended)
- Alcoholic beverages
- Personal shopping and souvenirs
- Tips for guide and driver
- Spa services and extras
- Photography fees at some sites
Explore Bhutan in depth
Every guide on this site, by place, by month and by where you're flying from.
By place
From your country
Ready to plan?
We handle the visa, SDF and guide. You pick the days.