In this guide
Most of our guests let us book their hotels. Some prefer to choose their own, usually when they book a guide and driver only. That's fine, with one rule: every night you spend in Bhutan has to be at a place certified by the Department of Tourism.
A notification dated 26 August 2026, posted on the Department's announcements page on 22 October, reminds accommodation providers of this rule. Here's what it says and what it means for your trip.
What the notice says
The notification (DOT/SCD-28/2026-2027/10175) is addressed to hotels, guesthouses and Village Homestays. Under the Tourism Rules and Regulations 2024:
- Anyone hosting tourists needs prior approval and certification from the Department of Tourism before they open.
- Every tourist night halt, including camping and outdoor stays, must be at certified accommodation or a designated site.
- Overnight stays at non-certified premises, private properties or unauthorised open areas are strictly prohibited.
- Certified places must hold a valid star rating certificate or official approval, and renew it before it expires.
- A provider hosting tourists without certification can be fined Nu. 50,000 for each service provided.
What it means for you
The fines fall on the provider, not on you. But an uncertified place isn't allowed to host you, so:
- Book certified hotels, resorts, guesthouses and homestays only. Village Homestays are fine when they're certified.
- Skip private homes and apartments that aren't certified, even if you find them on a booking site.
- Don't camp just anywhere. Camping has to be at a designated site, and our Druk Path and Jomolhari treks use designated campsites.
How to check a place is certified
Ask the property for its Department of Tourism certificate or star rating before you book. Established hotels have one and are used to the question. If you're not sure, send us the name and we'll check it for you before you pay.
If you'd rather not deal with it
We book certified hotels as part of our private tours and custom trips. If you'd like to choose your own, our guide and driver option covers your guide and transport, and we're happy to check the hotels you pick.
Official sources
- Department of Tourism: announcements
- Department of Tourism notification DOT/SCD-28/2026-2027/10175 (26 August 2026)
Check the official rules and schedules for your nationality and travel dates before making fixed bookings.
