FAQ

WE CRAFT YOUR TRIP. YOU OWN THE EXPERIENCE.
We’re a lean, mean travel-dream machine. Every journey we design is tailored to your vibe—no templates, no fluff. Just raw, real Bhutan, your way. We don’t just handle requests—we go full throttle to make your trip legendary.

SDF: THE COST OF KEEPING PARADISE PRISTINE
To keep Bhutan pure and badass, every visitor pays a Sustainable Development Fee (SDF). It funds clean air, happy people, and trails that don’t suck.

  • Standard SDF: USD 200/night per person

  • Now? You get a deal: USD 100/night (50% off)

  • Kids (6–12)? 50% off that too.

  • Indian Nationals: Pay Nu. 1200/night

  • Staying at border towns? First 24 hours = free SDF

These incentives are live till August 31, 2027. After that, Bhutan may flip the switch to keep it exclusive.

THE FINE PRINT: YOUR PASSPORT TO BHUTAN

Except for folks rolling in from India, Bangladesh, and the Maldives, every other traveler needs to get a visa. But don’t sweat it—it’s all handled online by your licensed tour operator. You’ll need to send them:

  • A scan of your passport’s photo page

  • Proof of payment for your trip (like a wire transfer receipt)

  • A visa fee of USD 40

Your tour payment must be fully settled for the visa to get the green light from the Tourism Council of Bhutan. Once the visa’s approved, you’ll get an email with your visa clearance letter, which you’ll need to present when you land. Your visa will get stamped into your passport—boom, you’re in.

For visitors from India, Bangladesh, and the Maldives, you’ll get a route permit instead of a visa. Keep it simple.

Paro International Airport (PBH) is the only international airport in Bhutan and only there are only two airlines that can fly you in; Druk Air and Bhutan Airlines. You may book your own flights online at https://www.drukair.com.bt/ 
or http://www.bhutanairlines.bt/ OR we can arrange to book your flights (at cost price) and add it on to your tour price; airfare is not included in your tour price.Direct flights to Paro International Airport are available from the following destinations:Bagdogra (IXB)Guwahati (GAU)Gaya (GAY)Kolkata (CCU)Kathmandu (KTM)Dhaka (DAC)New Delhi (DEL)Bangkok (BKK)Singapore (SIN)If your city of origin is not listed, you will have to arrange for a connecting flight from your home to one of the airports listed. You may get in touch with us for flight timings and availability into PBH to coordinate your transit times for a connecting flight.For those who prefer to enter/exit by road, the border between Bhutan and India are the only land access into entering Bhutan through Phuntsholing, Gelephu, and Samdrup Jonkar border gates.Phuntsholing (south-west) borders the Indian district of Alipurdaur, West Bengal and driving distance from Phuntsholing to the capital city of Thimphu is approximately 146km. Gelephu (south-central) borders with Assam state in north east India and driving distance to the Thimphu is around 250kms. The third entry would be from Samdrup Jonkar (south-east), bordering with Assam state as well. Tourists entering from Samdrup Jonkar usually tour eastern Bhutan all the way to the west to the capital city and exit via Paro Airport.

TRAVEL WITH A PURPOSE—STAY HEALTHY, STAY RAD

We welcome all explorers, but if your journey includes epic treks, hikes, or cycling, make sure you’re fit and ready for the challenge. If you’ve got any health conditions or allergies that might need attention, let us know—we’ll pass it on to your guide so we’re all on the same page.


PACK YOUR OWN MEDICINE CHEST

While Bhutan has local pharmacies, be smart and bring your own first-aid kit. Pack what you know works for your body—cold meds, allergy relief, motion sickness tablets—because the roads here are winding, and you don’t want to be caught off guard.

Be ready for whatever the adventure throws at you.

YOU BACK OUT? NO WORRIES, BUT HERE’S THE DEAL

If you need to bail out on your tour after booking, we’ve got you covered with a full refund if you cancel 60 days or more before your arrival date. The clock starts ticking when we get your cancellation notice. Here’s how it breaks down:


CANCELLATION FEE SCHEDULE

  • 60 days or more before arrival: Full refund

  • 60 – 45 days before arrival: 10% of the tour price

  • 45 – 30 days before arrival: 25% of the tour price

  • 30 days or less before arrival: No refund (Don’t bail last minute, unless life happens!)


Heads up:

  • Banks might deduct extra fees when transferring your refund.

  • If you booked luxury accommodations, the hotel’s cancellation policy applies.

  • For flights, it’s the airline’s policy, or if booked through us, we’ll apply a flat USD 50 admin fee.


NEED A DATE CHANGE?

We’re flexible. Change your tour date no additional fee—just let us know before 30 days to check availability.


Now go forth, book your adventure, and make it happen!

MONEY STUFF, BECAUSE YOU’RE GONNA NEED IT

  • Currency: Bhutan uses Ngultrum (Nu or BTN), and it’s pegged to the Indian Rupee (INR). You’ll find bills in Nu 1, 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 500, and 1,000 denominations. Coins are available in 20, 25, 50 chetrum and 1 ngultrum.

  • Exchange Rate: As of now, 1 USD = 74 BTN. Keep this in mind when you’re making exchanges.

  • Indian Rupees (INR): They’re totally accepted in Bhutan, so don’t worry if you’ve got INR on hand.

  • Foreign Currencies: US Dollars (USD), British Pounds (GBP), and Euros (EUR) can be used in certain places. But best to check with the vendor first to avoid confusion.


CREDIT CARDS – THE EASY WAY OUT (But with a little fee, FYI):

  • VISA and American Express are your main pals for credit cards. Larger hotels and shops in cities will welcome them, but expect an extra 3% bank charge.

  • Heads Up: Credit card companies might slap a foreign transaction fee on top of the exchange. It’s a small price to pay for convenience.


ATMs – They’re There, But Don’t Forget the Basics:

  • Most ATMs in Bhutan accept MasterCard and VISA, so you can withdraw cash. Just check if there’s a local fee for withdrawing.


Now that you’ve got the currency game down, go ahead and plan your epic Bhutan adventure! Keep that in mind and make sure to enjoy the money stuff as much as the experiences.

Quick Facts About Bhutan

  • Name: Bhutan, locally known as Druk Gyal Khab – aka “Land of the Thunder Dragon”. Sounds fierce, right?

  • Official Language: Dzongkha (a Tibetan-based language). But don’t worry—English is widely spoken, especially in schools.

  • Population: A cozy 754,388 people. Small, but mighty.

  • Religion:

    • 75% practice Buddhism

    • 22% follow Hinduism

    • 3% other beliefs

  • Government: A Constitutional Monarchy—with a king at the top.

  • King: Jigme Khesar Namgyal Wangchuck, from the Wangchuck Dynasty.

  • Prime Minister: Dr. Lotay Tshering

  • Time Zone: UTC +06, so get ready to adjust your watches.

  • Country Code: +975 (In case you need to dial in).

  • Driving: On the left side of the road.

  • National Dress:

    • Gho for men—think traditional robe with a modern twist.

    • Kira for women—a beautiful and elegant dress.

  • Military: Bhutan’s military includes the Royal Bhutan Army (RBA), Royal Body Guards (RBG), Royal Bhutan Police (RBP), and De-Suung (Guardians of Peace)—they’ve got you covered.

Enjoy getting to know Bhutan—the Land of the Thunder Dragon is as majestic as it sounds!

Important Cultural Etiquette and Travel Tips for Bhutan

  • Agrarian Society: Bhutan is deeply rooted in agricultural practices, with over 90% of the population living on small farms. It’s a place where religion shapes everyday life, and the traditional dress is mandatory for formal events.

  • Dogs: In Bhutan, dogs are highly regarded—considered likely to reincarnate as humans. They roam freely, and the sound of barking can be prevalent in Thimphu. So, if you’re a light sleeper, earplugs might be a good idea.

  • Tobacco: Bhutan is the only country in the world to ban tobacco sales entirely. Smoking is also prohibited in public spaces. If you’re a smoker, you can bring in cigarettes for personal use, but be aware that there’s a 100% import duty on tobacco products.

  • Gifting to Children: Unlike many other countries, giving candy or trinkets to children in Bhutan is discouraged. Bhutan does not have a tradition of begging, and they don’t want children to expect gifts from visitors.

  • Animals:

    • Don’t touch or feed pets or stray animals. It’s best to respect their space.

    • Respect Religious Art: Bhutanese see statues and paintings as sacred. Never climb or touch them, and always show reverence when around religious art.

  • Body Language:

    • Pointing with your finger is considered rude in Bhutan. Instead, use your right arm, with your palm open and facing upwards (thumb folded inside) when gesturing.

  • Phallus Symbolism: The phallus is an important symbol in Bhutan—often painted on homes and buildings. It is believed to ward off evil spirits and is a common sight in the country.

  • Photography:

    • Bhutanese are generally okay with photography, but always ask before taking photos of people (sign language works well if needed!).

    • No photography inside temples, monasteries, or other religious sites.

  • Electricity:

    • Voltage: 230 volts, 50Hz.

    • Plug types: Type C, Type D, and Type G (make sure you have the right adapters).


By following these tips, you’ll show respect for Bhutan’s culture and traditions, making your trip even more rewarding!