Quick facts
Budget breakdown
| Category | Budget | Midrange |
|---|---|---|
| SDF Tariff | $100 | $100 |
| Accommodation | Included | Upgrade $30–80 |
| Food | Included | Included |
| Souvenirs & Extras | $5–15 | $15–40 |
| Tips | $8–12 | $15–20 |
| Daily Total | $115–130 | $160–240 |
Daily per-person estimates. Costs vary by season and travel style.
Practical info
Visa & Entry
- E-visa required before arrival — apply through your licensed tour operator or at visa.gov.bt. Processing takes 5-7 working days. Cost: $40 visa fee plus $100/day SDF prepaid
- Paro International Airport (PBH) is the only international airport. Druk Air and Bhutan Airlines fly from Bangkok, Delhi, Kathmandu, Kolkata, and Singapore. The landing between Himalayan peaks is legendary
- Overland entry via Phuentsholing (India border) is possible — a 6-hour drive from Paro. Indian nationals can enter with a voter ID or passport without advance visa
Health & Safety
- Altitude is the main health concern — Paro sits at 2,250m and the Tiger's Nest hike reaches 3,120m. Acclimatise for a day before hiking. Symptoms of mild altitude sickness include headache and breathlessness
- No mandatory vaccinations. Hepatitis A, typhoid, and tetanus recommended. Tap water is not safe — bottled water provided by your tour operator
- Bhutan is extremely safe — one of the safest countries in Asia. Crime against tourists is virtually unheard of. The biggest risk is the mountain roads, which are narrow and winding
Getting Around
- Internal transport is included in the SDF tariff — your tour operator provides a car and driver for the entire trip. Roads are narrow mountain highways and journeys take longer than distances suggest
- Paro to Thimphu: 90 minutes. Paro to Punakha: 4 hours. Thimphu to Bumthang: 10 hours. Internal flights exist between Paro and Bumthang but are weather-dependent
- Walking is the best way to explore towns. The Tiger's Nest hike is the main trekking highlight but multi-day treks (Druk Path, Snowman Trek) are available for the adventurous
Connectivity
- Tourist SIM cards from TashiCell or B-Mobile available in Paro and Thimphu for around 300-500 BTN with data. Coverage is good in valleys but drops in mountain passes
- WiFi available in most hotels but speeds are modest. Do not expect reliable streaming. Download offline maps and content before arriving
- All apps and social media work normally. There is no internet censorship in Bhutan. WhatsApp is the most popular communication app locally
Money
- Bhutanese Ngultrum (BTN) is pegged 1:1 to the Indian Rupee (INR), which is also accepted everywhere. USD is used for the tariff but not day-to-day purchases
- ATMs in Paro and Thimphu dispense BTN — Bank of Bhutan ATMs are most reliable. Bring USD or INR cash as backup since ATMs can run out in smaller towns
- Credit cards accepted at some hotels and larger shops in Paro and Thimphu but cash is essential elsewhere. Your main expenses are prepaid through the tariff
Packing Tips
- Layers are essential — temperatures swing from warm sunshine to cold wind quickly at altitude. A good waterproof jacket, fleece, and base layers cover all conditions
- Sturdy hiking boots with ankle support for the Tiger's Nest trail — the stone steps are uneven and slippery. Break in new boots before the trip
- Sunscreen (SPF 50+), sunglasses, and a hat — UV radiation is intense at altitude. Bring a refillable water bottle, snacks for hikes, and a headlamp as backup
Cultural tips
Buddhist Etiquette
Bhutan is deeply Buddhist and religious sites demand respect. Always walk clockwise around temples, stupas, and prayer wheels — spinning them clockwise as you pass. Remove shoes and hats before entering temples. Never point your feet at altars or Buddha statues. Photography is forbidden inside all temple interiors without exception.
Dress Code Matters
Bhutanese take dress seriously — men wear the gho (knee-length robe) and women the kira (ankle-length dress) in formal settings. Tourists should dress modestly at all times, especially at dzongs and temples. Long sleeves and trousers are required at every religious site. Wearing traditional Bhutanese dress as a tourist is welcomed and can be arranged through your guide.
The Royal Family
The Bhutanese monarchy is deeply beloved — King Jigme Khesar and Queen Jetsun are genuinely popular figures. Images of the royal family appear in every home and business. Show respect for the monarchy in all conversations. Bhutanese people are proud of their Gross National Happiness philosophy, which the monarchy champions over GDP.
No Smoking Outdoors
Bhutan is the world's first smoke-free nation. Tobacco sales are banned throughout the country. You can bring a personal supply (up to 200 cigarettes) for private use but must pay 200% customs duty. Smoking is prohibited in all public spaces. Violating tobacco laws carries fines and potential imprisonment — this is strictly enforced.
Environmental Respect
Bhutan is carbon-negative and fiercely protective of its environment — over 70% of the country is forested by law. Do not litter anywhere (seriously, Bhutanese do not litter). Plastic bags are banned. Carry a reusable water bottle and bag. Stay on marked trails during hikes and do not disturb wildlife or pick plants in the forest.
Food & Dining Culture
Bhutanese food is chilli-heavy — ema datshi (chilli and cheese) is the national dish and it burns. Tell your guide if you need milder food. Meals are communal and served in bowls for sharing. It is polite to cover your mouth when using a toothpick and to accept food with both hands or the right hand. Saying kadrinchey (thank you) goes a long way.
