PLAN YOUR TRIP

Planning a trip to Bhutan can be slightly different as compared to planning your trip elsewhere in the globe. Here’s how you can plan your trip to Bhutan.

  • Book through a licensed travel agency

The Tourism Council of Bhutan (TCB) which is the apex body, has a policy that all international visitors to Bhutan must pre-book their tours through an authorized Bhutan travel and tours agency. 

  • Get your Bhutan visa

Visa arrangements must be made in advance through a licensed Bhutanese tour operator (like us), as independent travel is not permitted. Once your trip is confirmed, we’ll handle all visa formalities and provide you with the necessary documentation before your arrival.The requirements to process your visas are as follows;

The Department of Immigration, under the Ministry of Home and Cultural Affairs in Bhutan, is the only authority that issues visas for travel to Bhutan. With the exception of Indian visitors who will need a permit, all other visitors must obtain a visa to enter Bhutan. Nationals of Bangladesh and the Maldives shall be eligible for a visa on arrival at the port of entry. Nationals of Switzerland and Thailand holding diplomatic and official passports shall be also eligible for a visa on arrival at the port of entry.

Although visitors from Bangladesh and Maldives can process visas on arrival, it is recommended that these be applied online to reduce wait time and for faster clearance at the port of entry. The visa fee is USD 40 per person and it is non-refundable. While the process to issue the visa is usually quick, the visa can take up to five working days to process.

The Following documents are required to process the visa:

  1. A passport copy is which is valid up to six months from the date of your travel.
  2. The mandatory travel insurance requirement, introduced during the COVID-19 pandemic to cover unforeseen emergencies, has been withdrawn as of 23/04/2024. However, it is still recommended for tourists to have travel insurance as a precautionary measure in case of unlikely emergencies associated with international travel.
  3. A recent passport-size photograph.

If eligible for a visa on arrival, guests must pay the applicable SDF in USD at the port of entry.Bhutan is served by two national airlines, Drukair and Bhutan Airlines, which offer direct flights to and from Paro International Airport to various destinations, including Bangladesh (Dhaka), India (Bagdogra, Gauhati, Kolkata, and New Delhi), Nepal (Kathmandu), Singapore, and Thailand (Bangkok). Apart from air travel, there are also four official entry points by road from India to Bhutan, which are located in Samtse and Phuentsholing in western Bhutan, Gelephu in central Bhutan, and SamdrupJongkhar in eastern Bhutan.

  • Pay the Sustainable Development Fee

The Royal Government of Bhutan announced additional incentives and policy measures to boost the tourism sector which came in effect from 1st September 2023 and will remain effective till 31st August 2027. This is in view of the important role of the tourism sector in generating employment; earning foreign exchange; realizing the potential for spillover benefits for ancillary industries; and in boosting overall economic growth.

Bhutan has implemented several sustainable tourism initiatives, such as promoting responsible waste management and decreasing carbon emissions, to protect the environment and promote eco-friendly practices. These efforts have received recognition, and in 2020, Bhutan was awarded the Sustainable Tourism Award by the World Tourism Organization, further demonstrating its commitment to sustainable tourism.

The Sustainable Development Fee enables investment in transformative programmes that preserve our cultural traditions, protect our heritage and environment, upgrade infrastructure, create opportunities for our young people, and build resilience.

The Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) for international tourists visiting Bhutan is currently set at $100 USD per person, per night. This fee is part of Bhutan’s “High Value, Low Impact” tourism policy, designed to support environmental conservation, cultural preservation, and infrastructure development. 

  • Entering Bhutan

Traveling to Bhutan is a unique experience in itself. The country has one international airport—Paro International Airport—which is served by a limited number of carriers, including Druk Air and Bhutan Airlines. These airlines operate flights from select cities such as Bangkok, Delhi, Kathmandu, Singapore, and Dhaka, making these hubs the most common entry points for international travelers.

Due to Bhutan’s mountainous terrain, flights are subject to weather conditions, so we recommend allowing some flexibility in your travel schedule. For those entering by land, there are border crossings from India at Phuentsholing, Gelephu, and Samdrup Jongkhar.

We’re here to help—from booking your flights to arranging your visa and airport pickup, we’ll make sure your journey to Bhutan is smooth and stress-free.

Best months to travel to Bhutan: Climate and seasons

Bhutan’s climate is remarkably diverse due to its dramatic range in elevation—from just 200 meters in the southern foothills to over 7,000 meters (22,000 feet) in the northern mountains—creating a landscape where lush tropical forests rise into towering peaks and tumble into networks of rushing rivers. As a result, temperature, humidity, and rainfall vary widely across regions and seasons, making generalizations difficult. The country receives most of its precipitation during the monsoon season, which lasts from June to September, and this period is generally considered less ideal for travel due to heavy rains and reduced visibility.

Winter in Bhutan (December-February):

Bhutan’s varied climate offers a unique sensory experience that shifts dramatically from region to region and season to season. The best times to trek are during spring (April to May) and autumn (September to November), when conditions are generally dry and visibility is excellent. Summer, from June to August, marks the monsoon season and is not recommended for trekking due to heavy rainfall and slippery trails.

Winter, from December to February, is Bhutan’s coldest period, especially in the mountains, and while many high-altitude treks may be closed due to snow, lower elevation routes like Tsaluna, Dagla Lakes, or the Druk Path Trek remain accessible and rewarding. Winter also brings the clearest skies, offering spectacular views of the Himalayas and a rare chance to spot black-necked cranes. With fewer visitors during this season, it’s also an ideal time to explore Bhutan’s cultural heritage through guided tours.

Spring Trekking in Bhutan (March-May):

March and April mark the beginning of Bhutan’s high season, making them some of the most popular months to visit. The weather is pleasant, and the country comes alive with blooming flowers, lush greenery, and active wildlife, offering a vivid and colorful experience for nature lovers. These months are ideal for trekking and sightseeing, with clear skies and comfortable temperatures enhancing the journey.

May signals the transition toward the summer monsoon, bringing increased humidity and occasional rain clouds that may obscure mountain views. Despite this, early May remains a worthwhile time to visit, especially for those seeking fewer crowds and the stunning spectacle of rhododendrons in full bloom—painting the mountainsides in brilliant shades of red, pink, purple, and white.

Summer (Monsoon) Trekking in Bhutan  (June-August):

The summer monsoon in Bhutan typically begins in June and lasts through August into mid-September, marking the low season for travel and trekking. During this period, heavy rainfall—especially in the late afternoons and nights—along with persistent low clouds, often obscures mountain views and makes trekking conditions less favorable. The average onset of the monsoon is around June 5th, with withdrawal occurring around mid-September, though these dates can vary by a week or two. Rainfall tends to be lighter and less frequent at the beginning and end of the season, while July and August experience the most intense and consistent downpours.

Fall Trekking in Bhutan (September-November):

September to November is part of Bhutan’s high season and an excellent time for trekking, with post-monsoon clarity offering some of the most breathtaking mountain views of the year. While early September can still see lingering rain, skies typically clear as the month progresses, revealing dramatic Himalayan vistas. October is the most popular and busiest month to visit, thanks to warm temperatures and ideal conditions for both trekking and cultural touring. This season is perfect for longer, iconic treks such as the Jomolhari Trek, Druk Path Trek, and Laya Gasa Trek. By November, temperatures begin to drop—especially at night—but the thinning crowds and continued clear skies make it a rewarding time to explore Bhutan’s landscapes and heritage.

Overview of Trekking Seasons in Bhutan

High Season (March, April, May, September, October & November)

  • The weather is best during these months
  • October is busiest but offers the best views
  • Rhododendron blooms in March and April.

Mid Season (December, January & February)

  • The weather is still good, though December and January can be cold and snow can block some treks.

Low Season (June, July & August)

  • It’s monsoon season and rainfall could disrupt many of your plans.

Hotels/Accommodations

Hotels where you’ll be staying during this trip

Our Bhutan tour packages are specifically curated with the travellers in mind. As a reputable Bhutan travel agency, our tour guides and travel specialists have dedicatedly served travellers from all over the world. We want to show you what Bhutan has to offer, and we’re committed to making your trip to Bhutan a special and memorable one. We have a deep love for the Kingdom, and we hope that you’ll come to love it too.