Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s)
How can I travel to Bhutan?
You can travel to Bhutan either by air or by land. Drukair flies directly from multiple cities within Asia: Bangkok, Singapore, Kathmandu, Dhaka, New Delhi, Kolkata, Gaya, Bagdogra & Guwahati.
Drukair has daily flights from Bangkok to Paro International Airport, Bhutan.
Drukair flies from Singapore to Paro International Airport, twice a week.
Drukair has daily flights from Kathmandu, Nepal to Paro International Airport.
Drukair flies from Bangladesh, Dhaka to Paro International, thrice a week.
Drukair has daily flights from New Delhi, Kolkata, Gaya, Bagdogra, Guwahati in India to Bhutan.
There are three points of entry into Bhutan through the borders with Indian cities if you plan to travel by land. You can either enter Bhutan through Phuntsholing, the main trade city located in southern Bhutan, Gelephu located in southern Bhutan, or Samdrup Jongkhar located in southeastern Bhutan.
Below are the three entry points to Bhutan via India:
- Phuentsholing (Bhutan) via Jaigaon (India)
- Gelephu (Bhutan) via West Bengal (India)
- Samdrup Jongkhar (Bhutan) via Assam (India) – You can also take a flight to Guwahati Airport and travel by land to Samdrup Jongkhar
Can I travel alone without joining another group?
Certainly, all our tours to Bhutan are private tours. Whether you are a solo traveller or travelling with a group, we’ll be able to customise your itinerary based on your personal preferences and interests.
Can I customise the itinerary?
Yes, absolutely. Just inform us of your interests, and we will suggest the best activities for you. Our team will do their best to ensure you experience the best of Bhutan and make the most of your trip. Prefer more hiking and less cultural? Just let us know and we’ll be happy to arrange your itinerary accordingly.
What is the SDF (or "tourism tax") and how much is it?
The Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) is a mandatory fee imposed by the government of Bhutan for all tourists visiting the country. The fee is part of Bhutan’s policy of “High Value, Low Volume” tourism, which aims to protect the country’s natural environment, preserve its cultural heritage, and provide economic benefits to local communities.
For all tourists other than India, Bangladeshi nationals, the current Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) is at US$ 100 per adult per night. USD50 for children aged 6 to below 12 years old. For children aged 5 and below, the SDF is waived.
Tourists from Maldives are required to pay USD100 per adult per night but they are able to apply for a visa upon arrival.
Regional tourists from India are required to apply for a permit and pay 1200 INR/night.
The first 15,000 Bangladeshi tourists visiting Bhutan each year can pay a Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) of USD 15 per night starting June 2, 2024. This special scheme will be valid until 2027.
Can I do an overnight camp or trek as part of my itinerary?
Yes, we can customize your itinerary to include a short or long trek based on your preferences. This might mean extending your stay or adjusting your itinerary by skipping certain towns. Alternatively, you can choose to extend your stay to add a trek without missing any key points of interest. Just let us know your preferences, and we’ll tailor your trip to suit your needs.
How can I add a Bhutanese festival to my itinerary?
Bhutanese festivals, Tshechus are celebrations of Bhutan’s culture and history that are known around the world for their vibrancy and richness. Do check out the latest festival calendar to coincide with your trip to Bhutan and we’ll be able to make the necessary arrangements for you to attend the festival.
Can you guarantee that my Bhutan visa application will be approved?
Yes, we’ve had a 100% success rate in obtaining a Bhutan visa for all our guests.
How far in advance do I need to book my trip to Bhutan?
You should plan to book your trip to Bhutan at least 1-2 weeks in advance. This timeframe allows for adequate preparation, including the processing of your visa application.
Can you also help to arrange for the flight into Bhutan?
Yes, we can. We are the official representative of Drukair.
What's included in the Bhutan tour package?
Our tour packages are comprehensive and include the following:
- 3-star accommodation
- All three daily meals
- All taxes and surcharges
- Entry fees to points of interest
- Daily mineral water
- A certified guide
- A driver and a car for transportation
Most aspects of your travel are covered, ensuring a hassle-free experience. The only additional costs are for personal shopping and alcoholic drinks.
What's not included in the tour package?
The following items are excluded from our package fees:
• Flights into Bhutan via Drukair (though we can arrange these for you)
• Flights on other airlines to connect with Drukair flights
• Meals at 3-5 star restaurants
• Hotel stays outside of Bhutan
• Personal expenditures
• Travel insurance
• Tips for the guide and driver
• Alcoholic drinks
Is the cost of the hotel included in the travel package?
Yes, accommodations at 3-star hotels are included in the package. If you prefer, you can upgrade to 5-star resorts and enjoy luxury amenities such as spas for an additional fee. Simply inform your Travel Specialist, and they will assist you with the arrangements.
Is travel insurance mandatory?
Bhutan’s Department of Tourism has announced the elimination of the compulsory travel insurance obligation for tourists. However, you are still encouraged to obtain travel insurance as a precautionary measure. This is to ensure they have sufficient coverage in case of any unlikely emergencies associated with international travel.