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Your Bhutan guide

Planning travel to Bhutan, made simple.

The practical answers, in the order you need them—from what Bhutan costs to how the roads, stays, and payments work once you arrive.

Start with your questionsLast verified 18 Aug 2026
Layered Himalayan mountains in Bhutan
Practical answers, honest detail.

Before you book

Start with the questions that shape the trip.

Bhutan is easier to plan when the important details are clear early. Here are the three questions we hear most.

The first question

How much does Bhutan cost?

There is no single package price for every traveler. Your quotation is shaped around your dates, group size, route, accommodation, flights, and the travel rules in force when you book.

Your quote reflects
Route, group size, hotel category, flights, permits, and dates.
Before you confirm
We state the total, inclusions, SDF, taxes, and surcharges clearly.

Every itinerary is quoted around your dates, group size, accommodation, route, flights, and the travel rules in force at the time of booking. We confirm the exact inclusions and total before you commit.

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Sustainable Development Fee

What is the SDF?

The SDF is a daily contribution collected through Bhutan’s visa or permit process. It supports national programmes including healthcare, education, environmental protection, cultural preservation, and infrastructure.

Per adult / night
USD 100
Children 6–11
USD 50
Children under 6
No SDF

Last verified: 18 Aug 2026

For Indian nationals

The current adult rate is nu. 1,200 per person per night for indian nationals.

Border-town note

A 24-hour waiver may apply in designated border-town zones. It does not apply if the journey travels beyond those zones.

Policy note

The current USD incentive is scheduled to remain in place until 31 August 2027, subject to government review.

Check the current Bhutan Travel policy

Entry requirements

Do I need a visa?

Most visitors need a visa before entering Bhutan. Indian visitors require a permit. Travel24 can coordinate the process as part of your planning, or you can apply through the official immigration portal.

Application fee
USD 40 non-refundable application fee.
Processing
Allow up to five working days for a correctly completed application.
Prepare
Digital passport copy; Recent digital passport photograph; Arrival and departure dates. Passport valid for at least six months from the intended date of departure from Bhutan.

Visitors from India require a permit. Visitors from Bangladesh and the Maldives require a visa but may apply on arrival. Diplomatic or official passport holders from Switzerland and Thailand may be eligible for visa on arrival.

Open the official immigration portal

Getting here

Make arrival part of the plan.

The gateway, border points, and road conditions all affect how your Bhutan journey begins.

Flights

How do I fly to Bhutan?

Paro International Airport is Bhutan’s main international gateway. The national carriers are Drukair and Bhutan Airlines. We can help coordinate flights with your ground itinerary, but schedules and operating days should always be reconfirmed.

Check current Drukair routes

A small but important note

Routes and operating days change seasonally. Confirm the current schedule before booking connecting travel.

International flights are not included unless they are specifically listed in your confirmed quote.

Road entry

Can I enter by road?

Road entry can be possible through designated border points, but the requirements depend on your nationality, permit or visa, border town, and onward route. Tell us if you are already traveling through the region so we can check the right entry path before you book connecting travel.

Bring
The same valid passport and approved entry documentation required for your nationality.
Check first
The border point, opening conditions, permit or visa status, and the onward vehicle arrangement.
Check official entry requirements

During your journey

Know what the days will feel like.

The details on the ground should feel considered, comfortable, and easy to understand.

Accommodation

What hotels should I expect?

Our standard journeys use 3-star hotels, subject to availability. We select stays for location, hospitality, and a good night’s rest; the exact property and category are confirmed in your quotation.

Hotels

Comfortable stays in valley towns, selected for location and hospitality.

Traditional lodges

A more rooted stay with Bhutanese architecture and, in some places, a hot-stone bath.

Homestays

A close-to-local-life option available on selected routes and subject to host availability.

On the road

How do we travel around Bhutan?

Private transport with an experienced driver is the most flexible way to move through Bhutan’s valleys and passes. Your vehicle is selected around the group size, route, and season.

Coaster bus
High-roof Hiace
H1
Santa Fe
Toyota Prado
Innova

Long drives are part of reaching the quieter valleys. We build in stops for viewpoints, food, temples, and rest.

Money

Keep the practical details light.

We explain the payment schedule before confirmation, so you can focus on the journey itself.

Payment

How do I pay?

Quotes and confirmed payments are made in USD unless agreed otherwise.

Available methods
Bank transfer and Wise transfer.
Payment safety
We share the current recipient details and payment schedule with your confirmed quote. Do not send funds using details found in an old email or screenshot.

Everyday spending

What currency should I carry?

Bhutanese ngultrum

Nu. · local spending

Carry a small amount of local cash for everyday purchases, small shops, and places outside the main tourist centres. Confirm the most practical cash plan with your guide for the route you choose.

Travel24 quotes and confirmed payments are made in USD unless agreed otherwise. Do not assume that every local business accepts cards or foreign cash.

A few more useful answers

The questions that come next.

What is the best month to visit Bhutan?

Spring and autumn are the most popular windows for clear mountain views, comfortable valley weather, and cultural sightseeing. Conditions vary by altitude and route. For a first journey, march–may and september–november is the usual starting point, with route and altitude shaping the final choice.

How many days are enough for Bhutan?

Six to eight days can cover the western highlights at a considered pace. Allow ten days or more if you want to add Gangtey, Bumthang, or a longer eastern route.

View the 8-day Bhutan itinerary

Is Tiger’s Nest difficult to hike?

The Taktsang hike is a moderate half- to full-day walk with sustained uphill sections. A guide can adjust the pace, add rests, and help you plan around the weather.

Read the Paro experience guide

What is included in a Bhutan tour?

A standard Travel24 journey includes a qualified guide, private vehicle and driver, confirmed accommodation, listed meals, listed entry fees, and mineral water. The confirmed quote states what is included for your route.

Compare private Bhutan journeys

Still have a question?

Tell us what you need to know before you go.

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Information last verified 18 August 2026. Policies, rates, flight schedules, and entry requirements can change. Confirm with the official sources before travel: Bhutan Immigration and Bhutan Travel.