Bhutan FAQs

Why We Love Bhutan…

Bhutan is known as the “Land of the Thunder Dragon” and is renowned for its stunning natural beauty and unique cultural heritage. It is a land of about 700,000 people who believe that Gross National Happiness is more important than Gross National Product. With its rolling hills, snow-capped peaks, pristine forests, and rich Buddhist traditions, Bhutan offers travellers a truly unforgettable and authentic travel experience.

Entry Requirements 

Rules are often subject to change, please check the UK Gov website for further information. 

Passports

Your passport should be valid for a minimum period of 6 months after the date you intend to leave Bhutan.

Visas

You will need a valid passport (valid for at least 6 months) and visa to enter and exit Bhutan.

Visas are only issued on arrival, but you will receive a visa approval before you travel (issued by our partners in Bhutan). Please note that you need to carry the same passport that was used for applying for the Bhutan visa. If the passport is renewed once the visa is approved, please send us the new passport details. Finally, once you have the visa approval, please double-check the passport number and spelling in the e-visa and the passport, as you will not be allowed to board the flight if you are carrying a different passport.

Covid-19 Rules

Bhutan is fully open to non-Bhutanese nationals arriving by air.

Children & Young People

Entry requirements for Bhutan are the same for all travellers, regardless of age and COVID-19 vaccination status.

Transfers

We’re able to arrange your transfers for you, just let us know your flight number, and we’ll plan the route and let you know the cost! For multi-stop trips, we can also arrange your transfers between hotels/regions.

Climate

Bhutan’s climate varies greatly depending on the region, with the low-lying southern regions having a subtropical climate and the northern regions having a more alpine climate. The best time to visit Bhutan is from September to November, when the weather is mild and clear, allowing for optimal views of the stunning landscapes.

Laws and Customs

Before you travel, be sure to take a look at Bhutan’s Laws & Customs here

Plug Type

For Bhutan there are three associated plug types, types C, D and G. Plug type C is the plug which has two round pins, plug type D is the plug which has three round pins in a triangular pattern and plug type G is the plug which has three rectangular pins in a triangular pattern.

Currency

The currency of Bhutan is the Bhutanese ngultrum (BTN).

Vaccinations

We aren’t certified to give medical advice so always recommend you consult your doctor or a travel doctor, as they will know which vaccinations you have already and any additional ones necessary for your trip. You can also take a look here for travel vaccination information and advice on bringing medication into the country.

Tipping

Tipping is not customary in Bhutan but is known to ‘multiply the happiness of receivers’. As such there is no particular demand or proper ratio for tipping, but you can use the amounts below as a general recommendation:

Guide: $20 per day

Driver: $15 per day

Trekking Chef: $15 per day

Trekking Staff: $10 per day

Horseman: $10 per day

As an overall amount, if you have one guide and driver throughout your trip, you can use the following recommendations. US$100 to the guide and US$80 to the driver for a 3- to 5-day tour. US$150 to the guide and US$100 to the driver for 6 to 9-day tours.

Flights & Time Zone

The average flight time between London Heathrow Airport (LHR) and Paro International Airport (PBH) in Bhutan is approximately 12 hours, including a layover.

Bhutan is GMT +6.

Language

The official language of Bhutan is Dzongkha. It is the Tibetan language spoken by the Bhutanese people. English is also widely spoken in Bhutan and is used as a medium of instruction in schools and universities.

Food

Bhutan’s cuisine is a true celebration of bold and flavorful tastes. The dishes are infused with a blend of traditional spices and ingredients that showcase the country’s rich cultural heritage. From the spicy and comforting Ema Datshi stew, made with chilli peppers and cheese, to the nutritious and flavorful red rice, grown in the high mountain valleys, every bite is a journey of flavour. The Bhutanese also have a deep respect for fermented foods, such as the fiery chilli condiment known as “Ara” and the staple drink “Ara.” These fermented delights are said to aid digestion and bring a depth of flavour to the already delectable cuisine. Dining in Bhutan is not just about the food, but an immersive experience that showcases the best of the country’s rich cultural traditions.