Travel Information
Visa to Bhutan
All visitors to Bhutan, except citizens of India, Bangladesh, and the Maldives, are required to obtain a visa prior to entry. Alpine Tours and Travels (ATT) can assist with the visa application process. Please submit a clear copy of your passport’s photo page, which must be valid for at least six months, and copy of the recent passport size photograph.
The standard processing time for a Bhutanese visa is approximately three working days. Once approved, a visa clearance letter will be sent via email and must be presented to immigration officials upon arrival. The visa will then be directly stamped into your passport, with validity based on your travel itinerary.
Visa-Free Entry:
- Indian nationals: Valid passport (minimum six months) or voter ID card.
- Bangladeshi and Maldivian nationals: Valid passport (minimum six months).
Travelers are advised to ensure all travel documents are current and valid to avoid delays at immigration.
ATT offers a variety of accommodation and dining options in coordination with the Hotel and Restaurant Association of Bhutan (HRAB) and with our partner Hotels, Home-Says, Eco-lodge and Camping:
- Luxury Hotels: Star-rated hotels serving a combination of Bhutanese and international cuisine.
- Farmstays and Eco-Lodges: Family-owned rural homes and eco-lodges offering traditional Bhutanese meals and hands-on cultural experiences. Guests can interact with local farmers, participate in farming and cooking activities, and experience authentic rural life.
- Campsites: Strategically located for direct connection with nature, providing serene and immersive experiences.
- The national dress of Bhutan is Gho for men and Kira for women.
- Bhutanese nationals are required to wear their national dress in official settings, temples, Dzongs, and government offices.
- Foreign visitors are welcome to wear either traditional Bhutanese attire or clothing that is appropriate and respectful of the local culture and climatic conditions.
Bhutan has widespread telecommunications and internet coverage. Visitors may:
- Use international roaming services, or
- Purchase a local SIM card through ATT or authorized telecom providers.
Bhutan experiences four distinct seasons:
- Spring (March – June): Blossoms and mild temperatures, ideal for sightseeing and trekking.
- Summer (July – September): Warm and occasionally wet; an excellent time to witness Bhutanese farming activities.
- Autumn (October – December): Harvest season with clear skies and vibrant festivals, perfect for trekking and cultural exploration.
- Winter (December – February): Cold temperatures, particularly in higher altitudes, with the possibility of snow in regions such as Paro, Thimphu, Gasa, and Haa. Southern Bhutan remains moderately warm and dry.
Bhutan follows a High Value, Low Volume tourism policy to ensure sustainable travel, preserve its pristine environment, and protect its cultural heritage.
Sustainable Development Fee (SDF):
- International Tourists: USD 100 per adult per night, USD 50 per child (ages 6–12), children under 5 are exempt.
- Indian Tourists: INR 1,200 per person per day(Adult), child below 12 years (50% less) and for child below 6 years the SDF is not required.
- The SDF collected from foreign tourist supports conservation, heritage preservation, and maintenance of traditional infrastructure.
- Please Note: The SDF does not include visa fees, international airfare, accommodation, local transportation, meals, temple or fortress entrance fees, internet/phone bills, or personal expenses.
- A 30% deposit is required to confirm bookings and secure visa processing.
- The remaining balance must be paid prior to Arrival.
- Payments are recommended in USD for international tourists; Indian tourists may pay in INR.
- Your booking will be confirmed once ATT receives the deposit and a completed Tour Booking Form.
- The official currency of Bhutan is the Ngultrum (Nu.), which is pegged at par with the Indian Rupee (INR).
- Indian nationals may use Rupees for local transactions.
- International visitors are advised to carry US Dollars for currency exchange upon arrival.
- Major credit cards (Visa, Mastercard) are accepted at high-end hotels, restaurants, and handicraft stores.
- Basic healthcare facilities are available throughout Bhutan, with advanced medical services primarily located in major towns and Thimphu.
- While travel insurance is not mandatory for entry, it is highly recommended, especially for emergency medical situations or evacuation.
Best time of the year
Bhutan is flooded with tourists during the spring (March – May) and autumn (September – November) season. During this time of the year the tourist can enjoy the beauty of natural flora and fauna be it while trekking or travelling vis-à-vis stunning views of the Himalayan mountains. Further, the tourists have the opportunity to watch some of the major festivals be it religious (mask dance) or other events such as archery (national game of Bhutan) matches etc etc. attracting large crowds of spectators locally as well as from all around the world.
Summer (June – August), in most parts of Bhutan is wet with light to moderate rainfall often giving trouble to trekkers and hikers. Nevertheless, in this season the tourist gets an opportunity to witness the Bhutanese farmers cultivating paddy and other organic fruits and vegetables. Furthermore, the tourist can also enjoy the warmth of the weather in between the stunning lush green hills and mountains echoing the sounds of birds, insects and swift flowing rivers.
Winter (December – February) in Bhutan is filled with fresh cold air blowing from the Himalayas and oftentimes with light to heavy snowfall depending on the altitude of the place you are at that point of the time. In the northern and central part of the country, the temperature ranges from negative five to 15 degree Celsius however, in the southern part of the country you can enjoy a dry and moderately warm temperature.
Snowfall is most common during this part of the year, offering breathtaking views of the world’s highest Himalayan Mountain ranges covered with thick snow.
Having said that, Bhutan is always amazing all around the year and it always has something great to offer no matter which season you visit. Come with ATT and you will understand the difference.