Tours to Bhutan – Top Tips for First Time Visitors

Commonly known as the ‘Land of the Thunder Dragon’ or the ‘Last Himalayan Kingdom’, Bhutan is full of mysteries and interesting places. The country, with its unique culture, spectacular natural landscapes and cheery people attracts tourists from all over the world. Bhutanese government believes in regulated and sustainable tourism and hence one has to book the tour package in advance. So, discover this beautiful, mysterious country through tours to Bhutan.

Mentioned below are some of the top tips for those opting for tours to Bhutan especially those visiting Bhutan for the first time (right from how to reach Bhutan, the best time to travel, must-visit places, etc.)

How to reach Bhutan

As Bhutan is a landlocked nation, there are only two ways to get into Bhutan: a flight or a drive.

By Air: Air is the most convenient way to reach Bhutan. Drukair is the national carrier of Bhutan and links Bhutan to India, Nepal, Thailand, Singapore and Bangladesh. Paro International airport receives flights from other nations, however, the other airports in Bhutan receives domestic flights.

By Road: You can drive to Bhutan from India via Phuentsoling, which is the main trade city in Bhutan and it will take about 6 hours from Phuentsoling to reach the first main town in Bhutan.
Peak & non-peak periods:

The peak tourist seasons are spring and fall: the covers the months March-May & September - November. March, April, October and November are usually very busy. Hence, if you're considering a tour to Bhutan during the peak season, it would be best to book your tour package and flight tickets at least 4-5 months prior to ensure that your reservations are in place. If you wish to avoid the crowd of the peak tourist period, consider traveling during the non-peak period.

Bhutan’s daily tourism fee

During the peak tourist seasons, the Bhutanese government charges every foreign traveler a daily tourism fee of $250 per day and $200 for the non-peak season. If you wish to travel to Bhutan on a tight budget, it would be best to plan your tour to Bhutan during the off-peak months. 

The minimum daily package covers the following services;

A minimum of 3-star accommodation throughout the stay.

All meals

A licensed Bhutanese tour guide throughout your stay

All internal ground transportation

Equipment for trekking and tours

Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) of $65

A surcharge is levied for groups of less than 2 travelers. Travelers intending to go alone or as a pair should take note of the daily surcharge as follows:

Single traveler - $40 per night

Twotravelers - $30 per person/per night

Three travelers or more - No surcharge

So, tour across Bhutan with 2 of your friends and save some money.

Visa Requirements for Bhutan

Every visitor to Bhutan requires a tourist visa with an exception for India and Bangladesh passport holders.

i)            Visas are only issued to tourists who have booked tours to Bhutan with a reliable   tour operator.

ii)                The tour operator submits the visa application on behalf of visitors.

iii)              Visa will then be issued by the Tourism Council of Bhutan.

Best time to visit

Spring and autumn are the best time to go enjoy a tour to Bhutan. That being said traveling to the country in summer or winter has its own pros and cons.

a)     Spring

Spring is the favorite time to visit Bhutan. Nature lovers should consider visiting Bhutan end of April or in May as they would find abundant flora during the time.

b)    Autumn

Autumn or fall also gets a large number of visitors traveling to Bhutan. The weather is mild inautumn making is a perfect time to organize tours to Bhutan.

c)     Summer

If you wish to avoid the higher tariffs and chilly winters, you can consider visiting Bhutan in early June. The month of June will be great for traveling if monsoons arrive later.

d)    Winter

Winter would be the time to go for tours to Bhutan to avoid the crowds. In December, the temperature will not be too cold hence it is a good time to visit Bhutan. However, Bhutan may experience snow in January and February.

Visit Bhutan during a festival

Bhutan celebrates several festivals throughout the year, Paro and Thimphu Tshechuare some of the most popular that are celebrated during the high tourist season. These festivals showcase vibrant dances in elaborate costumes and are celebrated with great pomp and show. Apart from religious festivals, there is a range of festivals like Punakha Festival, Black Necked Crane Festival, Royal Highlander Festival, Haa Summer Festival, etc. Visiting Bhutan during a festival will give you a glimpse into their culture and heritage.

Where to Stay

The Minimum Daily Package means that you will have at least a three-star hotel accommodation during your stay in Bhutan you can choose from budget to luxury hotels to home-stays. All accommodation available for tourists has been approved by the Tourism Council of Bhutan. You can enjoy the authentic local experience while staying a homestay with a local family or opt for a luxurious stay in 5-star accommodation and enjoy their signature experiences.

These are only some of the basic tips to keep in mind while planning tours to Bhutan. Visit ‘The Happiest Place on Earth’ on your next vacation and prepare to be awe-struck by the warm hospitality and some of the most spectacular vistas.