Travel Information – Your Complete Guide to Visiting Bhutan

Tourists (International Visitors)

• All foreign travelers (except Indian nationals) require a Bhutan Tourist Visa.
• Visa is processed only through licensed Bhutan tour operators such as Bhutan Tsenden Travel.
• A confirmed tour package, recent photgraph and valid passport (at least 6 months validity) are required.

SDF – Sustainable Development Fee

• USD 100 per person, per night for most nationalities (subject to change by the Royal Government of Bhutan).
• Children below 5 years: SDF exempt
• Children 6–12 years: 50% concession

Indian Nationals

• No visa required.
• Must obtain an Entry Permit using:
  • Passport or
  • Voter ID Card
• SDF for Indian travelers applies; currently ₹1,200 per night per adult (as per latest regulation).

By Air

Bhutan has one international airport:

• Paro International Airport (PBH)

Major airlines connecting Bhutan:

• Druk Air (Royal Bhutan Airlines)
• Bhutan Airlines

Common routes:

• From Delhi, Kolkata, Bagdogra, Guwahati (India)
• From Bangkok (Thailand)
• From Kathmandu (Nepal)
• From Singapore & Dhaka (seasonally)

By Road (For Indian Travellers)

Entry points from India:

• Phuentsholing (West Bhutan) – Most popular
• Gelephu (Central Bhutan)
• Samdrup Jongkhar (East Bhutan)

🌸 Spring (March–May)

Best for trekking, clear skies, rhododendron blooms.

☀️ Summer (June–August)

Green landscapes; occasional monsoon rains.

🍂 Autumn (September–November)

Peak season, great visibility, popular festivals.

❄️ Winter (December–February)

Perfect for cultural tours & birdwatching; cold but peaceful.

• Private vehicles arranged through licensed tour operators
• Clean, well-maintained taxis
• Domestic flights operate between Paro → Bumthang
• No self-drive vehicle rental for tourists
• Roads are scenic but mountainous — travel times may be longer

Bhutan offers:

• 3-star, 4-star, 5-star hotels
• Boutique heritage lodges
• Homely farm stays
  All accommodations used by Bhutan Tsenden Travel are licensed and certified by the Tourism Council of Bhutan.
• Tents for trekking in Bhutan

Tourists no longer need a separate internal “route permit” to travel around the country if they are accompanied by a certified Bhutanese guide. However, some restricted and prohibited areas still need special permit whcih will be done by us.

Local Currency

• Ngultrum (BTN)
• Indian Rupee (₹) is widely accepted except ₹500 & ₹2,000 notes.

Payments

• Credit cards accepted in major towns
• Digital payments available in some hotels
• ATMs available but sometimes unreliable — carry some cash

• Bhutan is very safe for travelers
• Tap water is not recommended — drink bottled water
• Carry basic medicines
• Altitude may affect some visitors (especially in high passes)
• Always follow trail safety instructions when trekking

Popular Bhutanese dishes:

• Ema Datshi (chili & cheese)
• Kewa Datshi (potato & cheese)
• Red rice
• Sha Kam (dried beef)
• Hoentey (buckwheat dumplings)

Vegetarian options are widely available.
International cuisine available in major towns.

The Tsechu is a festival in honour of Guru Rimpoche, who brought Buddhism to Bhutan. Most of the monasteries and dzongs perform tsechu is an immense way. Though the dates and the duration of performance of tsechu vary, all the districts conduct it every year. The dances of the tshechus are presented by both monks and local community performers. The people consider it a blessing to be able to watch them performing. The Bhutanese people, dressed in their finest clothing and jewellery, gather together to celebrate the festival.

Apart from Tshechus, there are other festivals also, which are very popular in Bhutan. They are the folk festivals, which exist in different parts of Bhutan; Ache Lhamo Dances is one of them. This festival is organised by the Ura community, in Bumthang on the eigth day of the seventh month of the Bhutaneses calendar. The girls of this village hike up to the mountain in the morning to make their offerings, they dance the whole day; and return back in the evening with flower offerings.

Things to buy:

• Handwoven textiles
• Traditional Bhutanese clothing (Gho/Kira)
• Buddhist art & souvenirs
• Handmade paper products
• Local tea & incense

• Respect monasteries and religious sites
• Dress modestly inside dzongs & temples
• Do not touch or disturb sacred objects
• Photography restrictions apply in some temples
• Guides provide dos and donts to mitigate the environmental imoact. 

• Comfortable walking shoes
• Warm jacket (even in summer; nights are cool)
• Layered clothing
• Raincoat (June–August)
• Sunscreen, sunglasses, lip balm
• Travel documents & permits
• Camera for capturing stunning landscapes

We provide customized private tour program with services of independent guide, driver and transportation throughout the tour program. The services will also include pick up and drop at the airport.

• Bookings of the tour package are received through email only
• Price will be quoted as per the accommodation, air fare and other travel services as required by the tourist
• All entrance frees of monuments and sites may or may not be included in the price.
• Price will not cover travel insurance, medical insurance, alcohol beverage, Tips, gift items and any other personal shopping
• Confirmation of the bookings will be sent through email after receiving the confirmation from respective service providers
• Full Payment for the tour package shall be made to hold the booking
• Refund for cancellation depends on the time of cancellation as it depends on the cancellation policy of respective service providers.
• Valid passport as per international rules shall be required to confirm the booking
• Visa is subject to approval by the government.

Bhutan Festivals (Tshechus): A Celebration of Living Culture

Bhutan festivals, locally known as Tshechus, are among the most vibrant and meaningful cultural experiences in the Kingdom of Bhutan. Held annually in dzongs and monasteries across the country, Bhutanese festivals celebrate Buddhist heritage, spiritual devotion, and community life, making them a highlight for travelers planning a cultural tour in Bhutan.

What are Bhutan Festivals?

Tshechus commemorate the life and teachings of Guru Padmasambhava, the saint who introduced Buddhism to Bhutan in the 8th century. These festivals feature:

• Sacred mask dances (Cham dances)

• Traditional Bhutanese music and rituals

• Colorful silk costumes and elaborate headgear

• Blessings believed to bring merit and good fortune

Each festival is deeply spiritual yet visually spectacular, offering visitors an authentic glimpse into Bhutanese culture and traditions.

Major Festivals in Bhutan

Some of the most popular and widely attended Bhutan festivals include:

• Paro Tshechu – one of the largest festivals in Bhutan

• Thimphu Tshechu – held in the capital city

• Punakha Tshechu – famous for its historical significance

• Jambay Lhakhang Drup – known for its unique fire rituals

Festivals are celebrated across different seasons, making it easy to plan your visit to Bhutan around a cultural event.

Why Visit Bhutan During a Festival?

Traveling during a Bhutan festival allows visitors to:

• Witness living Himalayan traditions

• Interact with local communities in festive attire

• Capture stunning cultural photography

• Experience Bhutan beyond sightseeing

Festivals are ideal for travelers seeking meaningful, high-value cultural tourism rather than mass tourism.

Best Time to Visit Bhutan for Festivals

Most Bhutan festivals take place in spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November), which also coincide with the best time to visit Bhutan due to pleasant weather and clear mountain views.

Festival Travel in Bhutan

International visitors require a Bhutan visa, payment of the Sustainable Development Fee (SDF), and travel arrangements through a licensed tour operator in Bhutan. Festival itineraries can be fully customized, combining cultural sightseeing, monastery visits, and traditional Bhutanese hospitality.

Tsenden Travel Service respects your privacy and is committed to protecting your personal information.

We collect only the information necessary to provide travel services in Bhutan, such as your name, contact details, passport information, and travel preferences. This information is used solely for visa processing, travel arrangements, legal compliance, and communication related to your trip.

Your data may be shared only with Bhutan government authorities and licensed service providers (hotels, transport, airlines, guides) as required to deliver our services.