Bhutan Travel Information - A3 Travel Services

Nestled amongst the mighty Himalayas, Bhutan is a hidden gem that boasts its beauty with a rich history, vibrant culture, and breathtaking landscapes. Spread across 38,394 sq km of land the country shares an international boundary with China in the north and India in the south. With more than 69% of its land covered with forest, the kingdom has been able to preserve its ancient traditions and culture that date back to the early 9th century. The country is also known for its unique philosophy where the development of the country is measured based on the happiness index unlike other who uses the GDP of the company making it one of the most unique countries in South Asia.

Popularly known as the land of the dragons, Bhutan is recognized as the hub of tourism that surprises its tourists with its diversity. Perched on the foothills of the eastern Himalayas the country is home to some of the iconic monasteries of the world such as Paro Taktsang. The land is also known for being home to Takin, the national animal of Bhutan that can be referred to as the mix of sheep and a cow. With a backdrop of lush green hills, majestic mountains and sacred sites, Bhutan is a country that has all to fulfil your wanderlust.

Travel Information

Being one of the most isolated countries in the world, Bhutan is open to tourism and welcomes travellers from all over the world. However, some various rules and conditions need to be acknowledged before planning for a trip to the Himalayan kingdom.

Visa formalities

The visa requirement is a must for people visiting Bhutan from other internationals. Tourists can also connect with licensed tour operators of Bhutan regarding all the formalities and visa assistance. Citizens of Maldives and Bangladesh are eligible to get visas on arrival during their entry from the port, as long as their visa is valid for six months. Although Indians can visit Bhutan without any visa or passport however they do need to take an entry permit from the immigration office at Phuentsholing.

Sustainable Development Fee

Bhutan charges all of its tourists a certain sum of fee as development charges known as Sustainable Development Fee. The SDF charges for internationals are $100 per person and night while for the Indians the SDF charges are set to ₹ 1200 per person and night. The SDF needs to be paid at the time of permit application and needs to be paid in USD, while Indians can pay SDF in Indian currency.

Best time to Visit

Bhutan, the "Land of Happiness," welcomes its visitors throughout the year, but it truly shines from October to December during which the weather is perfect for exploring ancient Dzong and soaking up the vibrant culture. January to February is for travellers who enjoy cooler temperatures. However, during winter there is a high chance of roads being closed due to heavy snowfall. April to June is a great time for hiking and trekking and is mostly common among adventure seekers.