Travel Info

Travel information

Practical guidance for travelers visiting Bhutan and the wider Himalayan region — visas, seasons, transport, packing and everything between.

Entry & Visa

Getting permission to visit Bhutan

International travelers

All non-Indian visitors require a Bhutan visa, arranged in advance through a licensed tour operator like Nugo Bhutan. The visa is issued before travel and stamped on arrival.

Indian travelers

Indian nationals do not need a visa but require a valid passport (6+ months) or Voter ID, plus an entry permit issued at Paro airport or Phuntsholing.

Passport requirements

Passport must be valid for at least 6 months from date of entry, with two blank pages. Carry digital and printed copies of all documents.

Visa process

Share scanned passport details — we apply on your behalf, you receive an e-visa clearance, then it's stamped on arrival in Paro.

Sustainable Development Fee (SDF)

Bhutan charges a daily SDF that funds free healthcare, education and conservation. Indian travelers pay a reduced SDF. We share current rates at booking.

How to Reach

Routes into Bhutan

Flights to Paro

Drukair and Bhutan Airlines operate into Paro — Bhutan's only international airport.

Entry via Phuntsholing

The land border with India — popular with overland travelers from West Bengal.

Connecting cities

Delhi, Kolkata, Bagdogra, Bangkok, Singapore, Kathmandu and Dhaka.

Airport transfers

Private transfers, luxury SUVs and helicopter options arranged by Nugo Bhutan.

Best Time

When to visit Bhutan

Spring

Mar – May

Mild & blooming rhododendrons.

Paro Tshechu festival
Excellent trekking start
Clear valley views

Summer

Jun – Aug

Warm & monsoon rains.

Lush green valleys
Quieter low-season travel
Wildflower blooms

Autumn

Sep – Nov

Crisp, dry & sunny.

Thimphu & Wangdue Tshechus
Best trekking conditions
Clearest Himalayan views

Winter

Dec – Feb

Cold, dry & snow on passes.

Black-necked crane sightings
Quiet luxury stays
Punakha sub-tropical warmth

Stay

Accommodation

3-star hotels
Comfortable, well-located stays in Paro, Thimphu and Punakha.
Luxury resorts
Five-star Bhutanese hospitality — Aman, Six Senses, COMO and more.
Boutique stays
Heritage homes, design hotels and intimate properties.
Homestays
Authentic village stays with Bhutanese families.
Camping stays
Riverside, alpine and trek camps — basic to glamping.

Transport

Transportation

Private vehicles
Comfortable SUVs and sedans with experienced Bhutanese drivers.
Luxury SUV
Premium 4x4s for couples and families seeking extra comfort.
Bike tours
Royal Enfields and bicycles with full guide and support backup.
Helicopter options
Scenic transfers and aerial tours by Royal Bhutan Helicopter Services.
Internal travel support
End-to-end logistics — permits, transfers and timing handled by us.

Trekking

Trekking & adventure guidelines

Fitness recommendations
Moderate cardio and leg conditioning recommended 6–8 weeks before trek.
Trek difficulty
From easy day hikes to challenging high-altitude routes — matched to you.
Safety support
Certified guides, first-aid trained crews and altitude protocols.
Guides & permits
All trek permits, park fees and guides arranged by Nugo Bhutan.
Camping preparation
Quality tents, sleeping bags, cooks and porters provided on multi-day treks.

What to Pack

Pack smart for Bhutan

Warm clothes

Layered jackets, fleece, thermals — especially Oct–Mar.

Trekking shoes

Broken-in waterproof hiking boots with ankle support.

Rain gear

Light waterproof jacket and quick-dry layers.

Travel documents

Passport, visa printout, insurance, ID copies.

Personal medicine

Altitude meds, basic first-aid and prescriptions.

Riding gear

Helmet, gloves and protection if joining a bike tour.

Travel Tips

Travel mindfully in Bhutan

Local etiquette

Greet with a smile, remove shoes in temples, dress modestly at religious sites.

Cultural respect

Walk clockwise around stupas; don't point feet at altars or religious objects.

Photography

Photography is restricted inside dzongs and temples — always ask before photographing people.

Currency

Bhutanese Ngultrum (BTN) is pegged to INR; major hotels accept cards, carry cash for villages.

Connectivity

4G coverage in cities; eSIM and local SIM cards available at Paro airport.

Responsible tourism

Avoid plastic bottles, support local artisans, and follow your guide's guidance.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Terms & Conditions

Booking & travel terms

Booking policy

30% deposit confirms your booking; balance due 30 days before arrival.

Cancellation policy

Tiered cancellation fees apply based on days before departure — full schedule shared at booking.

Refund policy

Refunds processed within 14 working days, less applicable bank charges and supplier fees.

Travel responsibility

Travelers must comply with Bhutanese law, guide instructions and cultural protocols.

Insurance recommendation

Comprehensive travel insurance covering medical evacuation and trip cancellation is strongly recommended.

Full terms and conditions are shared at the time of booking. Please reach out for a detailed copy.

Travel with confidence

Licensed Bhutan tour operator since 2012 — fully insured, ethically run, and traveler-first.

Help

Need help planning your Bhutan trip?

Our Bhutan-based travel designers are happy to answer your questions and craft an itinerary just for you.