1) Where is Bhutan?

Bhutan is a Himalayan mountainous country located between two powerful nations; China in the north and India in the south. It is a sovereign nation, with a total land area of 38,394 km² and a total population of 735553 (2017). Bhutan is a predominantly Buddhist country and is known as the last strong hold of Mahayana Buddhism.  

Bhutan is known as the “Land of Gross National Happiness” to the outside world today. Bhutanese people refer to themselves as the Drukpas and refer to their country as Druk Yul “The Land of Thunder Dragon” as its original name “Drugyul” implies, was never colonized and has maintained its sovereignty and in depending through the centuries, repelling invasions from the strongholds of its fortified monasteries called Dzongs (Fortress)

Bhutan is also one of the safest and renowned destinations for the travellers from outside today as holidays, adventures and trekkings.

2. Do I need to use a tour operator to book my travel?

It is a government regulation that you must use a licensed Bhutanese tour operator to book your travel to Bhutan.

3. Do I need a visa to enter Bhutan?

All International tourists wishing to enter Bhutan require a visa, which must be pre-arranged through a license Bhutanese Tour Operator. Visa clearance must be obtained through your tour operator prior to travel. For Indian passport (or VIC) holders, Bangladeshi nationals and persons from the Maldives may obtain a visa on entry.   

4. How much does the visa cost?

For International tourist, visa cost of USD 40 is applicable. This can be paid in advance to your tour operator or travel agent. For Indian passport (or VIC) holders, Bangladeshi nationals and persons from the Maldives, there is no cost incurred.   

5.How long does it take to process my visa to Bhutan?

You should expect to get your visa only between 10- 3 working days prior to your departure. Remember to print out a copy of your visa, so that you can present it at the Durk air or Bhutan airline check- in counter and also at immigration point.

6.Do I need to send you my passport for Bhutan visa application?

No, we only require a clear color scan of the detail page of your passport. Bhutan travel visa application is a digital submission process, thus we do not need to retain your passport but only submit a digital scan of your passport.
  

7) How would my Bhutan visa look like?

Your visa application will be a digital submission and it will come as an electronic document. You will need to print out the document and carry it with you. Visa verification is required when you check in for your Drukair or Bhutan airlines.

8. How do I get to Bhutan?

There are a number of airports where you can fly into Bhutan from (Bangkok, Delhi, Kolkata, Bagdogra, Bodh Gaya, Dhaka, Kathmandu, Guwahati, Singapore and Mumbai.). At present two carriers operate to Bhutan, Drukair and Bhutan Airlines. Also, there are three land border crossings, which you can travel into the kingdom overland. All crossings are along the Indian border only – Phuentsholing, Gelephu and Samdrup Jongkhar. All travel arrangements to Bhutan must be made through a local tour operator.

9. What does the $200/$250 per day minimum daily package include?

The $200 per day (January, February, June, July, August) and $250 per day (March, April, May, September, October, November) package includes a minimum of 3 star accommodations, costs for food, an English-speaking tour guide, and transportation within the country. Also included in the price is a $65 per day Sustainable Development Fee that goes towards free education, free healthcare and poverty alleviation. All of these services will be arranged by your tour operator.  

10. What currency is used in Bhutan?

Bhutanese currency is known as the Ngultrum. Its value is tied to the Indian Rupee, which is widely accepted in the country. 

11. Is there a limit on the number of tourists that can enter Bhutan each year?

There is no limit on the number of tourists allowed to visit in a year. In order to protect our culture, traditions and natural environment, the government has adopted a unique policy of “High Value, Low Impact ”. This policy is aimed at attracting discerning tourists that will respect the unique culture and values of the Bhutanese people while also providing the visitors with an unforgettable one of a kind experience.  

12. What’s the food like in Bhutan?

The most distinctive characteristic of Bhutanese cuisine is its spiciness. Chilies are an essential part of nearly every dish and are considered so important that most Bhutanese people would not enjoy a meal that is not spicy.  

Rice forms staple Bhutanese diet. It is accompanied by one or two side dishes consisting of meat or vegetables. Pork, beef and chicken are consumed most often. A wide selection of western and Indian food is also available in many of the restaurants around the country.