We compiled a list of frequently asked questions about Bhutan travel. If you do not find what you are looking for, please feel free to contact us.
What are the benefits of booking directly with Bhutan Mindful Travels verses travel agents from abroad?
Bhutan Mindful Travels is operated and owned by locals. You will save a great deal of money and time by booking your trip directly through us. The travel agents abroad work on commissions, so you will have to pay commission on top of the rate charged by a local tour operator. In addition, when you book your trip through an agent abroad, they ultimately need to deal with local operators in Bhutan because tourist visas can be only be arranged by a local tour operator.
When is the best time to visit Bhutan ?
The most popular time of the year for visiting Bhutan are the spring months of March, April, and May and the fall months of September, October, and November. Also, many festivals take place in spring and fall. However, we believe, Bhutan is a year round destination. The winter months start from December to February, but the typical sky then is clear with bright sunshine. The monsoons start from June through August with only light showers during the evenings & nights. Many savvy travelers are discovering the advantages of lean season travel to Bhutan during the winter months of December through February and the summer months of June and July.
What does it cost visit Bhutan ?
On 20th June 2022, the Royal Government of Bhutan revised the Tourism Bill. The Sustainable Development Fee (SDF or Royalty) is now increased from US$ 65 to US$ 200 per night per person. This means a traveller will pay US$200 per night as SDF/royalty and pay additional for the actual travel cost; such as government approved hotels, vehicle, guide fee and meals.
Do I need a visa to enter Bhutan? How hard is it to obtain one ?
We guarantee visa! All International tourists wishing to enter Bhutan require a visa which must be pre-arranged through a license Bhutanese Tour Operator like us. Visa clearance must be obtained through us prior to travel. For Indian passport (or VIC) holders, Bangladeshi nationals and persons from the Maldives may obtain a visa on entry. There is a misconception that obtaining visa to visit Bhutan is very difficult. This is not the case. Visas can be obtained in about three working days, if all papers are in order. All forms and paperwork will be processed by us and the following items are the only things required of you, to process visas for Bhutan
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. Independent travel is not permitted.
Is there a limit on the number of tourists that can enter Bhutan each year ?
There is no limit on the number of tourists admitted into the country each year. In order to protect our culture, traditions and natural environment the government has adopted a strict policy of “High Value, Low Impact Tourism”. 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.
What flights are available and which airports can I depart for Bhutan ?
You may depart for Paro International Airport (Bhutan) from Bangkok, Singapore, Kathmandu, New Delhi, Kolkata, Mumbai, Bagdogra or Guwahati airports. At present two carriers operate to Bhutan - Drukair and Bhutan Airlines. We can help secure reservations on either of the airlines. Ticket purchase can also be taken care of by us and sent across to you, as all tickets are E-tickets. Reconfirmation, changes etc can all be routed via our office.
How about accommodation? What are the hotels like?
Bhutan now has a host of variety of hotels. You can get standard hotels with all the basic necessities, clean and hygienic. There also a number of luxury hotels offering the best of facilities matching any international 5 star property. You can also choose to camp or try out the home stays in villages that are now becoming very popular with guests.
What is the food like in Bhutan ?
The most distinctive characteristic of Bhutanese cuisine is its spiciness. Chillis 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 the main body of most Bhutanese meals. It is accompanied by one or two side dishes consisting of meat or vegetables. Pork, beef and chicken are the meats that are eaten most often. A wide selection of western and Indian food is also available in many of the restaurants around the country.
What is the weather like ?
The weather varies across different parts of Bhutan. Depending on the altitude, the climate varies from semi-tropical to alpine. In Thimphu, the capital city, the temperature ranges from -2.5°C in winter to 25°C in summer. In Southern Bhutan, the climate is tropical in the monsoon season and may range from 15°C in winter to 30°C in summer. The east is also warmer than the west. The central regions enjoy sub-tropical climate with very cool winters while the northern parts of the country have harsh climate including snowfall two to three times every winter.
What currency is used in Bhutan ?
Bhutanese currency is known as the Ngultrum. It's value is tied to the Indian Rupee which is also accepted as a legal tender. Most tourist hotels and few shops also accept international currencies like US dollar and the Euro and major credit cards i.e., VISA and Master card are accepted. Major convertible currencies and travelers' cheques can be exchanged at banks in all major towns.
What are the benefits of booking directly with Bhutan Mindful Travels verses travel agents from abroad?
Bhutan Mindful Travels is operated and owned by locals. You will save a great deal of money and time by booking your trip directly through us. The travel agents abroad work on commissions, so you will have to pay commission on top of the rate charged by a local tour operator. In addition, when you book your trip through an agent abroad, they ultimately need to deal with local operators in Bhutan because tourist visas can be only be arranged by a local tour operator.
When is the best time to visit Bhutan ?
The most popular time of the year for visiting Bhutan are the spring months of March, April, and May and the fall months of September, October, and November. Also, many festivals take place in spring and fall. However, we believe, Bhutan is a year round destination. The winter months start from December to February, but the typical sky then is clear with bright sunshine. The monsoons start from June through August with only light showers during the evenings & nights. Many savvy travelers are discovering the advantages of lean season travel to Bhutan during the winter months of December through February and the summer months of June and July.
What does it cost visit Bhutan ?
On 20th June 2022, the Royal Government of Bhutan revised the Tourism Bill. The Sustainable Development Fee (SDF or Royalty) is now increased from US$ 65 to US$ 200 per night per person. This means a traveller will pay US$200 per night as SDF/royalty and pay additional for the actual travel cost; such as government approved hotels, vehicle, guide fee and meals.
Do I need a visa to enter Bhutan? How hard is it to obtain one ?
We guarantee visa! All International tourists wishing to enter Bhutan require a visa which must be pre-arranged through a license Bhutanese Tour Operator like us. Visa clearance must be obtained through us prior to travel. For Indian passport (or VIC) holders, Bangladeshi nationals and persons from the Maldives may obtain a visa on entry. There is a misconception that obtaining visa to visit Bhutan is very difficult. This is not the case. Visas can be obtained in about three working days, if all papers are in order. All forms and paperwork will be processed by us and the following items are the only things required of you, to process visas for Bhutan
- Passport copy - scanned copies can be sent via email
- Full payments for the trip
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. Independent travel is not permitted.
Is there a limit on the number of tourists that can enter Bhutan each year ?
There is no limit on the number of tourists admitted into the country each year. In order to protect our culture, traditions and natural environment the government has adopted a strict policy of “High Value, Low Impact Tourism”. 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.
What flights are available and which airports can I depart for Bhutan ?
You may depart for Paro International Airport (Bhutan) from Bangkok, Singapore, Kathmandu, New Delhi, Kolkata, Mumbai, Bagdogra or Guwahati airports. At present two carriers operate to Bhutan - Drukair and Bhutan Airlines. We can help secure reservations on either of the airlines. Ticket purchase can also be taken care of by us and sent across to you, as all tickets are E-tickets. Reconfirmation, changes etc can all be routed via our office.
How about accommodation? What are the hotels like?
Bhutan now has a host of variety of hotels. You can get standard hotels with all the basic necessities, clean and hygienic. There also a number of luxury hotels offering the best of facilities matching any international 5 star property. You can also choose to camp or try out the home stays in villages that are now becoming very popular with guests.
What is the food like in Bhutan ?
The most distinctive characteristic of Bhutanese cuisine is its spiciness. Chillis 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 the main body of most Bhutanese meals. It is accompanied by one or two side dishes consisting of meat or vegetables. Pork, beef and chicken are the meats that are eaten most often. A wide selection of western and Indian food is also available in many of the restaurants around the country.
What is the weather like ?
The weather varies across different parts of Bhutan. Depending on the altitude, the climate varies from semi-tropical to alpine. In Thimphu, the capital city, the temperature ranges from -2.5°C in winter to 25°C in summer. In Southern Bhutan, the climate is tropical in the monsoon season and may range from 15°C in winter to 30°C in summer. The east is also warmer than the west. The central regions enjoy sub-tropical climate with very cool winters while the northern parts of the country have harsh climate including snowfall two to three times every winter.
What currency is used in Bhutan ?
Bhutanese currency is known as the Ngultrum. It's value is tied to the Indian Rupee which is also accepted as a legal tender. Most tourist hotels and few shops also accept international currencies like US dollar and the Euro and major credit cards i.e., VISA and Master card are accepted. Major convertible currencies and travelers' cheques can be exchanged at banks in all major towns.