Bhutan warmly welcomes visitors throughout the year with each offering a unique flavour to your experience. However, tourists are advised to have a better knowledge about the changing climatic conditions of Bhutan.
You can reach via multiple modes of transport, however your Bhutan trip will likely involve one of the two national airlines:
You can also reach Bhutan by roadways for which you need to cross these two cities in Indo-Bhutan border:
You can usually get a Nepali visa at the Kathmandu airport if you're traveling from Nepal. As an alternative, the majority of Nepali embassies and consulates allow you to obtain a visa in advance. Consider obtaining a multiple-entry Nepali visa for your first entry if you plan to return to Kathmandu after your trip to Bhutan.
To travel through India, the majority of nations require an Indian visa. It's recommended to obtain this visa from your home country before your Bhutan trip. Importantly, you'll need confirmed hotel and onward flight tickets from India. Even if you remain within the airport terminal for a connecting flight within 24 hours, a transit visa is usually required.
Bangkok and Singapore have lists of countries whose citizens are visa-exempt for entry. If your nationality is on their respective lists, you might not need a transit visa.
Bhutan has a thoughtful tourism policy aimed at preserving its culture, nature, and traditions. Consequently, most visitors need a visa, which must be arranged at least seven working days before arrival.
The visa process may be complicated and therefore hiring a reputed travel agency is a must. Following is some of the necessary documents that you need to obtain visa for Bhutan.
Citizens of Bangladesh and the Maldives can obtain a visa on arrival while Indian nationals require a permit, which can also be obtained online or upon arrival.
The Bhutan visa fee is a one-time charge of USD 40, payable only in US dollars. Your visa's validity will match the duration of your pre-booked trip.
Bhutan Time (BTT), or UTC +6:00, is the time zone used in Bhutan. There is no daylight-saving time.
Given the limited number of flights and accommodations in Bhutan, it's advisable to book your tour well in advance, ideally at least three months prior to your travel dates. For peak seasons (spring and fall) and festival periods, booking six months to a year ahead is highly recommended.
At Bhutan White Horse Tours, we prioritize your comfort and peace of mind. Travel insurance is a visa requirement and a crucial safeguard against unexpected cancellations, delays, or unforeseen circumstances during your trip to Bhutan.
Bhutan carefully manages its tourism to protect its heritage and enhance visitor experiences. A daily Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) supports carbon-neutral tourism and preserves Bhutan's unique appeal.
As of 2025, the revised SDF rates for all visitors are:Visitors aged 13 and above are considered adults for the SDF. These rates are in effect until August 31, 2027.
Indian tourists pay an SDF of INR 1,200 per person per night. Children aged 5 and under are exempt, and those between 6 and 12 receive a 50% concession.
We carefully select your hotels, typically aiming for well-regarded 3-star establishments approved by the Department of Tourism. These offer clean and comfortable stays with a variety of Bhutanese, Indian, Chinese, and Continental cuisine. Upgraded 4 and 5-star options can be arranged for an additional fee.
Our licensed local Bhutanese guides are trained and certified by the government, with regular refresher courses to ensure their knowledge and skills are up-to-date. They are prepared to show you the wonders of Bhutan and are friendly, informed, and fluent in English.
We provide well-maintained vehicles with experienced drivers. For smaller groups (1-2 people), we use comfortable SUVs like Toyota Land Cruisers Prado and Korean models. For 3-4 people, we offer Hyundai H-1 and Toyota Hi-ace vans. Larger groups (5+) travel in AC Toyota coaster buses.
While Bhutanese cuisine often features spicy chilies and cheese, restaurants catering to tourists offer milder options. You'll find choices of Chinese, Continental, Bhutanese, and Indian dishes in hotels and local eateries. Vegetarian meals are also readily available.
On treks, our trained chefs prepare meals suitable for Western palates, often exceeding expectations. We can accommodate any special dietary needs with advance notice.
The Bhutanese Ngultrum (Nu.) is the local currency. The exchange rate is approximately USD 1 to Nu. 85, with minor fluctuations. You can exchange currency at banks or money changers. US dollars are widely accepted, including in some shops and cafes. ATMs are available. Note that higher denomination USD notes often receive a slightly better exchange rate than lower denominations.
All flights to Bhutan must be reconfirmed 72 hours before departure to avoid issues due to potential cancellations, delays, or schedule changes. If you've booked your flights independently, please provide a copy of your ticket to your tour company for reconfirmation. We will handle this on your behalf and inform you of any changes.
Comfortable clothing is recommended, as Bhutan is generally a respectful and somewhat formal environment. Please avoid shorts, skirts above the knee, and revealing or tight attire. Wearing long pants, full-sleeved shirts, and more traditional skirts that fall below the knee is customary when visiting Dzongs and temples. Some of Bhutan's geography may make sandals and slippers impractical. Inside temples and Dzongs, hats and caps are not allowed.
The sale of tobacco products and smoking in public areas are prohibited in Bhutan. For personal use, you may bring in at one time: 200 cigarettes, 30 cigars, or 150 grams of other tobacco products. These must be declared upon arrival, and you may be asked to show proof of tax payment. Tobacco imported from India is subject to a 100% sales tax, while that from other countries incurs a 200% duty.
While not mandatory, tipping is a customary way to express appreciation for the service provided by your guide, driver, trek chef, assistants, and horsemen at the end of your trip or trek. You can hand tips directly to them.
Bhutan offers a variety of unique souvenirs, including hand-woven textiles, handicrafts, silver and gold ornaments, Thangka paintings, and beautiful stamps. You can also find carved masks, woven baskets, wooden bowls, and handmade paper products. Exporting antiques is strictly forbidden unless they have a government seal.
If you'd like to bring gifts, past travellers have found storybooks, pens, and stationery appreciated by local schoolchildren, and spectacles useful for the elderly. However, we advise against giving chocolates and money as gifts.
We provide both individualized and group tours, with a limit of 8–10 participants for treks and 16–18 participants for cultural tours. We have experience handling larger groups as well. Please check our website for upcoming join-in tours.