Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. All international visitors except citizens of India, Bangladesh, and the Maldives require a visa arranged in advance through a licensed Bhutanese tour operator. Your operator handles the entire application process on your behalf.

International visitors must book through a licensed tour operator. However, your itinerary is fully customisable and you can travel as a solo guest with a private guide. Indian, Bangladeshi, and Maldivian nationals may travel independently.

Visa processing typically takes about two weeks after full payment is received. We recommend confirming your booking at least 90 days before your intended travel date, especially during peak season.

The SDF is a daily fee of USD 100 per person per night (USD 15 for regional nationals) that funds Bhutan's free healthcare, education, and environmental conservation. It is included in your tour package cost.

Yes. Our tour prices include the SDF along with accommodation, meals, guide, transport, and all permits. There are no hidden charges.

Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) offer the clearest skies and most comfortable temperatures. Spring brings wildflowers and rhododendron blooms, while autumn provides the sharpest mountain views. Winter is cold at altitude but sunny in the valleys, and summer brings the monsoon.

Autumn (September to November) is ideal for most treks, with dry weather and clear mountain views. Spring (March to June) is also excellent, with wildflowers along the trails. The high-altitude Snowman Trek runs only in summer when the passes are briefly clear of snow.

You do not need to be an athlete. A reasonable level of fitness is sufficient for most treks. If you can comfortably walk six to eight hours on hilly terrain with a daypack, you will manage well. We build acclimatisation days into every itinerary.

Most treks reach between 3,500 and 5,000 metres, so altitude sickness is a possibility. Our guides are trained to recognise symptoms early, and our itineraries include rest days for acclimatisation. Consult your doctor about Diamox before travelling.

Travel insurance is not mandatory but strongly recommended, especially for trekking itineraries. Choose a policy that covers emergency evacuation at high altitude.

Cultural tours use three-star hotels or above, with upgrades available on request. On treks, we provide fully equipped camping with quality tents, sleeping bags, dining tent, and a dedicated cook. Single room supplements are available for hotel stays.

Yes. We accommodate vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and other dietary needs with advance notice. Our trek cooks prepare fresh hot meals at every stop, and the variety and quality at altitude will surprise you.

Most visitors fly into Paro International Airport via Druk Air or Bhutan Airlines, connecting through Bangkok, Delhi, Kathmandu, Kolkata, Dhaka, Singapore, or Guwahati. You can also enter overland from India through Phuentsholing, Gelephu, or Samdrup Jongkhar.

Yes. Paro is one of the most challenging airports in the world due to the surrounding mountains, but only a handful of specially certified pilots are qualified to land there. The approach is dramatic and exciting rather than dangerous.

The Bhutanese Ngultrum (BTN), pegged one-to-one with the Indian Rupee. ATMs are available in Thimphu and Paro but unreliable elsewhere. We recommend carrying US Dollars or Indian Rupees and exchanging on arrival.

Hotels in major towns have Wi-Fi, and mobile coverage is available in most valleys. On treks, connectivity is limited or non-existent once you leave the road. Consider this part of the experience.

More than 30 days before travel: full refund. 21–30 days: 25% charge. 14–21 days: 30%. 7–14 days: 45%. Under 7 days: 65%. After arrival: non-refundable. We always try to be fair, so talk to us if your plans change.