From visas and the Sustainable Development Fee to weather, culture and where to stay — here are the answers travellers ask most about the Land of the Thunder Dragon.
There are 19 languages spoken in Bhutan, with Dzongkha as the national language. English is widely spoken and understood throughout the country.
Bhutan is a year-round destination with four seasons: spring (March to May), summer (June to August), autumn (September to November) and winter (December to February). Spring brings nature in full bloom and is a favourite for trekking. Autumn offers bright, sunny days and the biggest festivals. Winter is crisp and clear with snow above 3,000 metres, and summer brings the monsoon, mostly affecting the south. Because of the range of altitudes, the climate varies a lot by region. Tell us what you want to experience and we will recommend the best months for your itinerary.
Bhutan’s currency is the ngultrum (Nu.), pegged 1:1 with the Indian rupee. Indian rupees and US dollars are also widely accepted.
Three plug types are used: British (type G), European (type C) and Indian (type D). We recommend bringing a universal adaptor that covers all three.
Bhutan’s country code is +975. Add this to the beginning of any Bhutanese number when calling from abroad.
Yes. Visitors of all nationalities, except Indian nationals, require a visa before entering Bhutan. Indian nationals can enter with a permit using a valid Indian passport or voter ID card. When you book with SD Travels, we take care of the entire visa application on your behalf.
You don’t need to. As part of your booking, SD Travels prepares and submits your visa application for you. All we need from you are clear passport scans and your travel details. We will confirm your visa before you fly.
A correctly submitted application is normally processed within five working days. There is a one-off processing fee of USD 40 per person, which we include and itemise in your trip invoice along with your Sustainable Development Fee (SDF).
Your visa allows a stay of up to 90 days from the date of entry.
Yes, provided the extension is applied for before your original visa expires. If you decide to stay longer, let your SD Travels guide know and we will arrange the extension and the additional SDF for the extra nights.
The Sustainable Development Fee is a daily levy paid by all visitors to Bhutan. It funds free healthcare and education for the Bhutanese people, environmental conservation, cultural preservation and infrastructure. It is also why Bhutan remains uncrowded, carbon-negative and unlike anywhere else you will travel.
USD 100 per adult per night for international visitors. Children aged 6 to 11 pay USD 50 per night, and children under 6 are exempt. Indian nationals pay Nu./INR 1,200 per adult per night, with the same child concessions. SD Travels collects and remits the SDF as part of your booking, so there is nothing extra to arrange.
Yes. The SDF is refundable for any nights not spent in Bhutan, less any bank charges. If your plans change, SD Travels will process the refund request on your behalf; refunds are issued after your departure date.
Bhutan’s international airport is in Paro, served by Drukair and Bhutan Airlines with flights from Bangkok, Delhi, Kathmandu, Singapore, Dhaka, Kolkata and other regional hubs. SD Travels can book your Druk Air or Bhutan Airlines tickets as part of your package. Overland entry is also possible through Phuentsholing, Gelephu and Samdrup Jongkhar.
Your SD Travels driver and guide will be waiting for you at Paro airport. Airport transfers are included in all our itineraries.
All your ground transport is included: a private vehicle with an experienced driver for the full trip. For longer distances, domestic flights to Bumthang, Yonphula or Gelephu can be added, and helicopter charters can be arranged for special itineraries.
Yes, a certified guide is mandatory in Bhutan, and honestly, it’s the best part. Your SD Travels guide handles all permits and entries, keeps you safe at altitude, and opens doors to experiences you would never find alone. All our guides are fully certified.
At Paro airport on arrival, at banks and larger hotels, or at authorised exchange counters in Thimphu. Your guide can take you whenever you need. You may bring up to USD 10,000 in cash into the country.
Visa and Mastercard are accepted at ATMs, banks and most urban hotels and shops, though coverage thins out in rural areas. We recommend carrying some cash (USD, INR or ngultrum). Digital wallet apps like goBoB work well with a local SIM and are accepted almost everywhere; your guide will help you set one up if you like.
Most hotels have Wi-Fi. For reliable data on the road, we recommend a local SIM card (B-Mobile or TashiCell), available at the airport on arrival. Your guide can help you purchase and top up.
No formal rules for visitors. For temples, monasteries and dzongs, wear respectful smart-casual clothing covering shoulders to knees. Layers work best year-round; we send a full packing list with every confirmed booking.
Some monuments charge an entry fee while many are free. Children under 18 receive a 50% concession and under-5s enter free. All monument fees listed in your itinerary are included in your SD Travels package, and your guide handles every entry.
SD Travel Group is a trusted travel company offering customized Bhutan packages with reliable local expertise.
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