Bhutan FAQ

Bhutan is a small country between India and Tibet, just east of Nepal and north of Bangladesh. Bhutan is known for its natural beauty, forest conservation, gross national happiness, great culture & heritage.

By Road through Phuentsholing (Nearest Airport: Bagdogra Airport) Direct flight to Paro

Yes, Visa is required For Indians Rs 1200/- Per Night (SDF) For Other Country Citizens $100 Per Night (Approx 8,500/-)

For tourists above 18 years of age either a Passport with a minimum of 6 months of validity or a Voter ID card is required.
For tourists below 18 years, passport or a birth certificate along with a school/college ID would be valid for a permit.
Note: Aadhaar card is not valid for a travel permit to visit Bhutan.

Indian Tourists coming by Road to Phuentsholing Border.

Tourists can apply for a travel permit at the Phuentsholing Immigration office.
Need to submit the Travel Itinerary you will follow in Bhutan on a registered travel agent's Letterhead.
Hotel reservation booking voucher.
Present Passport or Voter ID Card.
Licensed Bhutanese Cultural Guide is mandatory to travel in Bhutan
Travel Insurance
Payment of SDF or Visa Fee of Rs 1200/- Per Night

Phuentsholing Immigration office opens from 8:00 AM to 9:00 PM on all 7 days. Immigration offices might remain closed on Bhutanese National holidays e.g. festivals, elections etc.

Don't worry! You are not required to have any permit to enter Phuentsholing in addition you can roam around up to 5 KM in Phuentsholing without a permit. Phuentsholing is a border area in southern Bhutan. It is a very unique and great experience crossing the Bhutan border by walking.

Passport is Not Mandatory Voter Card work for Indians. Birth Certificate is Valid for Indians below age 18.
Note: Aadhaar Card is not valid

Yes, You can travel but to Travel Bhutan. But it's always better to join a group. As 3 Star Hotels, Licensed Bhutanese Guide, Travel Insurance, Travel Itinerary are mandatory due to which the cost for Solo Travel is significantly high.

Yes! You can stay in Phuentsholing without a permit. In fact, we suggest you keep a night halt in Phuentsholing when you are coming from Bagdogra Airport. The reason for an overnight stay in Phuentsholing is that most of the flights land at Bagdogra airport in the afternoon and therefore by the time you reach Phuentsholing from Bagdogra airport, there are high chances that the Immigration office will be closed. So it's better to keep a night halt and apply for the permit the next morning. You can explore Phuentsholing and try some delicious food.

Bhutan is one of the safest places to travel and it's a paradise for solo travellers. Additionally, Bhutanese people are known for being friendly, welcoming, and respectful towards visitors.

Indian currency is widely accepted in Bhutan and its equivalent to Bhutan's currency 'Ngultrum'. No need to Exchange.

We suggest you get a local sim card. Some Indian networks provide international roaming services in Bhutan.

Hindi & English are commonly spoken in major towns.

It is allowed in Bhutan.

Alcohol is highly available in Bhutan. Ara and Peach Wine are quite popular alcoholic beverages in Bhutan.

It is suggested to travel in a group of 2 or more. Phuentsholing Immigration office may refuse to give permits for travelling solo.

Yes!! Bhutan is one of the safest countries to travel to. The crime rate is very low in Bhutan.

Dzongkha is the official language, mainly spoken in the west. Hindi & English are commonly spoken in major towns, also commonly used in education in schools in the country.

Always wear a proper dress when you are visiting government offices or any religious monuments. Please do not wear skirts, sunglasses or hats while visiting any religious place.

Bhutan's Time zone is GMT +6. Bhutan time is 30 mins ahead of India Time e.g. at 7:00 PM IST = 7:30 PM BST

Indian currency Rupee is widely accepted in Bhutan. Bhutan's national currency is Ngultrum. There is no need to exchange Indian Rupees for Bhutanese Ngultrum.

Indian National Rupee (INR) is equivalent to Bhutanese Ngultrum (Nu).

1 Rupee = 1 Ngultrum

All Indian currency notes are accepted in Bhutan except Rs 500 & Rs 2000 Notes. However, as per our practical experience Rs 500 notes have worked at all places except Punakha Dzong Monument.

We suggest you do not rely on the ATM at Phuentsholing please carry sufficient cash.

Credit or Debit cards are accepted at very few shops in the main regions of Bhutan. Bhutan has a very basic infrastructure and most of the shops don't have card payment machines. We advise you to carry sufficient cash for your trip.

Note: Rs 2000 Notes are not valid in Bhutan.

In Bhutan charging sockets are the same as in India. No need to carry plug converters.

The local cuisine has been able to maintain its unique character. It's less oily than Chinese or Indian food and spicier than most Tibetan dishes.

Six must-taste foods to sample at least once.

Ema Datshi – (Chilies and Cheese) – Veg
Jasha Maroo or Maru – (Spicy Chicken) – Non-Veg
Phaksha Paa – (Pork with Red Chilies) – Non-Veg
Momos – (Dumplings) – Veg & Non-Veg
Red Rice – Veg
Drink Specialties- Ara (or arag), a fermented drink made from rice, maize, millet, or wheat. Ara tastes a bit like extremely, extremely strong sake. Cheers! – Alcohol

In Bhutan, there are 2 Network operators i.e. Bhutan Telecom & Tashi Cell. Both networks are good in connectivity and coverage. Both have similar plans and pricing.