Bhutan Join-in Group Tours

The best time to visit and trek in Bhutan (peak seasons) are the spring months of March, April, and May and the autumn months of September, October, and November. Many colorful festivals like Paro and Thimphu Tshechu also take place in spring and fall. However, we believe Bhutan is a year-round destination. Many travelers are discovering the advantages of the lean season and choose to travel to Bhutan during the winter and summer months.

1. Spring(Mar., Apr., and May) is the best time to visit Bhutan. With pleasant temperatures, the valley becomes lively with rhododendron and other wildflowers and birds. Short tours and long treks are both doable this season.

2. Autumn(Sept. Oct., and Nov. ) is also an ideal time to visit Bhutan. It is less wet and the skies are clear and perfect for hiking on Bhutan's solitary trails. Snowfalls may be witnessed at higher elevations during autumn.

3. Winter (Dec., Jan., and Feb.) is the photographer's fantasy with thick snow though it is cold. The typical sky then is clear with bright sunshine and makes it possible to view some of the tallest unclimbed mountains in the world. It is good for short tours around the valley floor.

4. Summer or Monsoon season (Jun. Jul., and Aug.) is wet and with light showers during the evenings & nights. During these months, some of the trekking routes are closed owing to monsoon rains and leeches.

Sure, it is possible as there are so many festivals hosted in Bhutan throughout the year. You should not miss Bhutanese festivals which are known for their magnificence, liveliness, and cheerfulness. Most of the festivals are dedicated to Guru Rinpoche and comprise mystical dances, fearless fire events, and numerous engaging performances. Sure, festival days mean the busiest time of the year for the tourism industry.

Here are major festivals in Bhutan as follows:

1. In spring, you can welcome festivals like Paro Tsechu, Ura Takchoe, Punakha Dromchoe, Chorten Kora, Gom Kora, and Gasa Tsechu in different regions of Bhutan.

2. In autumn, you can get a chance to witness the Thimphu Tsechu, Trashigang Tsechu, Jampey Lhakhang Drup, Haa Tsechu, Tamshing Phala Choepa, Jampey Lhakhang Drup, Prakhar Tsechu, Black Necked Crane Festival, Mongar Tsechu, and Royal Highlander Festival.

3. In winter, it is known to host some festivals and ceremonies like Lhosar, Nomad's Festival, Druk Wangyel Tsechu, Lhuntse Tsechu, Trongsa Tsechu, and Trashi Yangtse Tsechu.

4. In summer, there is Haa Summer Festival held in Haa Valley, it is a celebration of traditional Bhutanese culture, sports, and religion.

Check the document from Tourism Council of Bhutan:
Bhutan Festival Dates 2024
2024 Bhutan Festival Dates by Month
Bhutan Festival Dates 2023
Bhutan Festival Dates 2022

1. Bhutan Visa;

2. Travel insurance.

Note about Bhutan visa:

a.How long does it take to issue my visa? A correctly input visa application can take up to five days to process. The visa allows you to remain in Bhutan for a maximum of 90 days from the date of entry.

b.There is a one-off fee of US$40 for the processing of your Bhutan visa application. This is payable at the same time as your Sustainable Development Fee (SDF), as part of the process of submitting your visa application.

c.You can extend your visa inside Bhutan, provided the extension is applied for before the original visa or permit expires. Visitors can extend their stay via the online visa application portal, using the same log-in details that were used to process their original visa.

d.The fees for processing your extension application, and daily SDF for the duration of your extended stay, will be payable via the same portal.

e.You can apply visa by yourself through online process. Also you can ask travel service like us for help. Here is an article for your reference: updated Bhutan Visa Online Application Guide

Note About Travel Insurance:

All visitors must have full, valid travel insurance for the duration of their visit. For all visitors except those from India, Bangladesh and the Maldives, it is required to be in place when you make your visa application. Visitors from India, Bangladesh and the Maldives have the option to purchase domestic travel insurance at their port of entry.

Need help with the application for Bhutan visa or for more details, you can contact our Bhutan trip advisor via email bhutan@asiaodysseytravel.com .

Bhutan Visa can be obtained about one week prior to your journey if all papers are in order. The cost of a Bhutan tourist visa is US$ 40 per person. For citizens of India, Maldives, and Bangladesh don't need a visa to visit Bhutan. For other international tourists, the Bhutan visa is needed and processed online by a licensed Bhutanese tour operator before arriving in the country. Here is the visa process for your reference:

1. You should be informed that Bhutan does not provide Visa on Arrival services. You cannot apply for your visa on your own, and the Bhutan Embassy does not provide travel visa services. The only way to apply Bhutan Visa is through an international tour operator or a local travel agent who is registered with the Bhutan Tourism Council and the Bhutan Foreign Ministry.

2. After you've booked a trip, send a copy of the photo page of your passport and a visa size photo to your tour operator, the operator will submit an application on your behalf using an online system. Your Bhutan visa will be processed once your tour operator makes the payment of the full tour package cost to the Tourism Council of Bhutan.

3. The visa clearance number in the form of a letter will be released as early as 3 days after applying and sent to your tour operator, the airport immigration terminal, specific road checkpoints, and the airlines that you will be flying with.

4. Usually it is about 1 to 2 weeks before you arrive in Bhutan that your visa clearance letter is sent to your agency. And your agency will send you the visa clearance letter for you to print out.

5. You must carry a printout copy of the visa clearance letter and present it at the check-in counter at the airport or the border immigration check post.

Based on this visa clearance letter, you will have your Bhutan visa stamped on your passport at your entry point in Bhutan. Be sure, your passport is valid 6 months longer than your journey.

Sure, you can contact our Bhutan trip advisor to help with the flight ticket booking. Paro International Airport (PBH) is the only international airport of the four airports in Bhutan. Most of our clients choose to arrive at Paro Airport from Kathmandu in Nepal or Bangkok in Thailand. Two airlines are operating the flights, one is the government-owned Druk Air, and the other is a private airline Bhutan Airlines. Here is more info about the airlines to Bhutan：

1. Druk Air has a fleet of modern Airbus 319 and ATR planes flying in and out of Bhutan from Bangkok, BKK – Thailand; New Delhi, DEL – India; Mumbai, BOM – India; Kolkata, CCU – India; Bagdogra, IXB – India; Bodh Gaya, GAY – India; Guwahati, GAU – India; Kathmandu, KTM – Nepal; Dhaka, DAC – Bangladesh; Changi, SIN – Singapore

2. Bhutan Airlines also operates the modern Airbus 319-100 with a capacity to carry 125 passengers in and out of Bhutan from New Delhi, DEL – India; Bangkok, BKK – Thailand; Kathmandu, KTM – Nepal; Calcutta, CCU – India.

As the only Vajrayana Buddhist country on earth, Bhutan has unique traditions and customs that differ from other countries. It is extremely conscious regarding its culture and is deeply religious. It will be great if Bhutan people find that you understand and show respect for their culture and tradition. Besides showing respect for the Bhutan Royal Family, here are some dos and don'ts for your reference:

1. Bhutanese people greet each other by saying "Kuzuzangpo" while slightly bowing their heads. Kuzuzangpo means "good health". Local people are friendly but very sensitive. Avoid being rude.

2. Wear appropriate clothes that cover your knees and shoulders when you visit government offices, temples, monasteries, and other national monuments. Avoid public display of affection.

3. Enter monasteries and temples only if you have permission. Remove your shoes and hat when you enter monasteries and temples. Avoid taking photographs inside a temple/monastery unless explicitly allowed. Carrying and use of drone is strictly prohibited. Your guide should lead you.

4. Always refrain from passing negative comments on any religion. Do not point a single finger at someone or a sacred object. Instead you can use an extended flat hand facing upward. Always walk clockwise while passing heritage and religious monuments.

5. One can take up to 200 pieces of cigarettes into Bhutan after paying for customs permission. It's legal to smoke in private spaces like your room or apartment. Smoking in public places or offices is punishable by a three-month prison sentence.

6. Emergency Contacts: National Disaster: 219/17124546; Tourism Council: 2300; Police: 113; Health/Ambulance: 112.

Compared to other countries in the world, traveling in Bhutan is expensive due to the must pay Sustainable Development fee(SDF) to the Tourism Council of Bhutan. Since 20 June 2022, the SDF has been raised to 200USD per night per person from 65USD. For guests from India the SDF is 1,200 ngultrum, or the equivalent amount in Indian rupees, per person, per night. Children aged 6 to 12 at the time of travel receive a 50% concessionary discount on their SDF. Those aged 5 or younger are exempt. But compared to its royal standard service, unique cultural and natural resources, and carbon-negative environment, the Bhutan trip is still worth the price. Lower the costs by finding a travel buddy to Bhutan.

The SDF from tourists (USD200 per person per night) can be understood as a government-imposed tax to benefit all Bhutanese for free education, free healthcare, and poverty alleviation in Bhutan. Also, the fee will go towards activities that promote carbon-neutral tourism and building a more sustainable tourism sector such as offsetting the carbon footprint of tourists and upskilling workers in the sector. (Please note: A 50% discount shall be granted on the prevailing SDF of USD 200 for US Dollar paying tourists visiting Bhutan. The effective SDF with the discount shall be USD 100 per person per night for US Dollar paying tourists, effect from 1 September 2023 till 31 August 2027.)

Why SDF? The Tourism Council of Bhutan strongly adheres to a policy of "High Value, Low Impact" tourism which serves as the purpose of making Bhutan one of the most exclusive travel destinations in the world and to minimize the negative impact on its effort on conservation of the environment, promotion of cultural heritage, safeguarding sovereign status of the Nation. Amazing Bhutan is waiting for you to discover.

If I cancel my trip will my SDF be refunded?

Yes, the SDF will be refunded by the Department of Immigration for any cancelled or shortened trips; any bank charges will be deducted from the total refunded. Requests for SDF refunds should be submitted online using the visa portal. The refund will be processed after visitors leave Bhutan.

Happiness is a place. The Himalayan Kingdom of Bhutan is known as the Last Shangri-la, Land of the Thunder Dragon, Kingdom in the Clouds, and Druk Yul. Bhutan is well-known for age-old living culture, authentic traditions, clean environment, colorful festivals, spiced food with cheese, spectacular landscapes, and impressive landmarks. With amazing ancient temples, monasteries, and age-old fortresses, Bhutan is a perfect destination for a break from fast-moving urban life. Bhutan is the only carbon-negative country on earth with 70% of the land covered with forests.

Bhutan is best known for the Tiger's Nest (world cultural heritage) built on the cliff. As the landmark of Bhutan, it is a must-visit place for tourists to hike up. Here is a list of some renowned attractions for your Bhutan trip planning: Rinpung Dzong, The Folk Heritage Museum, Dochula Pass, Chomolhari Trek, National Museum of Bhutan, Motithang Takin Preserve, Phobjikha Valley, Jambay Lhakhang, Gangtey Monastery, Haa Valley, Tashichho Dzong, Royal Textile Academy of Bhutan, Tower of Trongsa (Ta Dzong), Punakha Suspension Bridge, Samdrup Jongkhar, Drukgyel Dzong, Buddha Dordenma Statue, Zuri Dzong Fort, Tango Buddhist Institute, Talo Village, Chele La Pass, Hidden Valleys of Bumthang, Simtokha Dzong, Norzin Lam Street, Jigme Dorji National Park, Dagala Thousand Lakes, Punakha Dzong, Sakteng Wildlife Sanctuary, National Institute for Zorig Chusum, Jungshi Handmade Paper Factory, Choki Traditional Art School, Wangdue Phodrang, Royal Manas National Park, Namgay Artisanal Brewery, Jangtsa Dumtseg Lhakhang, Kyichu Lhakhang Temple, Chimi Lhakhang, etc.

Bhutan is also famous for its philosophy of promoting Gross National Happiness(GNH) over Gross Domestic Product(GDP) and productivity. The term Gross National Happiness was coined in 1972 by Bhutan's fourth Dragon King, Jigme Singye Wangchuck. Guided by its GNH, Bhutan has considerably improved its economic, environmental, social, and governance situation in the past four decades.

The GNH Index is a holistic reflection of the general well-being of the Bhutanese population rather than a subjective psychological ranking of "happiness" alone. The GNH Index includes nine domains: Psychological well-being, Health, Education, Time use, Cultural diversity and resilience, Good governance, Community vitality, Ecological diversity and resilience, and Living standards.

Bhutanese people love spicy food so much that chili is in almost all dishes. Chilli for Bhutan people is more like a vegetable rather than a seasoning. Rice is the main staple diet of Bhutan. Meat like pork, chicken, and beef is commonly eaten. Bhutan's traditional dish is chicken, sautéed spinach, and steamed Bhutanese red rice with lemon glazed.

One of the famous National Dish of Bhutan is Ema Datsi, "Ema" means "chili" and "Datshi" means "cheese" in Dzongkha. Ema Datshi is a combination of chili and cheese, it can taste fiery hot to medium-hot depending on the amount and type of chili used. The other popular dish in Bhutan is Momo, steamed dumplings stuffed with either meat or vegetables. Don't forget to try Phaksha Paa (Pork cooked with spicy red chilis), Jasha Maru (Spicy minced chicken with rice), Goep-Tripe (Tripe cooked with chilis), locally brewed wine made from millet and maize, and the very famous butter tea called Suja.

In most cities and towns, you can find restaurants that serve Bhutanese food, Tibetan dishes, Indian cuisine, Chinese food, and continental dishes. However, in remote villages, it is tough to find continental dishes. In homestays, you will be served farm-grown produce. Vegetarian foods are also available all over Bhutan.