How to reach Bhutan
Bhutan is a landlocked country and tourist can reach to Bhutan by two ways
- Reaching Bhutan by Road
- Reaching Bhutan by Air
Reaching Bhutan by road:
There are four official entry points by road from India: Samtse and Phuentsholing (in western Bhutan), Gelephu (in central Bhutan), and Samdrup Jongkhar (in eastern Bhutan).
Reaching by Airport :
Bhutan has two national airlines: Drukair and Bhutan Airlines. Direct flights to and from the international airport in Paro connect you to Bangladesh (Dhaka), India (Bagdora, Gauhati, Kolkata and New Delhi), Nepal (Kathmandu), Singapore, and Thailand (Bangkok).
Post Covid – Travel Guidelines :
- Taking a guide is a must for Indians as well as foreign nationals visiting Bhutan. The guide will accompany you where ever you visit in Bhutan.
- Indians visiting Bhutan have to pay a SDF (Standard Development Fee) of INR 1200 per day per person (for everyone above 5 years of age).
- Foreign Nationals have to pay US Dollars 160 per person per day
- Four Wheeler Vehicles from India entering Bhutan have to pay a fee of INR 4500 per day per vehicle for the duration they will be in Bhutan.
- The entrance fee to most of the sites have been hiked post the lockdown has opened. Most of the places it is Nu 500 per adult and Nu 250 per child elder than 5 years. Entry is free for children below 5 years of age.
Best time of the year to visit Bhutan:
The months of April and May are considered the peak season in Bhutan. It is spring season then. experience the beauty of Bhutan in winter, when it gets covered in snow, one can visit from December through February. January is the coldest month in Bhutan. It snows and the temperature drops to sub zero at places. The months of October and March form shoulder seasons.
Festivals of Bhutan:
- Thimphu Tshechu festival, the National Festival of Bhutan is held on 10th day of 8th month of lunar calendar. In the year 2023, this festival will be celebrated from 24th to 26th September.
- Jambay Lhakhang Drupis celebrated in October – November. It is a fierce festival of energetic celebrations including dances, mask performances, fire performances etc.
- Wangdue Phodrang Tsechuis in October – November time period
- Punakha Drubchenis a festival celebrated in Punakha in February or March. It recreates the memories of the war with Tibet and celebrates Bhutan’s victory over Tibet through performances commemorating the same.
- Paro Tshechu Festivalis celebrated in March or April.
- Haa summer festivalis celebrated in the month of July, wherein the nomads of Haa Valley celebrate their lives. And the tourists also get a chance to mingle with the locals and celebrate.
Mobile & Internet Connectivity:
Wifi was available in all the hotels that we stayed in Bhutan. Although the speed was not very great at ours though.
Taking Things for Bhutan:
Actually what to pack for Bhutan depends on which time of the year you are traveling to Bhutan. As per our Bhutan travel guide, really heavy winter wear is required if you are traveling in the months of December, January and February. In these months you should carry good boots which can help you travel on snow, heavy winter jackets, layers of woolen cloths, caps, gloves, etc. When we traveled in the first week of April, these are the basic things we carried with us –
- 2 sweaters (woolen) each for kids
- 1 moderate jacket each for all of us
- 1 heavy jacket for kids – just in case it got suddenly cold
- 2 full sleeve T-shirts for everyone
- 2 half sleeve T-shirts for everyone
- 4 pairs of socks, 5 pairs of undergarments for everyone
- 1 woolen cap for everyone
- full cover bottom wear and full sleeve nightwear
- umbrella (as it may occasionally rain in these months)
- Trekking/hiking shoes
- Medicines, particularly for altitude sickness and motion sickness
- Some snacks and munchies that the kids like – just to satisfy their taste,
- Things are locally available in Bhutan
Languages:
There are 19 languages spoken in Bhutan, but the national language is Dzongkha. English is used throughout Bhutan’s education system, so it is widely used and understood.
Currency:
Bhutan’s currency is called ngultrum. It’s 1:1 with Indian rupees.
Electric Sockets & Plugs :
Three different electrical plugs are used throughout Bhutan: the British plug (three square pins, compatible with type G sockets), the European plug (two round pins, compatible with type C socket) and the Indian plug (three thick round pins, compatible with type D sockets). It’s a good idea to bring adaptors for all three.
Country Code :
For telephone calls, Bhutan’s country code is +975. Make sure you add this to the beginning of any number if calling Bhutan from abroad.
Visa :
All visitors require a visa before traveling to Bhutan (except those from India, Bangladesh, and the Maldives, for whom the relevant processes and fees are outlined separately below).
As part of the visa application process, you will be required to pay the Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) of US$100 per day (per adult; concessionary rates apply for children). More information about the SDF can be found here.
A non-refundable, one-off visa application fee of US$40 is also payable.
You can apply online for a visa or permit by completing an application form, or if you’re traveling with a tour operator or staying at a hotel, they can apply on your behalf.
You can apply for yourself and anyone you’re traveling with, provided you have the required information for each person traveling.