Sangaytopgay2018@gmail.com +975 77 293 161 Phuentsholing / Thimphu, Kingdom of Bhutan
Official Licensed Bhutan Travel Partner

Bhutan Travel Guide & Essential Tips

Everything you need to know before visiting the Kingdom of Bhutan—visa rules, entry points, currency, and cultural etiquette.

Getting to Bhutan

Entry Gateways: Phuentsholing & Paro

Bhutan can be accessed by both land and air:

Land Entry: Phuentsholing

Phuentsholing is the primary land gateway connecting Jaigaon (West Bengal, India) to southern Bhutan. Our representatives welcome you directly at the border gate and assist with immigration permits before embarking on the scenic 5-hour drive to Thimphu.

Air Entry: Paro Airport

Paro International Airport (PBH) is Bhutan's sole international airport, nestled in a deep Himalayan valley. Flights are operated by Drukair and Bhutan Airlines from major Asian hubs like New Delhi, Kolkata, Bagdogra, Bangkok, and Kathmandu.

Bhutan Visa & Sustainable Development Fee (SDF)

All foreign tourists require a visa clearance prior to entering Bhutan, which is processed online by Bhutan Sangay Travel upon booking.

  • Sustainable Development Fee (SDF): A daily levy collected by the Royal Government of Bhutan to support free healthcare, free education, carbon neutrality, and eco-conservation.
  • Passport Validity: Passports must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended date of departure.
  • Hassle-Free Approval: You simply provide a scanned color copy of your passport; our team handles all government permits.

Best Seasons to Visit Bhutan

Spring (March – May)

Blooming wild rhododendrons, jacarandas, pleasant mountain weather, and colorful Paro Tshechu festival.

Autumn (September – November)

Crisp clear blue skies, optimal mountain visibility for photography, Thimphu Tshechu, and ideal hiking conditions.

Cultural Respect & Guidelines

• Dress Code: When visiting Dzongs (fortresses) and religious temples, wear long trousers/skirts and covered shoulders. Remove shoes and hats before entering prayer halls.

• Chortens & Stupas: Always walk around chortens, mani walls, and temples in a clockwise direction.

• Photography: Photography is prohibited inside the inner shrines of temples and dzongs. Always ask permission before photographing local monks or people.

Need Help Planning Your Trip?

Our local Bhutanese travel experts will answer all your questions regarding visa SDF, currency conversion, and hotel selection.