Bhutan

The Complete Travel Guide for Indian Travellers

The Last Shangri-La · Monasteries · Mountains · Measured Happiness

1. Introduction — Why Bhutan is Worth Visiting

There is only one country on earth that measures its success in Gross National Happiness rather than GDP. Bhutan — the tiny Himalayan kingdom wedged between India and China — has chosen a path no other nation has dared to walk: deliberate, unhurried, deeply spiritual. Bhutan limits tourist numbers not to be exclusive, but to protect the very things that make it extraordinary: ancient dzong fortresses perched above river valleys, forests where red pandas still roam, and a population that dresses in traditional gho and kira as a matter of pride, not performance.

For Indian travellers, Bhutan holds a particular magic. The Indian rupee is accepted everywhere at par. The culture is steeped in Hindu and Buddhist traditions that feel both deeply familiar and wonderfully different. And perhaps best of all, Indian citizens pay a fraction of what international tourists pay — the Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) for Indians is INR 1,200 per night, compared to USD 100 per night for others.

This guide covers everything you need for an unforgettable Bhutan trip: entry rules, the best seasons, top attractions with a full itinerary, offbeat valleys that most tourists miss, food advice for vegetarian travellers, flight options, and a complete budget breakdown in INR.

2. Visa & Entry Requirements for Indian Passport Holders

Indian citizens do not need a visa to enter Bhutan. However, unlike Nepal, Bhutan does require an Entry Permit — and a few important rules apply.

Entry Permit

•       The Entry Permit is free of charge and can be obtained at the border (Jaigaon/Phuentsholing) or at Paro Airport on arrival. You do not need to apply in advance.

•       The initial permit covers Thimphu and Paro. To visit other regions (Punakha, Haa, Bumthang, etc.), you must obtain a Route Permit — issued through your hotel, travel agent, or the Tourism Council of Bhutan office in Thimphu. Route Permits are straightforward and quick to arrange on arrival.

•       Indian nationals need a valid Indian Passport with minimum 6 months validity, or a Voter ID card (Election Commission of India). Aadhaar cards are not accepted.

•       Carry 4–6 passport-size photos — these are needed for the Entry Permit and any special area permits.

Sustainable Development Fee (SDF)

Bhutan charges a Sustainable Development Fee to manage tourism and fund public services. For Indians, this is INR 1,200 per person per night (significantly lower than the USD 100/night charged to international tourists). Children aged 5 and below are exempt; 6–12 years pay 50%.

The SDF covers contributions to Bhutan's free healthcare, free education, and carbon-negative environment fund. You pay it when entering — keep your receipt as it doubles as your tourist registration card.

Currency advantage

The Bhutanese Ngultrum (BTN) is pegged 1:1 to the Indian Rupee, and Indian Rupees are accepted everywhere in Bhutan at exactly the same rate. You do not need to exchange currency — carry INR and use it directly. Note: INR 2,000 notes are often refused; carry INR 500, 200, and 100 denominations.

3. Best Time to Visit

Bhutan has four distinct seasons, each worth considering. The kingdom's altitude (most towns sit between 2,300–3,000 m) keeps temperatures moderate year-round, but monsoon and winter have real constraints.

Spring — March to May (Best for Festivals & Flowers)

Spring is Bhutan at its most photogenic. Rhododendron forests burst into colour — reds, pinks, and whites blanketing the hills. The signature Paro Tshechu festival (usually March–April) is Bhutan's most famous cultural event: five days of masked cham dances by monks, culminating in the unfurling of a giant Thangka silk painting at dawn. Temperatures in Thimphu and Paro are 10–22°C — ideal for hiking and sightseeing. Book at least 3 months in advance if visiting during Paro Tshechu.

Autumn — September to November (Best Overall)

The post-monsoon air is clear and crisp, and the Himalayan panoramas from Dochula Pass are at their most dramatic. October is Bhutan's single busiest tourism month — for good reason. The Thimphu Tshechu (September–October) is another major festival. Days are warm (15–23°C), nights cool, skies cloudless. This is also the best season for the Jomolhari and Druk Path treks.

Winter — December to February (Fewer Crowds, Lower Costs)

Cold (Thimphu drops to 0°C at night) but strikingly beautiful. High mountain passes may be snow-closed, but Thimphu, Paro, and Punakha remain accessible and far less crowded. The Black-Necked Crane Festival (November) in Phobjikha Valley is one of Bhutan's most moving events — the endangered cranes arrive from Tibet for the winter, and local villages celebrate their arrival with traditional dances. Hotel prices and flight fares are noticeably lower in this season.

Monsoon — June to August (Avoid)

Heavy rainfall, frequent flight cancellations into Paro (the approach is difficult even in clear weather), landslides on mountain roads, and leeches on hiking trails. Not recommended for first-time visitors. Exception: eastern Bhutan receives somewhat less rain and offers a more authentic, crowd-free experience for intrepid travellers.

4. Top Attractions & Suggested Itinerary

Part A — Top Attractions

Tiger's Nest (Taktsang Monastery), Paro

Bhutan's most iconic image — a cluster of white monastery buildings seemingly glued to a sheer 900-metre cliff face above the Paro Valley. Guru Rinpoche, who brought Buddhism to Bhutan in the 8th century, is said to have meditated in the cave behind the main temple. The hike up takes 2–3 hours through pine and rhododendron forest draped in prayer flags. The view from the cafeteria halfway up — of the monastery suspended impossibly against blue sky — is one of the most breathtaking sights in Asia.

Punakha Dzong

Often called the most beautiful building in Bhutan, Punakha Dzong sits at the confluence of the Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu rivers — the 'father' and 'mother' rivers. Built in 1637, it served as Bhutan's capital and royal seat for three centuries. The fortress-monastery complex glows golden in the morning light, its white walls reflected in the jade-green water below. The interior courtyard, with its enormous jacaranda tree in bloom (April), is extraordinary.

Dochula Pass

The mountain pass between Thimphu and Punakha at 3,140 metres is one of Bhutan's most photographed spots. On clear days (October–February are best), the entire eastern Himalayan range stretches across the horizon — including Bhutan's sacred peaks like Gangkhar Puensum (the world's highest unclimbed mountain at 7,570 m). The 108 memorial chortens built by the Queen Mother add a deeply spiritual dimension. The drive here from Thimphu takes just 30–45 minutes.

Buddha Dordenma, Thimphu

A 51-metre gilded bronze Buddha sits serenely on a hilltop south of Thimphu, visible from almost anywhere in the city. The statue contains over 100,000 smaller Buddha statues inside it. The viewing terrace offers sweeping views of the Thimphu Valley. The scale is staggering — this is one of the world's largest Buddha statues — and yet the site manages to feel quietly contemplative rather than touristy.

Tashichho Dzong, Thimphu

The seat of Bhutan's government and throne room, and the summer residence of the Je Khenpo (Chief Abbot), this gleaming white fortress dominates the northern end of Thimphu. The best time to visit is late afternoon when monks in crimson robes move between the courtyards for evening prayers. The dzong is closed to visitors in the mornings — check opening times with your hotel before visiting.

Chimi Lhakhang — The Fertility Temple

A 15-minute walk through rice paddies from the road between Thimphu and Punakha, Chimi Lhakhang is a sacred temple dedicated to the divine madman Lama Drukpa Kunley — an iconoclastic 15th-century Buddhist saint famous for his unconventional methods of enlightenment. Indian couples seeking blessings for children make a quiet pilgrimage here, and the surrounding farmland, with Punakha Valley's terraced fields visible in every direction, is some of Bhutan's most beautiful countryside.

Paro Valley & Town

The only international airport in Bhutan sits here, but Paro is far more than a transit hub. The valley, flanked by forested hillsides, is dotted with ancient temples and farmhouses. The Paro town market — a single charming street of traditional storefronts — is perfect for a morning stroll before the Tiger's Nest hike. The National Museum of Bhutan (rinpung Dzong area) houses a superb collection of thangkas, armour, and natural history.

Punakha Suspension Bridge

One of the longest suspension bridges in Bhutan (160 metres), this old wooden bridge spans the Pho Chhu River near Punakha Dzong, swaying gently in the mountain breeze. Prayer flags cascade from its cables, and on the far bank, a quiet riverside trail leads into the forest. It costs nothing to cross and takes five minutes — but the views back towards the dzong from midway are worth lingering for.

Part B - Suggested 7-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Paro — Valley Acclimatisation

Land at Paro Airport (one of the world's most dramatic approaches — watch out the window as the pilot threads between mountain peaks). Collect your Entry Permit at the airport. Drive to Paro town and check in. Afternoon: explore Paro's main street and bazaar, visit the Kyichu Lhakhang — one of Bhutan's oldest temples, said to have been built in 638 AD. Evening: stroll along the river as prayer flags flutter above. Dinner at your hotel or a local restaurant (try red rice with ema datshi).

Day 2: Tiger's Nest Hike

The main event. Start early (7–8 am) — morning light on the monastery is spectacular, and you'll beat the day-trip crowds. The 4–5 hour round-trip hike climbs through pine forest and passes a waterfall viewpoint. The monastery itself is a series of four main temples connected by steep staircases carved into the rock — deeply moving even for non-religious visitors. Descend for a late lunch at the halfway cafeteria with Paro Valley views. Afternoon rest in Paro.

Day 3: Paro to Thimphu — Capital City

One hour's drive through the Paro valley to Thimphu (Bhutan's capital and largest city — population just 120,000). Morning: Buddha Dordenma statue and hilltop views. Afternoon: Tashichho Dzong (check timings), the National Textile Museum (free, fascinating display of traditional Bhutanese weaving — kira and gho fabrics), and the weekend market at Changlimithang if visiting Fri–Sun. Evening: walk the clock tower square, browse local handicraft shops.

Day 4: Thimphu to Punakha via Dochula Pass

Start early for the drive to Dochula Pass (45 min from Thimphu) — arrive by 8 am for the clearest Himalayan views. Spend 30 minutes at the 108 chortens. Continue down the pass's eastern slope into the warmer, lower Punakha Valley (1,200 m — noticeably warmer than Thimphu). Visit Chimi Lhakhang via the paddy-field walk. Check in to your Punakha hotel. Afternoon: Punakha Suspension Bridge and riverside walk.

Day 5: Punakha Dzong & Valley

Morning: Punakha Dzong at opening time (8 am) — the light on the river confluence is at its best in the early hours. Allow 90 minutes inside the dzong. Lunch in Punakha town. Afternoon: drive up the Mo Chhu valley toward Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten — a 45-minute hike up a ridge with panoramic valley views, one of Bhutan's most underrated short walks. Optional: white-water rafting on the Mo Chhu river (arranged through your hotel, INR 2,500–4,000 per person).

Day 6: Punakha to Paro — Haa Valley Day Trip (Offbeat Option)

Drive back towards Paro via the Chelela Pass road — at 3,988 m, this is the highest motorable road in Bhutan, with views across the Paro and Haa valleys and into Tibet on clear days. Descend into the Haa Valley for lunch (see Section 5 — Offbeat). Explore the White and Black temples of Haa, and the traditional village. Return to Paro for the night. Alternatively, skip Haa and take the direct Punakha–Paro road for a more relaxed final day.

Day 7: Last Morning in Paro — Departure

Morning: final visit to any sites missed — Drukgyel Dzong ruins (clear weather gives a view of Chomolhari peak), or the National Museum of Bhutan (excellent Thangka collection). Pick up last-minute purchases: incense, prayer flags, handmade paper, yak cheese, and Bhutanese red rice (available at the Paro town shops). Head to Paro Airport — allow plenty of time as queues can be slow. Depart with the mountains in your rear window.

5. Beyond the Tourist Trail — Offbeat Places to Explore

Most Bhutan first-timers follow the classic Paro–Thimphu–Punakha triangle. These five destinations reward the curious traveller who goes a little further.

Haa Valley — Bhutan's Best-Kept Secret

Just 2.5 hours from Paro Airport but a world away from tourist Bhutan, the Haa Valley was closed to foreign visitors until 2002 and sees only a fraction of the travellers who visit Paro. The valley is home to Bhutan's Haa Dzongkhag — a pristine landscape of yak pastures, alpine meadows, and dense forest. The White (Lhakhang Karpo) and Black (Lhakhang Nagpo) temples of Haa are among Bhutan's oldest, dating to the 7th century. Haa is also the ancestral home of Bhutan's Royal Family's maternal line. Drive via the Chelela Pass for breathtaking views — on clear days you can see into Tibet.

Phobjikha Valley — Valley of the Cranes

A wide, glacially carved valley in central Bhutan, Phobjikha is the winter home of the endangered Black-Necked Crane (Grus nigricollis) — over 600 of the birds migrate here from Tibet between November and February. The valley's flat wetlands and traditional farmhouses make it one of Bhutan's most serene landscapes. The Black-Necked Crane Festival (usually November) celebrates their arrival with traditional dances, masked performances, and crane-shaped costumes in the village of Gangtey. Getting here requires a day's drive from Punakha — but it is absolutely worth it. Gangtey Monastery above the valley is a peaceful overnight base.

Gelephu — Where the Himalayas Meet the Jungle

In Bhutan's subtropical south, Gelephu is a warm, green counterpoint to the high-altitude dzongs of western Bhutan. The town borders Assam and is close to the Royal Manas National Park — one of South Asia's oldest wildlife reserves, home to tigers, Asian elephants, one-horned rhinos, and the golden langur (found almost nowhere else on earth). Natural hot springs near Gelephu are said to have therapeutic properties and are a local favourite. Gelephu is also the site of an ambitious new planned city — Gelephu Mindfulness City — being developed by the Royal Government as a future economic hub. Enter from the Assam/Kokrajhar side by road, or via domestic flight from Paro.

Bumthang Valley — Bhutan's Cultural Heartland

If Paro is Bhutan's scenic showpiece and Thimphu its modern face, Bumthang is its spiritual soul. This cluster of four valleys in central Bhutan (Choskhor, Tang, Ura, and Chhume) contains some of the country's oldest monasteries, including Jambay Lhakhang (said to date to 659 AD) and Kurje Lhakhang — where a rock bears the body imprint of Guru Rinpoche himself. The Ura Valley hosts a spectacular mask-dance festival each spring. Swiss-style cheese is made here (Bhutan's best), and apple orchards fill the hillsides. Bumthang requires a domestic flight from Paro (45 min, ~INR 9,000 one-way) or a full day's drive — plan at least 2 extra days.

Lhuentse Dzong — The Ancestral Fortress

In northeastern Bhutan, perched dramatically above the Kuri Chhu gorge, Lhuentse Dzong is the ancestral home of Bhutan's royal family — yet almost no tourists visit. The fortress rises in tiers from a rocky outcrop, its white walls glowing against the dark gorge below. The dzong's interior contains some of Bhutan's most intricate woodwork and murals. The Lhuentse district is also famous for Kishuthara — a distinctive silk weaving tradition producing richly patterned textiles unlike any found elsewhere in Bhutan. A domestic flight from Paro connects to Yonphula Airport (near Trashigang), with a further 3-hour drive to Lhuentse.

6. Food, Culture & Local Tips

What to eat

Bhutanese food is flavourful, hearty, and — crucially for Indian travellers — almost entirely compatible with vegetarian diets. One thing to know upfront: Bhutanese food is very spicy. Chillies are not a condiment here — they are a main ingredient.

•  Ema Datshi — Bhutan's national dish and the most-eaten food in the country. A fiery stew of large green or red chillies simmered in a rich, creamy yak or cow cheese sauce. It is simultaneously simple and addictive. Versions include kewa datshi (potato and cheese) and shamu datshi (mushroom and cheese) — both vegetarian and outstanding.

•  Red Rice — Bhutan's staple grain — a nutty, earthy semi-whole grain rice that pairs beautifully with datshi dishes. Found only in the Paro Valley's high-altitude paddies; you can buy bags of it to take home.

•  Momos — Steamed or pan-fried dumplings with vegetable or cheese fillings — available at virtually every restaurant and street stall. A plate of 8 vegetable momos costs INR 80–150.

•  Suja (Butter Tea) — Traditional Bhutanese tea made with yak butter, salt, and tea leaves — an acquired taste for Indian palates but deeply warming at altitude. Worth trying at least once; local guesthouses serve it with puffed rice.

• Jasha Maru — A popular spicy minced chicken or pork dish — not vegetarian, but mentioned because it's ubiquitous on menus. Ask specifically for the veg datshi dishes if you want to avoid meat.

Vegetarian restaurants

•  Galingkha Vegetarian Restaurant, Thimphu — dedicated vegetarian menu, fresh local ingredients

•   Hotel Gashel Restaurant, Thimphu — serves authentic Indian vegetarian food including dosas, idli, paratha, and North Indian curries; popular with Indian tourists

•  The Zone, Thimphu — vegetarian platters, momos, pasta; good for a break from Bhutanese food

•  Ambient Cafe, Thimphu — light vegetarian fare, salads, soups, good coffee

•  Most hotels in Paro and Punakha serve vegetarian Bhutanese and Indian food on request — always ask your hotel ahead

Dining costs (approximate in INR)

• Local restaurant / diner: ₹200–400 per meal

• Mid-range hotel restaurant: ₹500–1,000 per meal

• Upscale / fine dining: ₹1,200–2,500 per meal

Culture & etiquette

•  Remove shoes before entering dzongs and temples — follow the example of locals

•  Dress modestly — shoulders and knees covered inside religious sites; traditional Bhutanese dress (gho/kira) is required to enter dzongs

•  Always walk clockwise around chortens, mani walls, and stupas

•  Photography inside dzong interiors is generally not permitted — ask before shooting

•  Smoking is largely banned in public spaces in Bhutan

• Do not touch statues, butter lamps, or religious objects inside temples

7. Safety & practical tips

•  Bhutan is one of the safest countries in Asia — crime against tourists is virtually unheard of

•  Altitude: Thimphu (2,334 m) and Paro (2,200 m) can cause mild altitude sickness in some travellers — rest on day one, stay hydrated, avoid alcohol on arrival night

•  INR 2,000 and INR 500 notes are both accepted; carry smaller denominations as change can be scarce

•  ATMs in Thimphu and Paro accept Indian debit cards — withdraw enough before heading to Punakha or rural areas

•  Mobile data: Indian SIMs (Airtel, Jio) do not work in Bhutan. Buy a Bhutan Telecom or TashiCell SIM at Paro Airport for INR 200–300 including data

• Emergency numbers: Police 113, Ambulance 112, Fire 110

8. Flights from India

Paro International Airport (PBH) is the only international airport in Bhutan and is served exclusively by Bhutan's two national carriers: Druk Air and Bhutan Airlines. Only these two airlines fly into Paro — no Indian carriers operate this route. The approach into Paro is considered one of the most technically demanding in the world, with pilots flying manual visual approaches between 18,000-foot peaks. The flight itself — especially from Kolkata — is spectacular.

Direct routes from India

•  Kolkata (CCU) → Paro (PBH) — Most frequent and affordable route. Druk Air and Bhutan Airlines both operate daily flights. ~1 hr 30 min. Return fares approximately ₹35,000–55,000.

•  Delhi (DEL) → Paro — Druk Air operates 4–5 flights per week, often with a stopover in Kolkata (though same plane). ~3–4 hrs total. Return fares approximately ₹40,000–70,000.

•  Bagdogra (IXB) → Paro — Seasonal service; closer to Bhutan and often cheaper than Delhi. Return fares approximately ₹30,000–50,000.

•  Guwahati (GAU) → Paro — Bhutan Airlines operates this route; convenient for travellers from Northeast India. ~1 hr. Return fares approximately ₹32,000–52,000.

• Mumbai (BOM) → Paro — Usually routed via Kolkata or Kathmandu. Return fares approximately ₹45,000–75,000.

Booking tips

•  Book at least 6–8 weeks in advance — Paro has limited flight capacity and seats sell out during Tshechu festival dates

•  Druk Air (drukair.com.bt) and Bhutan Airlines (bhutanairlines.bt) — book directly on their websites or through a licensed Bhutan travel agent for best fares

• October and April are the most expensive months to fly — book early or consider shoulder dates (end of March, early November)

Overland entry — via Phuentsholing

Indian travellers can also enter Bhutan by road via the Jaigaon–Phuentsholing border crossing in West Bengal. Take a train to New Jalpaiguri (NJP) or a bus to Siliguri/Jaigaon, cross the border on foot, and collect your Entry Permit from the immigration office in Phuentsholing town. From there, take a shared cab or bus to Thimphu (4–5 hours, INR 250–400). This is the most budget-friendly way to enter Bhutan and a great adventure in itself, though it adds a full travel day.

9. Getting Around Bhutan

Paro Airport to Thimphu

The most common first transfer. The drive takes 1 hour through the Paro and Wang Chhu valleys — one of Bhutan's most scenic roads, passing farmhouses, prayer wheels, and the occasional monk on a motorbike. Fixed-rate pre-arranged taxis cost INR 2,500–3,500; your hotel can organise this in advance. There is no airport bus.

Within cities

• Thimphu and Paro have metered taxis — short hops cost INR 100–300. There are no ride-hailing apps (no Uber or Pathao in Bhutan).

• Thimphu has a local bus network (fares INR 15–30) but routes and timings are difficult to navigate without local knowledge — taxis are more practical.

• Walking is the best way to explore Thimphu's clock tower area and the Changlimithang market on weekends.

Thimphu to Punakha

The most-driven stretch in Bhutan, via Dochula Pass. By taxi or private car: 2.5–3 hours, INR 2,500–4,000 for the car. Your hotel or travel agent can arrange a round-trip car with driver. There is no tourist shuttle between these cities — private car is the standard for travellers.

Thimphu/Paro to Haa Valley

Haa is 3 hours from Paro via the Chelela Pass road (highest motorable road in Bhutan at ~3,988 m). A private car with driver is the only practical option — cost INR 4,000–6,000 for the day trip.

Domestic flights

Bhutan's small domestic network (operated by Druk Air and Bhutan Airlines) connects Paro to Bumthang (~45 min, INR 8,000–12,000 one-way), Yonphula near Trashigang for eastern Bhutan, and Gelephu. Book these early as capacity is tiny — sometimes only 18 seats per flight.

Driving tips

• Bhutan drives on the left — same as India. Roads are mountain single-lanes for most inter-city routes; hairpin bends and steep drops are normal.

• Self-drive is not available for tourists — all hired vehicles come with a driver.

•  Seatbelts are mandatory. Do not attempt to drive yourself in Bhutan.

•  Allow extra time for all road journeys — road works, landslides (especially in spring), or yak crossings can delay any drive.

10. Estimated Trip Budget (in INR)

Bhutan is not a budget destination, but it is far more affordable for Indians than for Western tourists, thanks to the lower SDF rate,1:1 currency parity, and competitive tour packages. The budget below covers a 7-day Paro–Thimphu–Punakha itinerary.

Budget Category - Mid-Range (INR) - Luxury (INR)

Sustainable Dev. Fee (SDF) - ₹1,200/person/night - ₹1,200/person/night

Return flights (per person) - ₹35,000 – 55,000 - ₹55,000 – 80,000

Accommodation (per night) - ₹3,000 – 6,000 - ₹12,000 – 40,000

Meals (per day) - ₹600 – 1,200 - ₹2,000 – 4,500

Activities & entrance fees (per day) - ₹500 – 1,500 - ₹2,000 – 5,000

Inter-city transport (per transfer) - ₹2,500 – 4,000 - ₹4,000 – 7,000

Miscellaneous (per day) - ₹300 – 600 - ₹800 – 2,000

Estimated Total (7 days, per person) - ₹65,000 – 1,00,000 - ₹1,50,000 – 3,00,000

Note: SDF (₹1,200/night) applies from the first night in Bhutan and is payable in INR or BTN at the border/airport. Luxury travellers can stay at the iconic Six Senses Bhutan (5 lodges across the country) or Amankora resorts — these push nightly rates to ₹50,000–1,20,000, well above the luxury column above.

11. Quick Tips at a Glance

Tip - Detail

Currency - Bhutanese Ngultrum (BTN) · 1 BTN = 1 INR (fixed peg)· Indian Rupees accepted everywhere·

Avoid ₹2,000 notes

Language - Dzongkha (official) · English widely spoken in tourism · Hindi understood near border

Plug type - Type D & G (same as India for Type D) · 230V / 50Hz · Carry a universal adaptor for Type G

Emergency - Police: 113 · Ambulance: 112 · Fire: 110 · Tourist Helpline: +975-2-323252

SIM card - Indian SIMs don't work in Bhutan · Buy Bhutan Telecom or TashiCell at Paro Airport · ~INR 200–300 with data

Time zone - Bhutan Time (BTT) = IST + 30 minutes (UTC +6:00)

Tipping - Not traditional but appreciated · INR 200–300/day for your driver · INR 100–200 at restaurants is welcomed

Visa / Permit - No visa needed · Free Entry Permit on arrival · SDF: INR 1,200/person/night

Altitude - Rest on arrival day (Thimphu 2,334 m, Paro 2,200 m) · Stay hydrated · Avoid alcohol first night

Best buys - Handmade Thangka paintings · Kishuthara silk · Prayer flags · Bhutanese red rice · Yak cheese · Incense

Bhutan is not a destination you visit — it is a destination that changes you. The pace is slow by design, the landscapes are immense, and the kindness of its people is genuine. For Indian travellers in particular, there is something deeply moving about a place that feels like India's quieter, more contemplative cousin — familiar in its spirituality, astonishing in its serenity.

Tashi Delek! 🙏