To fully enjoy your Bhutan tour, knowing the best time to visit Bhutan can enhance your experience. Here’s when to plan your trip:
1. Spring (March- May): This is the ideal time to appreciate Bhutan’s natural beauty. During these months, you can admire a vibrant display of magnol;ias, beautiful rhododendrons, and colorful wildflowers. The weather is pleasant, with clear skies and minimal rain.
2. Autumn (September- November): This season is popular for those exploring Bhutan, as it coincides with many local festivals and provides excellent conditions for trekking. Enjoy clear weather and comfortable temperatures while you immerse yourself in Bhutanese culture and landscapes.
3. Winter (December - February): If you prefer to avoid crowds and witness the stunning snow-capped Himalayan Mountains, winter is the perfect time. The quieter season offers beautiful mountain views and a serene atmosphere.
Regardless of when you choose to visit, Bhutan’s unique charm and scenic beauty will make your trip memorable. For the best experience, consider booking one of our Bhutan tour packages! You can travel with peace of mind knowing that your safety is in expert hands.
Obtaining a Bhutan visa is now a straightforward process, but it does involve a few steps. Here’s how you can get your visa:
Apply Directly Through the Visit Bhutan Portal: You can register and create an account on the Visit Bhutan Portal https://bhutan.travel/visa . This involves signing the friendship pledge and completing several steps online. While this process ensures you’re ready for your visit, it can be a bit time-consuming.
Book Through Namgay Adventure Travels: To simplify things, you can book your trip through us. We handle all the registration, account creation, and signing of the friendship pledge on your behalf. The visa service fee is included in our tour packages, so there’s no additional cost to you. This way, you can focus on enjoying your trip rather than dealing with the administrative details.
The SDF is the Sustainable Development Fee, a daily levy paid by visitors to support Bhutan’s development. Since the kingdom first opened its doors in 1974, guests have played a critical role in the country’s growth. As we reopen on September 23rd 2022, this partnership is once again evolving to enable us to protect and preserve our kingdom and its priceless assets. It also helps us to ensure that tourists visit in sustainable numbers and that we can continue to offer guests tranquillity and an intimate experience.
The SDF is collected by the national exchequer and funds are allocated to various projects that enhance facilities, services and infrastructure for Bhutanese nationals and visitors, as well as funding free healthcare and education.
The Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) for tourists visiting Bhutan is US $ 100 person per night. This fee is applicable for all visitors except for those from India, Bangladesh, and the Maldives, who have a different fee structure.
For the most accurate and updated information, including any changes to the fee, please check https://bhutan.travel/visa or consult with your operator.
Luxury Tariff: Additional charger for staying in 4 - 5 star hotels will be automatically incorporated into the price structure of your Bhutan tour packages offered by Namgay Adventure Travels.
We don’t need your physical passport to apply for visa. We simply need a color scanned copy of your passport to process the visa application.
Currency: The Bhutanese currency is the Ngultrum (BTN). It is pegged to the Indian Rupee (INR), which is also widely accepted throughout Bhutan.
Cash: It’s a good idea to bring sufficient cash, preferably in US dollars, for personal shopping and expenses while in Bhutan.
Credit Cards: Visa and MasterCard are accepted in Bhutan, but since credit card payment systems are relatively new, there can be occasional issues with transactions. To avoid problems, inform your credit card company about your travel plans to Bhutan.
ATMS: ATMs are available in major towns and cities across Bhutan. You can use them to withdraw cash as needed. However, it is still a good idea to carry some cash with you, as not all areas may have ATM access.
Travel insurance is always recommended when visiting Bhutan. While Bhutan’s healthcare services are generally good, they may not always meet Western Standards. It’s wise to insure your travel from your home country to cover unexpected events.
Local Insurance Coverage: We also offer travel insurance to cover local expenses should the need arise. This insurance policy is valid from the day of your arrival in Bhutan until the day you exit.
The current rules allow for the sale of tobacco in select locations and the import of a limited quantity for personal use, but the strict regulations and high taxes are still in place to control tobacco use.
Availability: You can purchase cigarettes at designated shops, including some hotels and small stores.
Import Restrictions: importing cigarettes into Bhutan is heavily regulated. Travelers are allowed to bring a limited quantity of cigarettes (typically up to 200 sticks of cigarettes) for personal use. Anything beyond this limit is subject to high taxes.
Taxes and Duties: Imported cigarettes are subject to significant taxes and duties, which can make them quite expensive.
Smoking Regulations: Smoking is prohibited in many public places, including government buildings, educational institutions, and public transport. There are designated smoking areas, and it’s important to follow local regulations to avoid fines.
Bhutan offers a wide range of accommodation, from luxurious five-star hotels to cosy homestays in traditional village settings. Please contact our hosts for the Department of Tourism’s list of approved accommodation.
The Department of Immigration will refund the SDF for any trips that are cancelled or shortened, but any bank charges will be subtracted from the total refund amount.
