Foreigners:
All foreigners visiting Bhutan must obtain a visa clearance letter issued by the Department of Immigration prior to boarding. You must produce this letter at check-in. At your point of entry, the visa will be officially stamped into your passport.
Note: The Initial Reference letter from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is not valid for travel.
Regional Nationals (India, Bangladesh, Maldives):
Indian Nationals: Can obtain a permit at the port of entry with a valid Passport (min. 6 months validity) or Voter ID Card.
Bangladesh & Maldives: Can obtain a visa at the port of entry with a valid Passport (min. 6 months validity).
Season and Climate
Spring: A botanist’s delight. Rhododendrons, wild azaleas, and masses of wild flowers cover the meadows like a carpet. Pear and apple blossoms add a dainty pink and white touch to the valleys.
Summer: Valleys are covered in vibrant green, weeping willows sweep the riverbanks, and pine cones glisten in the sun, so full of resin they are ready to plummet to the ground.
Autumn: Casts a bright golden glow on the landscape. Rice fields ripen to a golden brown under crisp blue skies, and pink and white cosmos flowers dot the countryside.
Winter: Full of sunshine with chilly evenings. Soft tufts of clouds drape lazily over mountain tops as if waiting for new life to blow across the landscape.
Practical Information
● Laundry: Laundry service is available at hotels in Bangkok, Paro, and Thimphu.
● Electricity: Bhutan is on a 220V system. Sockets vary (often 3-pin); bring a converter and selection of plug adapters. No electricity is available while on trek.
● Time Zones: Bhutan is GMT+6. Thimphu is 11 hours ahead of New York and 14 hours ahead of California.
● Cross-Cultural Tips: Respect local customs as a visitor. Patience is key—time flows at a different pace here. If you face communication difficulties, your guide is there to assist.
● Gifts for Children: Please do not give candy or gum to children (to avoid dental issues and begging). Postcards or photos of your home are much better gifts to share.
● Responsibility: We are eco-responsible. Please carry out what you carry in (batteries, plastics, etc.). Use Ziploc bags to store your trash on the trail.
● Currency: The Ngultrum (Nu) is at par with the Indian Rupee. 1 USD is approx. Nu. 83.0 (2026). Major towns have ATMs and POS terminals.
● Food & Accommodation: From 5-star luxury to traditional homestays, Bhutanese hospitality is incredible. Try "Ema Datsi" (chilli cheese), but watch the spice level!
Payment Terms
Reservation: No Charges
60 Days Prior to Departure: 25% of Land Cost
30 Days Prior to Departure: Balance Due
*Note: No refunds for shortened trips or delays due to weather/roadblocks, as logistics are pre-paid.
