Question 1

When is the best time to visit Bhutan?

Accepted Answer

Every season has its own charm. The most popular times to travel to Bhutan are the spring months of March, April, and May and the fall months of September, October, and November. The weather is warmer and the skies are clearer at this time, and many of the most renowned festivals take place during these months

Question 2

What will the weather be like?

Accepted Answer

Summers (June to mid-September) are warm, humid and wet but winters (December - early March) are cooler and dry. Winter nights are cold. However, the days are often clear, sunny and surprisingly mild in the valleys. The western valleys only average 2 snow falls per annum. The wettest period is mid-July to early September.
A little rain or cold nights are normal. The periods mentioned earlier are the best times to visit to beat the crowds!!
Average Temperatures in Bhutan
It should be noted that average temperatures are recorded from valley floors. There can be considerable divergences from the recorded figures depending upon elevation.
Click the images below to view the monthly temperature chart:

Question 3

Do I need a visa for Bhutan? How can I obtain a visa for Bhutan?

Accepted Answer

Bhutan Visa process:
Those who wish to travel to Bhutan require a visa and must book their holiday through a Bhutanese tour operator or through one of their international partners. Except for the citizen of India, Bangladesh and The Maldives, all visitors should obtain the visa prior to travelling to Bhutan.
Visas are processed through an online system by your licensed Bhutanese tour operator directly. You are required to send the photo-page of your passport to your tour operator who will then apply your visa.  The visa will be processed by the Tourism Council of Bhutan (TCB) once the full payment of your holiday (including a USD $40 visa fee) has been wire transferred and received in the TCB bank account.  Once the visa is processed, the tourism board may take minimum of a week time to approve the visa.
Once the visa is approved, the Bhutanese Tour operator will send you the visa approval letter via email which you need to carry the print out copy along with your tickets. At your point of entry you will be required to show your visa clearance letter, upon showing you will be allowed to board the flight. Your original visa will be stamped on your passport on arrival at Paro airport.

Question 4

What documents will I be provided with to take with me to Bhutan?

Accepted Answer

Druk Air or Bhutan Airlines e-ticket:
You will need your e-ticket.
Visa confirmation letter : We will send a copy of your visa confirmation letter to you via email a few weeks before your arrival in Bhutan. You will need to present your visa confirmation letter at the Druk Air or Bhutan Airlines check-in counter in order to board your flight.

Question 5

From where do I enter Bhutan?

Accepted Answer

You can enter Bhutan by Air from the following cities:-
Bangkok (Thailand)
Singapore
Kathmandu (Nepal)
New Delhi (India)
Calcutta (India)
Dhaka (Bangladesh)
Bagdogra, West Bengal (India)
Gaya, Bihar (India)
Guwahati, Assam (India)
The only International airport in Bhutan is in Paro. You can enter from a few cities on the Indian border by car. Travelers may also choose to enter Bhutan by road through 3 towns within Bhutan proximate to the Indian border namely Phuentsholing and Gelephu in the South and Samdrup Jongkhar in the southeast. The Guwahati and Bagdogra airports in India are the nearest airports located at about three and five hours respectively from the border towns.
#Payment Procedure
As per Government regulation, all tour payments must be made in advance. The travel agent in Bhutan will advise about the Bank details/account number etc. to the clients once the tour is booked and confirmed.
According to government regulations, the total tour payment must be remitted in advance of the tour. Without this, the government will not issue the visa.

Question 6

What is the currency in Bhutan and how to exchange currency?

Accepted Answer

The currency in Bhutan is called the Ngultrum. It is pegged with and is equal in value to the Indian Rupee also accepted in Bhutan. You cannot purchase Ngultrums prior to arriving in Bhutan, but you can easily buy Ngultrums at the Paro airport. With the help of your guide you can exchange for Ngultrums at Bhutan National Bank and the Bank of Bhutan. Major hotels in Thimphu and Paro also accept traveler's checks and/or dollars and various other currencies. When visiting smaller towns, however, you should bring Ngultrums for your purchases as it may not be possible to exchange your currency. For up-to-date currency exchange information, you can refer to Exchangerate.com.

Question 7

Is it safe to travel to Bhutan?

Accepted Answer

Bhutan is among the safest countries in Asia. There is very little crime in Bhutan. It is safe for women travelers and individuals. For in-depth and up-to-date information on travel to Bhutan you can refer to the US State Department's Consular Information Sheet on Bhutan.

Question 8

What are the accommodations like?

Accepted Answer

All hotels we use are of three-star rated standard in Bhutan. The hotels are clean, comfortable and rooms are on a twin-sharing/occupancy basis. They are all approved by the Department of Tourism. Western Bhutan (Thimphu, Paro, Wangdue, and Punakha) has the best hotels. As you travel to central and eastern Bhutan the quality of the hotels goes down a little bit. But we use the best hotels available in each region. Your hotels in Bhutan will provide you pillows, blankets, sheets, towels, bathroom tissue and soap. You have to take your own toothbrush, toothpaste, lotions, and other items. Most hotels will have telephones. If guests desire more luxurious hotels these can be arranged at your additional cost.

Question 9

Is there a dress code for tourists in Bhutan?

Accepted Answer

There is no particular dress code for tourists. The Bhutanese are modest though, so you might want to avoid wearing revealing clothing (such as short skirts and tank tops) for women and shorts and vests for men. Men can wear jeans, cotton pants, T-shirts, casual shirts, and long sleeves and a coat for the evening. Women can wear jeans, cotton slacks, long skirts, T-shirts, and long sleeves and a coat for the evening. You cannot wear shorts while visiting monasteries, temples and dzongs though such clothing are suitable and permitted for trekking.

Question 10

Is WIFI available

Accepted Answer

Most standard tourist class hotels now have WiFi and a business centre where you can use the Hotel’s PCs . Generally speaking WiFi are mostly connected till the lobby. All luxury resorts and lodges offer a wireless internet facility however not necessarily in guest rooms.
Some remote valleys, like Phobjikha have intermittent power and internet supply so please factor in some inconsistency in internet connectivity as you travel. For those who need more connectivity, purchasing a local SIM card for your smart phone or iPad will give you Wifi as you travel across the Kingdom.

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