The first tourists came to Bhutan in 1974. Bhutan has never looked back since then. Unlike anywhere else, the Royal Government of Bhutan treads cautiously to ensure sustainable tourism development. The main principles guiding tourism policy and activities in Bhutan are that tourism must be ‘environmentally friendly; socially and culturally acceptable and economically viable’.

The policy governing tourism is that all tours in the country take place with an experienced tour executive/guide. Tourists traveling individually, in pairs or in groups will arrange the visit to Bhutan through one of many tour operators registered in Bhutan who will organize the tour and accompany the guest from the time of arrival in Bhutan till departure. Tourists will be fully taken care of, as the rate they pay is an ‘all inclusive package tour’. The ‘all inclusive package tour’ includes accommodation in standard star-rated hotels and lodges, meals, transportation, entrance fees to monuments and services of a guide.

Mountainous terrain and high altitudes present cooler weather conditions so warm clothing and sturdy, soft-soled shoes are recommended while traveling in Bhutan. Down jackets and woolen sweaters are suggested for autumn and early spring. Heavier cotton clothing and lightweight woolens will suffice in summer. Tourists are advised to layer their clothing to adapt to altitudinal differences that account for wide range in daily temperatures the year round.

Tourists are not obliged to take vaccinations for entry into Bhutan. However, tourists arriving from regions with epidemics of yellow fever, cholera or any other emerging epidemics have to produce evidence at the port of entry in Bhutan of vaccinations. Tourists visiting areas in the south, which border India are advised to take anti-malarial medication.

Visitors to Bhutan are advised to pack a traveler’s medical kit with basic medication to cater to destinations in Bhutan, duration of stay in Bhutan and considering the general health condition of the traveler. Travel on Bhutanese roads entails long hours of driving over winding roads for which it is recommended that the tourist carry medication for motion sickness. Tourists are also recommended to carry along any prescribed medications required for regular intake.

After a brief period most travelers on their arrival are able to acclimatize to the high altitudes in Bhutan. However, caution is always advised about consulting with physicians in their own country about high altitude travel. Elderly travelers, those with high blood pressure and heart conditions need to exercise caution at high altitudes.

Bhutan uses the Ngultrum as its currency. The Ngultrum and the Indian Rupee are of the same value. The Indian rupee is acceptable all over Bhutan. A few service establishments accept American Express card and Visa cards in the country. Travelers are recommended to bring along sufficient cash/travelers’ cheques (which can be exchanged at the banks in Bhutan) for personal purchases in Bhutan.

Bhutan is accessible by air through its only international airport located in Paro. Bhutan’s National airline – Drukair operates regular flights from New Delhi, Kolkata, Guwahati, Mumbai, Bagdogra and Bodhgaya in India. Drukair also has flights to and from Kathmandu in Nepal, Dhaka in Bangladesh, Bangkok in Thailand and Singapore. The other national airlines called Bhutan Airlines operates from Bangkok in Thailand, Kolkata and Delhi in India and Kathmandu in Nepal. Drukair operates domestic flights to Bumthang in Central Bhutan, Yonphula in Eastern Bhutan and Gelephu in Southern Bhutan. Besides, the two national airlines no other airlines fly in and out of Bhutan. Helicopter services can also be availed by tourists during emergencies while on treks in the wilderness and for scenic viewing flights.

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 Bagdora airports in India are the nearest airports located at about three and five hours respectively from the border towns.

Visas are required for travel to Bhutan. The traveler starts the process by emailing a scanned copy (in colour) of his/her original passport (valid for at least 6 months) to enable the Bhutanese tour operator to apply for visa on their behalf to the Department of Immigration in Bhutan. Visa is processed by the Bhutanese tour operator and approved by the authority only after the traveler or agent (on behalf of the travelers) remits in advance the cost of the entire trip to Bhutan and the visa fees. The Department of Immigration issues a visa clearance number in advance. Tourists cannot board flights to Bhutan or enter the country without the visa clearance number. The copy of the visa clearance is forwarded to the concerned Drukair counters in airports and other entry points by the concerned Department of Immigration. The same visa clearance copies are also sent to tour operators in Bhutan requesting the visa who will in turn send it to the traveler or their agent abroad.

Travel can be planned throughout the year. The best months to visit Bhutan, during ideal weather conditions are in March, April, May, September, October and November. During these months tsechus (festivals) also take place offering an opportunity to travelers to also participate in these festivals as an added benefit during their visit to Bhutan.

The other months during which less travelers visit Bhutan are from mid-November to mid-March, which is the winter season in Bhutan. During this period, the climate is dry and sunny in most parts of the country with clear blue skies. Temperatures peak at around 15 degree Celsius in the daytime but fall below zero at night. The rainy season, also called the monsoon, usually arrives by mid-June. Rain is light and falls during the afternoons and evenings.

A wide range of cuisine like Continental, Indian and Chinese food are served in the hotels in Bhutan. Travelers may also like to try Bhutanese cuisine. The Bhutanese, besides preparing meals consisting of red rice and meat, cannot do without chili (pepper) and cheese. In fact the most famous and popular dish is the spicy ‘ema datshi’ which is chili (either green or dried) in cheese sauce. More delectable and less fiery versions are cheese combined with potato or mushroom. Many hotels prepare and offer different ethnic food originating in other regions of Bhutan. The hotels provide meals served in buffet to their resident guests. Many local restaurants offer a variety of food for tourists. Hotels serve a good selection of international and Bhutanese beverages.