Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Bhutan? How do I get to Bhutan?

Bhutan is a small, landlocked nation located in the eastern Himalayas between India and China.
Its landscape ranges from subtropical plains and forests in the South to subalpine forests and
snowy mountains in the North. Bhutan is a predominantly Buddhist country and is known as the
last stronghold of Mahayana Buddhism.
There are a number of airports where you can fly into Bhutan with us from (Bangkok, Delhi,
Kolkata, Bagdogra, Bodh Gaya, Dhaka, Kathmandu, Guwahati, and Singapore). Also, there are
three land border crossings which you can travel into the kingdom overland. All crossings are
along the Indian border (Phuentsholing, Gelephu and Samdrup Jongkhar).
It is a government regulation that you must use a licensed Bhutanese tour operator to book your
travel to Bhutan. Drukair Holidays, an SBU of Drukair, Royal Bhutan Airlines, is a registered
Bhutanese tour operator with the Tourism Council of Bhutan. We can make all your travel
arrangements and your visa to Bhutan is guaranteed by us.
Do I need to use a tour operator to book my travel?

It is a government regulation that you must use a licensed Bhutanese tour operator to book your
travel to Bhutan.
Do I need a visa to enter Bhutan? How can I apply for Bhutan Visa?

All International tourists wishing to enter Bhutan require a visa which must be pre-arranged
through a license Bhutanese Tour Operator such as Drukair Holidays prior to travel. For Indian
passport (or VIC) holders, Bangladeshi nationals and persons from the Maldives may obtain a
visa on entry.
We will be applying for your Visa on your behalf if you are purchasing the tour package from us.
How much does the visa cost? How much do I expect the visit to cost me?

For International tourist visas, a cost of USD 40 is applicable. This has to be paid in advance to us along with the package cost.
In keeping with the Tourism Council of Bhutan's policy of High Value. Low Impact tourism a Minimum Daily Package is required for tourists. The minimum daily package applicable per tourist per night halt in Bhutan for tourists travelling in a group of 3 people or more is as follows is USD $200 per person per night for the months of January, February, June, July, August, and December and USD $250 per person per night for the months of March, April, May, September, October, and November.
What does the $200/$250 per day minimum daily package include?

The $200 per person per night (January, February, June, July, August, December) and $250 per person per night (March, April, May, September, October, November) package includes a minimum of 3 star accommodations, costs for food, an experienced guide and transportation within the country. Also included in the price is a $65 per day Sustainable Development Fee that goes towards free education, free healthcare and poverty alleviation. All of these services will be arranged by us.
When is the best time to visit Bhutan?

Bhutan has four distinct seasons and each season has its own beauty and charm. Bhutan is an year-round destination. So, it is entirely up to you to decide your travel period.

Spring (March, April and May) is a botanist's delight as various flowers start to bloom and plants start budding after their long dormancy in winter. Flowers such as rhododendron, wild azaleas, and edelweiss cover the meadows like carpet and add a new sense of wonder to the Bhutan's landscape.
Summer (June, July and August) is an abundant time of the year as flowers are in full bloom and valleys are covered in green, weeping willows sweep the banks of many of the river and pine cone glisten in the sun, so full with risen they are ready to plummet to the ground.
Autumn (September, October and November) is the time when the entire landscape turns into golden color. The farmers harvesting their crops in the golden colored paddy fields under the crisp blue skies is just an amazing view of Bhutan's landscape in the Autumn season.
Winter (December, January & February) has its moments. The days are full of sunshine while evenings can turn chilly. Soft turfs of clouds drape lazily over mountain tops as if waiting for new life to blow it across the landscape. The winter season in Bhutan gives one a clear view of the world's highest Himalayan mountain ranges covered in snow.
What’s the food like in Bhutan?

The most distinctive characteristic of Bhutanese cuisine is its spiciness. Chillies are an essential
part of nearly every dish and are considered so important that most Bhutanese people would not
enjoy a meal that is not spicy.
Rice forms staple Bhutanese diet. It is accompanied by one or two side dishes consisting of meat
or vegetables. Pork, beef and chicken are consumed most often. A wide selection of western and
Indian food is also available in many of the restaurants around the country.
What currency is used in Bhutan? Can I pay with my credit card for my expenses when in Bhutan?

Bhutanese currency is known as the Ngultrum. Its value is tied to the Indian Rupee which is
widely accepted in the country. Some of the banks that you can use to change currencies to local
local currency while in Bhutan are the Bank of Bhutan Limited, the Bhutan National Bank, the
Druk PNB and the Tashi Bank.
In addition, POS (Point of Sale) services are available nationwide, meaning visitors can pay by
credit card at most handicrafts stores (for your souvenir shopping) and other shops frequented
by tourists.