Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Your Questions About Traveling to Bhutan—Answered Clearly & Simply.

Bhutan Tsenden Travel has compiled the most common questions travelers ask when planning their trip to Bhutan. If you have additional queries, feel free to contact us anytime.

Travel, Visa & Entry Requirements

Do I need a visa to travel to Bhutan?

Yes. All international travelers (except Indian nationals) require a Bhutan visa. Bhutan Tsenden Travel will process your visa once you confirm your tour with us.

How do I apply for a Bhutan visa?

Simply send us: • A scanned passport copy (valid for 6 months) • A recent passport-size photo We will handle the entire visa application on your behalf.

How far is Paro from the airport?

Paro International Airport is located within the valley, only a few minutes from town.

What is the Sustainable Development Fee (SDF)?

SDF is a mandatory fee collected by the Government of Bhutan to support sustainable tourism.

Can I travel independently in Bhutan?

No. Bhutan requires all foreign tourists to book through a licensed Bhutanese tour operator.
Bhutan Tsenden Travel will arrange your guide, permits, accommodation, transport, and full itinerary.

Tour Packages, Itineraries & Guides

Can I customize my Bhutan itinerary?

Yes! All our tours are fully customizable based on your interests—culture, trekking, nature, photography, or luxury travel.

Will I have a guide during my trip?

Yes, a licensed English-speaking guide will accompany you throughout your tour.
Guides are mandatory for all tourists except Indian nationals (optional but recommended).

Can I travel solo in Bhutan?

Absolutely. Solo travelers are welcome.
We provide personalized experiences and private tour options.

Do you provide trekking tours?

Yes, we offer:

Jomolhari Trek
Druk Path Trek
Snowman Trek
Bumthang Owl Trek
Merak & Sakteng Trek
Many more customized treks

All treks include porters, camping equipment, food, and licensed guides.

Accommodation & Transportation

What types of accommodations are available?

We offer:

3-star hotels
Premium 4-star hotels
5-star luxury resorts
Certified homestays
Community lodges (for treks)

All accommodations are government-approved.

Can I choose my own hotel?

Yes, guests may request their preferred hotels.
We will book based on availability and your travel budget.

What transportation is provided?

We use comfortable, clean, and safe vehicles such as:

SUVs
Toyota Prado
Toyota Hiace
Toyota Coaster
Luxury vehicles (on request)

A professional driver will accompany you throughout the trip.

Weather, Best Time & What to Pack

When is the best time to visit Bhutan?

March–May: Spring blooms, ideal for sightseeing
September–November: Clear skies, best for trekking
December–February: Cold but peaceful, great visibility
June–August: Green landscapes during monsoon (light rain)

What should I pack for Bhutan?

Essentials include:

Warm clothes (layers)
Comfortable walking shoes
Rain jacket (seasonal)
Sunscreen & sunglasses
Power bank
Personal medication
Trekking gear (if applicable)

Is Bhutan very cold?

Higher altitude areas like Paro, Thimphu, and Bumthang can get cold, especially at night.
Lower regions like Punakha are warmer.

Food, Culture & Local Etiquette

What type of food is available?

Hotels offer:

Local Bhutanese cuisine
Indian dishes
Continental meals
Chinese options

Vegetarian and vegan meals can be arranged.

Is beef/pork/chicken available?

Yes, non-vegetarian options are available in most hotels and restaurants.

Any cultural etiquettes I should know?

Always walk clockwise around temples & stupas
Remove shoes before entering temples
Photography may be restricted inside sacred places
Dress modestly in religious sites

Payment, Bookings & Cancellation

How do I book a tour?

Just share your travel dates and preferred itinerary.
We will send a complete package with pricing and inclusions.

What payment methods do you accept?

We accept:

Bank transfers
International wire transfers
Bhutanese digital payments (for Indians)
Card payments (extra charges may apply)

What is your cancellation policy?

Our standard policy follows guidelines set by Bhutan Tourism:

30+ days before arrival: Full refund (minus bank charges)
15–29 days: 50% refund
Less than 15 days: Non-refundable

Safety, Health & General Questions

Is Bhutan a safe country for travelers?

Yes. Bhutan is one of the safest countries in the world, with very low crime rates.
Solo travelers, families, and elderly guests travel comfortably.

Do I need travel insurance?

Yes. Travel insurance is mandatory for all international tourists.
It should cover:

Medical expenses
Emergency evacuation
Trip delays/cancellation

Is altitude sickness a concern?

Most cultural tours stay at safe altitudes.
For high-altitude treks, we provide acclimatization days and professional guidance.

Is Wi-Fi and mobile network available?

Yes. Most hotels offer Wi-Fi, and SIM cards (BMobile/TashiCell) can be purchased upon arrival.

Booking with Bhutan Tsenden Travel

Why should I book with Bhutan Tsenden Travel?

Government-licensed tour operator
Customizable itineraries
Experienced guides & drivers
Comfortable accommodations
Hassle-free visa processing
Transparent pricing
Reliable 24/7 customer support

How early should I plan my Bhutan trip?

At least 4–8 weeks in advance, especially during festival seasons (March–April, September–October).

Can you arrange festival tours?

Yes! We offer:

Paro Tshechu Tours
Thimphu Tshechu Tours
Punakha Drubchen & Tshechu Tours
Crane Festival Packages
Many more seasonal itineraries

⭐ Need Help?

If your question isn’t listed, simply contact us—we’re here to make your Bhutan journey smooth and memorable.