Frequently asked questions

Every trip has two parts: the government's Sustainable Development Fee (US$100 per adult per night for most nationalities) and the cost of the trip itself (hotels, meals, guide, vehicle and entrance fees). The trip cost depends on the season, your group size and your hotel standard. We send an all-inclusive quote for your exact dates.

Visitors can now apply for a visa and book hotels themselves. However, a licensed guide is required for travel beyond Thimphu and Paro and for visiting most dzongs and temples. That is why nearly every visitor books through a licensed tour operator, which arranges the guide, vehicle, hotels, visa and SDF together.

Yes. Every trip has its own guide, driver and vehicle, and runs on your chosen dates. We don't run shared group departures.

Three to six months ahead is ideal, and earlier for festivals and October. Outside peak season we can often arrange trips at a few weeks' notice, subject to flights.

There is no official minimum stay. We recommend at least four nights to see Paro, Thimphu and Punakha without rushing.

Usually by international bank transfer: a deposit to confirm, and the balance before you travel. The amounts and dates are stated in writing in your booking confirmation. See how booking works.

Yes. We are licensed for Tour Operator Activities (tourism services) by the Department of Industry, Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Employment, Royal Government of Bhutan, licence number 50002646, and we are based in Thimphu.

All visitors except Indian nationals need a Bhutan tourist visa, which costs US$40. We apply for it for you once your trip is confirmed. Indian nationals need an entry permit, which we also help arrange. Visa and SDF guide.

Children aged 5 and under are exempt. Children aged 6 to 12 pay 50% of the SDF.

We strongly recommend comprehensive travel insurance that covers medical care and evacuation, and trekking at altitude if you are trekking.

Bhutan is one of the safest countries in Asia, with very low crime. The main risks are mountain roads and altitude. That is why every trip comes with an experienced driver, and why we plan sensible daily distances.

Yes. Many of our guests travel alone, and solo women travellers are very comfortable here. A private guide means you are never on your own unless you want to be. A single-room supplement applies.

Bhutanese food is built around red rice, chillies and cheese. Ema datshi (chilli and cheese stew) is the national dish. Hotels also serve milder Indian, Chinese and continental dishes, and we can arrange vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free and other diets with notice.

Paro and Thimphu are around 2,200–2,400 m, which most people find comfortable after a day. Passes go above 3,000 m, and treks go much higher. Our itineraries build in acclimatisation, and guides are trained to recognise altitude sickness.

Most hotels have Wi-Fi, and mobile coverage is good in towns and along the main roads. Local SIM cards are cheap and easy to buy. Expect little or no signal on treks.

Layers for changing temperatures, comfortable walking shoes, and long sleeves and long trousers or skirts for visiting dzongs and temples. Full packing list.

Outdoors and in dzong courtyards, generally yes. Photography is not allowed inside temples and shrine rooms. Drones need a government permit.

Tipping isn't compulsory, but it is customary and appreciated at the end of a trip if you are happy with the service. We can suggest a guideline amount when you book.

It climbs about 900 m in roughly 2½–3 hours, so it is steep but not technical. Go at your own pace. Horses can carry you to the halfway cafeteria, and from there the final stretch has around 700 steps down and back up again.