Bhutan is home to 19 languages, with Dzongkha as the national language. English is prevalent and well-understood, as it is the primary language used in Bhutan’s education system.
Bhutan is a year-round destination with four distinct seasons: summer (June to August), autumn (September to November), winter (December to February), and spring (March to May). Due to the country’s varied altitudes and the influence of the north Indian monsoons, the climate is remarkably diverse.
In the south, the climate is humid and subtropical, maintaining fairly consistent temperatures between 15°C and 30°C throughout the year. Central Bhutan, characterized by temperate forests, experiences warm summers and cool, dry winters. The northern regions are much colder in winter, with mountain peaks remaining snowy year-round and lower areas staying cool during summer.
The Indian monsoon season, from late June or July to late September, predominantly affects the southern regions. This is when most farming activities occur, as the crops flourish in the verdant landscapes.
Autumn, spanning late September or early October to late November, follows the rainy season. It is marked by bright, sunny days and early snowfall at higher elevations. This season is a time of feasts and festivals as farmers harvest their crops. Winter, from late November until March, brings crisp, clear, and sunny weather with frost prevalent across much of the country and frequent snowfall above elevations of 3,000 meters. The winter northeast monsoon brings gale-force winds at high altitudes, passing through mountain passes and earning Bhutan the name Drukyul, meaning Land of the Thunder Dragon in Dzongkha.
Bhutan’s generally dry spring starts in early March and lasts until mid-April, delighting botanists with nature in full bloom. Summer weather begins in mid-April with occasional showers and continues until late June.
Bhutan’s currency is called ngultrum. It’s 1:1 with Indian rupees.
For telephone calls, Bhutan’s country code is +975. Make sure you add this to the beginning of any number if calling Bhutan from abroad.
Visitors from all nationalities, except India, must obtain a visa before entering Bhutan. This visa must be applied for and approved in advance of travel for all visitors, except those from Bangladesh and the Maldives. Nationals from Bangladesh and the Maldives also require a visa, which can be applied for and approved either in advance of travel or upon arrival in Bhutan.
Indian visitors can apply for a permit using either an Indian passport or an Indian voter ID card. Indian nationals under 18 can use a passport or birth certificate for entry and must be accompanied by a legal guardian.
A properly submitted visa application may take up to five days to process, not including public holidays.
There is a one-off fee of US$40 for the processing of your application. This is payable at the same time as your Sustainable Development Fee (SDF), as part of the process of submitting your visa application.
Yes, provided the extension is applied for before the original visa or permit expires. Visitors can extend their stay. You must inform your travel agent in advance, as additional charges for visa processing and the Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) will apply.
No. The requirement for mandatory travel insurance was lifted on April 23, 2024. However, it is strongly recommended that all guests to Bhutan have travel insurance before visiting the Kingdom as a precaution in case of unforeseen situations.
Bhutan has one international airport located in Paro, serviced by Drukair and Bhutan Airlines with flights to and from Bangkok, Delhi, Kolkata, Bagdogra, Bodhgaya, Dhaka, Kathmandu, Guwahati, and Singapore. Private jets or charters can also fly into Bhutan with the necessary approvals.
Additionally, there are domestic airports in Yonphula (eastern Bhutan), Bumthang (central Bhutan), and Gelephu (south-central Bhutan).
It is crucial for guests to inform us of their flight sectors during the inquiry process to ensure proper booking arrangements.
Bhutan is a very safe place to visit, even if you’re travelling alone. There is very little crime experienced by locals or visitors, although we advise you to take care of yourself and your belongings. In some areas you may encounter stray dogs – please be cautious around them as they are not domesticated. They normally keep their distance, but please stay away from them as much as possible, especially if travelling with children. Please don’t feed or pat these or any other wild animals.
Bhutan’s physical environment presents occasional safety hazards, including flooding and landslides. From June to September the monsoons can affect transport and services. Check with your hotel or tour operator for possible disruptions.
SIM cards can be purchased from the Paro International Airport’s visitor information centre on arrival, or from branch offices of Bhutan Telecom and TashiCell, or from authorised agents in towns.