Bhutan is easier to visit than many people expect, but it does work a little differently from most destinations. Here is how a first trip usually comes together.
1. Decide what you most want to experience
Festivals, trekking, quiet villages, Buddhist heritage or simply the classic sights? Your answer shapes the season and route. If you are unsure, our Signature Travels are a good place to start.
2. Choose your season
Spring and autumn are the most popular. Winter is quieter and bright; summer is the monsoon. Festival dates move each year with the lunar calendar. Read more in the best time to visit Bhutan.
3. Decide how long to stay
Six or seven days covers Paro, Thimphu and Punakha with a full day for Tiger’s Nest. Add more days for Phobjikha, central Bhutan or a trek. Remember that the Sustainable Development Fee is charged per night, so plan a pace that makes each day worthwhile.
4. Plan your route with realistic driving times
Distances are short, but mountain roads are slow. We plan long drives as travel days and keep the last night before your flight in Paro. See getting around Bhutan.
5. Arrange your visa and SDF
Your visa is applied for online, and the SDF is paid as part of the application. See our visa and SDF guide and always check the current rules on the official sources.
6. Book flights last
Book flights once your tour dates are confirmed, and allow a buffer for mountain weather. Then pack layers, modest clothes for temples, and good walking shoes.
When you are ready, tell us about your trip and we will help you shape it.