Visiting Bhutan
Visitors must come through one of registered tour companies in Bhutan such as Absolute Bhutan Travel with entire land arrangements provided by one and the same operator.
Checklist on arranging a visit to Bhutan:
- Choose a tour program from the option listed in our website or contact us for a tailor made program with the areas and places of interest, dates and duration of the visit.
- After reviewing your interest and needs, we will work out a suitable itinerary and forward the same to you along with tour invoice.
- You will then be required to fill up the visa form which can be downloaded by clicking HERE.
- Email us the duly filled visa application form along with two scanned passport size photographs and tour payment. This is required as per Tourism Council of Bhutan's (TCB) rules without which we are not authorized to process for your visa. Your payment will be withheld by TCB and will be released to us only after your visit is over.
- We will make all your travel arrangements and email you a copy of your visa clearance letter along with all the information you will need to travel to Bhutan, practical information on Bhutan, health risks, etc.
Best Time to Travel
Visitor can choose to visit anytime of the year, depending on one’s interest. Spring or March-May is considered the best time to visit Bhutan for touring and trekking when magnificent wildflowers are in bloom and birdlife is abundant. Summers & Autumn or May-Sept also attract visitors with the pleasant weather. Late-September to late-November is the ideal time for high altitude trekking going over 4000 meters when skies are generally clear and the high mountain peaks rise to a vivid blue sky. However, shorter treks such as Druk Path, Bumthang and Gangtey can be undertaken throughout the year. Winter is also good time for touring in western Bhutan, bird watching in the subtropical jungles in the south, and white water rafting.
Fly by Air
The most convenient way of entering Bhutan is by Druk Air or Bhutan Airlines. Druk Air operates flights from Bangkok, Singapore, Bagdogra, Delhi, Kolkata and Kathmandu to Paro but flight timings and frequency vary according to season. Druk Air’s website includes details of current flight schedules and airfares. Please check the website for the latest information when planning your travel arrangement or contact us for information. The spectacular mountain scenery en route is seen at its best in the winter months, when skies are generally very clear. The flight between Kathmandu and Paro gives the most extended view of the Himalayan ranges, including the Everest region. Given suitable weather conditions, Mt. Kanchenjunga will be visible for some time on all routes. Flying in and out of Bhutan is an unforgettable experience, whichever route you take!
Delayed Arrival/Departure
As flights can be delayed due to weather conditions (particularly during the summer months), it is advisable to allow 24 hours before any onward connection. There are no charges for delays in arrival and departure because of weather conditions disrupting flights or road blocks. The clients must, however, bear the cost of food, accommodation, transport and other services required.
Travel by Land
Arrival/departure by land is also possible, through the southern border town of Phuntsholing. The nearest airport is at Bagdogra, West Bengal about 4 hours drive away. The travel time for the 175 Km stretch from Phuntsholing to Thimphu can be more than six hours. Phuntsholing is a convenient entry/exit point for travelers wishing to visit the Indian states of Sikkim and West Bengal along with Bhutan. It is sometimes possible to arrange land exit from Bhutan through the southeastern border town of Samdrup Jongkhar, which is approximately 3 hours drive from Guwahati, capital of the Indian state of Assam. Please check with us if you are interested in this route out.
Cancellation Policy
Tour programs booked and subsequently cancelled shall be subject to cancellation charges as follows:
- Within 60 days of the start of the tour program- Free
- Within 45 days - 10% of the rate
- Within 30 days - 15% of the rate
- Within 21 days - 30% of the rate
- Within 14 days or cancellation without notice - 50% of the rate
- Within 7 days - 100%