Frequently Asked Questions

Bhutan is known as the "Happiest Country" because it prioritizes Gross National Happiness (GNH) over traditional economic measures like GDP. This unique development philosophy focuses on sustainable growth, cultural preservation, environmental conservation, and the well-being of its citizens. Bhutan's commitment to maintaining a harmonious relationship between its people, nature, and culture has earned it this reputation, making it a global model for holistic development.

Bhutan, known as Druk Yul or the "Land of the Thunder Dragon", is a small landlocked country in South Asia. Located in the southern foothills of the Himalayas, it is sandwiched between China in the north and India in the south, with Tibet on its northern border.

The primary language is Dzongkha, which serves as the national language. Additionally, 18 other languages are spoken across the country. English is widely used and is the medium of instruction in schools.

There are four seasons: summer (June–August), autumn (September–November), winter (December–February), and spring (March–May). The climate varies widely across altitudes — the south is humid subtropical, central Bhutan is temperate, and the north is cold and alpine year-round. The Indian monsoon (June–September) mostly affects the southern regions.

Bhutan is a year-round destination. The best time to visit depends on your interests. Spring (March–May) offers blooming flowers and the Paro Tshechu. Autumn (September–November) has clear skies, vibrant foliage, and the Thimphu Tshechu. Winter is quieter with stunning snowy landscapes.

The Bhutanese Ngultrum (BTN) is the official currency. The Indian Rupee (INR) is also widely accepted at a 1:1 rate. Carry small denominations of both when visiting remote areas where card acceptance is limited.

Bhutan uses Type D, Type F, and Type G plugs. A universal travel adapter is recommended to ensure compatibility with all outlet types you may encounter.

All tourists except visitors from India, Bangladesh, and the Maldives need a visa. Indian visitors require a permit. Nationals of Bangladesh and the Maldives are eligible for a visa on arrival. All other foreign nationals must obtain an e-visa prior to entry into Bhutan.

You can apply online via the Department of Immigration website, or travel with Druk Asia and let our team handle all the paperwork — just as we've done for over 20,000 visitors since 2009. As the official Drukair representative in Singapore, booking flights is seamless with us too.

A complete visa application typically takes around five to seven working days to process.

You must bring both your old and new passport. The Department of Immigration will need to verify your details on the old passport. Failure to present both may result in a fine of up to 10,000 Nu. Ensure your passport has at least six months validity upon arrival.

The SDF is a mandatory fee for all tourists visiting Bhutan. It funds sustainable development — including cultural and environmental preservation, free education, healthcare, and infrastructure. It also helps manage tourism at sustainable numbers, ensuring visitors enjoy an intimate Bhutanese experience.

Effective September 1, 2023 until August 31, 2027:

• International tourists: USD $100 per person per night
• Children aged 5–11: USD $50 per person per night
• Children under 5: Free
• Indian nationals: INR 1,200 per person per night
• Border towns (Samtse, Phuentsholing, Gelephu, Samdrup Jongkhar): SDF waived for up to 24 hours

No, they cannot be combined. Visitors wishing to explore border towns before or after the SDF discount must apply for a separate visa.

The SDF is calculated on a per night basis.

No. The incentives introduced in June 2023 (4+4, 7+7, and 12+18) have been revoked and are no longer applicable. The 24-hour SDF waiver for border towns remains valid.

Dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites like Dzongs and monasteries. Wear long pants or skirts and shirts with sleeves covering your shoulders. Remove shoes before entering sacred areas. Layered clothing is ideal due to varying weather. Carry a scarf when visiting temples as a thoughtful gesture.

Spring & Autumn (Mar–May, Sep–Nov): Lightweight clothing, layers for cool evenings, comfortable walking shoes, sunscreen, hat, reusable water bottle.

Summer (Jun–Aug): Breathable clothing, waterproof jacket for monsoon rains, quick-drying clothes, umbrella, insect repellent.

Winter (Dec–Feb): Thermal wear, fleece jackets, heavy coat, gloves, scarves, woolen socks, beanie, insulated waterproof boots, lip balm.

View the full packing checklist →

Always ask for permission before photographing people or sacred spaces. Photography inside temples is generally prohibited. When unsure, check with your guide.

Bhutanese cuisine is flavorful with a heavy emphasis on chilies. The national dish is Ema Datshi (chili and cheese stew). Other popular dishes include Kewa Datshi (potato & cheese), Shamu Datshi (mushroom & cheese), red rice, momos, and Suja (butter tea). Most tourist establishments offer milder versions. Find out more about Bhutanese cuisine →

Wi-Fi is available in hotels, cafes, and major towns like Thimphu and Paro. Connections can be slow or unreliable in remote areas. For better connectivity, purchase a local SIM card from TashiCell or Bhutan Telecom.

You can travel by air or by land. Drukair flies directly from Bangkok, Singapore, Kathmandu, Dhaka, and several Indian cities (Delhi, Kolkata, Gaya, Bagdogra, Guwahati). By land, you can enter via Phuntsholing or Samdrup Jongkhar from India. More travel details →

Yes, since September 2022 travellers can book independently. However, booking through an accredited operator like Druk Asia is strongly recommended — we handle permits, accommodations, and provide expert guides with deep knowledge of Bhutanese culture and hidden gems.

As of April 23, 2024, travel insurance is no longer mandatory for obtaining a Bhutan visa. However, it is still strongly recommended to cover unexpected emergencies during international travel.

Bhutan is very safe, even for solo travellers. Crime is minimal. Take care around stray dogs and be aware that monsoons (June–September) can occasionally affect transport and services — check with your hotel or tour operator for any disruptions.

Yes — 1 litre of spirits and up to 200 cigarettes or 30 cigars are permitted, subject to duty taxes at Paro Airport. Bhutan is the first country in the world to ban tobacco sales. Duty is approximately 200% — roughly USD $30 per carton of cigarettes.

For passengers heading to Bhutan, Drukair will ensure you get on the next available flight. Missed flights due to late check-in incur a USD $50 admin charge. For return travellers, Drukair staff at Paro will assist with all arrangements and attempt to contact connecting airlines. Travel insurance is always advised.

No. If you have a layover, you must retrieve your luggage at the transit country and check in again for your Drukair flight, as Drukair has limited interline agreements with other airlines.

Land cost cancellation charges:

• More than 45 days before: USD $140 flat rate per person
• 21–30 days before: 35% of rate
• 8–20 days before: 50% of rate
• 4–7 days before: 75% of rate
• 3 days or less: 100%

Drukair ticket cancellation:

• More than 30 days: 75% refund
• 10–29 days: 50% refund
• 4–9 days: 25% refund
• Within 3 days: No refund
• SGD $100 administration fee per cancelled ticket
• No refund for special promotion tickets

Smoking in open public places is discouraged. Travellers should pay duties on tobacco products brought into Bhutan and carry valid duty receipts. Customs officers can request to see receipts, and offenders without receipts can be fined.

Altitude sickness is uncommon for most visitors as most tour destinations are below 3,000m. If trekking above 3,000m, set a reasonable pace, avoid overexertion, and stay hydrated. Consult your healthcare provider about acclimatisation medication if needed.

Tipping is not compulsory and not part of Bhutanese culture. It is purely a personal matter — feel free to tip your guide or driver at the end of the trip should you wish to.

Yes, when booking with Druk Asia, guides speaking Chinese, Spanish, Portuguese, Korean, or Japanese are available at an additional charge of USD $150 per day. Contact a travel consultant for arrangements.

There are currently no halal-certified restaurants in Bhutan. However, the meat at Le Meridien Thimphu and Le Meridien Paro is halal-certified (additional charges apply). Many eateries do not serve pork and there are plenty of vegetarian and vegan-friendly options available.

Cards are accepted in major cities like Thimphu and Paro, but limited elsewhere. Always carry cash in Bhutanese Ngultrum or Indian Rupees for smaller purchases. Inform your bank of your travel plans before departure. The goBoB digital wallet by Bank of Bhutan is also widely accepted with a local SIM.

Yes — at Paro Airport and at the Bank of Bhutan in Thimphu and Paro. They accept 10 major currencies: USD, GBP, EUR, JPY, CHF, HKD, CAD, DKK, AUD, and SGD. Bring larger denominations for better exchange rates. Check the latest exchange rate →

Thimphu and Paro are the best shopping destinations. Look for traditional costumes, colourful masks, prayer flags, handwoven textiles, thangkas, honey, cordyceps, yak cheese, and lemongrass spray. You can even get a personalised postal stamp from Bhutan Post in Thimphu! Top 10 things to buy from Bhutan →

You must have a job offer from Bhutan before applying for a work visa. Volunteering opportunities to teach English are available — search three months before school terms (February to mid-July). A university degree, TEFL certificate, and native English proficiency are recommended.

Druk Asia has served happy tourists from all over the world — Russia, USA, UK, Italy, China, Hong Kong, Australia, Indonesia, Vietnam, Japan, Malaysia, Philippines, and more. We also work with other travel agencies as the official Drukair representative in Singapore.

Druk Asia is one of the pioneer Bhutan travel agencies and the largest tour operator in the Kingdom, with experience serving customers from all creeds and cultures since 2009. As the official Drukair representative in Singapore, we offer seamless flight bookings, guaranteed visa approval, and fully customised private tours. Find out more →