Visa & Entry Requirements

Visa Required. Apply online via the official Bhutan portal

Best Time to Visit & Weather

Spring offers 10°C to 20°C conditions.

Budget & Daily Expenses

Estimated daily budget: 250-350. Pre-pay the mandatory Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) online to expedite visa processing.

Curated travel report

If i were booking a flight to bhutan today, how would i plan my visa process, and what would my ideal 5-day itinerary look like covering thimphu and paro?

June 19, 2026

Verified Analysis

The query requires expertise in Bhutan's specific visa/SDF rules and curated 5-day itineraries for Thimphu and Paro.

Budget Tier

USD 200-250 per night (SDF included)

Best Time

Mar-May or Sep-Nov

Visa Status

Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) + Visa/Permit

Strategic Insights

Visa & Entry

Visa Required

Apply online via the official Bhutan portal

Top Match

Verified Travel Experts

Geeta Sirpaul

"Transforming Travel Experiences with Decades of Industry Leadership"

Verified

40y Exp.

Transport

Best Route

Fly directly into Paro International Airport via Drukair or Bhutan Airlines from major hubs like Delhi, Bangkok, or Singapore.

Hire a private licensed vehicle with a mandatory local guide, as independent public transport travel is restricted for international tourists.

Safety

Unofficial Guide Solicitation

Overpricing at Unregulated Handicraft Markets

Permit Delays for Restricted Areas

Budget

CurrencyUSD

Daily Est.250-350

Pre-pay the mandatory Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) online to expedite visa processing.
Book through a registered Bhutanese tour operator for all-inclusive logistics and better rates.
Carry Indian Rupees in 100 or 500 denominations as they are widely accepted alongside Ngultrum.

Best Time

PeakSpring

Temp10°C to 20°C

Packing Essentials

Apply for Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) onlineApply for visa/permit through a certified tour operatorPack layered clothing for changing mountain weatherInclude walking shoes for the Tiger's Nest hike

Indian Insights

Advantages

Visa-free entry for Indians with only a Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) requirement.
Voter ID or Passport is sufficient for entry permits at Phuntsholing or Paro.
Cultural proximity and ease of finding vegetarian and Indian-style cuisine.

Caution

Mandatory SDF of 1,200 INR per person per day adds to the budget.
Self-driving restrictions require hiring local guides and drivers for most routes.
Limited direct flight connectivity from many Indian cities except major hubs.

Common Questions

How do I apply for a Bhutanese visa?

Apply online via the Department of Immigration website or tour operator.

What is the Sustainable Development Fee?

Visitors must pay $100 USD per night to support development.

What is a good 5-day Thimphu and Paro itinerary?

Thimphu for culture, then Paro for Tiger's Nest hike.

Planit Holidays

"Seamless Travel, Thoughtfully Planned."

Verified

15y Exp.

Delhi, India

Specializes in international packages and seamless visa assistance.

Manoj Kumar Varshney

"Expert travel guidance backed by 30+ years of experience"

Verified

34y Exp.

Delhi, India

30+ years experience in visas and holiday packages.

If i were booking a flight to bhutan today, how would i plan my visa process, and what would my ideal 5-day itinerary look like covering thimphu and paro?

Strategic Insights

Visa & Entry

Top Match

Geeta Sirpaul

Transport

Safety

Budget

Best Time

Indian Insights

Common Questions

How do I apply for a Bhutanese visa?

What is the Sustainable Development Fee?

What is a good 5-day Thimphu and Paro itinerary?

Planit Holidays

Manoj Kumar Varshney

Plan Your Trip