Everything you need to know
Frequently Asked
Questions
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Visa & Entry
01 Do I need a visa to visit Bhutan?
Yes. All visitors (except Indian, Bangladeshi, and Maldivian nationals) require a visa to enter Bhutan. The visa is issued by the Tourism Council of Bhutan and must be approved before you travel — you cannot obtain it on arrival. Acho Travels handles the full visa application process for all our guests.
02 Can Acho arrange my visa?
Yes — this is a standard part of every Acho booking. Once you confirm your travel dates and we receive your passport details, we submit the visa application on your behalf. Approval typically takes 3–5 working days. Your visa clearance letter must be presented at the airport upon check-in.
03 Can I enter Bhutan overland?
Yes. Bhutan has official land border crossings at Phuentsholing (from West Bengal, India), Gelephu (from Assam), and Samdrup Jongkhar (from Assam). These crossings are mainly used by travellers arriving from India. All overland entries still require prior visa approval.
Costs & Fees
04 What is the Sustainable Development Fee (SDF)?
The Sustainable Development Fee is a nightly levy charged to all foreign tourists visiting Bhutan. As of 2024, it is USD 100 per person per night for most nationalities, and INR 1,200 per night for Indian, Bangladeshi, and Maldivian nationals. The fee funds Bhutan’s free healthcare, education, and conservation programmes. It does not include accommodation, food, or guide fees — those are quoted separately in your tour package.
05 What is included in an Acho tour package?
All Acho packages include: licensed local guide, private vehicle and driver, accommodation (typically 3-star or above unless otherwise specified), all meals as listed in the itinerary, entry fees to monuments and sites, and visa processing support. International flights are not included unless specifically arranged. The SDF is billed separately.
06 What currency is used? Are there ATMs?
Bhutan’s currency is the Ngultrum (BTN), which is pegged 1:1 with the Indian Rupee. Indian Rupees are also widely accepted. ATMs exist in Thimphu and Paro but are unreliable for international cards — we strongly recommend bringing sufficient cash in USD or INR and exchanging at the airport or a bank on arrival. Credit cards are accepted at some hotels and upmarket shops.
Planning Your Trip
07 What is the best time to visit Bhutan?
Bhutan is beautiful year-round, but the two peak seasons are spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November). Spring brings rhododendron blooms and clear mountain views; autumn offers the best trekking conditions and several major festivals. Winter (December–February) is cold but uncrowded and ideal for the Paro and Thimphu valleys. Monsoon (June–August) brings lush green landscapes but some road closures in higher areas.
08 How far in advance should I book?
We recommend booking at least 3 months in advance for standard travel, and 5–6 months ahead if you plan to travel during peak festival season (Paro Tshechu in March/April, Thimphu Tshechu in September/October). Drukair and Bhutan Airlines flights fill quickly during these periods, and popular lodges can be fully booked months ahead.
09 Can I travel independently in Bhutan?
Most foreign visitors are required to travel with a licensed Bhutanese tour operator and guide. Independent travel (without a guide) is not permitted for the majority of nationalities. Indian, Bangladeshi, and Maldivian nationals have more flexibility. Acho Travels is fully licensed by the Tourism Council of Bhutan, and all our guides hold official certification.
Getting There
10 How do I fly to Bhutan?
Bhutan has one international airport — Paro (PBH). It is served by Drukair (Royal Bhutan Airlines) and Bhutan Airlines. Direct flights operate from Delhi, Kolkata, Mumbai, Bangkok, Singapore, Kathmandu, and Dhaka. The approach into Paro is one of the most dramatic in the world — only a handful of pilots are certified to fly it. Acho can assist with flight booking on request.
11 Is Bhutan safe to travel?
Bhutan is consistently ranked among the safest countries in Asia. Crime rates are extremely low, the political climate is stable, and the Bhutanese are known for their warmth and hospitality. The main practical considerations are altitude (some areas exceed 3,000m) and road conditions on mountain routes, both of which Acho plans around carefully.
On the Ground
12 What should I pack?
Layers are essential — temperatures vary dramatically between valley floors and high passes, and between day and night. Comfortable walking shoes are a must; trekking boots if you plan any hikes. A light rain jacket year-round. Modest clothing is appreciated at monasteries and dzongs (shoulders and knees covered). Sunscreen and lip balm for high altitudes. Acho sends every guest a detailed packing list tailored to their specific itinerary.
13 What languages are spoken?
Dzongkha is the national language, but English is widely spoken in hotels, restaurants, and among educated Bhutanese — it is the medium of instruction in schools. Your Acho guide will be fluent in English and will handle all local communication. In rural areas, regional dialects such as Sharchopkha (east) and Bumthangkha (central) are more common.
14 Is internet and mobile connectivity available?
4G mobile coverage exists in most major towns (Thimphu, Paro, Punakha, Bumthang). Coverage becomes patchy or non-existent in rural valleys and on trekking routes. Most hotels offer Wi-Fi. Bhutan Telecom and TashiCell SIM cards are available at the airport and in Thimphu for those who want local data. We encourage guests to embrace the intermittent connectivity — it is part of what makes Bhutan feel different.
Still have questions?
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