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Bhutan travel blog — The fullest Bhutan travel guide blog for a wonderful trip to Bhutan for the first-timers

dochula pass bhutan

Dubbed as the “Land of the Thunder Dragon”, hidden in the majestic of Himalayas mountains, Bhutan is one of the oldest countries in the world, full of mysteries and interesting things. The country is also known as the only traditional Himalayan Buddhist culture still exists in the world. With its unique culture, spectacular natural scenery, hospitable people, Bhutanese tourism today attracts many visitors who want to visit, explore and experience. However, you can not travel self-sufficient to this country. You have to book the tour in advance through the travel agencies. Now, let’s joining with Living Nomads to discover this beautiful, mysterious country through our Bhutan blog (Bhutan travel blog) with the complete Bhutan travel guide for a wonderful trip to Bhutan for the first-time from how to get to Bhutan, best time to visit, best places to visit, top things to do… and some useful tips you should know before going to Bhutan. We hope to help you discover the beauty of “The happiest country in the world”.

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Bhutan travel blog: When is the best time to visit Bhutan?

bhutan travel blog singapore

Bhutan’s climate varies from region to region, from the subtropical climate in the south to the temperate climate of the highlands and the polar climate on the snow-capped peaks in the north.

bhutan in summer

Bhutan has four distinct seasons: Spring is from late March to May, summer is from June to July, autumn is from September to November, and winter is from December to mid March.

children-spring-bhutan-travel-guide-tourist-attractions-bhutan-travel-photos-pictures

The southern region of Bhutan has a humid summer with an average temperature of 3 degrees Celsius, very cold in winter, the temperatures can drop to minus 15 degrees Celsius, typically in Paro, with temperatures ranging from minus 5 degrees Celsius in January and up to 30 degrees Celsius in July, the average rainfall is about 800 mm. The north consists of the high mountains, the average temperature is 0 degrees Celsius in winter and can reach 10 degrees Celsius, the average rainfall is about 350 mm. In central and eastern Bhutan, the climate is milder and drier than the west with warm summer and cold winter. The rainy season in Bhutan lasts from June to September, and the rain is very heavy almost every night, however during the day may be a long time without rain.

dochula pass in winter

The best time to travel to Bhutan is in the fall (from the end of September to the end of November), with the clear blue sky is suitable for outdoor excursions, spring is more rain but on this time you can be admire magnolias flower, rhododendron flower, and other wildflowers in the valleys, and if you want to visit the big cities like Paro or capital of Thimpu and some other areas in the west, you should go in summer.

bhutan in autumn

Bhutan travel blog: How to get visa to visit Bhutan?

kathmandu-paro-flight

To joining a tour to visit Bhutan, you need a visa. Especially, the application for a visa to going to Bhutan is very difficult because tourists are required to have a visa before departure, so you can not apply for a visa at the airport as in other countries.

immigration bhutan

Therefore, most visitors traveling to Bhutan must go through the travel agencies to apply for visa guaranty. It is best to buy a Bhutan package tour of travel agencies in Vietnam or Bhutan to avoid problems arising because of the regulations of the Bhutanese government.

immigration bhutan

Visitors traveling to this country are required to spend at least $200 (in low season: January, February, June, July, August, December), or $250 (in peak season: March, April, March, September, October, November) for a day stay here. And this is the total amount of money that is included in the cost of tour payment when you buy tour at travel companies in Vietnam or Bhutan.

Winter-Bhutan

This amount of payment to the travel company will be directly transfer to the account of Tourism Council of Bhutan , after full payment, almost 100%, you will have a visa to visit Bhutan.

A second gate in Phuentsholing

To apply for a visa, within 3 to 4 weeks before the date of departure you will need to provide some information such as: name, passport number, date of issue, place of issue, expiry date, occupation, nationality, date of birth, place of birth, permanent address, a scanned of passport (it’s best your passport must be valid longer than 6 months) to travel companies.

Passing through the immigration post at the India

The visa costs $40 and you will pay that amount at Paro (Bhutan) airport when you enter Bhutan.

Important note:  Once the visa has been issued, the travel agent will send you a copy of the visa via e-mail. You print the copy and bring to the airport to fly to Bhutan. You will be not allow flying if without the copy of this visa.

Bhutan travel blog: How to get to Bhutan?

Paro International Airport

To fly to Bhutan you have to transit in Bangkok or Nepal. From Vietnam fly to Bangkok, spend a night in Bangkok, then fly to Bhutan on the next morning, the flight time about 6 hours. The most convenient and easy way to fly still is transit in Bangkok. You can also fly from Kathmandu for more cheaper. One of the cheapest airlines from Vietnam to Kathmandu is Malindo Air.

malindo-air

Druk Air (Royal Bhutan Airlines) is one of two airlines that can fly to Bhutan. The reason is that the airport is located in a valley with short runway and can only takeoffs and lands in daytime, so only Druk Air and Bhutan Airlines are equipped the small planes (Airbus A319) with its own engine and experienced aircrew that is licensed to land at Paro airport are able to fly to this place. You should plan to travel to Bhutan before at least 1 month because the airfares to Bhutan will usually be sold out soon.

druk-air-bhutan

Paro Airport is the only international airport in Bhutan, 65 km from the capital of Thimphu and takes about 1 hour to travel between two places.

paro airport

Druk Air operates two flights to Paro daily from Bangkok, Thailand and twice weekly (Thursday and Sunday) from Singapore. In addition, Druk Air also operates daily flights from Nepal and other cities in India. Druk Air airfare is a full ticket, with no discounts or offers. There are two types: Economy Y and Business J (equivalent to Eco Flex and Business Flex of Vietnam Airlines). As a result, Druk Air’s airfare is very expensive, with a roundtrip ticket for a 3-hour trip from Bangkok to Paro and back of $868 (tax included). Round trip J class ticket is $1,027 for Bangkok-Paro and back.

Paroairport druk air

Bhutan Airlines also has flights from Bangkok, Kathmandu and other Indian cities to Paro.

bhutan airlines

You can basically book Druk Air online tickets at www.drukair.com.bt and Bhutan Airlines at www.bhutanairlines.bt . However, the booking on the website is often faulty and if you fail, please email the airline, indicating the credit card number you have booked and the number of flight you have booked to request them ticketing for you.

bhutan airlines

In summary, if you want to have a Bhutan trip and stay here for 5 days, the minimum cost is: $1.000 (or $ 1,250 in peak season) + $868 (air ticket) + airfare from Vietnam to Bangkok + Other expenses if you want to stay in Bangkok for one day. However, if you purchase the full package from the tour agents in Vietnam, the price can will be better.

bhutan trip

Bhutan travel blog: Bhutan Currency

Bhutan 1 + 5 + 10 + 20 Ngultrum

Bhutan’s currency is called Ngultrum (NU, or BTN), 1 USD = 72.3097 BTN. One NU is divided into 100 chetrum. Coins are worth 25 and 50 chetrum. NU has denominations of 1,5,10,20,50,100,500 and 1.000. NU 1 coin depicts eight auspicious signs so it is also called Tashi Tagye.

100 Ngultrum

Indian rupees are widely used in Bhutan, but 500 and 1000 rupees are not accepted because of the large amount of counterfeit money. Indian rupees are used in Bhutan but Ngultrum is not use in India. USD is accepted in many areas in Bhutan.

50 Indian Rupees

When traveling to Bhutan, it is best to bring in US dollars because almost of the shops here accept payment in dollars. In addition, there are few banks in Bhutan, so visitors should exchange some money of Bhutan when arriving at the airport, note that when exchanging a $50 or $100 traveler can get better rates than exchanging a $20 or less.

exchange-counter-in-paro-airport-bhutan-ECH42M

In Bhutan, there are only some handicraft shops and hotels in Thimpu accept payment in credit cards, so the using of payment in credit card in Bhutan is very difficult. Since there are not many ATMs here and most only serves to locals, so credit card are not widely used, card transactions take a lot of time and are highly charged (about 4% of service charge), moreover the payment confirmation takes place only from 9am to 5pm, which makes it difficult for visitors to pay by credit card at night or early morning.

atm in thimphu

ATMs only accept cards issued by Bhutanese banks. Traveler’s cheque are accepted at many bank branches of Bhutan, travelers are recommended to use traveler’s cheque in dollars.

Domestic Debit Card – Bank of Bhutan

Banks in Bhutan are open from 9am to 3pm from Monday to Friday, Saturday opens only from 9am – 12am.

Bhutan National Bank

Tourists can exchange currency at major hotels in Paro, Thimphu or Phuentsholing. However, if you use travelers’ checks, they will be preferred and the rates will be better.

Bhutan blog: Where to stay in Bhutan?

COMO Hotels and Resorts

When traveling to Bhutan, tourists will go through a tour organized by a travel agency licensed by the Bhutanese government, who are responsible for the tourist’s accommodation. Normally, visitors will stay in three major cities, such as Thimphu , Punakha or Paro . Here you can choose the hotels from high-end, modern, luxurious to cheap and budget. Below, there are some good, quality & beautiful hotels in Bhutan you can refer to.

Six Senses Bhutan

Popular types of accommodation such as traditional hotels, motels, guesthouses, villas have been approved by the authorities here. Accommodation facilities meet the basic needs of visitors such as hot water, television, telephone, internet .. with luxury hotels, the price is not cheap.

COMO Hotels and Resorts

Some hotels in Thimphu with price range from cheap, budget to luxury

Ariya Hotel – Olakha, Thimphu, Bhutan. Room rates ranging from $107 and up. Fitness room, sauna room, spa, massage … are the highlights amenities of this hotel. The hotel was rated as excellent at 8.8, beautifully furnished, luxurious and cozy, friendly staff. (Check rates and reviews on Agoda.com or Booking.com ).

Hotel Migmar Thimphu

Hotel Migmar Thimphu – Olakha, Thimphu, Bhutan. Room rates ranging from $73 and up. The hotel consists of 27 well–appointed rooms and spacious rooms. Delicious food, rich food is the first rating of visitors when choosing this hotel. (Check rates and reviews on Agoda.com or Booking.com ).

Hotel Migmar Thimphu5

Khamsum Inn – Phendey Lam, Thimphu, Bhutan. Room rates range from $37 and up. Conveniently located, from the hotel, guests easy access to popular tourist attractions, restaurants, fine restaurants and shopping. (Check rates and reviews on Agoda.com or Booking.com ).

Khamsum Inn thimphu

Gakyil Thimphu – Wogzin Lam, Thimphu, Thimphu, Bhutan – from $56.00. (Check rates and reviews on Agoda.com or Booking.com ).

Gakyil Thimphu4

The Park Hotel – Town, Phuntsholing Chukha Bhutan, Thimphu, Thimphu, Bhutan – from $120.00. (Check rates and reviews on Agoda.com or Booking.com ).

The Park Hotel bhutan

Taj Tashi Hotel – Post Box No. 524, Samten Lam, Chubachu, Thimphu, Thimphu, Bhutan – from USD $488.00. (Check rates and reviews on Agoda.com or Booking.com ).

Taj Hotels

Some hotels in Punakha have rates from cheap, budget to high–end

Hotel Zangto Pelri – Hotel Zangdo Pelri, Punakha, Bhutan, Punakha, Punakha, Bhutan – from $48.70. (Check rates and reviews on Agoda.com or Booking.com ).

Zangto Pelri Hotel

Himalayan Dragon’s Nest Hotel  – Opposite Bajo Town, Wangdue Phodrang, 12001 Wangdiphodrang, Bhutan – from $24.00. (Check rates and reviews on Agoda.com or Booking.com ).

Dragon's Nest Hotel

Kunzang Zhing Resort – Post Box No. Walakha, Punakha, Punakha, Bhutan – from $236.00. (Check rates and reviews on Agoda.com ).

Kunzang Zhing Resort

Some hotels in Paro have rates from cheap, budget to high

Nak Sel Boutique Hotel & Spa – Para Bhutan, Paro, Bhutan. Room rates ranging from $150 and up. The hotel offers beautiful views from the hotel’s rooms, allowing you to enjoy all the beautiful surroundings. Rooms are made of wood, traditional design creates cozy space. (Check rates and reviews on Agoda.com or Booking.com ).

bhutan travel blog singapore

Kichu Resorts – Lango, Paro, Bhutan. Room rates ranging from $70 and up. Staff friendly, enthusiastic with visitors. Good food, large & clean room … are plus points for this hotel. (Check rates and reviews on Agoda.com or Booking.com ).

Kichu Resorts

Metta Resort And Spa – Lango, Shomu, Paro, Paro, Bhutan – from $53.30. (Check rates and reviews on Agoda.com ).

Metta-Resort-Spa-Paro-of-Bhutan-3

Tashi Namgay Resort – Opposite Paro International Airport Damsebu, Paro Bhutan, Paro, Paro, Bhutan – from $125.00. (Check rates and reviews on Agoda.com ).

Tashi Namgay Resort

Terma Linca Resort and Spa – Babesa, Thimphu, Bhutan – from $275.68. (Check rates and reviews on Agoda.com or Booking.com ).

Terma Linca Resort and Spa

You can find more, check rates, availability & booking for Bhutan hotels on Agoda.com or Booking.com .

Bhutan travel blog: Best places to visit, top things to do in Bhutan

Dochula

As a tourist country, there are many well-known tourist attractions in Bhutan. The cities we recommend you should visiting are capital of Thimphu, other cities like Paro, Punakha and Bumthang. Normally, you should spend 2 days to visit a city to have time to relax, sightseeing, take photos and experience life here. Here are some places to visit in Bhutan for 6 days and 5 nights that we have visited and you should also visit while traveling in this country.

Aerial view of Thimpu Dzong in Bhutan

Thimphu is the capital of Bhutan, located in the west at an altitude of about 2.300 meters. From Paro International Airport, it takes about an hour to go through the winding hill roads to reach the capital. Trashi Chhoe Dzong is an administrative and religious center built in the 18th century. At night, when the lights are on, the capital is like a ship in Thimphu valley that surroundings by forests.

Picture: bhutan travel blog 2018.

Tudorica Thimphu. Photo: bhutan travel guide blog.

Thimpu Dzong

Thimphu Lodge, Amankora

Dechen Phodrang, Thimphu, Bhutan

Tashichho Dzong

Tashichho Dzong Fortress

Tashichho Dzong was built in 1641. It is the most impressive monastery on the banks of the Wangchu (Thimphu River). Currently, this place is the administrative headquarters of the state, where the king’s residence and many other organs of the state government. This is also the places to visit in the summer of Buddhist leaders.

Tashicho Dzong Viewed from Above, Thimphu

National Memorial Chorten

National-Memorial-Chorten-Thimphu-Bhutan

Bhutan’s third monument, the father of modern Bhutan.

Dordenma Buddha Statue

bhutan travel blog singapore

With a height of 51m, inside there are more than 100,000 small Buddha statues. From here you can see the whole of Thimphu.

bhudha statue

Cheri Goemba Monastery

One-day-hiking-places-in-Thimphu-Bhutan

A small monastery on the mountainside with magnificent views of Thimphu.

Jigme Dorji National Park

Jigme Dorji National Park

Places to nurture and conserve Bhutan’s wildlife such as snow leopard, blue sheep, red panda, black bear …

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7 Days In Bhutan Travel Itinerary: Best Things To Do & See

Bhutan is a wonderful, secluded little country in the Himalayas. It’s definitely not the easiest country to visit, but it’s worth the effort if you’re looking for a really unique travel experience. I spent one week in Bhutan recently and enjoyed every moment.

Most people spend 5 to 7 days in Bhutan, and an itinerary like that gives you enough time to see many of the top highlights of the country, although you’ll still probably be sad to leave.

Bhutan is full of interesting culture and nature, and yet it’s pretty unspoiled by tourism. Even places that would normally be very crowded and touristy, like the Tiger’s Nest Monastery , still feel refreshingly authentic and personal.

In this travel blog, I’ll share my ideal Bhutan itinerary and some of the best things to do if you have one week in the country! This is basically the same itinerary I used in Bhutan, with a few improvements based on my experience.

Table of Contents show 1) Best Bhutan Tour Company 2) Bhutan Itinerary Day 1: Paro Acclimatization 3) Bhutan Itinerary Day 2: Thimphu 4) Bhutan Itinerary Day 3: Gangtey Valley 5) Bhutan Itinerary Day 4: Punakha & Wangdue 6) Bhutan Itinerary Day 5: Revisiting Thimphu 7) Bhutan Itinerary Day 6: Tiger’s Nest Monastery 8) Bhutan Itinerary Day 7: Paro Farewell 9) 5 Days In Bhutan Itinerary 10) More Bhutan Travel Tips

Bhutan Travel Itinerary 7 Days Best Things To Do Tigers Nest Monastery Hike Paro Taktsang

The Tiger’s Nest Monastery hike was one of my favorite experiences in Bhutan

Best Bhutan Tour Company

For most nationalities, the only way you can visit Bhutan is with a visa and tour organized by a local Bhutanese tour company. There’s also a daily tax of $100 USD per person, which is a rule established by the Bhutanese government to try to ensure ‘quality over quantity’ tourism.

I visited Bhutan with this tour company on GetYourGuide. It was a great experience, and I would happily recommend them to anyone! The owner of the company, Tsenrig, helped me craft the perfect 7-day Bhutan itinerary, with a visit to the Tiger’s Nest Monastery and lots of other great sights around the country of Bhutan.

Their most popular itineraries are 5 or 7 days , but they also have tours of 9 or 10 days , or even as long as 15 or 20 days. The itinerary is very flexible and you can choose the sights you most want to see on each day you spend in the country of Bhutan.

My private tour guide, L. Dorji, was fantastic and very helpful, staying at my side every step of the way. He even kindly insisted to carry my heavy backpack for me, and helped me swap between my camera lenses whenever I was taking pictures.

Dorji knew every detail about the history of Bhutan, and he’s been giving tours for decades. He was one of the best tour guides I’ve had anywhere in the world. Overall, I would highly recommend this company for your travel to Bhutan!

Book Now: Bhutan Tour 5 / 7 / 9 Days

Bhutan Itinerary Day 1: Paro Acclimatization

Welcome to Bhutan! You’ll probably be tired after your flight to Paro. Start your itinerary with a low key visit to Ta Dzong, located just a 20 minute drive from the airport.

This odd looking cylindrical building is a 17th century watch tower that now serves as the national museum of Bhutan. Inside, there are Bhutanese paintings, statues, weapons, and other artifacts.

For me, the best part was seeing the outside and the view of the valley below.

Ta Dzong Paro Bhutan Travel Itinerary 7 Days Best Things To Do

Ta Dzong — the national museum of Bhutan

• Paro Dzong

For most tourists, the Paro Dzong will be your first real experience with a Bhutanese fortress-monastery (called a ‘dzong’). These are kind of like the castles of Bhutan.

Also known as the Rinpung Dzong, this is the main fortress and monastery in Paro town, and it was built in the 17th century overlooking the river and valley. The name basically means “fortress of the heap of jewels.”

The outside walls are impressive, and so is the inside of the courtyard. Don’t miss the giant bee hives hanging from the windows!

You can walk through this fortress in just 30 minutes or so, but it’s well worth a visit! The best photo spot is on the path leading to it.

Rinpung Dzong Paro Bhutan Travel Itinerary 7 Days Best Things To Do

The 17th century Rinpung Dzong in Paro

• Kyichu Lhakhang

Kyichu Lhakhang is a small Buddhist temple that dates back to the 7th century, making it one of the oldest temples in Bhutan.

This one is just a 10 minute drive north of Paro town, so it’s easy to visit even if you’re short on time.  

• Archery Match

Archery has been the national game of Bhutan since 1971, and the locals are always practicing their skills with a bow and arrow. It’s fun to watch an archery match and some of these guys are really skilled.

I decided to skip this since I was exhausted and wanted to save energy for other things, but I still got to witness some archery matches from a distance later on when we were driving around the countryside of Bhutan.

You’ll have plenty of opportunities to see archery while you’re traveling in Bhutan.  

• Paro Town

If you still have energy, you can spend the rest of the day roaming around Paro town and shopping for souvenirs. There are lots of shops on the main street and they have a good selection of Bhutanese crafts, plus the usual shirts and fridge magnets, and other items for sale.  

• Overnight In Paro

Stay overnight in Paro, which has an altitude of about 2,200 meters (7,200 ft). I stayed at Hotel Olathang, which is a historic 3-star hotel on a hill, surrounded by pine forests and overlooking the Paro valley. It was a little dated, but the location is nice.  

Bhutan Itinerary Day 2: Thimphu

• drive to thimphu.

After breakfast, you’ll drive to Thimphu, the capital city of Bhutan. Even though the distance from Paro to Thimphu is only 45 kilometers, the drive takes 60-90 minutes because of the winding mountain roads.

Along the way, you’ll pass another monastery across the river called Tachog Lhakhang, as well as an old iron suspension bridge. Your guide can make a quick stop to let you take some photos of it before continuing to Thimphu.  

• Taschichho Dzong

The Tashichho Dzong is a giant fortress-monastery that also serves as the seat of the government in Thimphu.

I was lucky to visit Bhutan during the annual Tshechu festival, which is usually held in Thimphu in late September or early October, so I was able to watch the mask dance here, together with thousands of locals wearing their colorful national clothes.

It was pretty fascinating, and I consider it one of the highlights of my trip to Bhutan!

Tashichho Dzong Tsechu Festival Bhutan Travel Itinerary 7 Days Best Things To Do

Thousands of locals gathered at Tashichho Dzong for the annual Tsechu festival

Tashichho Dzong Tsechu Festival Bhutan Travel Itinerary 7 Days Best Things To Do

Mask dance at the Tsechu festival

• Cheri Monastery

The Cheri monastery hike is a nice little excursion into the forest near Thimphu, where you can see some wildlife and a 17th century monastery on the hillside.

This hike takes about 45-60 minutes going up, depending on your pace, and a bit less going down. Most of it is uphill, but it’s not as hard as the famous Tiger’s Nest hike , so most people won’t have any problem with it.

We saw birds, mountain goats, and langur monkeys here. My guide told me you could sometimes hear tigers roaring in the distance during the 1980s, and they still occasionally see Himalayan black bears in this area since it’s on the edge of the Jigme Dorji National Park.

Cheri Gomba Tango Monastery Hike Chagri Dorjeden Thimphu Bhutan Travel Itinerary 7 Days Best Things To Do

Cheri Monastery requires a bit of hiking

Grey Langur Monkey Wildlife

We saw grey langur monkeys near the monastery

• Overnight In Thimphu

Stay overnight in Thimphu, which has an altitude of about 2,300 meters (7,500 ft). I stayed at a 3-star hotel called Kisa Villa, which has a garden and close up views of the Taschichho Dzong. You can even see the dzong lit up at night.  

Bhutan Itinerary Day 3: Gangtey Valley

• dochula pass & drukwangyel.

Day three begins with the drive from Thimphu to Phobjikha. This takes about 3 hours because of the usual zigzag roads of Bhutan, but there’s lots of great scenery to enjoy along the way.

After about 45 minutes of driving, you’ll stop at Dochula Pass, a high mountain pass with an altitude of 3,150 meters (10,335 feet). Morning is the best time to come here.

On a clear day, you can get some great views of the snow capped Himalayan mountains in the distance. One of these is Gangkhar Puensum, the highest mountain in Bhutan and the highest unclimbed mountain in the world!

There’s also a monastery at Dochula Pass with 108 stupas, which were built to commemorate 100 years of monarchy in Bhutan. The weather was cloudy when I went, but we were still able to catch some glimpses of the mountains in the distance.

Dochula Pass Drukwangyel Temple

Drukwangyel temple in the clouds

• Gangtey Monastery

After more driving, you’ll reach Phobjikha and visit the Gangtey Monastery, a colorful 17th century building that overlooks the valley.

When I visited, the place was packed with locals and they were practicing their dance moves for another upcoming festival.

Gangtey Monastery Phobjika Bhutan Travel Itinerary 7 Days Best Things To Do

Another festival at the Gangtey Monastery

• Kwewa Village Nature Trail

From the Gangtey monastery, there’s a nice little point-to-point nature trail that goes down the hill, through the forest, and across the valley of Phobjikha.

Most of this hike is mild and easy, but it takes about 1 hour or more to reach the end of the trail, where your driver will be waiting for you and your guide.

You can see horses in the valley, and black necked cranes also migrate here during the months of November to February.

Phobjikha Valley

Phobjikha valley

• Black Necked Crane Center

After seeing the Phobjikha valley, you have the option to visit an information center for the black necked cranes that tells more about the birds, and they also have telescopes for bird watching.

I decided to skip this and rest at the hotel, since the black necked cranes were out of season when I visited in September.  

• Overnight In Phobjikha

Stay overnight in the Phobjikha valley, which has an altitude of about 3,000 meters (9,800 ft). This is the highest place you’ll stay in this Bhutan itinerary.

I was expecting the hotel here to be a little rough since it’s a more remote location, but actually it was very comfortable. I stayed at the 3-star Gakiling Guest House, which had nice views of the valley, fast WiFi, good food, and friendly staff.  

Bhutan Itinerary Day 4: Punakha & Wangdue

• punakha dzong.

After breakfast, it’s time for the 2 hour drive from Phobjikha to Punakha, which will start to take you back west again, in the same direction you came from earlier.

The first place to visit in Punakha is the Punakha Dzong, which is one of the oldest and biggest fortresses in Bhutan. The view from across the Mo Chu river is an iconic photo of Bhutan.

You can go inside this dzong and wander the courtyard. There are lots of nice details on the inside, including an impressive gold door. Overall, I’d say it’s the best dzong I visited in Bhutan.

The altitude in Punakha is only roughly 1,200 meters (about 4,000 feet), so it’s a lot lower than the other places you’ve visited in Bhutan so far. That also means it’s warmer, so you may want to dress lighter here.

When I visited Punakha in September, I was hot even without a jacket! I felt like swimming in the river to escape the heat.

Punakha Dzong River

The iconic view of Punakha Dzong across the river

• Chimi Lhakhang

The Chimi Lhakhang is probably one of the oddest temples in Bhutan. It’s a fertility temple with phalluses and other sexual symbols, established by the ‘divine madman’ in the 15th century.

Childless couples often come here to pray for a child, and when you go inside the temple, they even have a bizarre tradition where they bop you on the head with a wooden phallus as a blessing.

The temple is set on a hill, so in order to reach it you have to do a mini trek up the hill for about 15 to 30 minutes, making it a bit harder to access than some of the other temples in Bhutan.

Chimi Lhakhang

Chimi Lhakhang

• Pho Chu River Bridge

One of the best sights in the Punakha area is the bridge over the Pho Chu river, which is actually known as the longest suspension bridge in Bhutan!

You can walk across the entire 200 meter bridge to the other side, and it has wonderful views of the valley and the turquoise glacier water of the Pho Chu river.

Phochu River Suspension Bridge Punakha Bhutan Travel Itinerary 7 Days Best Things To Do

Amazing views at the Pho Chu river bridge

• Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten

My favorite view in the Punakha area was on our last stop of the day, when we hiked up to a stupa in the mountains. The name of this one is hard to say: Khamsum Yulley Namgyal.

Hiking to this spot takes about 1 hour, and it’s all uphill. Along the way, you get some amazing views of the rice terraces and the Punakha valley. The top has a 30 meter tall stupa and great views of the mountains.

If you’re reasonably fit and don’t mind a bit of hiking, this spot should definitely be on your Bhutan itinerary. It’s one of the best things to do in the country!

Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten Bhutan Travel Itinerary 7 Days Best Things To Do

Mountain view at the Khamsum Yulley Namgyal

Punakha Rice Fields Mountains

Green rice fields of Punakha

• Overnight In Punakha

Stay overnight in Punakha, which has an altitude of about 1,200 meters (4,000 ft). I stayed at a new hotel called Divine Heritage House, which had lots of windows so you could enjoy the views of the rice terraces.  

Bhutan Itinerary Day 5: Revisiting Thimphu

• buddha dordenma.

After breakfast, retrace your route back to Thimphu by driving over the Dochula Pass again. The drive will take a total of about 2 hours from Punakha to Thimphu. Welcome back to the capital!

Start your fifth day of sightseeing in Bhutan with a visit to the giant golden Buddha statue on the hill overlooking Thimphu valley. It’s one of the famous icons of Bhutan.

The Buddha Dordenma statue, as it’s called, is also one of the biggest Buddha statues in the world, with a height of 52 meters (169 feet). At a cost of more than $100 million USD, it was built to celebrate the 60th anniversary of Bhutan’s fourth king, Jigme Singye Wangchuck.

Buddha Dordenma Statue Thimphu Bhutan Travel Itinerary 7 Days Best Things To Do

The giant Buddha Dordenma statue

• Sangay-gang Viewpoint

En route to the Takin Preserve, make a quick stop at the Sangay-gang viewpoint for a good picture of Thimphu city from above.

After a 20 minute drive up the mountain, you can see the entire city of Thimphu below you, and there are some nature trails here if you want to explore a bit longer.  

• Motithang Royal Takin Preserve

The Takin (pronounced ‘tah-kin’) is the national animal of Bhutan. Before my trip, I didn’t even know these animals exist! They look kind of like a cross between a goat and a buffalo.

The Takin Preserve near Thimphu is home to almost two dozen takins, plus a few sambar and barking deer. There’s a metal walkway that runs along the outside of the sanctuary, so you can get a good view of the animals and easily take pictures.

The Takin is a protected animal in Bhutan, and they’re not seen very often in the wild except in places like Jigme Dorji National Park. The Takin preserve allows you to photograph them from a fairly close distance, while still giving them space to roam around and be themselves.

Royal Takin Preserve Thimphu Bhutan Travel Itinerary 7 Days Best Things To Do

The Takin is the national animal of Bhutan.

Royal Takin Preserve Thimphu Bhutan Travel Itinerary 7 Days Best Things To Do

Another photo from the Takin Preserve

• National Memorial Stupa

After the Takin Preserve, we made a quick stop at the National Memorial Stupa, which is located in the center of Thimphu city.

This white stupa was built in 1974 to honor the third king of Bhutan, and elderly Buddhist believers come here to circumambulate (walk around the stupa) in a clockwise direction while praying.

Memorial Chorten Stupa Thimphu

The Memorial Stupa in Thimphu city. Notice the people walking around it in circles.

• Zorig Chusum Arts & Crafts School

Zorig Chusum is a school in Thimphu where young people in Bhutan learn how to make traditional arts and crafts. This includes things like calligraphy, painting, carving, sculpting, textiles, and more.

There’s nothing for sale here, but you can watch the students working and training, which is interesting to see. Each room has a different art being practiced, and some of their designs are very good.

Zorig Chusum Arts Crafts School

You can see all kinds of arts and crafts at the Zorig Chusum school in Thimphu

• Farmer’s Market

Our last stop of the day was at the farmer’s market in Thimphu, where we saw all kinds of fruits and vegetables for sale.

There was quite a selection and it was fun to walk through all the aisles and look at everything, even though I didn’t buy. Chili peppers were everywhere since they’re such an important ingredient in Bhutanese food.

There were even some of the more exotic fruits for sale, like dragonfruit, which I didn’t expect to see in a mountain country like Bhutan.

Farmers Market Tomatoes Vegetables Thimphu

Veggies for sale at the farmer’s market

Stay overnight in Thimphu once again. I was happy to be back at the familiar Kisa Villa, enjoying the good food and nice views of the Thimphu fortress from my window.  

Bhutan Itinerary Day 6: Tiger’s Nest Monastery

• drive to paro.

It’s your sixth day in Bhutan, and that means it’s time to head back to the town of Paro where you started. After breakfast, you’ll drive approximately 1.5 hours to Paro and then a short distance past Paro to do the hike to the Tiger’s Nest Monastery.  

• Tiger’s Nest Hike

It’s finally time for the grand finale of your Bhutan itinerary: the Tiger’s Nest Monastery !

A lot of tours in Bhutan save this for the end of the trip because it’s such a special place, and also because it gives you more time to become acclimated to altitude before attempting the hike.

The Tiger’s Nest Monastery is an amazing 17th century building that clings to the side of a steep 900 meter cliff. It almost looks unreal.

This is easily the most famous and photogenic place in Bhutan, and I consider it one of the most amazing day hikes anywhere in the world.

Tigers Nest Monastery Hike Paro Taktsang Bhutan Travel Itinerary 7 Days Best Things To Do

The famous Tiger’s Nest Monastery

You will need to spend a full day visiting the Tiger’s Nest since the hike takes about 4 to 8 hours, not including the time spent taking photos and touring the inside of the temple.

You can have lunch at the halfway point of the hike, where there’s a cafeteria with great views of the mountain. The whole experience is awesome.

The hike is a bit challenging, but most people of average fitness won’t have a problem with it. I wrote a complete guide for the Tiger’s Nest hike, which you can read in the link below.

Read More: How To Do The Tiger’s Nest Monastery Hike

Tigers Nest Monastery Hike Paro Taktsang Bhutan Travel Itinerary 7 Days Best Things To Do

Up close view of Paro Taktsang — the Tiger’s Nest Monastery!

• Bhutanese Cooking Class (Optional)

In the evening, if you’re interested, you can join a Bhutanese cooking class and learn how to make local dishes like Ema Datshi, Kewa Datshi, and Jasha Maru at a farmer’s house.  

• Hot Stone Bath (Optional)

Another activity I was offered at the end of the day is a hot stone bath, where rocks from the river are heated up over a fire and then put in a wooden tub with herbs.

It’s a good way to relax and unwind at the end of your Bhutan trip, especially after hiking to the Tiger’s Nest earlier in the day.  

Spend your last night in Bhutan back in Paro, relaxing and soaking up the views at Hotel Olathang. This location was one of my favorites.  

Bhutan Itinerary Day 7: Paro Farewell

• dzongdrakha monastery (optional).

It’s your last day in Bhutan. If you still have time and energy, you may want to do something extra before you leave. In my case, my flight back to Bangkok with Druk Air was at 4:20 PM, so that gave me a bit of extra time to use.

Another special place you can visit in the Paro area is the Dzongdrakha Monastery. This is a cliffside monastery similar to the Tiger’s Nest, although it’s a shorter and easier hike. Not as many tourists know about it, so you might have the place all to yourself.

Keep in mind the tour providers in Bhutan normally don’t include any activities like this on the last day of the trip, so there may be an extra charge to add it to your itinerary.  

• Go To Airport

After a wonderful 7 days in Bhutan, my driver and guide brought me to the airport, and it was time to say goodbye. Bhutan was a special experience and I was sad to leave.  

Tashichho Dzong Tsechu Festival Bhutan Travel Itinerary 7 Days Best Things To Do

Mask dancer at the Tsechu festival in Thimphu

Forest Shrine Guru Rinpoche Rock Painting Cheri Tango Chagri Dorjeden

Shrine in the forest on the way to Cheri Monastery

5 Days In Bhutan Itinerary

If you’re not able to spend a full 7 days in Bhutan, a 5 day itinerary can be a good compromise, and it still allows you to see some of the highlights of the country.

Here’s what a good 5 day itinerary for Bhutan could look like:

  • Day 1. Paro acclimatization. Visit the Ta Dzong and Paro Dzong. Watch an archery match and then explore Paro town and shop for souvenirs.
  • Day 2. Paro to Thimphu. On the drive to Thimphu, see the Tamchog Lhakhang monastery and suspension bridge from a distance. Once you reach Thimphu, visit the National Memorial Stupa, the Buddha Dordenma statue, and the Tashichho Dzong, plus the farmer’s market and any other sights that interest you in Thimphu city.
  • Day 3. Thimphu to Punakha. On the drive to Punakha, stop at the Dochula Pass and visit Drukwangyel monastery for views of the Himalayan mountains. Then in Punakha, visit the Punakha Dzong, the Pho Chu river bridge, Chimi Lhakhang, and the Khamsum Yulley Namgyal.
  • Day 4. Punakha to Paro. Drive back to Paro where you started, and hike up to the Tiger’s Nest Monastery. If you still have time afterwards, visit Kyichu Lhakhang and then enjoy a hot stone bath in the evening.
  • Day 5. Leave Bhutan. No sightseeing activities on this day unless you have extra time available.

Tsechu Festival Bhutanese Local Girls

Kids at the Tsechu festival

Chagri Dorjeden Cheri Gomba Chorten

Stupa on the Cheri Monastery hike

More Bhutan Travel Tips

Thanks for looking! I hope you enjoyed this 7 day Bhutan travel itinerary. These are some of the best things to do in Bhutan if you have a week.

I’ll be adding more Bhutan tips to my travel blog , so don’t forget to bookmark it and check back later!  

  • Tiger’s Nest Monastery In Bhutan: Complete Hiking Guide
  • 7 Day Bhutan Tour By GetYourGuide

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monks at Punakha Dzong | All Your First-World Questions about a Bhutan Trip, Answered! • The Petite Wanderess

All Your First-World Questions About Travelling to Bhutan – Answered & Updated!

  • December 19, 2017
  • 15.8K views

Are you a city person? The kind that needs hot showers, clean rooms, and food that won’t cause too much tummy problems? Well, I am. Before I went  Bhutan for my first time, I had difficulty finding answers to my ‘ first-world concerns ‘ about how it’ll be like to go Bhutan.

Three trips to Bhutan by now in total, this post on my travel blog contains a good bulk of all my gathered experiences. It’ll definitely help you have a better idea about planning and visiting the Land of the Thunder Dragon!

Due to the global pandemic, Bhutan closed its borders from March 2020. From 23 Sept 2022, Bhutan finally welcomed visitors again, with policy changes to the daily tariff charges, which I’ll update below.

This Bhutan article was originally written right after my  first time to Bhutan in Dec 2017 with my family , so the bulk of information here is generally as per that first trip, more on western Bhutan. In May 2019, I went exploring eastern Bhutan on a road-trip. The eastern circuit of Bhutan turned out to be very different from the west . In Dec 2019, I flew to Bhutan again with Druk Asia for a  meditation course, called Neykor . From Mar 2020 to Sept 2022, Bhutan shut down travel visits.

| Read all about the special Neykor meditation trip in this post ! |

All your first-world questions & everything you need to know about visiting bhutan, how to get to bhutan, first, where is bhutan.

You’re really not the only one asking, simply because so few people visit this country and actually talk/write about their Bhutan trips ( but you have me as your helpful blogger! ). Bhutan is located in the Eastern Himalayas, South Asia. It’s a landlocked country bordered by Tibet, India, North Bengal, and India. For convenience’s sake, you can answer them that Bhutan is “ somewhere near Tibet, Nepal, and India “!

The Kingdom of Bhutan is fondly referred to as the  Land of the Thunder Dragon .

prayer flags, Chele La Pass | Bhutan in December – It Might be the Best Time to Visit Bhutan • The Petite Wanderess

Getting into Bhutan

There are basically two methods: By flight or overland (via road). Bhutan’s international airport is at Paro district, and is served by two airlines:  Druk Air  (aka Royal Bhutan Airlines) , and  Bhutan Airlines . Druk Air is the national airline. I’m not too sure about taking Bhutan Airlines, as I booked my trip via  Druk Asia Bhutan Travel Specialist and flew Druk Air all my trips. Druk Asia is Druk Air’s agent in Singapore. We flew from Singapore to Paro Airport in Bhutan.

The second method to travel to Bhutan is overland. You can fly into India, then enter Bhutan via one of the border checkpoints. If you enter by road, do note that it’s a longggg drive (days long) to the western part (Paro, Punakha, Thimphu).

If you’re Singaporean,  you’ll need to apply for a visa  to enter Bhutan.

If you’re entering Bhutan through India, you’ll need to apply for a separate  visa for India .

Flights to Bhutan

Usually, there’re three Druk Air flights a week from Singapore to Bhutan. As of Sept 2022, Druk Air flies every Sunday from Singapore to Bhutan (Paro), and every Saturday from Bhutan (Paro) to Singapore. Druk Air flies 3 times a week from Bangkok to Bhutan. Check Druk Air’s flight schedule here .

At times, the airline will change timings. Especially for domestic flights, mainly due to weather reasons.

Is it dangerous to fly into Bhutan?

Paro Airport is considered one of the most  challenging and dangerous airports  to land at, for good reason,  but don’t let that scare you too much . The airport is located in a valley at 2,235m above sea level, surrounded by high mountains about twice that height.  Only a select few pilots* in the world are certified to land in Bhutan.  This means you’re in very good hands because of these aviation experts.

* As of May 2019, Druk Air has 14 Captains and 14 First Officers.

Due to the challenges in the surroundings, the pilot will use manual methods (aka his eyesight and skills, but there’s a fancier term for that) to judge and land, instead of relying on high-tech navigation systems.  All flights landing in or leaving Bhutan can only happen in the daytime, in good weather.

For  Druk Air  flights from Singapore, the typical flight plan includes a short refueling pit-stop at  Kolkata  Guwahati, India. Bhutan-bound passengers will stay on the plane. The plane will then continue to Paro Airport.

On my first flight into Bhutan, close to dawn, sleepless, thinking we’re reaching Kolkata, I looked out of the windows and thought, wow, Kolkata has such beautiful views.

Then it  dawned  upon me that our plane had skipped India altogether (the reason was that the flight was full). We were in Business class then, so I didn’t see how full the plane was). We were gonna land in Bhutan soon, omg! If not for skipping the stopover, we would never get to see this light at sunrise. I was thoroughly captivated by the mountain peaks so close to us and  at eye level  with our plane, and the turns the plane was making. The air-steward passed by and joined my brother and me in admiring the window views, sharing that there’s the 2nd highest peak ( Mt Jomalhari ) in Bhutan.

First view of Bhutan’s mountains

Flight into Bhutan | All Your First-World Questions about a Bhutan Trip, Answered! • The Petite Wanderess

The landing was beautiful, dramatic, smooth and may I add, too soon, it was over.

Where to sit on your flight to Bhutan, and about Mount Everest

Druk Air does not allow early check-in online. You can only check in at the airport, so go a bit earlier to choose your seat.  You can check-in online now before your Druk Air flight!

If you fly from Singapore, Druk Air will make a short refuelling stop in India, before continuing to Paro International Airport in Bhutan. On my first trip, we didn’t stop at all, even though the original plan was to refuel at Kolkata, and I chose seats on the left. On my third trip, the plane refuelled at Guwahati, and we sat on the right. Honestly, I’m not too sure which side you should sit now 😅. I had views of the Himalayan mountain range on my direct flight from Singapore to Paro, from the left side of the plane. Looking at the world map, I still think a better bet is to  sit on the left side  of the plane.

You  will NOT get to see Mount Everest  on your Druk Air flight between Singapore and Bhutan. Please don’t be misled by other travel blogs 😔 You might get to see Mt Everest only if you fly into Bhutan from Kathmandu (Nepal).

leaving Paro Airport | All Your First-World Questions about a Bhutan Trip, Answered! • The Petite Wanderess

Should I upgrade to Business Class on my Druk Air flight?

A flight from Singapore to Paro takes about 6 hours, including the short refuelling stop in India. I was upgraded to Business Class on the first Bhutan trip, and sat Economy Class for the other two trips. There are 16 Business Class seats in total, in a 2×2 layout. Economy Class seats 102 passengers, in a 3×3 configuration.

I’ll summarize my Druk Air Business Class flight for you and you can decide.

Business Class passengers get to use DNATA Lounge at Changi Airport and Paro Airport before their flights. I also got served a welcome drink on board. Before the main breakfast meal, they served us starters. Business Class seats cannot be reclined fully unlike other airlines. I would feel the Business Class is more like Premium Economy . Besides that, I find the engine rather loud, so having earplugs on the flight was useful for me.

Btw, there’s no entertainment system on board Druk Air – no screens for movies or anything.

Druk Air flight on Business Class | All Your First-World Questions about a Bhutan Trip, Answered! • The Petite Wanderess

|  Check my checklist of flight essentials to bring!  |

Can i travel to bhutan on my own.

If you mean flying into Bhutan and then exploring it on your own  a la  backpacker style, the answer is no. For citizens from India, Bangladesh, and Maldives, there are exceptions, which you can read about  here .

Bhutan’s law requires you to engage a tour guide and driver from a  government-approved tour operator , and also to pay the minimum daily tariff, all into a trip package.

Update Sept 2022: International travellers will no longer be required to book their Bhutan trip through a government-approved tour operator . Travellers only need fulfill the SDF (Sustainable Development Fee) per night, and they can book air-tickets, hotels and arrange everything else on their own. There are distinct exceptions for regional visitors from India, Bangladesh, Maldives.

Should I arrange a Bhutan trip myself?

Update Oct 2022: This might not sit well with every entity related to Bhutan’s travel industry. But in my most honest opinion, I do not think it is a good decision to DIY a trip to Bhutan yet. Unless you’re from India, Maldives, or Bangladesh, as the SDF prices make a huge difference. The main reason is that Bhutan’s infrastructure is simply not ready to facilitate independent travel, despite the country’s travel council to go ahead with this new bill.

Why you should book Bhutan through a travel agency

These will be just a few of the issues you’ll face as a DIY, independent Bhutan visitor right now.

Transport will be a concern

You can’t call for a Grab or Uber. The cars (including taxis) are mainly concentrated in Thimphu – Bhutan’s capital. I have no idea how people are going to, for example, get a taxi to eat lunch at a restaurant at Punakha, and then find another taxi to pick them up and go somewhere else. There won’t be taxis roaming the roads in Bhutan, unlike major developed cities, which Bhutan is not and shouldn’t be.

Getting food will be an issue

You can’t call for GrabFood or Deliveroo. Apps like that do not exist in Bhutan, thankfully though. If I were to visit Bhutan as a new and independent traveller, it’ll be pretty stressful to figure out where to get food and what to eat.

An established tour operator will know exactly which local places to bring you to for proper food.

The above two concerns will be enough to make you think twice about booking your own trip, and it probably will remain so for a few more years. To get around those problems, I suggest you book Bhutan through an established and reputable agency and have them settle all those concerns easily.

I’ve always went Bhutan with  Druk Asia – highly recommended!

Druk Asia banner • The Petite Wanderess

Adapting to Bhutan’s altitude, thin air or mountain sickness

The elevation in Bhutan that you’ll experience, can range from  above 1000m to almost 4000m  (Chele La Pass).

Would I have difficulty acclimatizing in Bhutan?

It depends on the individual. My brother and Mum had no issues, while initially, I struggled to inhale normally at higher altitudes. Our first spot on the first day was  Buddha Point  in Thimphu. I was walking very slowly, mildly panicking inside, feeling rather short of breath, which was a new sensation to me back then. My Dad (who has high blood pressure) got giddy pretty often in Bhutan.

(Update Nov 2018: After some observations, I learned through my  TCM  physician, that my heart is pretty weak. It contributed to why I had problems breathing in Bhutan on my first trip.)

My Bhutanese tour guide mentioned that your body takes the very first few days to acclimatize. After that, you’ll be fine. Being Singaporean where patience isn’t my virtue, later on, I ate some TCM tablets recommended by my western doctor then, a day before and on the day that we’ll be going to higher altitudes (such as Dochula Pass, Chele la Pass, and  Tiger’s Nest  – all above 3000m), and breathing became easier. Although I don’t always recommend medical pills,  it might be useful to keep some mountain sickness pills at hand.

No matter what,  breathe deeply  when in Bhutan, and take your time to adapt.

Dochula Pass | All Your First-World Questions about a Bhutan Trip, Answered! • The Petite Wanderess

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Road conditions will i get motion sickness in bhutan.

Due to the mountains that exist in Bhutan, they cut mountains to build the main roads. The roads are  always winding , and  often bumpy . On my first day reaching Bhutan in 2017, just sitting for an hour in the car to get from Paro airport to our hotel in Thimphu, I was so close to throwing up. It was probably a combination of fatigue (I hadn’t slept properly for 2 consecutive nights right up to flying into Bhutan), mountain sickness, and also motion-sickness.

Thankfully we reached our Thimphu hotel soon enough and I quickly popped ginger pills and drank some hot tea at the hotel lobby, and got better right away.

Update Dec 2019: The roads at the western side of Bhutan are a lot better, wider and smoother than in 2017. Great job!

At higher altitudes, there might even be frost on the roads.

road from Thimphu to Trongsa | All Your First-World Questions about a Bhutan Trip, Answered! • The Petite Wanderess

Ginger pills and peppermint essential oil helped to alleviate my car-sickness for the rest of the trip in 2017.

In 2019, I took a longer road-trip to the remote, eastern side of Bhutan , and barely suffered car-sickness or body-aches even though the journeys were a lot more rough and tough. In this  TCM tip post , I shared about magical acupoints that helped prevent motion-sickness for me!

Bhutanese food & restaurants, what kind of food will i eat in bhutan.

It’s always buffet-style of Asian (Chinese) food –– rice plus several dishes, which you take as you want. It’s either white rice or red rice (really doesn’t taste too weird). Sometimes, a few dishes might be a little spicy, but often not.  Vegetable dishes are always the majority of the dishes, with 1 or at most 2 meat options.  The vegetables are assorted veggies of the  current season’s harvests , sauteed in different ways. As my family doesn’t eat beef, I’d specified this ahead of our trip. The only meat we ate in Bhutan was chicken, pork, fish, with fish being the least frequent.

As a Buddhist country, the  Bhutanese don’t eat a lot of meat . In fact,  killing (including fishing) is not allowed in Bhutan , so all the meat you eat in Bhutan is mostly imported from India. You also won’t find international chains like McDonald’s or Starbucks. Neither will there be seafood, simply because there’s no sea in Bhutan.

And you should try ema-datshi , the famous national Bhutanese dish – chilli cheese! Although ema-datshi is not exactly a fixed dish – but rather – more of a cooking style and flavor. Depending on season, on our December trip, it was long beans or mushroom cooked in chilli-cheese.  Very delicious but so spicy!  Tell your guide you wanna try  ema-datshi  and he’ll get the restaurant to include it.

If you appreciate Chinese cuisine in general, you’ll enjoy Bhutanese food.

As a Singaporean,  the food is actually pretty tasty for all our meals , definitely not awful, not salty. Bhutanese food is also not overly-processed in strange-tasting sauces. You might be happy to know,  Bhutan’s veggies are organic  – very healthy!

food in Bhutan | All Your First-World Questions about a Bhutan Trip, Answered! • The Petite Wanderess

I didn’t get any tummy problems in Bhutan.

In fact, my tummy felt quite cleansed somehow. You won’t eat a lot but soon you’ll feel full. I also  avoided raw veggies including salad, and fruits , especially if they looked as if they’d been left on the buffet table for some time. It’s something I do every time I travel.

There were Caucasian travelers at restaurants and hotels and they ate the same dishes too. Again, this might not paint the entire picture, as the groups of people we saw are also likely using  the same agency ( Druk Asia ) as us, thus eating the same things at the same places at the same time as us.

food in Bhutan | All Your First-World Questions about a Bhutan Trip, Answered! • The Petite Wanderess

Breakfast is always at your hotel’s restaurant. Lunch will mostly take place at local restaurants. Dinners are often at your hotel restaurant too. At Paro, my guide will ask if we prefer to eat dinner at restaurants in town or at the hotel. For convenience, we always chose to eat at the hotel. He’ll then call and make the arrangements. If you wish to eat beyond the agreed venues, you can always discuss with your agent/guide and swap accordingly at your own costs.

What can I drink in Bhutan?

If you’re having a long drive getting from one district to another, your guide will arrange breaks at cafes (not those boutique kind of cafes, but more like hotel or attraction spots’ cafes). They’ll always ask “Tea-Coffee?”, meaning, would you like some tea or coffee? Ginger tea? Black tea? Coffee with milk? Drinks like these are included in our package tour with  Druk Asia  and we need not top up money.

Don’t drink from the taps in Bhutan, even after you boil it. Our tour group was provided with bottles of mineral water throughout our trips.

An alcoholic drink that’s popular for buying in Bhutan is  Zumzin Peach Wine .

Hotels in Bhutan

How are bhutan’s hotels clean hot water for shower bed comfort blackouts.

The hotels we were assigned were actually better than I thought.  (If you don’t like the suggested hotels, you can research for more and discuss with your travel agent.)  Bhutan’s hotel rooms were spacious ( spacious enough for me to do yoga with my  travel yoga mat ) and clean.

All of the hotels we stayed in western Bhutan came with in-room heaters, hairdryers, electric kettles, and mineral water-bottles.  We didn’t experience any blackouts in Bhutan if you’re wondering! When it’s the cold season, some of the in-room heaters might not be very strong, but the duvets/comforters should suffice. I slept in my thin cotton tees and loose pants, and add on a cotton cardigan if I feel cold.  If you’re going Bhutan during its winter months, I suggest you bring thicker sleepwear, and stay close to the heater.

| Read:  Everything to know about visiting Bhutan in December  |

In Bhutan, you need to strategize exactly when to strip off your clothes in the shower as soon as hot water arrives, and also master the art of quick showers  😉 Bathrooms in winter can be chilly.

Also, not all hotels provide the equivalent standard toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo, conditioner, body wash, body lotion, in-room tissue paper (not toilet papers, don’t worry) so it’s better for you to bring your own. Bring your own bedroom slippers if you need them.

In winter, it can get a bit more challenging for hotels in Bhutan, especially when it comes to hot water from taps, so do manage your expectations and be prepared.

Bhutan hotel reviews

Here’s a quick summary of all the hotels I’ve stayed in Western Bhutan:

Namgay Heritage Hotel ( Thimphu ), Dec 2019

Comfortable hotel room to stay in, recommended! Good bed. I can’t remember if I heard any dogs barking at night. No problem with hot water when I showered early morning. My room comes with a living room area. Adequate breakfast. Beautiful lounge reception.

Namgay Heritage hotel | All Your First-World Questions about a Bhutan Trip, Answered! • The Petite Wanderess

Osel Hotel  review ( Thimphu ), Dec 2017

Good beds and good pillows, window ledges are dusty. Bathroom was chilly. Hot water suddenly stopped coming during the later part of the day when my brother was in the shower. We could get the hotel staff to take a look, but as we were just staying for one night, I decided to shower in my parents’ bathroom next door.

In the middle of the night, you can hear dogs barking on the streets. Good dinner and adequate breakfast. Hotel staff are polite. You can spot the Buddha statue (Buddha’s Point) from the restaurant and hotel entrance.

hotel bedroom

Punatsangchhu Cottages  hotel review ( Punakha , more like Wangdue Phodrang actually ), Dec 2017

Spacious room, pillow’s not as comfortable for me personally; room has TV. No problems with hot water for showering. In-room heater was not very effective (but Punakha wasn’t too cold then). The room’s quiet for sleeping – we barely heard dogs barking. My room comes with a small balcony facing the river – a delightful place to sit at in the morning. Dinner food is tasty, while breakfast has limited options.

Hotel bedroom

Metta Hotel ( Paro ), Dec 2019

Stayed at the new wing of this hotel. Room is bright and modern in design. Beds are comfortable, and come with heating pads. Paro was already -1˚C before midnight on my most recent trip. The room felt very cold if I weren’t standing beside the heater. There’s virtually no sound-proofing between the rooms, lol.

One morning, I woke up to discover there was no water coming from the taps. Turned out, the water in tanks had turned into ice. A while later, there was water running, but the color was brown. I boiled mineral water and mixed it with unboiled mineral water so that I can wash my face and continue with the day’s plan to  hike Tiger’s Nest . Breakfast is tasty, including stir-fried beehoon. They even have nasi lemak if you want.

Metta Hotel | All Your First-World Questions about a Bhutan Trip, Answered! • The Petite Wanderess

The Resort at Raven’s Nest hotel ( Paro ), Dec 2017

Cosy, spacious room with sofa and coffee-table, no TV though. They have extension power cords for multiple plugs; a huge bathroom. Mattress comes with heating pads. The very spacious bathroom has heated flooring. Hot water for showering was a little tricky to manage for my room (no problems for my parents’) – either too hot or not warm enough. On my 2nd night, the hot water ran out halfway, brrr! On the 3rd evening, it went back to being fine.

Food is served to tables at the restaurant instead of buffet style, and they took care to change the many dishes every night for all 3 nights. Restaurant staff is thoughtful and polite. You can see  Tiger’s Nest  from outside the rooms.

hotel bedroom

Gangtey Palace Hotel  review ( Paro ), May 2019

In May 2019, I stayed at this hotel that used to be a palace. I had been looking forward to staying here as online reviews showed how ornately decorated the rooms are. We reached Gangtey Palace Hotel late at 10pm to check in. Hotel staff had sent my luggage to my room on the second floor, so I couldn’t do my usual knock-before-entering hotel room tradition.

When I entered, I was surprised by the dimness of my room. I was very sure there was certain dark energy lurking – I didn’t feel I was alone, and it felt like I was intruding 😨. To cleanse the room energy, I lit my rare wood scent sticks. The bathroom was clean but chilly. There was a small vintage heater in the bathroom, but its wire behind came loose, so I didn’t use it. Dogs were barking nearby downstairs before I slept. My last night on my otherwise-lovely, 10-day  Eastern Bhutan tour  was spent having unrestful sleep, with the room lights and music on because I was scared. Thankfully, nothing concretely scary happened.

Furniture is very old. Room felt musky and dusty. From the room windows, you can see the illuminated Paro Dzong, which stays lit till 4.30am. I took a quick shower very early in the morning and hot water was fine. We checked out at 5.30am to head to the airport, so we didn’t have any meals at this hotel.

Gangtey Palace hotel’s surroundings are delightfully gorgeous in the morning.

my room, digitally brightened! | All Your First-World Questions about a Bhutan Trip, Answered! • The Petite Wanderess

Cleanliness & toilets in Bhutan

Is bhutan clean.

The Bhutanese believe that “Cleanliness is next to Godliness”.

Hotels and restaurants are always clean. You won’t really see litter dumped haphazardly in Bhutan. In the open and tourist spots, they have rubbish bins and collection points for things like plastic bottles. The  locals value and respect their natural environment a lot , and will do what they can to protect it. This again is another admirable trait of the Bhutanese.

| New post:  Living, Love & Death – Lessons Learned from Bhutanese People & Culture  |

on the way up Tiger's Nest in Bhutan | Travel reflections from 2017 • The Petite Wanderess

Are toilets in Bhutan clean?

My very big concern before going.  Toilets at hotels and restaurants in Bhutan are clean . There’re toilet bowls and taps, even at the cafe halfway up Tiger’s Nest, or the cafe at Dochula Pass. In fact,  I never came across any gross toilet in Bhutan , not even in the  remote side – eastern Bhutan . There was one restaurant in Thimphu where the washroom could be as clean and luxurious as a good hotel in Singapore! One time in Punakha, we had outdoor lunch at big tents set up. It was a charming picnic spot for locals. There was a small building with a few toilet cubicles and they were all squat toilets FYI, but still not dirty.

Yes, the toilets are flushable.

You don’t need to dump water manually to flush them. Be smart and not put in too much toilet paper at one time.  Yes, there will be toilet paper  even for public toilets most of the time (I still always bring tissue-paper with me).

Still, I would advise you not to drink too much water during the day.  Hydrate with strategy.  For example, if you know you’ll be taking a long ride from Paro to Haa Valley, minimize your water intake hours before the journey. I always rehydrate at night and straight after waking up, so I can use the hotel toilets before heading out 😉

The most primitive toilet we had to experience in western Bhutan was a wooden shed at Chele La Pass (almost 4,000m in elevation). Inside, there’s a small rectangular hole for you to squat over and aim into, then scoop & pour sand-dust into it. There’s no tap to wash hands, lol. It wasn’t that bad, actually. Just bring something to cover your nose (and have a quick glance before squatting, in case of unwelcome things like snakes?!? I don’t know!)

How about the Bush Toilet?

The other primitive ‘washroom’ I had to use was the Bush Toilet. You interpreted right – it refers to doing business out in the open, among the bushes. This was in the eastern, remote side of Bhutan which very few travellers will make it there, for now.

wooden shed for toilet at Chele la Pass | All Your First-World Questions about a Bhutan Trip, Answered! • The Petite Wanderess

Are there cockroaches? Or exotic/dangerous animals to look out for?

Hahaha. I saw one cockroach in Punakha out in the open at my hotel compounds, not in the room though. Earlier, I was reading a book and there was a discussion on whether the locals (being Buddhists) should kill cockroaches (the conclusion was.. No).

Bhutan’s most exotic animal is its national one –  Takin , which looks like a mix of different animals. I didn’t see this animal though, as we didn’t visit the Takin preserve. There are indeed  tigers in Bhutan , and also farm animals like horses, cows and bulls.  You’ll be fine as long as you don’t do stupid things.

Yaks and highlands of Bhutan

If you happen to be heading to highland areas (above 3000m at least) such as Merak (eastern Bhutan), or in winter to Trongsa (central Bhutan), you might get to see yaks grazing along grasslands.

Bhutanese People and Culture

How are the bhutanese people like.

I’ve only met polite, gracious and friendly locals in Bhutan, even the police officers at Druk Wangyel Festival at Dochula Pass. No one was ever hostile or rude. Kids are curious and cheeky. Everyone was respectful towards one another – a very admirable culture!

|  Read:  What I learned from the Bhutanese about living, love and death  |

All Your First-World Questions about a Bhutan Trip, Answered! • The Petite Wanderess

What languages do Bhutanese speak?

Locals will speak to one another in Dzongkha, their national language, and to you in English. You might be surprised at how many Bhutanese can actually speak English! In fact,  Bhutan’s school lessons are conducted in English  from a very young age. Road signs and shop signboards are required to be in English.

Bhutan’s Weather & Temperature

Seasons in bhutan.

  • Spring in Bhutan: March to May
  • Summer: June to August
  • Autumn: September to November
  • Winter is from December to February

I visited Bhutan in winter twice, which you can read in detail in this post!

How’s the weather in bhutan.

(I was in Bhutan in December 2017, on the second week.)  We landed in Paro at -2 degrees at 7am. In the afternoon at Thimphu, it was 22°C – a stark contrast from the morning weather. We never had rain on our December trip to Bhutan– it was always bright and sunny in the day. For most of the trip, it was 10+°C in the daytime I believe.

The temperature can differ a lot across different districts , simply because of different elevations (Punakha was the warmest among the districts we went). Paro was bitingly cold outdoors at night, especially after the sun has set.

Even during spring in May, it got very cold (like 7 degrees Celcius in the afternoon), at some areas of  my Eastern Bhutan adventure , and then as warm as 30 degrees at another district.

Always bring a good jacket with you to Bhutan!

|  Check my post on  how to use TCM to stay healthy on your winter trip  |

What to do & where to go in bhutan.

We were only in 3 districts:  Paro ,  Thimphu  and  Punakha  for my first trip to Bhutan. These 3 districts are located in the west of Bhutan. Most first-time travellers to Bhutan will only visit the western circuit of Bhutan on their trips.

What are some of the activities to do or places to visit in Bhutan?

It’s mostly  sightseeing for places of nature , or  visiting huge dzongs  (fortresses that now operate as administrative offices and religious temples),  temples , and learning about the cultures. A trip to Bhutan will involve quite a bit of  walking  ( strolling ) and also some  hiking , especially  Tiger’s Nest  at the end. We went to a few dzongs and they often have steep, narrow staircases to climb.

Buddha Point, Thimphu | Bhutan in December – It Might be the Best Time to Visit Bhutan • The Petite Wanderess

At Paro, you’ll get to explore the town a little, where shops sell lots of stone necklaces, bracelets, and souvenirs.

| You can view my full  Bhutan itinerary  on my Travel Resources page! |

Trekking in bhutan: can everyone hike tiger’s nest.

It depends on your physical health. My amazing 69yo Mum hiked all the way to the monastery with my brother and me,  not even using the horses to shorten the journey , while my Dad opted out totally after hiking the simple ones in Bhutan. My Mum is very fit to begin with (she  hiked Mt Takao  and also to  Chureito Pagoda in Tokyo to see Mt Fuji  – very easy hikes compared to Tiger’s Nest).

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Kristine🌸The Petite Wanderess (@thepetitewanderess) on Dec 17, 2017 at 1:42am PST

The  trek to Tiger’s Nest  is not easy, from the sheer height elevation, constant uphill terrain, and also the many steps to go downhill then uphill to reach the monastery. Also, remember how you get there will also be how you return.

|  View my post & guide on  hiking Tiger’s Nest!  |

We decided to go rafting at Punakha and it was the most beautiful ride down the river and rapids!  Read about the  river-rafting experience we had in Bhutan ! 

Will I spend a lot of time in the car, getting from place to place?

Yes. Because it’s all mountaineous roads, so there’s no shortcut. Also, now, they’re working hard on expanding the roads and also improving the conditions, so sometimes, they might close roads to do the maintenance. Your guide and driver will plan timings based on road-closures.

Due to the winding and bumpy roads, a responsible driver will not speed, instead, drive with caution to minimize danger and car-sickness. Sometimes, the roads are slightly larger than one lane, but has to fit bi-directional vehicles. You’ll see many ‘slim’ cars that operate as cabs, which they’d imported from India. The most number of cars you’ll see in Bhutan would be in Thimphu, the capital.

It’s one main road, the National Highway, from Paro to Thimphu to Punakha and the same way back.

Our journey by road in 2017: Paro – Thimphu – Punakha – Thimphu – Paro

Sign up for the petite wanderess mailing list, crowds & safety in bhutan, why are there so few tourists in bhutan is it because no one wants to go there.

Ahahaha nope. With only so few pilots in this world qualified to fly into Bhutan, and  limited flights only allowed in the daytime in good weather, this automatically reduces the number of flights and thus tourists . The other method to reach Bhutan is overland from India – even so, they’re a really long distance away from Thimphu, Paro, Punakha. Which means it’s hardly crowded in Bhutan, yay!

Bhutan is also not the cheapest destination to visit due to the daily minimum tariff.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Kristine🌸The Petite Wanderess (@thepetitewanderess) on Dec 20, 2017 at 8:07pm PST

Is Bhutan safe?

We moved around in a group and I’ve never felt any form of acute danger.  Everyone strolls in Bhutan , even the animals on the road, even with cars approaching. Vehicles will thus drive at a slow speed everywhere and give way to pedestrians and animals.

I would say generally, Bhutan felt safe. Regardless, crime can happen anywhere in the world. (My brother told me his friend went Bhutan and someone opened her hotel room door?!?) Whether you’re  travelling solo  or not, always practise a good level of awareness about your surroundings. And keep your room doors locked , valuables locked away, of course.

Is it safe to visit Bhutan as a solo traveller?

Your guide will be with you most of the time during the land tours in the day, even hiking all the way to Tiger’s Nest, so don’t worry.

| Read about my  hike to Tiger’s Nest & hiking tips ! |

However, one thing to note is that your guide might not be staying at the same hotels as you. So if they’ve ended the program for the day, if you head out on your own, you’re on your own.

About Tours to Bhutan

Will i join other groups of tourists.

If you book independent agencies like  Druk Asia , it’s a  private tour , meaning your guide and driver will be responsible for just you and your group’s well-being during your time in Bhutan. I really appreciate this as we can explore Bhutan at our own pace, and also modify the itinerary according to our preferences and needs.

There’re other established tour agencies (for eg. Chan Brothers in Singapore) that organize group trips to Bhutan, but they have a minimum number of participants (like 10 or more) before a trip will take off. You’ll thus be joining other groups/strangers and sitting in mini-buses on probably a fixed itinerary.

Are tours long? Rushed?

Our tour guide typically picked us at 9am every morning, and we’ll be out till about 4+, sometimes 5+pm. We’ll then rest and shower and get ready for dinner which mostly will be ready from 7pm. After dinner, it’s winding down in your own room and getting ready for bed!

| Check out some of the  tour options available on Druk Asia  now! |

We also did not get rushed during tours, unless there’s a certain timing that we need to keep in mind (some temples close early). Your tour guide and driver will do all these background work for you!

What language will your guide speak?

Tours are conducted in English by default. If you have elderly parents who need guides that speak Mandarin, you’ll need to top up money for that request.

Isn’t it annoying & intrusive to have strangers (tour guide & driver) with you all the time?

Not at all. The tour guide will show you around places, explaining the origins and stories. He’ll always be looking out for you, even protecting you from the mules and buffaloes when you’re out in nature. They will help you translate when you want to buy stuff from shops. The driver will get you to places safely. Sometimes, they’ll leave you to explore places like Dochula Pass and tell you where they’ll be waiting once you’re done with photos and such. During meals outside, they’ll discreetly disappear after arranging your seating and stuff, then appear again when you’re ready to leave.

Bhutanese people value personal space and are well-mannered. This translates to how they treat visitors too.

Before heading to Bhutan, I’d thought I won’t feel comfortable too (am an  Introvert  – social settings exhaust me). But it turned out that having them around makes us feel well taken care of ( TripAdvisor review here! ). Imagine them like respectful hosts – they look out for you but they won’t be intrusive.

If you’re a solo traveller, your guide will also be your meal companion, something I noticed. Maybe the Bhutanese don’t enjoy dining alone 😉

View this post on Instagram 🇧🇹❤️Everyday, I dream about when I’ll return to Bhutan, even though it wasn’t the easiest country to get used. Ps: that’s my guide in the distance, always one to carry himself well and checking that his gho is straight. P/s/s: Have you checked out my post about all the possible concerns about food, hotels and hygiene for a trip to Bhutan? Click link in profile! #PetiteWanderessInBhutan ✩—————————————✩ 🌎Travel blog → ThePetiteWanderess.com 🐥Tweet me! @ PetiteWanderess 💃🏼FB: @ ThePetiteWanderess ✩—————————————✩ A post shared by Kristine🌸The Petite Wanderess (@thepetitewanderess) on Dec 25, 2017 at 12:27am PST

Will you see monks everywhere? Will they pose for you?

You might see just a few monks at dzongs or temples or groups at special praying occasions. As a form of respect, we didn’t approach any monks for photos.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Kristine🌸The Petite Wanderess (@thepetitewanderess) on Dec 14, 2017 at 5:42pm PST

Shopping in Bhutan

Is bhutan commercialized.

Not at all. There won’t be touts hounding you to buy things from them (you’ll probably only get someone asking if you wanna ride a horse halfway up to  Tiger’s Nest ), or a child asking you for donation (we experienced this once in Punakha).

Will shopping in Bhutan be cheap? ?

Shopping in Bhutan is  not  as cheap as Asian countries like Thailand. A commemorative T-shirt (those that has the country name written on it) costs like 600-700 nu (USD$10); my second-hand book about Buddhism was 850 nu (USD$13), a packet of dried chilli for cooking was 700 nu (USD$10) too. Making a touristy sheet of postage stamps at Thimphu’s Post Office will cost 500nu. Paper goods at Jungshi Paper Factory (Thimphu) are also expensive, with each sheet of paper from 35onu onwards, but I must say they’re so lovely!  We barely bought anything much in Bhutan, actually.

Goods sold in Bhutan did not come easy  due to the difficulty in obtaining them. *For example: cars. They have to import the cars into India, then send the cars into Bhutan by land. As for goods, cargo planes don’t fly into Bhutan. Local shopkeepers are limited by the baggage limit for commercial flights when they fly back into their own country from overseas, or they’ll just import from India.

What are the things to buy in Bhutan?

At Thimphu downtown, there’s a craft bazaar of stalls that your guide might bring you to. All the items sold at the craft bazaar are specifically made in Bhutan. You can purchase things like cotton scarves or wool knitted shawls, hand-made bags, souvenirs etc. At the main street in Paro, you’ll see shops selling phallus-shaped souvenirs, and plenty of precious stone accessories aka bracelets and necklaces.

Mobile data & WIFI in Bhutan

Is there wifi how’s the internet speed and mobile data.

You’ll likely get free WIFI from your hotel in Western Bhutan. The WIFI might get spotty in rooms, depending on your hotels. At some restaurants (rarely though), you might get free WIFI, but don’t count on its reliability!

In 2017, as I wanted to post on the go to my  Instagram , I bought a Tashi Cell prepaid simcard from a shop in Thimphu on the first day. The initial charge cost 350nu (S$7.35 / USD$5.45), which includes some local call-time and 400MB of mobile data. Later on, I paid 100nu to top up another 400MB of data for the later part of my trip. The rates should be cheaper by now.  Connectivity was pretty okay most of my trip  –  except for the  hike up Tiger’s Nest . Can’t give you insight about doing work on laptop, as I didn’t bring it.

In 2019, for our trip in Eastern Bhutan, we used BMobile as our prepaid data sim card. Each charge of 299nu will give 3GB of data, which is a very reasonable price considering how much more expensive it was in 2017.

Whether you’re using free WIFI or from the tourist simcard, be prepared that the internet won’t be as fast and stable as fibre networks in developed cities.

Well, when in Bhutan, take it as a chance to disconnect!
View this post on Instagram A post shared by Kristine🌸The Petite Wanderess (@thepetitewanderess) on Feb 26, 2018 at 7:24pm PST

Should I Visit Bhutan?

Is bhutan boring.

prayer flags at Chele La Pass | All Your First-World Questions about a Bhutan Trip, Answered! • The Petite Wanderess

Not to me! You’ll only find Bhutan boring if you can’t appreciate nature, crazily beautiful sceneries, or a more laidback kind of travelling style, or if you love lots of alcohol, night-life, music and entertainment in your travels.

Bhutan’s uniqueness is truly not something that every kind of traveller will appreciate.  Being in Bhutan comes with its set of challenges due to its climate and country conditions, a little something like visiting the outskirts of  Myanmar  (but I’ll say Bhutan is more uncomfortable).

Is Bhutan suitable for children?

Unless you’re a super tough parent, I won’t encourage bringing kids that are too young, especially toddlers. Firstly, the food might be a little spicy sometimes, though the restaurants already try to serve non-spicy food for foreigners. Secondly, the climate is pretty harsh. From the first landing at Paro Airport, you’re already at >2000m above sea level, and the lowest you’ll go is probably Punakha – > still 1000m above sea level. As mentioned above, I for one had issues breathing deeply, not to mention if your small kids cannot articulate this to you.

Using strollers in Bhutan is close to impossible, that’s why all the Bhutanese have their small kids strapped to their back. Medical facilities are very limited in Bhutan. There’s a quality hospital in Thimphu.

The youngest kid we saw from a Singaporean family during our trip was about 9-10 years old.

All Your First-World Questions about a Bhutan Trip, Answered! • The Petite Wanderess

Can the elderly visit Bhutan?

In winter, the weather gets cold (less cold in Punakha when the sun is shining brightly). Add that to challenges in acclimatizing, the elderly might have problems adapting. My elderly mother (almost 70 years old) had no issues at all, not even breathing difficulty. My Dad (almost 75 years old), on the other hand, had breathing problems, struggled with giddiness and low energy, flu, cough and he also opted out of hikes. The cold also affected him, giving him a stuffy nose.

Visiting Bhutan will definitely involve a good amount of walking (uphill)/ trekking, even uphill.

However, if you want to skip the physically taxing activities, you can always discuss with your agency or tour guide before booking your trip. My recommended Bhutan travel specialist – Druk Asia – will be able to advise better.

How much does a Bhutan trip cost?

Minimum daily tariff: • Off-peak months (Dec – Feb, Jun-Aug) :  USD$200/night  per person. • Peak months (Mar – May, Sept – Nov):  USD$250/night  per person.

On top of that, solo and duo travellers will need to top up USD$40 and USD$30 per person respectively, per night. It’s more financially-efficient to travel in a group of 3 or 4 to Bhutan!

Many people misinterpret that minimum daily tariff as a daily visa cost, as something on top you need to pay on top of usual travel expenses.  It is  not.

Think of the daily tariff as a tour package cost.

This daily tariff actually includes* your 3-star hotel stays, three meals, tea & coffee throughout your stay, bottled mineral water, a planned itinerary, all entrance fees in your itinerary, tour guide+driver+vehicle fees  (*from referencing what  Druk Asia  provided for us). It’s more  like an all-in tour package’s  minimum-price guideline, minus the flight tickets.

So, what happens is,  tour agencies will quote you a Bhutan trip package with a price higher than that minimum daily tariff . If yours doesn’t, that agency’s breaking Bhutan’s law.

Other than the minimum daily tariff, you’ll need to pay for your  flight ticket  into Bhutan, as well as the international  tourist visa  (USD$40).

Dec 2017 trip: To give you perspective, for my family’s trip (4 of us) in mid-December 2017 (6 nights – departing on the seventh early morning), my family member each paid  S$3110  (flight ticket S$1320, visa S$55, land tour S$1735) to  Druk Asia .

Updated Oct 2022: Bhutan changed its policy. From Sept onwards, most international travellers (except from India, Maldives, Bangladesh) to Bhutan will need to fulfill a Sustainable Development Fee of USD$200 per night (it was USD$65/night before 2022) in Bhutan. This fee does not benefit the traveller, which means it does not include any offsets for the traveller. The air-ticket from Singapore to Bhutan is currently S$1.4k+. Add in hotel fees, perhaps engaging a driver, and other fees, you can expect a 6N trip to Bhutan to cost upwards of S$5k now , which is a far cry from the S$3k+ for my pre-pandemic trips. The sharp increase in SDF is rather shocking, to be honest.

Tipping in Bhutan

On top of that, consider tipping USD$5/day/pax for your tour guide, and $3/day/pax for your driver. You don’t need to tip at other individual places.

How much cash should I bring into Bhutan?

Basically,  you really don’t need to bring much cash into Bhutan  – can consider having about USD$100/pax with you when you enter Bhutan – it’s very likely more than enough, unless you’re a shopaholic. We changed some USD to ngultrum at a local’s shop, or you can change at the banks, or even at the airport before you go through immigrations.

On my first trip, we only used up about USD$90 (for four of us, in total!) worth of Bhutanese currency for things like sim cards, some shopping like souvenirs or fruits, temple offerings, etc. Our  water-rafting experience  which we wanted of our own accord, was another USD$150 in total.

And next, the million dollar question:

Is Bhutan worth the money?

Bhutan has always been a country that’s out of reach to me, like Mongolia, so I was glad to finally experience this Land of the Thunder Dragon in person. Bhutan’s significantly different from any other countries I’ve visited. However, this kind of question is always subjective. You might find  Myanmar  not worth visiting at all no matter how much or little you pay, but I find it a blessing to have visited Myanmar. The same goes for  Bhutan  –  Bhutan might not suit every kind of traveller , but I appreciate what the trip was.

If you enjoy luxury and relaxing vacations where you do nothing except go to spas, Bhutan is not an ideal destination for you (unless you stay at  COMO Uma Paro  resort).

How do I book a trip to Bhutan?

Which bhutan tour agency do you recommend.

Only  approved tour operators  are allowed to do tours. I chose  Druk Asia  after reading plenty of good reviews, and would definitely recommend it! My travel agent ( Sangay Dorji ) was prompt to answer my countless questions and emails before the trip. I didn’t have to go down to the agency in person – everything was processed online, including payment. The visas were also handled by the agency with no problems.

Other than suggested tours, Druk Asia also offers  fully customizable tour packages to Bhutan , which means you can go from the East to the West of Bhutan (which I did on my second time, in 2019), or simply stay in the West of Bhutan.

Druk Asia  is Druk Air’s official sales agent in Singapore , so getting air-tickets at the  best prices  possible, will not be an issue too.

My family and I really appreciated the care and professionalism of our assigned tour guide and driver during the trip. We paid 50% of the trip cost to Druk Asia as the deposit to book, then the remaining – one month before flying into Bhutan.

Did I miss anything out? Hope this post served you well as a Bhutan travel guide for your trip!

Read my next comprehensive Bhutanese post –  Hiking Tiger’s Nest , or check out  all my posts about Bhutan !

Visited: mid-dec 2017, may 2019, early dec 2019 bhutan districts covered in this blog post: thimphu, punakha, paro, disclosure:  druk asia  covered my land tour (daily tariff) for my firs trip; i paid for my return air-tickets and visa. the rest of my family went as full-paying customers. the next two trips were media trips. all opinions and editorial content, as always, strictly remain my own., check out  druk asia’s website  for tours and plenty of testimonials and its  facebook page, this blogpost contains affiliate link(s). if you make a booking through the link(s), thepetitewanderess.com might receive a tiny commission at no extra costs to you. the commission helps to offset costs to keep up with this website, your support is much appreciated, more bhutan travel articles on the blog.

•  Road Trip in Eastern Bhutan (Part 1) – A Journey to Stir Your Wanderlust •  Hiking to Tiger’s Nest without a Flying Tigress •  Rafting in Bhutan – A Different Kind of Adventure •  What to Expect during Bhutan’s Winter in December •  Lessons from the Bhutanese – On living, love, and death

Information sources:  Tourism Council of Bhutan  •  Druk Asia

All Your First-World Questions about a Bhutan Trip, Answered! • The Petite Wanderess

Follow @ThePetiteWanderess on social media!

Appreciated this content & information.

bhutan travel blog singapore

Kristine Li

A 5-ft petite traveller, TCM Wellness Professional, Freelance Multi-Disciplinary Designer, yoga student, Kristine obsesses over ideas, art found in unexpected places, the jewels of undiscovered towns, brilliant colors, and poetry. She is also a freelance designer, mostly consulting clients keen to elevate their branding and design. Reach out to her if you're seeking an experienced and responsible business partner for features, articles, reviews, or even design!

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  • family travel
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  • travel tips

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Table of Contents

Land of Thunder Dragon (Druk Yul)

It’s been almost a month since I’ve been away. June has always been a month for me to clock my travels. Since I’ve turned 30 this year, I wanted to challenge myself to step out of my comfort zone. That explains why I decided to embark on a solo trip to Bhutan.

Why Bhutan?

Bhutan is dubbed as the ‘happiest’ country in the world for many reasons. It is officially the only country in the world to measure national happiness.

This Buddhist state understands that happiness is not dependent on how well the country’s economy is doing but how ‘happy’ their people are.

I’ve gone through a quarter of my life, but I’m still figuring out what happiness is all about. Perhaps spending a week in Bhutan would somehow enlighten me on what happiness is?

After watching Bhutan Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay on TED talks, I was so inspired to find out how Bhutan can preserve its biodiversity and produce clean energy without harming the environment. I had to find out how this green nation can put our environment first above everything else. Shouldn’t we be putting our Mother Earth first on the list as earthly citizens?

I knew I could get some answers by visiting Bhutan. I was determined to set foot on this land.

After contemplating for about a month or so, I decided to go ahead with my Bhutan travels this year June. I booked a tour package with a reputable Bhutan tour agency which is based in Singapore. They seemed to be a somewhat reliable agency based on positive online reviews about their services and tour packages.

True enough, there were reliable and efficient. I signed up for the 7-Day Essential Bhutan Tour Package and they did all the necessary paperwork and travel arrangements. Their travel agent, whom I have been conversing with me via email, has been very responsive. I was only required to submit a copy of the passport online and pay via bank transfer.

You will need to apply for VISA to fly into Bhutan unless you’re a Bhutanese or Indian National. So the agency applied VISA for me on my behalf

In general, I am satisfied with their service, but some things just can’t be controlled. I don’t think I had a fantastic experience with my tour guide but at least, everything else went smoothly. There was a hiccup during the trip, and I shall share more about the incident in my upcoming blog posts.

Cultural Immersion

They also offer the rent of traditional Bhutanese costume to clients too. For the ladies, you will be wearing the Kira and for the men, the Gho. You can wear them anytime during the trip. I highly recommend that you give it a try because it is fun to take photos in the costume as keepsakes.

Travel Expenses

It looks like Bhutan is getting a significant share of its tourism dollars from Singapore. As foreigners to the country, we would need to the tourism tax tariffs of USD100 which is inclusive in the tour package.

In total, I forked out about $3000 for this trip. The air ticket itself is about $1,200, and it is not cheap. Considering that there isn’t much amenities or entertainment provided onboard. Since it is the non-peak season, it is considered to be much less expensive than the usual. (However, I later found out that there are other cheaper Bhutan travel packages run by Bhutanese locals which were equally good.)

Since it is the non-peak season, it is considered to be much less expensive than the usual. (However, I later found out that there are other cheaper Bhutan travel packages run by Bhutanese locals which were equally good.)

Flight to Bhutan via DrukAir

From singapore to kolkata.

It seems like DrukAir is the only airline that flies directly from Singapore to Bhutan with a pitstop at Kolkata, India. It was a 4-hour flight to Kolkata and another 45 minutes flight to Paro in Bhutan.

The plane was run down, and the only comforting thing is that the in-flight meals were not too bad. But the plane we took from Paro back to Singapore seems newer and more modern. Still, there wasn’t any form of entertainment onboard.

I read somewhere that you should be seated on the left side of the plane when you are flying from Singapore to Paro so that you can enjoy the beautiful view of the Himalayan ranges.

Thankfully, I got to sit on the right side of the plane when we were flying back from Paro to Singapore. I could see Mount Everest peeking through the clouds.

Do you know that you got to be one of the top pilots in Bhutan to fly the plane through the Himalayan range? It’s not easy flying into Paro where you have to fly passed many tall mountains to get to the valley where Paro town resides.

Meals onboard

We had breakfast on board, and they served us some Briyani-looking rice with curry along with a croissant, yoghurt, and fruits. It was quite a decent breakfast, but I did not have much appetite because I was quite sleep-deprived after having to wake up at 4 am to catch this 6.45 am flight.

Most of the passengers onboard were either Singaporeans or Indian nationals who were flying to Kolkata. Judging the number of Singaporeans onboard, you could say that a majority of the tourists entering Bhutan are Singaporeans.

From Kolkata to Paro

On the flight from Kolkata to Paro, they offered us Vegetarian sandwiches which is mainly just cheese with some sauce similar to mayonnaise. After 45 minutes, we finally reached our destination! I remembered that the air smelt exceptionally fresh!

Paro International Airport

As you can see from the photos below, the airport is indeed very undeveloped and ‘primitive.’ It’s a small airport with only one terminal. I believe there’s only one cafe inside the airport that sells beverages and snacks.

The airport is open during the daytime only and closes in the evening. As with every homes, offices, and building, you will see the photo of the King of Bhutan together with the Queen and their son. Both the young King and Queen are very well-respected by the locals there.

My Tour Guide

I had my private tour guide and driver arranged by tour agent. I requested a female tour guide since the driver would most likely be a male, it would be nice to have a female companion around.

She is only a year younger than me so we had no problems communicating at all. However, she wasn’t as enthusiastic as I thought a tour guide should be. To be honest, there were times where I felt that she wasn’t really present and showed a lack of enthusiasm. She would ask me if I needed her accompaniment to tour various sights when I thought it was expected of the guide to be there throughout unless I wanted to be left alone.

On the other hand, I had a good driver. It is comforting to know that at least there is one kind soul who is there on the lookout for me. I was thankful that they assigned me a really skilful driver who had been very helpful and kind. He would make sure that I am seated comfortably throughout the rides. I felt that he was way more attentive than my guide. Both of us were born in the same year, and I guess that made it easier for us to communicate as well.

Getting used to the High Altitude

In case you didn’t know, the altitude in Bhutan is much higher than what we are used to. Paro, for example, is about 2195 meters above sea level. In comparison, Singapore is no more than 15 meters above sea level. What a huge contrast! But overall, I did not have any altitude sickness or any breathing difficulties. But overall, I did not have any altitude sickness or any breathing difficulties.

The only problem I encounter was the long winding roads with many sharp turns. It has not made any easier for me as I tend to have motion sickness. The road was curvy, and if you have motion sickness like me, you might have to pop an anti-vomiting pill.

Heart of Bhutanese People – Religion

Okay, so where should I begin?

Bhutan has such a rich history and cultural background. Many of the temples built there are dated all the way back to the 14th century. This is a country who holds on strongly to their own set of traditions which have been passed on from generations to generations.

Buddhism is a religion which is widely practised here in Bhutan. To be more specific, the official religion of Bhutan is Vajrayana Buddhism, which originates from Medieval India. This similar form of Buddhism had spread across Tibet and East Asia.

That explains why the Bhutanese culture is somewhat quite similar to Nepalese and Tibetan culture. I was surprised to know that some of my friends thought that Bhutan is part of Nepal! Bhutan is actually a country on its own and is located right above India, just below China on the world map. I hope this informative bit has been enlightening for you too.

I hope this informative bit has been enlightening for you too.

Bhutanese Food

All of the meals I had in Bhutan were all buffet style. The food is relatively quite good, and they tasted just like our regular Chinese dishes. The hotel itself usually provides both breakfast and dinner. For lunch, we would dine at nearby restaurants.

The restaurants would often serve a few vegetable dishes and a meat-based dish (usually chicken) along with red Bhutanese rice. The red Bhutanese rice is their local variety of medium-grain rice which is chewier and fluffier than white rice.

Sometimes they would serve warm soup along with the dishes. I tried their boiled vegetable and pumpkin soup, but there were not as flavourful as the Chinese-style soups we have in Singapore. They probably did not use pork bones to cook their soup which explains the lack of depth and flavour into the soup. Thus, it tasted rather bland to me.

For desserts, they would either serve a scoop of ice cream or fruits like watermelon. The tour package I bought is inclusive of all meals except beverages. Say if you order a bottle of coke, you will need to pay for it.

What to Wear in Bhutan

It’s summer in Bhutan. During the day, it was warm. But on some days, it can get slightly chilly especially after a light shower. Yes, there is occasional rainfall during summer.

As the night falls, the temperature would drop drastically to about 10 degree Celsius. It is cooler in Paro and Thimphu than in Punakha. In fact, it is super warm and humid in Punakha since Punakha has a much lower altitude. It was very sunny in Punakha during the day, and it can quite warm in the evenings.

The higher the altitude, the colder it is. It was freezing at the mountain leading to Haa Valley. Thus it is best to dress in layers.

As for the locals living there, they usually wear their traditional costumes on a daily basis. Only very few of them would deck out in stylish outfits like T-shirts and jeans.

Hotels in Bhutan

I stayed at 3-star hotels which I handpicked personally from the list of hotels found on their website. All of the hotels I chose were relatively good except for one hotel which I will mention again in the upcoming post.

My only qualms are the loud barking noises made by the stray dogs at night. Other than that, everything was okay. If you wish to start in a four or five-star hotel, you will need to top up some money on your own.

Meanwhile, check out the summary of my 7-day Essential Bhutan itinerary with Druk Asia !

Travel Itinerary

Day 1 ( 3 june) from singapore to  paro.

  • Flight from Singapore to Kolkata then to Paro International Airport
  • Lunch at Thimphu
  • National Memorial Chorten
  • Simply Bhutan Museum
  • Centenary Farmer’s Market
  • Check-in Hotel Osel
  • Dinner at Hotel Osel

Day 2 (4 June): Thimphu

  • Breakfast at Hotel Osel
  • Wangditse Day Hike
  • Changangkha Lhakhang
  • Institute of Zorig Chusum
  • Bhutan Post Office/Postal Museum
  • Buddha Point
  • Walk around Thimphu Town
  • Dinner at Namgay Heritage Hotel

Day 3 (5 June): From Thimphu to Punakha

  • Dochula Pass
  • Lunch at Hotel Lobesa, Punakha
  • Druk Wangyai Chortens
  • Chhimi Lhakhang Temple (Fertility Temple)
  • Punakha Dzong
  • Pho Chhu Suspension Bridge
  • Dinner at Hotel Lobesa

For more details, read my Day 3 in Bhutan article right here. 

Day 4 (6 June) : From Punakha to Paro

  • Paro Valley
  • Museum in Paro
  • Walk around Paro Town
  • Dinner at Gangtey Palace in Paro

 For more details, read my Day 4 in Bhutan post here.

Day 5 (7 June): From Paro to Haa Via Chele La

  • Breakfast at Gangtey Palace
  • Chele La Pass
  • White Temple
  • Dinner at Raven’s Nest Hotel

For more details, read my Day 5 in Bhutan post here.  

Day 6 (8 June) : Paro

  • Breakfast at Raven’s Nest Hotel
  • Taktsang Monastery (Tiger’s Nest)
  • Kyichu Lhakhang Temple
  • Dinner at Bukhari in Como Uma Paro Hotel (*Special arrangement)

  For more details, read my Day 6 in Bhutan post here. 

Day 7 (9 June): From Paro to Singapore

  • Flight back from Paro to Singapore

Stay tuned for my upcoming post as I narrate my story in Bhutan with full details on my blog!

Hope you find this blog post useful! If you have any questions, do let me know in the comment box below. 

Travel with Me to Bhutan! : Day 1

Travel with me to bhutan : day 2 – thimphu, travel with me to bhutan: day 3 – punakha , travel with me to bhutan: day 4 – paro.

Travel with Me to Bhutan!: Day 5 – Haa Valley 

Travel with Me to Bhutan!: Day 6 and 7 – Tiger’s Nest 

15 thoughts on “ Travel with Me to Bhutan! : My Full 7-Day Bhutan Itinerary ”

i was in the mid of deciding which travel agency to use and i came across ur blog. would you mind to share which travel agency that is cheaper and also have equally good service compared to Druk Asia? i have realised many Singaporean have booked with Druk Asia and i understand they gives good service but their price is pretty steep.

Agreed. I do know of some private tours in Bhutan which offers a much cheaper pricing. Some of the travellers shared with me on the plane. In fact, they were telling me that these private guides did a much better job. But I do not know their contacts though.

thanks but by any chance do you remember their company name? or what would you recommend other than Druk Asia? i have been reading and reading but just cant decide which to choose.

HI Michelle!

Understand how you felt! I was so thinking hard on whether to choose Druk Asia or not but I went ahead with them as I know that they are a reputable travel agent. I might have a number which one of the travellers passed to me but I’m not sure if the number is working or if they are reputable. According to them, this guide is quite good.

It’s a contact belonging to this guy called Siram who runs Bhutan Omkara Tour and Travel. I have not contacted them before but you can give it a try and see if you are comfortable with them. But then again, I can’t guarantee anything.

If you would like to avoid the hassle, I still recommend Druk Asia because they have an office in Singapore and at least, I can vouch for their reliability. Even if you do not like your guide, you can request for a change on the second day. They are also very prompt in their replies as well.

Hope this helps and I pray that you have a wonderful and meaningful trip!Do share with me how it went as well! you can tagged me on instagram @deeniseglitz or email me 🙂

The guy’s number is 97 517 698 592. I guess you can try to Whatsapp him.

Thanks so much for the info!!

Does Bhutan lacks mountain? Anyway great share.

Hi Deenise, my family is planning to go on a trip to Bhutan in April 2019. The travel agent is from Bhutan itself but we are asked to pay a fee of $3050 for 7 days and additional of $100/day/pax. Do you think it is reasonable for a seven day trip?

Hi MJ! $100 is the standard rate for Bhutan as all tourist entering Bhutan is charged at this rate which includes accommodation, food and other travel expenses. I think this rate is quite comparable to DrukAsia. You can also approach Drukasia to give you the quote.

Hello Greetings from Samlha Tours And Travels from Bhutan. We are renowned and reputed travel agent in Bhutan and we provide cheaper package cost compared to other agents.

Just wondering did you bring over any form of wifi? I am currently looking for wifi connections for my parents who are travelling over in just a few months time. Any advice? Thanks!

I did not buy a data sim card for the trip. I just tap on their WIFI services. Most hotels and restaurants have WIFI for customers to use for free. I have no problems going on the internet. However, some hotel WIFI is slow.

Great post Deenise and I am definitely considering making a trip there in April this year, I hope the weather is good and it hasnt got too touristy yet?

It is considered rather touristy now but Bhutan has done a great job in trying their best to preserve their environment and controlling the influx of tourists visiting Bhutan. You will be surprised that most of the tourists there are mostly Singaporeans and Indians.

April’s weather should be quite cooling but warmer in certain areas like Punakha.

Enjoy your trip to Bhutan! Let me know how it goes!

Regards Deenise

Quite good details enlisted which makes Bhutan look more exciting. Thanks

Thanks Swati! Bhutan is indeed beautiful. Glad that I’ve managed to make a trip there and covered it on my blog.

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Travel to Bhutan from Singapore - Yak Holidays Int'l

A complete guide on flight / travel to Bhutan from Singapore, Bhutan visa for Singaporean citizens and Bhutan tours from Singapore. This blog features tips such as Singapore to Bhutan flights, festivals in Bhutan , best time to visit Bhutan, treks and more.

Flights to Bhutan from Singapore:

The flights from singapore to paro bhutan are on thursdays and sundays:.

Drukair is the only airline that flies to and from Singapore to Bhutan. There are two flights from Singapore to Paro (Bhutan) in a week i.e on Sunday and Thursday.

Singapore to Bhutan flight time is at 1230 hrs. and arrives Paro, Bhutan at 1645 hrs. Flight no. KB 541 (For both the above mentioned days).

Paro Bhutan to Singapore flights are on Saturday & Wednesday - Return flights;

Flight No. KB 540 departs from Paro at 1430 hrs. and arrives Singapore at 2240 hrs.

The above flight has a lay over of 40 minutes at Guwahati , India . The flight duration from Singapore to Paro Bhutan is 5 1/2 hours.

Singapore to Bhutan flight cost (Round trip):

Economy class: SIN – PBH – SIN: US $ 1064.00 & Business class: SIN – PBH – SIN: US $ 1698.

The tallest statue of Buddha in Bhutan (51.5 m).

Baggage allowance:

  • 30 kg for economy class, 40 kg in business class.
  • Hand carry is 5 kg in economy class, 7 kg in business class.

Singapore to Bhutan tour packages.

Considering the availability of flights from Singapore to Paro, Bhutan and return flight, you can book one of the following Bhutan tour packages from Singapore:

  • Sunday: Singapore – Paro, Bhutan & return on Saturday (6 nights/7 days)
  • Sunday: Singapore – Paro, Bhutan & return on next Wednesday (10 nights/11 days).
  • Thursday: Singapore – Paro Bhutan & return on Wednesday (6 night/7 days).
  • Thursday: Singapore to Paro Bhutan & return on next Saturday (9 nights/10 days).

You can combine this trip with one of the colorful festivals or short treks like Bumdra (2 days) or Druk path trek (5 days).

Please contact us for the detailed itinerary and price… Contact 

Engsome and her friends from Singapore at Dochula pass in Bhutan (3140 m).

Festivals in Bhutan:

We advise you to coincide your Bhutan travel package from Singapore with one of the spectacular festivals in Bhutan. The highly recommended festivals in spring are Punakha tshechu , Paro tshechu and Ura Yakchoe festival . If you are traveling in Autumn, then we suggest Thimphu tshechu , Jakar festival or Jambay lhakhang drup .

However, there are also number of festivals during lean season months like Haa summer festival (July) and Druk Wangyel festival in Thimphu (13th December) which are equally good. The crowd will be small during the lean season months. Please contact us for the Bhutan festival dates 2024.

Short treks in Bhutan:

Festivals in Bhutan.

For those who love mountains, nature and adventure, we recommend short treks into the wilderness of Bhutan. We highly recommend you to combine your Bhutan trip with a short 2 days trek like  Bumdra trek . This hiking trail in Paro has the most beautiful views of the mountains and valley below. The highest point is 4000 meter. The camping facilities at Bumdra are the most luxurious.

For more trekking itineraries, please check our  trekking page .

Bhutan visa for Singaporean citizens:

The Bhutan visa for Singaporean citizens or any other nationalities is processed by Bhutanese tour operator such as Yak Holidays (us).

Every visitor requires a passport, valid for at least 6 months. You must obtain e-Bhutan visa prior to your travel to Bhutan. The Bhutan visa for Singaporean citizens (Tourists) will be arranged by the Local Bhutan travel agency such as Yak Holidays Int’l. You should send us a scanned copy of your passport and other necessary documents to process e-Bhutan visa.

The applications for tourist visas are processed by your tour operator like us after receiving the full trip payment.

It normally takes at least 2-3 working days to obtain e- Bhutan visa for Singaporean nationals. Please make sure to carry the same passport that you submitted for your Bhutan visa or you will be denied entry. The e-Bhutan visa issued by the Department of Immigration, Ministry of Home Affairs (Bhutan). You should produce your e-visa when you check-in at the airport (Port of entry). The actual visa will be stamped in your passport upon your arrival at the Paro airport .

Bhutan visa fee / cost for Singaporean citizens is US $ 40 per person and is payable one time (Extra).

Sustainable Development Fund (US $ 100 per person per night stay in Bhutan):

All international tourists other than the Indian nationals have to pay US $ 100 per person per night as sustainable development fee (SDF) to the royal government of Bhutan.

Discount on sustainable development fee (SDF):

There shall be no charge for children up to the age of 5 years on Bhutan travel cost. However, those between the ages of 6 – 12 years get 50 % discount on daily rates.

What is included in the above cost?

  • Accommodation on twin / double sharing basis in government certified “clean & safe” 3 star hotels.
  • All meals including evening tea/coffee.
  • Licensed tour guide.
  • Transportation within the country including airport transfers.
  • Bottled water during the tour.

Trek cost covers:

  • Camping equipment.
  • Yaks / ponies to carry supplies.
  • Services of trekking guide, cook and helpers.
  • 3 meals and evening tea / coffee.
  • Cost of trekking permit.

What is not included in the cost?

  • Drukair fares.
  • Entry fees for museums / monuments and festival visits.
  • Insurance premiums.
  • Beverage bills and other bills of personal nature.

Entry Permits for Monuments and Festival Visits:

The royal government of Bhutan levies entry fees for monuments and festival visits on top of the sustainable development fee (SDF) as follows:

  • Tiger’s nest monastery @ US $ 12 per person.
  • Other monuments @ US $ 6 per person.
  • Festival visits @ US $ 12 per person.

The tourists can pay these fees at the counter of each museum/monument .

The view of Himalayas on Singapore to Paro flight:

Just prior to landing at Paro airport, the Drukair plane makes the descent from amongst the clouds; you will get wonderful views of the beautiful, serene Himalayan mountain ranges. This special chance to view these mountains from above would more than justify your high Drukair fares. When you travel to Bhutan from Singapore or Kolkata , you can enjoy the panoramic view of Mt. Kanchenjunga and Jomolhari . You can also see the bird’s eye view of Tiger’s nest ( Paro Taktsang ) as the flight descends into the Paro valley .

This particular flight experience is priceless and it won’t happen to you every other day. The seats on the Drukair are allocated on “First come, first serve” basis. For the best views, please check-in early at the port of entry (Singapore or Bangkok) and request your seat on the right side of the plane. Likewise on your return flight, request for a seat on the left side of the plane.

COVID-19 update on travel to Bhutan from Singapore:

The royal government of Bhutan has re-opened tourism from 23rd September 2022. NO QUARANTINE or RT-PCR test for COVID-19 is required at the point of entry like Paro International airport  for travel to Bhutan from Singapore or any other country. The health officials at the Paro airport or other entry points at the southern border may conduct random RT-PCR tests of the visitors to monitor and control the spread of new variant of COVID-19.

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Trekking in Bhutan.

A sample passport copy for Bhutan visa.

How much does it cost to visit Bhutan from Singapore?

Our singapore to bhutan tour package cost..

Our Singapore to Bhutan tour package cost is inclusive of sustainable development fee (SDF).

  • Solo traveler: US $ 340 per night.
  • 2 pax: US $ 260 per person per night.
  • 3 – 10 pax: US $ 250 per person per night.
  • 11 pax and above: US $ 240 per person per night.

The rate applies uniformly for cultural tour, trekking, festival visits and other activities.

The clients from Singapore with former Education Minister Lyonpo Thakur Singh Poudel.

The view of Himalayas from Drukair flight.

Bhutan Travel Links

  • Bhutan Tours (Cultural) .
  • Trekking in Bhutan .
  • Bhutan Festival Tours .
  • Honeymoon in Bhutan .
  • Photography Tour .
  • Mountain Biking .
  • Best time to visit Bhutan .
  • Flights to Bhutan .
  • Bhutan Travel Cost .
  • Bhutan Visa Information .
  • Luxury Hotels in Bhutan .

Documents and details required to process Bhutan visa for Singaporean citizens:

The following documents and details should be submitted to the tour operator in Bhutan (us) to process your Bhutan visa:

  • Scanned copy(s) of your passports (with minimum 6 months validity).
  • Travel insurance.
  • Passport size photo / headshot / half photo (Digital).
  • Occupation.
  • Telephone number.
  • Residential address.

1. Can you process the Bhutan visa for Singaporean citizens within a week of travel to Bhutan ?

Yes, we can process the Bhutan visa for Singaporean citizens or any other nationals with a week of travel.

2. What are the recommended tour packages from Singapore to Bhutan ?

The most recommended and popular tour package from Singapore to Bhutan are:

  • 1. Sunday: Singapore – Paro and flying back from Paro to Singapore on Saturday (6 nights / 7 days Bhutan tour).
  • 2. Sunday: Singapore – Paro, Bhutan & return on next Wednesday (10 nights / 11 days Bhutan tour).
  • 3. Thursday: Singapore – Paro Bhutan & return on Wednesday (6 nights / 7 days Bhutan tour).
  • 4. Thursday: Singapore to Paro Bhutan & return on next Saturday (9 nights / 10 days Bhutan tour).

3. Is it possible to get Bhutan visa for Singaporean citizens on arrival in Bhutan ?

No, it is not possible to get bhutan visa for singaporean citizens on arrival in bhutan. you will not be allowed to board flight to bhutan without bhutan visa., 4. can i combine bhutan tour from singapore with a short trek .

Yes, you can combine Bhutan tour from Singapore with a short trek like Bumdra in Paro valley which is for 2 days.

5. Is it possible to combine Bhutan trip from Singapore with one of the festivals ?

Yes, you can combine Bhutan trip from Singapore with one of the festivals in Bhutan like Thimphu tshechu , Paro tshechu or Punakha festival .

6. What is the frequency of flights from Singapore to Paro Bhutan ?

Drukair is the only airline operating flights to Bhutan from Singapore . There is only one flight in a week, Singapore to Paro Bhutan on Sunday and Paro to Singapore on Saturday.

23 essential things to know before visiting Bhutan

Erin  Levi

Feb 2, 2024 • 15 min read

Two buddhist monks at Punakha Dzong, Bhutan

You'll want to observe proper etiquette at Bhutan's Buddhist sites, such as Punakha Dzong © Kateryna Mashkevych / Shutterstock

Perched in the Himalayas between India and China, tiny Bhutan , with cliff-hanging monasteries, golden-roof temples and colorful prayer flags strung along trails and peaks, stands as the last Buddhist kingdom on earth.

Its careful tourism policy has allowed it to slowly open to the outside world without compromising its culture and traditions or degrading its pristine natural environment – two pillars of  Gross National Happiness (GNH), a unique philosophy that guides the government of Bhutan. 

Having traveled extensively in Bhutan on assignment, I’ve come to embrace its diverse seasons and activities, from horse trekking in Bumthang to rafting down the purple-jacaranda-lined Punakha River to learning how to make hoentey (a specialty buckwheat dumpling eaten during Lomba, the New Year) in the semi-remote Haa Valley.

This quick guide navigates Bhutan's cultural landscape, highlighting its local customs and quirks, as you plan your journey to the country known locally as Druk Yul, the Land of the Thunder Dragon. 

1. Independent travel is finally possible, but a tour operator is still the way to go

Since reopening in 2022, Bhutan has scrapped its all-inclusive tour-package minimum, and initially raised the Sustainable Daily Fee (SDF) to US$200 before reducing it to US$100 , valid now through September 2027. There is a 50% discount for kids ages six to 11, with no SDF for those under six. A one-time US$40 visa-application fee  also applies.

Fees are significantly lower for travelers from India, who can visit with a special permit. Indian travelers need to have a passport or voter ID card. Indian Aadhar cards are not accepted. Meanwhile, Bangladeshi and Maldivian nationals are  eligible for visa upon arrival , but must pay the SDF.

The good news is that adventurous travelers planning a trip can now independently book accommodations, guides (mandatory for any journey beyond Thimphu and Paro) and transportation. You can also, for the first time ever, extend your visa while you’re there, and you can even drive your own car – for a fee. 

However, for activities like trekking, attending festivals or engaging in more specialized interests, such as birding, horse trekking or cycling, using a tour operator will undoubtedly enhance your overall experience – and is generally required. Lists of certified tour operators, guides and accommodations, including hotels and homestays, can be found on the official Bhutan Travel website .

A resting area by a pool in Thimphu, Bhutan, on a bright day, with the clouds overhead reflected in the water.

2. Book early for festivals and trekking in the high season

Since reopening, there are no longer incentives for offseason travel, except for occasional hotel deals. This means you may as well time your trip with autumn and spring, when the most famous tsechus (monastic festivals) take place and the leaves change or rhododendrons bloom, respectively. Book far ahead if you’re considering attending a celebration or going trekking.

That said, locals argue that anytime of year is wonderful to visit Bhutan – and that summer and winter are just as wonderful, with plenty of lesser-known festivals. But these seasons are not ideal if you’re planning a multiday trek, due to muddy trails and chilly camping.

Still, the winter holiday season is auspicious, offering crisp air, clear skies and perfect light for photography, with few travelers. Plus, if you go for the December 17 National Day celebrations at Changlimithang Stadium in Thimphu , you may even get the chance to meet the king! 

3. Travel insurance is mandatory 

Per Bhutan’s Tourism Rules and Regulations 2022 , you must have travel insurance that covers accidental death, permanent disability due to accidents, emergency medical evacuation and hospital charges in case of sickness. You’ll need your proof of insurance coverage – in English – in order to apply for your visa. 

If you do find yourself feeling unwell during your trip, consider a visit to Thimphu’s National Institute of Traditional Medicine . A doctor will assess your pulse, temperature and ask about your bowels. In turn, you’ll receive a prescription for ayurvedic medicine crafted from local plants, all at no cost. (A small donation is appreciated.) Another moniker for Bhutan is “Menjong,” which aptly means “Land of Medicinal Herbs.”

Alternatively, head to the nearest hospital or health clinic for treatment geared towards Western medicine. The Jigme Dorji Wangchuck National Referral Hospital , also known as the National Referral Hospital, is the biggest in Bhutan and located in Thimphu. 

Close-up of an airplane wing with a full plane in the distance and people on the tarmac at Bhutan International Airport, seen during daytime in winter.

4. Only two airlines fly to Bhutan

Bhutan is served by two national airlines: Drukair and Bhutan Airlines . Because of the challenging landing conditions at Paro International Airport, surrounded by peaks as high as 5500m (18,000ft), only a select few pilots are authorized to fly there.

Direct flights to and from Paro connect you to various destinations, including Bangladesh (Dhaka), India (Bagdogra, Guwahati, Kolkata and New Delhi), Nepal (Kathmandu), Singapore, Thailand (Bangkok) and, from March 2024, the UAE (Sharjah). While Bangkok and Delhi are common entry points, Kathmandu promises the most epic route, with glimpses of Mt Everest on clear days. Request a window seat on the left-hand side when flying to Bhutan. 

Note that it’s not possible to check your luggage through to your final destination, so you’ll have to claim it before boarding your Bhutan connection. 

You can also reach Bhutan overland via India. (Bhutan has border disputes with China. Transit is not possible.) 

5. Bhutan is the world’s first carbon-negative country

Bhutan gained global attention for being the world's first carbon-negative country. Aside from its relatively underpopulated and underdeveloped status (being roughly the same size as Switzerland with only 10% of its population), a key factor in sustaining this achievement is a landmark constitutional mandate requiring the country to maintain a minimum of 60% forest coverage at all times. This is further supported by the environmental conservation pillar of GNH. 

Plastic has also been banned since 1999, though it's not regularly enforced. Nevertheless, do your part to keep the environment clean. There’s plenty of signage to remind you along the way: “Clean & beautiful environment is a feast to the soul,” says one placard en route to the Tiger’s Nest Monastery . 

6. Bhutan is exceptionally safe

Bhutan, a happy and devout Buddhist nation, maintains a low crime rate, with violent crime being scarce. One of the safest countries you’ll ever visit, it’s ranked the 25th-least-corrupt nation out of 180 countries by Transparency International. 

As a single woman, I never felt unsafe on any of my trips to Bhutan. I was also never truly “alone” since I was always under the watchful eye of my guide or local friends. In recent years, the number of female guides has increased, which is more good news for solo women travelers . 

7. Save the hike up to Tiger's Nest for the end

Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) can occur when travelers are above 2500m (8202ft). Given that the most commonly visited cities Thimphu and Paro are just 200m to 300m below that threshold, and that several treks in the Bhutanese Himalayas traverse mountain passes reaching heights of 5000m, AMS is a risk in Bhutan.

Ascend slowly, take rest days when needed, and if you begin to feel ill, stop. If it's not managed carefully, AMS can develop into life-threatening forms of altitude sickness, so pay close attention to how you're feeling. If your symptoms don’t ease, descend right away. Helicopter rescue is always an option in case of emergency.

Note: Due to the altitude, acclimatization may be necessary. I recommend waiting a few days or until the end of your trip – saving the best for last! – before embarking on the iconic Tiger’s Nest Monastery trek , which ascends about 1000m (3000ft). Make sure to schedule a traditional hot-stone bath afterward as well.

8. Stay current on your vaccinations

No vaccines are required for entry into Bhutan. This includes the COVID-19 jab, although you may need proof of it if you’re traveling via India.

That said, you should stay up-to-date with your vaccines and consult a healthcare professional at least eight weeks before your departure in case you need any boosters. Standard recommendations include vaccinations for hepatitis A and B, diphtheria, tetanus, and typhoid, in addition to childhood vaccinations for measles-mumps-rubella and polio.  

For longer trips, including travelers who are moving to Bhutan, you may wish to consider vaccinations for Japanese encephalitis and rabies. Rabies is particularly noteworthy since friendly animals, like monkeys and dogs, can all transmit the virus, and untreated infection is fatal. If you are bitten by an animal, such as a stray dog, immediately go to the nearest health clinic and get a postexposure prophylaxis shot (you’ll need a total of four). 

9. Pack a few medical essentials

Be wary of mosquito-borne illnesses when visiting in the summer months and in the southern regions. Because of climate change, Bhutan had its first nation-wide dengue epidemic in 2019. Dengue is deadly, and there is no vaccine to protect against it. (Malaria, which can be prevented with drugs, is rare and – fingers crossed – anticipated to be eliminated by 2025 .)

You’ll need sunscreen too. Bhutan's average elevation is 3280m (10,760ft), making it one of the highest countries in the world. It also shares the same latitude as Texas, Egypt and the Bahamas, so the sun is strong. Protect your skin – and your eyes. 

There are no tunnels in Bhutan, which means the mountain roads are windy. You may want to consider bringing Dramamine for car sickness and Diamox for altitude sickness – consult your healthcare provider before you travel to discuss whether they're right for you. Pack your own diapers and tampons, if you use them; you can, however, find menstrual pads in stores and at select hotels and restaurants. And don’t forget earplugs – at night, howling dogs can be disruptive to sleep, especially in downtown Thimphu. 

A top-down view of pan of chilies and cheese, or ema datse, the national dish of Bhutan

10. Bhutanese food is surprisingly delicious – and spicy!

For decades, Bhutanese cuisine suffered in reputation because travelers were mostly exposed to mediocre buffets at their three-star hotels, featuring Indian, Chinese and continental dishes tailored precisely to their palates.

Thankfully, those buffets are slowly being phased out. The local cuisine, emphasizing fresh and seasonal ingredients, is on the up and up and proving to be extremely tasty, if you know where to go. Ask your tour operator or guide for recommendations. 

And while Bhutanese cuisine is defined by hot chili peppers, such as with ema datse (chilies with cheese) and kewa datse  (potatoes, chilies and cheese), dishes can be modified according to your taste if requested in advance. Still, you may need antacids. 

11. Don’t drink the tap water

Tap water isn’t safe to drink in Bhutan unless it has been boiled or purified. Ask your hotel or guesthouse for boiled water, or purchase bottled water to have on your person. 

Do, however, drink the local whiskey and lager (Bhutan has a flourishing craft-beer scene). 

12. Learn local etiquette

“ Kuzu zangpo la ” means “hello” in Dzongkha, a Sino-Tibetan language and the national language of Bhutan, most commonly spoken in the western part of the country. Recite this while bowing (shaking hands is less common). The deeper the bow, the greater the respect. 

Aside from Dzongkha (and the many other local languages and dialects), English is widely spoken because it is the language of instruction in schools. When Bhutanese converse in English, it is common to hear the word “la” at the end of a sentence or question as a sign of respect; for example, “Thank you, la.” Feel free to reciprocate. 

If you find yourself invited into someone’s home and offered food, tradition dictates that you say the words “ meshu meshu”  while covering your mouth with your hands. After two or three offers, it is customary to accept. Similarly, if you are the one making an offer, or even giving a gift or tip, expect similar resistance. (Do consider giving a small tip if someone has invited you into their home and served you food or arra, a local spirit distilled from rice.)

13. Tipping is appreciated (but not mandatory) 

Even if you’ve paid in advance for your all-inclusive trip, show appreciation to your guide and driver by tipping them at the end. On a trek, extend this gesture to the crew – ie the cook, any helpers and the horsemen. While 10–15% is normal, the amount and currency are up to you. 

Tipping is not necessary at restaurants and hotels. A 10% service charge is already added to your bill when you dine out. 

14. Bhutan has nightlife

While most people are drawn to Bhutan for its serene landscapes, peaceful Buddhist monasteries and imposing fortresses ( dzongs ) such as  Punakha Dzong , the country is hiding a buzzing nightlife and music scene that is equally worth exploring. 

Thimphu's nightlife centers around Chang Lam near the stadium, featuring diverse options like the Zone (a popular bar hangout), Mojo Park (a fantastic music venue, where the band Misty Terrace got its start), the Grey Area (Bhutan’s first gastropub) and nightclubs Space 34 and Viva City, which are open to the wee hours.

Note:  Bhutan has ended dry Tuesdays and bars ars are now open throughout the week. 

15. It is finally legal to smoke in Bhutan, but be discreet

Bhutan was long known for its drastic yet visionary health law that forbade smoking and the trade of tobacco products. While the law was recently reversed, smoking must be done “out of sight,” ie behind buildings. The same goes for vaping.

Despite cannabis growing prolifically throughout the country, it remains illegal. Possession can land you in jail for up to one year. The only “drugs” produced in the country are traditional medicines. 

Note: While vaping products are sold in a few places in Thimphu, they’re not widely available. It’s advisable to bring your own. 

16. Keep an open mind

Whether it’s migoi  (yeti) sightings in Bhutan’s wild east, the significance of phalluses as symbols of protection or the flying tiger bringing Guru Rinpoche to the cave where the gravity-defying Tiger’s Nest Monastery now stands, folktales, myths and legends are an integral part of Bhutan’s culture and national pride – and believed to be true.

Approach Bhutan with an open mind. Westerners may find it challenging to suspend logic and reason, but be kind when pushing back, and consider setting aside your own preconceptions. Do as the new tourism tagline says: Believe. 

17. Pack layers

You’ll want layers for fluctuating temperatures and varying terrains, and modest clothing for entering temples and monasteries, including socks for cold temple floors. Aside from a good pair of hiking boots, bring a nicer shoe to wear with a gho  or kira  (Bhutanese national dress for men and women, respectively), should you decide to buy an outfit  – highly recommended if you’re attending a festival or meeting with a dignitary. For inspiration, follow Bhutan Street Fashion on Instagram or Facebook.

18. Carry small change

Cash is necessary for buying souvenirs, leaving small donations at monasteries, nunneries and temples (particularly if you’d like a blessing from a monk), and giving tips to your guide, driver and trekking crew, as mentioned earlier. 

If you’re an independent traveler, you’ll want to have small bills on hand to pay for entrance fees to sites and museums. Few – as in almost zero – businesses accept credit cards.

19. Stay connected

SIM cards used to be challenging to obtain, but now you can easily get them upon arrival at Paro International Airport. You can also rent a pocket Wi-Fi device there – useful if you’re planning to visit remote regions and need to be online. 

20. Bring cash and download these apps

It’s easier to bring your own money (make sure the bills are crisp) rather than rely on and seek out ATM machines in the country. The official currency in Bhutan is the ngultrum, which is pegged 1:1 to the Indian rupee. Do exchange at a bank or hotel so that you can have some small ngultrum notes for butter-lamp offerings and such. 

Most Bhutanese businesses accept cash or payments through either goBoB or the  BNB MyPay app . Foreign visitors can activate the app by downloading it from Google Play or Apple's App Store, inserting a local SIM purchased at the airport and funding the digital wallet with their credit or debit card. While goBoB is more popular among locals, some tour operators argue MyPay is better for foreigners because it is linked to more international card networks and is powered by Stripe.

A woman and three young children spinning a prayer wheel at the Tibetan-style National Memorial Chorten, one of the most visible religious structures in Thimphu.

21. Spin prayer wheels clockwise, and other temple tips

When visiting Buddhist monasteries, nunneries and temples, observe proper etiquette: remove shoes and hats, wear clothing that covers your shoulders and knees, refrain from photography in altar rooms, avoid pointing, never lean against a stupa and consider leaving a small donation on the altar or with a monk. If seeking a blessing, it's customary to offer a small donation.

Be it in a car or on foot, circumambulation of a Buddhist temple or shrine, such as a stupa or chorten, must always be clockwise. To go counterclockwise, whether it’s out of ignorance or on purpose, is seen as offensive, culturally insensitive and unlucky. Similarly, prayer wheels, which help purify karma, should be spun in a clockwise direction. 

22. Don’t bargain hard

Unlike some other places in Asia, like India or Vietnam, where you’re expected to haggle, Bhutan’s market scene is a lot more straightforward. You typically pay the price that’s listed – aggressive negotiating tactics are a foreign concept. 

That said, be prepared to spend a pretty penny if you plan to shop. Your eyes will be undoubtedly drawn to abundantly colorful textiles crafted from natural fibers, like silk and cotton. These can take months to assemble, and the prices – which can top four figures – reflect the meticulous work and cultural richness woven into each piece, often done by women.

Note: Geometric yathras , textiles made of yak wool and commonly found in central Bhutan’s Bumthang region, are more budget-friendly.) 

23. Consult the lunar calendar

The Bhutanese calendar is based on Tibet's, which follows the lunar calendar. Buddhist festivals, like tsechus, follow the lunar calendar, meaning the dates change from year to year. There are other cultural festivals, like Bhutan National Day and the Black Necked Crane Festival in Phobjikha Valley, that follow the Gregorian calendar and therefore stay the same.

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Bhutan Travelog

The most pictorial travel guide book to bhutan. with over 250 stunning images of the most exclusive kingdom in the world., written by two individuals who have a deep affinity for the kingdom and have travelled to bhutan for over thirty times collectively..

Bhutan Travelog book cover

ISBN: 978-981-18-8724-6 No. of pages: 296

Khamsum Yulley by Derek Low

Discover breathtaking Bhutan through the eyes of travellers who have visited the Land of Thunder Dragon.

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"If you ever seek to find answers to some of the fundamental questions in life, please know that there is a country somewhere in the Himalayas that could offer you the answers."

- Foreword by His Excellency Dasho Dr Lotay Tshering Honorable Prime Minister of Bhutan

PM Dr Lotay Tshering

Travel Guide to Bhutan

Check out the latest news from bhutan, discover breathtaking bhutan..

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"Bhutan is a place that you must visit at least once in your lifetime."

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How to Get to Bhutan from Singapore (Update 2024)

Leave behind the relentless buzz of work and the never-ending task list. Seek out the irresistible tranquility of Bhutan , nestled high in the Himalayas , where time slows and nature dictates life's simple rhythms. It's the lure of the country's pure simplicity that calls to many from the bustling cityscapes.

Singapore , a Southeast Asian powerhouse, lies almost 4,500 kilometers southwest of Bhutan . Despite this distance, you can transition from Singapore's fast pace to Bhutan's gentle mountainside. Direct flights to Bhutan offer the quickest route, but embracing layovers in Thailand, India, or Nepal can enrich your travel experience. For the intrepid, the journey by land from India promises an adventure into Bhutan's heart.

Keep in mind, this is but an introduction. Peruse our full "From Singapore to Bhutan" guide for detailed insights on both air and land travel, alongside savvy planning tips for your ultimate Bhutan adventure .

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From Singapore Travel to Bhutan by Air - Most Recommended

Nothing beats the convenience of flying direct from bustling Singapore to the blissful kingdom of Bhutan . Since 2012, Drukair has operated flights to Singapore, providing easy access for tourists from Southeast Asian countries such as Singapore, Malaysia, Brunei, Indonesia, and even Australia, to immerse themselves in the serenity and traditions of this Himalayan gem.

Direct Flights from Singapore to Bhutan: Schedule & Prices

(Prices may change, please check the official website or contact our friendly travel experts .)

DrukAir's twice-weekly flights make it easy for Singaporeans and international travelers to reach Bhutan . Every Thursday and Sunday , Flight KB 541 departs from Singapore Changi Airport (SIN) at 12:30 PM and arrives at Paro International Airport (PBH) at 4:45 PM.

The return flight operates on Wednesdays and Saturdays, with Flight KB 540 taking off from Paro at 8:05 AM and landing in Singapore at 4:10 PM.

Bhutan Tour

5 Days Iconic Bhutan Tour to Paro, Thimphu & Punakha - Highlights of Bhutan 6 Days Best Bhutan Group Tour with Paro, Thimphu & Punakha 8 Days Bhutan Group Tour with Phobjikha Valley (Nature & Birding)

The journey takes only about 6 hours , including a brief 45-minute refueling stop in Guwahati, India , where passengers remain on board.

As it is widely known, there are no fixed ticket prices, and they are always subject to fluctuation, which applies to direct flights from Singapore to Bhutan as well. Considering that there is no First Class, you can enjoy the services offered by Drukair in their Business Class and Economy Class cabins on this journey. The prices listed here are for reference purposes:

Economy Class: Typically, there are around 102 seats available in Economy Class, with prices around $550 USD.

Business Class: The Airbus A319 aircraft has 16 seats in the Business Class cabin, with prices approximately around $900 USD.

Round-trip: The round-trip cost from Singapore to Bhutan is approximately SGD 1,465 (USD 1,050), but prices may vary due to taxes and availability.

Alternative Flight Options from Singapore to Bhutan

It is true that the limited availability of only 2 direct flights per week from Singapore to Bhutan restricts the possibilities of traveling to Bhutan . However, Drukair and Bhutan Airlines have more flight routes from countries like Thailand, Nepal, and India, with almost daily flights. You can choose to travel to one of these countries and then make a connecting flight from there to Bhutan.

Singapore - Thailand - Bhutan

Traveling from Singapore via Bangkok, Thailand, and then taking flights with Drukair and Bhutan Airlines to Paro International Airport can be a recommended option for transit .

On one hand, Thailand is a popular tourist destination and offers visa-free entry to citizens from 56 countries worldwide, including Singapore and citizens of most Western countries. On the other hand, Singapore has more frequent flights to Bangkok, with the advantage of even lower ticket prices, sometimes below $100 USD, providing more cost advantages.

With this transit option, you would need about 5-6 hours of flight time . Remember to arrive in Bangkok a day in advance as flights from Bangkok to Paro always depart in the early morning.

Singapore - India - Bhutan

As an alternative option, it is suggested connecting through India. Since there are direct flights from Singapore to Kolkata and Delhi in India, you can continue your journey to Bhutan from there. The total flying time is ca. 7 hours .

Flights to Bhutan

Singapore - Nepal - Bhutan

If you desire to experience the breathtaking beauty of the Himalayan route, it is recommended considering a transit through Nepal. From Kathmandu to Paro , you will have the opportunity to witness the unparalleled panoramic views of the Himalayas, including Mount Everest. Remember to choose a seat on the left side of the aircraft. The total flying time for this route is around 6 hours . View all flights to Bhutan .

Flights to Bhutan

4 Days Bhutan Tour from Nepal - Kathmandu to Paro & Thimphu 5 Days Incredible Bhutan Tour from Delhi to Paro, Haa & Thimphu 6 Days Amazing Bhutan Tour from Bangkok to Paro, Thimphu & Punakha

How to Book Your Flight?

Whether you are taking a direct flight or choosing a transit route, you can purchase tickets from various countries to Paro through the official websites of Drukair and Bhutan Airlines or through local travel agencies. When planning to visit Bhutan during the peak tourist season in March-May and September-November, remember to buy your tickets in advance.

Exploring Changi International Airport and Transit

For tourists flying from Singapore to Paro , it is recommended to proceed to Row 10 at Terminal 3 of Changi Airport to check-in for your flight. The check-in counters open three hours before the scheduled departure time and close 60 minutes prior to the scheduled departure.

What You'll Need at Check-in:

  • A valid passport with at least 6 months of validity
  • The e-ticket for Drukair
  • A valid visa for Bhutan

If you have several hours of transit time at Changi Airport:

If you have a few hours of layover in Singapore, it means you have the opportunity to explore one of the most award-winning airports in the world. The 40-meter-tall Rain Vortex at Jewel Changi Airport , the world's largest indoor waterfall, has been a major attraction for many tourists and is worth a visit and a photo stop.

Similarly, the different themed gardens across the 5 terminals are loved by nature enthusiasts: Cactus Garden (T1), Sunflower Garden (T2), Enchanted Garden (T2), Orchid Garden (T2), and the popular Butterfly Garden (T3).

With over 300 shops, the airport also offers a shopper's paradise where you can spend your time indulging in some retail therapy.

Passengers traveling in Business Class (J Class) on flights KB541 and KB900 can also access the Marhaba Lounge on the 2nd floor after receiving their boarding pass and lounge invitation card. They can enjoy the facilities available in the lounge.

Get to Bhutan from Singapore by Road

If you prefer traveling to Bhutan by road, you can start by traveling from Singapore to India . From there, you can continue your journey to Bhutan by road. Generally, there are three gateway cities that allow road access to Bhutan .

Phuentsholing: The Gateway to Bhutan

Phuentsholing stands as the primary overland threshold to Bhutan. This vibrant border town is where the contemporary pace of India transitions into the measured rhythm of Bhutanese life.

Reaching Phuentsholing:

From the Indian metropolis of Kolkata , travelers can fly or take a train to Bagdogra or New Jalpaiguri, then complete their journey to Phuentsholing by road. Delhi's denizens have similar options, with flights to Bagdogra being the quickest route before the scenic drive to the border. For those nearer to the northeastern states, a direct road trip from Guwahati to Phuentsholing is a feasible option, with panoramic vistas accompanying you to the gateway of Bhutan .

Border Crossing Procedures:

Indian nationals can breeze through the border with valid ID proof, while foreign tourists must ensure they have secured a visa and made travel arrangements with a Bhutanese tour operator. The immigration office in Phuentsholing is your first stop for the necessary entry permits.

Alternative Overland Entry Points

Beyond Phuentsholing, there are lesser-trodden paths like Samdrup Jongkhar and Gelephu that offer alternative entries into the Dragon Kingdom.

Samdrup Jongkhar and Gelephu:

Both these entry points are accessible via Guwahati in Assam. A drive to Samdrup Jongkhar typically takes about three hours, while Gelephu is a longer journey through the sub-tropical plains of Assam.

Border Formalities:

As with Phuentsholing, travelers must have their documentation in order, including visas for international visitors and travel permits, which can be obtained at the respective entry points.

Explore alternative popular ways to enter Bhutan from other countries:

How to Travel to Bhutan from USA

How to Travel from Bangkok(Thailand) to Bhutan

How to Get to Bhutan from Nepal

How to Travel to Bhutan from India

Do I Need a Bhutan Visa from Singapore to Bhutan?

And Yes, if you are a Singapore citizen or departing from Singapore, you will need a visa to enter Bhutan . You can apply for a Bhutan visa by filling out the application form on the official website, submitting the required documents, and paying the visa fee and the Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) of $100 per night. It's important to note that these fees do not cover the expenses you will incur during your trip in Bhutan.

Alternatively, you can also apply for a visa through a Bhutanese travel agency after booking your tour packages with them.

If you're facing challenges with the payment process for the necessary accounts, a travel agency can be an invaluable resource. Agencies like Asia Odyssey Travel , when you reserve one of their travel packages, offer comprehensive services that include managing your Bhutan visa application. They possess the expertise in handling the transfer protocols, ensuring a smooth preparation for your journey. By opting for their services, you can sit back and let the professionals take care of all the details.

Bhutan Tour

How to Plan Your Bhutan Trip from Singapore?

Venturing from the tropical cityscape of Singapore to the serene Himalayan haven of Bhutan is a journey from one world to another. With its majestic mountains and monasteries, Bhutan is a destination that promises an escape into a culture preserved through time. To navigate the planning of your Bhutanese expedition, consider these essential pointers.

Best Time to Visit Bhutan

Timing is crucial to making the most of your Bhutan trip . The spring months of March to May bloom with rhododendrons and clear blue skies, offering perfect conditions for those iconic mountain views. Autumn, from September to November , is equally splendid, with golden hues painting the landscapes and crisp air enhancing the great festivities of popular Tsechus (festivals) . Both seasons boast pleasant weather, conducive to exploring the great outdoors and witnessing Bhutan's vibrant cultural tapestry. Best time to visit Bhutan .

Must-Visit Destinations in Bhutan

Bhutan is dotted with destinations that are as mystical as they are beautiful.

Thimphu , the capital, is a trove of tradition with a dash of modernism. Here, the Tashichho Dzong stands as a fortress of history.

Journeying to Paro uncovers the treasure of Taktsang Monastery, a sacred site defying gravity atop a cliff.

Punakha , with its fortress of fine architecture by the river, and Bumthang , a spiritual oasis with ancient temples, are unmissable. The serene Phobjikha Valley whispers the tales of migrating black-necked cranes against a backdrop of pastoral beauty.

Perhaps you would like to know more travel tips for your bhutan travel :

10 Best Places to Visit in Bhutan

20 Best Things to Do in Bhutan

Top 15 Attractions in Bhutan

6 Famous Bhutan Dzongs

10 Famous Bhutan Monasteries

Top 7 Valleys in Bhutan to Visit

Top 10 Thimphu Tourist Places to Visit

Bhutan Tour

Planning Your Bhutan Travel Length

When deciding on the duration of your journey from Singapore to Bhutan , the return flight timing from Paro to Singapore becomes a crucial factor. The return flights are available on Wednesdays and Saturdays, which allows for a stay in Bhutan for 6-8 days . This timeframe typically covers the cultural highlights of Bhutan , including the Tiger's Nest Monastery in Paro, the magnificent dzongs in Thimphu and Punakha , and the serene valleys of Bumthang . This time range is suitable for relaxed exploration, meaningful interactions with the local culture, and participation in traditional Bhutanese celebrations.

For those seeking a more profound connection with Bhutan's landscape and heritage, a 14-day journey allows for comprehensive tours that can include a trekking in more remote areas like the Jomolhari or Druk Path , where the natural beauty of Bhutan unfolds in a tapestry of mountain trails and alpine meadows.

Click the following link when you're unsure about how many days to stay in Bhutan

How to Plan 4 Days in Bhutan

How to Plan Bhutan Itinerary for 5 Days

How to Plan Bhutan Itinerary for 6 Days

How to Plan Bhutan Itinerary for 7 Days

How to Plan Bhutan Itinerary for 8 Days

Explore Bhutan with Local-based Asia Odyssey Travel

Bhutan April Weather

Asia Odyssey Travel is a local-based travel agency that offers Bhutan Group Tours and customized tours in Bhutan. Our team of experienced local guides ensures that you have an immersive and insightful journey, sharing our deep understanding of Bhutanese culture, history, and spirituality.

Bhutan, known as the "Land of the Thunder Dragon," is a captivating destination with its stunning landscapes, ancient monasteries, and rich Buddhist traditions. Asia Odyssey Travel can help you discover the highlights of Bhutan, including Paro , Punakha , Thimphu , Bumthang , and Gangtey .

Whether you're interested in trekking through pristine mountain trails, participating in vibrant festivals, or exploring remote villages, Asia Odyssey Travel can tailor Bhutan Trekking Tour and Bhutan Festival Tour itineraries to suit your preferences.

Embark on a memorable journey through Bhutan with Asia Odyssey Travel and immerse yourself in the enchanting beauty and traditions of this unique Himalayan kingdom.

If you have any questions about this article, please contact us by submitting the following form and we'll immediately get back to you.

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Travel to Bhutan from Singapore

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Travel to Bhutan from Singapore needs a Visa for Bhutan in advance before arrival in Bhutan. It is mandatory for tourists traveling to Bhutan need to contact a local Bhutan Tour agency to contact for processing a visa.

Every traveler requires passport validity for a minimum of 6 months from the day you exit Bhutan. It is better to have a validity of 7–8 months. The Bhutan visa cost is US $40 for all visitors visiting Bhutan. After you contact your tour agency in Bhutan, any licensed tour agency or tour operator will provide you with details for processing a tourist visa for Bhutan.  The minimum time required for processing a tourist visa is one week working hours. You should send us a scanned copy of your passport and Bhutan visa form, duly signed.

A visa for Bhutan is issued after the application with details is submitted to the Department of Immigration . It requires a minimum of 7 days of working hours through an online system. Now all details are screened by the Department of Immigration under the Ministry of Home and Cultural Affairs. Once it is approved by the Department of Immigration.  They will issue a Visa to Bhutan through your   Bhutan Tour Agency .

Travel to Bhutan from Singapore Tips

Travel to Bhutan from Singapore follow the following tips

  • Every tourist should have a valid passport with a minimum validity of 6 months while traveling to Bhutan.
  • The Bhutan tourist tariff is set by the Department of Tourism depending upon your tour packages. The minimum daily tariff or SDF(US$200 per person per night) is set by the Government. The money bill was passed in Parliament in June 2022. Extra expenditures should be paid to the Tour Agency as per your choice. Now the Department of Tourism provides tourists visiting Bhutan minimum of 8 Nights. The client is provided a 50% discount on SDF.
  • Once you submit your application with all details. Your local Bhutan tour agency takes a minimum of 7 days working hours to process a visa.  You should send a scanned copy of your passport with a minimum of 6 months’ validity before you travel to Bhutan from Singapore. The same passport is mandatory to carry along with you while you travel to Bhutan.
  • A Bhutan Visa is issued after full payment is transferred through the wire. It is mandatory to process payment through wire before the issue of a visa. The payment is secured, and it is transferred through your International bank to the Tourism Council of Bhutan’s account maintained worldwide. The payment to the local tour agency is debited the day you exit from Bhutan to Singapore.
  • You should produce your visa approval letter when you check in at the airport or any entry point. The actual visa will be stamped in your passport upon your arrival at the Paro airport.
  • Bhutan flight e-ticket can be purchased online from Singapore. It is highly recommended to ask your local tour agency to buy the Bhutan flight ticket from Bhutan itself because it is cheaper in Bhutan.

Flights to Bhutan from Singapore

Travel to Bhutan from Singapore should know the flight to Bhutan from Singapore. Druk Air operates from Paro Bhutan to Singapore twice a week (Wednesday and Saturday). The Druk Air Flights operates from Singapore to Paro Bhutan twice a week (Every Thursday and Sunday).

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Flight to Bhutan from Singapore Details

Flight to Bhutan from Singapore vide Drukair bearing flight No.KB 541 departs Singapore Changi Airport (SIN) at 1230hrs and arrives at Paro International Airport (PBH) at 1645hrs. The flight en route via Guwahati, India (40 minutes halt). The Druk Air Aircraft No. A319 operates every Thursday and Sunday.

Flight to Bhutan from to Singapore timings

Return Druk Air flights from Paro to Singapore are on every Wednesday and Saturday. Drukair bearing flight No.KB 540 departs Paro International Airport (PBH) at 0805hrs  and arrives at Singapore Changi Airport (SIN) at 1610hrs.

A round trip from Singapore to Bhutan is approximately US$1048 per pax. However, airfare and taxes are subject to change.

The check-in counter for Drukair is located in Changi Airport Terminal 1, Row 12. Check-in counters are open 2 ½ hours before departure and will be closed 45 minutes before departure. Passengers should check in early as seats are allocated on a first-come-first-serve basis.

How to travel to Bhutan? From Singapore, take a direct Bhutan flight- Druk Air. This will be hassle-free for Singaporeans. It might be a little higher than other International flights, but no international flights fly into Bhutan. You can another alternative from Bangkok.

Singapore to Bhutan Flight Cost

  • Economy Class for Bhutan flight cost-: SIN – PBH – SIN = US $ 1048.00
  • Business class Bhutan flight cost – SIN – PBH – SIN = US $ 1675.00

Baggage Information for Druk Air

Baggage information for Druk Air traveling to Bhutan from Singapore provides a baggage allowance of 30kg for economy class and 40kg for business class. The handbag carry-on allowed is 5kg.

Travel Tips and Services

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Transfer lounge C is operational from 0430hrs to 0530hrs as per Bhutan flight operating days. Wheelchair services are provided after the arrival to Singapore. For wheelchair services during departure, the services will be provided before the departure of the plane.

For immobile Passengers, offer a High-Lift Service. High-lift service acts like an elevator for passengers as they disembark from the plane. The High Lift services will cost 300 SGD per person. For passengers that require a high lift, requests should be made before 24 hours of your flight.

FAQs’ are for Singaporeans traveling to Bhutan

How to fly from singapore to bhutan.

To fly from Singapore to Bhutan, you would need to take the following steps:

Research Airlines

Bhutan has a national carrier called Drukair, which operates flights to and from Paro International Airport. Paro International Airport is the only International airport in Bhutan. You can check Drukair’s website and check availability and rate through the online system. The second option would be taking a Flight from Singapore to Bangkok and finally to Paro, Bhutan. You can ask your Tour Agency to cook the Bhutan flight tickets. Pricing for them might be less sometimes.

Book a Flight

Once you have the necessary information from your Tour agency. You can book your flight from Singapore to Paro in advance because of the High season during the Spring and autumn seasons. Travelers from Singapore should book their flights well in advance to secure their preferred dates and ensure seat availability.

Travel Documents for Bhutan

You ensure that you have a valid passport with a minimum of six months validity from the date of entry into Bhutan from Singapore. Bhutan also requires tourists to obtain a visa before travel, and this is usually arranged by a licensed Bhutanese tour agency as part of a complete tour package.

Plan Your Travel Itinerary to Bhutan

Once you have your flight booking. You can work with a Bhutanese tour agency to plan your Complete itinerary with hotels. Depending upon your budget you can ask your Tour Agency to work out costs as per your choice or recommendations on accommodations, transportation, and guide services based on your interests and the duration of your stay. We recommend Tourists stay a minimum of 8 Nights and 9 days as the Department of Tourism is providing incentives for longer stay benefits. If you stay 8 nights minimum you will get a discount of 50% on SDF only.

Prepare for Your Trip

Pack accordingly as per season and advice from your Tour agency in Bhutan for your Bhutan trip. Bhutan has four Seasons. It’s advisable to pack layers and appropriate clothing. Travel insurance for individuals is mandatory for processing Bhutan visas in advance. Don’t forget essentials like travel insurance, footwear as per your trip to Bhutan, and any necessary Medicine kits and ointments.

Always consult with your Tour Agency for the latest information and guidance on traveling from Singapore to Bhutan.

How long is the flight from Singapore to Bhutan?

Bhutan Flights flying to Bhutan take 5 1/2 hours in total for one way excluding stoppage for refueling in Guwahati, India. Passengers are not supposed to disembark from the Bhutan aircraft. Indian Visa is not required for passengers traveling to Paro, Bhutan. Bhutan flights depart Changi Airport at around 1255 hours.

How can I get a visa for Bhutan from Singapore?

Bhutan Visas are issued to Singaporeans only booked with a locally licensed tour operator of Bhutan. It is booked via an international Tour Agency through a Local Tour agency in Bhutan. It is better to book your tour to Bhutan from a Local Tour Agency. Applications for Bhutan tourist visas are submitted by the local Tour Agency. The Bhutanese government sets prices for the Minimum daily package tour cost . SDF(Sustainable Development Fund) which is set to US$200 per person per night excluding the Minimum daily tour package cost. SDF goes directly to the Government Exchequer.  The Total Amount must be paid in US dollars before arrival.

Do You need a Bhutan Visa before you arrive in Bhutan?

Yes. Valid Visa for Bhutan before traveling to Bhutan. In advance, book your tour packages with a licensed tour agency from Bhutan. International tour agencies can make arrangements through the Bhutan tour agency.  Passports should have at least six months of validity from the date of exit from Bhutan.

There is no Bhutan Embassy in Singapore to contact but for tourists or travelers traveling to Bhutan, you can contact the local Bhutan Tour operator.

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How Much It Costs to Travel Bhutan in 2023 (and How to Save Money)

05/28/2023 by Ashley Yap 2 Comments

This post was written by Ashley Yap, BMTM’s Malaysia-based writer.

With the push for sustainable tourism in Bhutan comes a “high-value, low-impact” strategy, a controversial policy by the government to promote “carbon-neutral tourism while building a more sustainable tourism sector.”

Bhutan introduced its new daily sustainable development fee (SDF) in September 2022, which shocked the world: USD 200 per tourist per night, triple its previous fee of USD 65. According to the government, the SDF is used to offset tourists’ carbon footprint, and improve the overall standard of the tourism industry, including guides, accommodation, food, hygiene and so on.

Before 2022, travelers planning a trip to Bhutan were expected to purchase a package for USD 200–250 per night, with USD 65 of that being the SDF. The rest would go to travel costs, like accommodation, transportation, activities, entrance fees, food, and a guide. But this is no longer the case.

My husband and I recently spent one week traveling in Bhutan , and here’s everything we learned about the costs of traveling in the Kingdom of the Thunder Dragon in 2023:

Table of Contents

Bhutan Visa (Sustainable Development Fee)

bhutan travel blog singapore

As mentioned, all travelers to Bhutan, except for Indian nationals, are required to pay a USD 200 SDF per night. For families, there is a 50% discount for children below 6 years of age and a 100% discount for children below 2 years old. In addition to the SDF, there’s also a one-off visa processing fee of USD 40 per person.

The new development fee is in line with the government’s sustainable approach to tourism. Your holidays in Bhutan may be one of the greenest trips you have made, as the fee offsets the carbon footprint of tourists. The government also invests the fees into improving the travel industry’s services and facilities.

Most tour operators will apply for a visa on your behalf. A passport-size photograph and a copy of your passport is required for the application. Upon arrival at Paro International Airport, you are required to present the SDF clearance letter at immigration.

How to save money : We spent seven nights in Bhutan and wish we had had longer. However, if you really want to see the country on a smaller budget, I suggest limiting your visits to Paro, Thimphu, and Punakha, and pack everything into a 4-5-day itinerary. You may also combine your Bhutan trip with a visit to neighboring India, which is one of the cheapest countries in the world to travel in .

bhutan travel blog singapore

Only two commercial airlines operate flights to and from Bhutan, namely Drukair and Bhutan Airlines. Direct flights are available from Bangkok, Singapore (where a round-trip ticket costs about USD 950-1,000), and several cities in India, Nepal, and Bangladesh. Your tour operator can help you arrange your flights.

How to save money : Fly in from India, Nepal, or Bangladesh, where flights are about USD 350-550 cheaper than flying from Bangkok or Singapore. You may even consider entering and exiting Bhutan via Phuntsholing and through West Bengal in India by car. Some tour operators, including Breathe Bhutan , can pick you up from Phuntsholing for an additional cost.

Tour Guide and Driver

bhutan travel blog singapore

With the revised sustainable development fee, travelers may now travel independently in Bhutan, or at least in Paro and Thimphu. However, I highly recommend traveling with a tour guide, as they provide interesting insights into the culture, offer meaningful conversations, and facilitate engagements with locals.

A driver is absolutely necessary when traveling in Bhutan. The distances from one place to another can be long — we spent an average of three hours per day in the car during our trip. There are no traffic lights in the entire country, and you share the cliffside highways with cows, dogs, yaks and the like. In short, I would not want to drive myself in Bhutan (I am not sure if it’s even possible!).

We wanted a personalized and unique Bhutan experience, and so engaged Breathe Bhutan , who tailor-made an itinerary for the two of us. The cost of our tour, which included all meals, a vehicle, a driver, a guide, and taxes, amounted to USD 2,200 for two persons for one week, or about USD 160 per person per day. This does not include the SDF.

How to save money : Join a small group tour, or gather a small group of friends to travel to Bhutan together. Most tour companies offer a discount for group trips.

-READ NEXT-

12 Things to Know Before Visiting Bhutan in 2023

Accommodation

bhutan travel blog singapore

I requested for a range of different accommodation experiences during our stay in Bhutan, and we were able to experience an eco-lodge, a farm resort, a glamping tent, and a four-star hotel. The lodging options in Bhutan are surprisingly abundant!

bhutan travel blog singapore

Here’s how much each of our stays cost:

  • The Pema, Thimphu (four-star hotel): USD 150 per night
  • Dhumra Farm Resort, Punakha (women-run): USD 140 per night
  • Gaselo Eco Lodge, Punakha (family-run): USD 75 per night
  • Dewachen Hotel & Spa, Phobjikha Valley: USD 85 per night
  • Tiger’s Nest Camp, Paro (glamping tents): USD 130 per night

How to save money : Request local home stays! They are much cheaper than hotels and offer a unique experience. It was unfortunately not possible for us during our trip, but I’d definitely try staying at a farmhouse the next time we visit Bhutan.

Food and Drinks

bhutan travel blog singapore

Since this is covered by most tours, you won’t really be spending money on food and drinks. On our trip, we found Bhutanese food to be simple and delicious. Most meals include 3-4 vegetable dishes (chili and cheese are constants), 1-2 proteins (eggs or chicken), and rice. The Bhutanese tend to eat the same things for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Most hotels offer complimentary Western-style breakfasts.

As for drinks, I enjoyed the local milk tea, whereas the butter tea can be an acquired taste. You can also find local beer and wine at restaurants and convenience stores.

I read on other blogs that Bhutanese food can be bland, but my husband and I enjoyed everything that was put on our table. I especially loved yak cheese!

Entrance Fees

bhutan travel blog singapore

Most sacred sites in Bhutan, including the dzong s (fortified monasteries) and the Buddha Dordenma, require an entrance fee of about USD 13 per person. The Tiger’s Nest entrance fee is about USD 25 per person. Since our tour included entrance fees, we did not have to worry about them.

bhutan travel blog singapore

Whether it’s paintings, scarves, bags, or wood sculptures, the attention to detail in Bhutanese art and crafts is very impressive. If you plan to shop for souvenirs, be sure to visit the shopping street in Paro Town before going home.

For art lovers, you may be interested in investing in a thangka , a Tibetan Buddhist painting made with natural pigments. Each thangka takes weeks or months to complete, and while there are several specific themes, it is up to the artist to interpret in his or her own way. Because of this, a thangka painting can cost from a few hundred dollars up to the thousands.

Unfortunately, there are many shops in Paro selling machine-produced thangka s, and it can be tricky to differentiate a hand-painted one from a machine-made one, so definitely consult your guide, who would be able to advice.

Other Activities

bhutan travel blog singapore

A popular activity to do after the Tiger’s Nest hike is a hot stone bath, which consists of fresh water mixed with Artemisia absinthium leaves, heated with roasted river stones. You will spend about an hour soaking in a wooden tub, and it’s the most relaxing thing to do after a long day of hiking.

Some hotels have their own hot stone bathhouse, which I recommend booking for the evening after your hike. It costs about USD 10 per person for an hour. For a more traditional experience, you can visit local bathhouse (like the one in the picture above), which costs more, about USD 18 per person, but offers an authentic experience.

Another fun thing to do is whitewater rafting in Punakha, along Mo Chhu (Female River) and Pho Chhu (Male River). We did not get to try this, but this blog post gives you the full rundown. A raft costs USD 150 and can take up to six passengers.

Tipping in Bhutan

bhutan travel blog singapore

Tipping your tour guide and driver is customary. I was very grateful for our guide and driver, Nima and Phuentso, who took such great care of us and generously shared the beauty of their country with us. While there’s no specific tipping rate, it was recommended to us to tip about USD 20 per day. Considering that they spent over 10 hours with us and frequently went out of their way to make sure we got to make the most of our trip, I think the tip was well deserved.

In total, our trip to Bhutan cost about USD 7,500, or about USD 535 per person per day, including the USD 200 daily fee.

I hope this post is helpful to you. Comment below if you have any questions about budgeting for your Bhutan trip!

*This post was brought to you in partnership with Breathe Bhutan . All opinions on the tour operator and the Kingdom of the Thunder Dragon are my own. Your trust comes first!

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Dextro says

12/06/2023 at 9:48 pm

Hi, I am planning to visit Bhutan I want to know whether guide is mandatory or not for the trip. Extremely confused by the articles out there on internet. What are the authentic rules? Reply awaited.

Ashley Yap says

12/07/2023 at 1:23 am

A guide is mandatory for visiting Bhutan. We highly recommend Breathe Bhutan!

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IT’S TIME TO

Visit bhutan.

Crave new adventures, mystical experiences and relaxing scenery. You need to visit Bhutan. We make sure that you’ll get an experience you'll never forget. Bhutan is landlocked between India and Tibet, nestled betwen mountains, forests, and rivers. Bhutan stands as one of the last biodiversity hotspots in the world, with 70% of the country covered in forest. We are a trusted travel advisor in Singapore.

EXPLORE THE KINGDOM OF HAPPINESS

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A PLACE TO BE

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It's no coincidence that Bhutan is one of the top destinations for the Instagram nation. The breathtaking nature, the endless mountains, ancient temples and friendly locals make the kingdom a place for everyone. Paro Taksang also known as Tiger's Nest. It is one of oldest monasteries in Bhutan. It is located in the cliffside of the upper Paro valley . The trail to climbing up to the temple is so challenging and yet fulfilling. The slope is so steep that one will have to take it slowly and enjoy the beautiful scenery while on way up. We are sure you will enjoy the hike at Tiger's Nest.

IN LOVE WITH BHUTAN

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We used to explore the globe. The day we stepped our foot on Bhutanese ground one thing was clear - we fell in love. We kept coming back every few months and understood that this is a love affair for a lifetime. We’re excited to share what we’ve found and show you this beautiful corner of the world.

WHAT THEY SAY ABOUT US

How can I begin to describe my time with Go-Bhutan... It was simply life-changing! I always imagined that Bhutan would be a breathtaking destination, but thanks to Go-Bhutan, I was able to not just experience the culture, but have once-in-a-lifetime memories. I got so much more than I ever anticipated from my holiday. - Jason Lee

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Bhutan Tour from Singapore: A Fusion of Nature and Culture

In the heart of the Himalayas lies a kingdom unlike any other, where pristine landscapes meet rich cultural heritage. Bhutan, often referred to as the “Land of the Thunder Dragon,” is a hidden gem waiting to be explored. If you’re a nature enthusiast and cultural connoisseur seeking an unforgettable journey, Langur Eco Travels invites you to embark on a Bhutan tour from Singapore.

Birding in Bhutan: A Paradise for Birdwatchers

Bhutan’s diverse ecosystems, ranging from lush subtropical forests to alpine meadows, harbor an astonishing variety of avian species. Birdwatching enthusiasts will find themselves in paradise as they explore the kingdom’s verdant valleys and serene forests. From the iconic Black-necked Cranes to the elusive Satyr Tragopan, Bhutan offers encounters with rare and endemic birds that will leave you in awe.

Discovering Cultural Treasures

Beyond its natural wonders, Bhutan is renowned for its vibrant cultural heritage. Explore ancient monasteries adorned with intricate murals, witness colorful festivals that celebrate age-old traditions, and immerse yourself in the warm hospitality of the Bhutanese people. Langur Eco Travels ensures that your Bhutan tour package encompasses not only the wonders of nature but also the richness of Bhutanese culture.

Unforgettable Experiences Await

Whether you’re an avid birder, a wildlife enthusiast, or a traveler seeking profound cultural experiences , Bhutan has something to offer for everyone. Engage in bird photography amidst breathtaking landscapes, trek to remote villages nestled in the mountains, and savor the flavors of Bhutanese cuisine infused with spices and aromas unique to the region.

Tailored Bhutan Tour Packages for Global Travelers

Langur Eco Travels caters to travelers from the United States (USA), United Kingdom (UK), Australia, France, and beyond, offering bespoke Bhutan tour packages tailored to your preferences. Our expert guides ensure a seamless journey, providing insights into Bhutan’s natural wonders, cultural traditions, and hidden gems off the beaten path.

Experience Bhutan with Langur Eco Travels

Escape the ordinary and embark on a transformative journey to Bhutan with Langur Eco Travels. Whether you’re drawn to the allure of birding in Bhutan or the enchanting charm of its cultural heritage, our Bhutan tour packages promise an experience like no other. Book your adventure today and unlock the wonders of the Land of the Thunder Dragon.

Let’s delve deeper into the captivating experiences awaiting travelers on a Bhutan tour from Singapore with Langur Eco Travels:

Immersive Bird Watching Expeditions

Bhutan’s ecological diversity provides a haven for bird species of all kinds, making it a paradise for birdwatchers. With Langur Eco Travels, you’ll venture into pristine forests, alpine meadows, and wetlands, guided by expert naturalists who will unveil the secrets of Bhutan’s avian inhabitants. From the majestic Himalayan Monal to the colorful Fire-tailed Myzornis, every moment spent birding in Bhutan is a treasure trove of sightings and discoveries.

Rare Bird Sightings and Conservation Efforts

In addition to common bird species, Bhutan boasts several rare and endangered birds that are a testament to the kingdom’s commitment to conservation. Langur Eco Travels collaborates with local conservation initiatives, allowing travelers the opportunity to witness conservation efforts firsthand. Spot the iconic Black-necked Cranes in their winter habitat, learn about community-led conservation projects, and contribute to the preservation of Bhutan’s rich biodiversity.

Cultural Encounters and Spiritual Journeys

Bhutan’s cultural heritage is deeply intertwined with its natural surroundings, reflected in its ancient monasteries, sacred sites, and traditional practices. Langur Eco Travels curates cultural tours that delve into the spiritual essence of Bhutan, offering encounters with revered monks, participation in prayer ceremonies, and visits to sacred temples perched on mountain slopes. Engage in meditation sessions amidst serene landscapes, gaining insights into Bhutan’s philosophy of Gross National Happiness.

Exploring Hidden Gems and Local Life

Beyond the well-trodden tourist paths, Bhutan harbors hidden gems waiting to be discovered. Langur Eco Travels takes you off the beaten track, allowing you to explore remote villages, interact with local communities, and experience the authentic way of life in Bhutan. From homestay experiences with Bhutanese families to cultural exchanges with artisans and farmers, every moment spent off the tourist trail offers a glimpse into the soul of Bhutan.

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Ministry of Health (MOH) Public Health Advisory

Travellers should refer to the  ICA website  for the latest information on travelling to/from or transiting through Singapore. For the latest updates on Singapore's COVID-19 situation, please refer to the MOH website at  https://www.moh.gov.sg/covid-19 .   

Travel Restrictions in Bhutan

You may also wish to refer to the website of the Ministry of Health, Kingdom of Bhutan, at  https://www.moh.gov.bt/  for the Bhutan government's latest COVID-19 related entry restrictions. As entry restrictions may change at short notice, we advise you to contact your travel agency, or the nearest Embassy of Bhutan, to ensure that you have accurate information for your specific purpose prior to departure.

We advise Singaporeans travelling or living in Bhutan to take the necessary precautions and exercise personal responsibility at all times. While the Singapore High Commission in New Delhi is accredited to Bhutan, Singapore has no physical diplomatic presence in Bhutan.

Entry and Exit

Singaporeans are required to obtain a visa before travelling to Bhutan.  Visas are only issued to tourists booked with a local license tour operator, either directly or through a foreign travel agent.  Applications for tourist visas are submitted by the tour operator. The Bhutanese government sets minimum selling prices for tour packages, which must be paid in US dollars prior to arrival.  The package includes all accommodation, all meals, transportation, cultural programmes, and the services of licensed guides and porters.  Tourists travelling alone or in a group of two are also subject to a surcharge, in addition to the minimum package rates.  Holiday travellers going to Bhutan can refer to the Tourism Council of Bhutan for more information and for a list of authorised Bhutan tour operators.

Business travellers or those travelling for non-tourist reasons should arrange their visa through their sponsoring organisations.  

There should be at least six months' validity on your passport on the expected date of departure from Bhutan. As visa requirements often change at short notice, we advise you to contact your travel agency, or the nearest Bhutanese Embassy for up-to-date information.

If your passport is lost or stolen in Bhutan, you will need to do the following:

  • Lodge a police report with the Bhutan authorities.
  • Contact the Singapore High Commission in New Delhi. Our Consular officer will e-mail you a fingerprint verification form, which you will have to fill up, scan and email back.
  • Upon verification, the Singapore High Commission will inform ICA and you will have to arrange for a NOK to submit the application for a new passport on your behalf. Your NOK will also have to make arrangements to mail your new passport to you once it is ready.
  • If you have lost your passport and need to return to Singapore urgently, the High Commission will issue you a Document of Identity (DOI) after verification. To process your DOI, you must provide one passport-sized colour photograph and a fee of Rs 750 (subject to change) to the High Commission. The DOI can be couriered to you at your own expense.

Replacement of Bhutan Visa:

  • A Singapore Citizen who is issued with a replacement passport in Bhutan after a passport has been lost or stolen must bring the replacement passport to the Bhutan Department of Immigration to receive an exit visa. This exit visa allows the traveller a specified period of time (as stated by the Bhutanese authorities) in which to leave the county legally.
  • The same requirement applies if you are issued a DOI, which also needs to be endorsed by an exit permit.
  • The contact number of the Department of Immigration in Bhutan is +975 02-322301/322015/325173.

Safety and Security

The crime rate in Bhutan is low. Violent crime is uncommon, but there are occasional burglaries, thefts and petty crime. Travellers should still remain vigilant. The Tourism Council of Bhutan warns against foreigners booking their travel with unregistered tour operators. Use only licensed tour operators. 

Tobacco:  It is illegal to sell or buy tobacco in Bhutan.  Travellers may import a limited number of tobacco products for personal use, subject to import duty.  

Additional Information

Trekking:  Trekking can be dangerous, and travellers should plan their trips carefully.  Before departing, ensure that your travel insurance covers all your activities, including emergency evacuation.  Travellers should also seek an update on the climate in the specific area of travel.  

General Travel Advice

Overseas Travel – Be Informed & Be Safe [Updated on 5 February 2024]

Singaporeans planning overseas travel are reminded to take the necessary precautions, including being prepared to deal with accidents, natural disasters or terrorist attacks. Singaporeans are also reminded to be familiar with your destination’s local laws, customs, and COVID-19 regulations.

Demonstrations do occur in major cities across the world. Such demonstrations can sometimes escalate into violence. It is important for Singaporeans to keep abreast of local news, avoid any protests or demonstrations and heed the advice of the local authorities.

When participating in outdoor leisure activities overseas, Singaporeans should be mindful that certain sporting activities, especially in open seas, may carry risks. Besides ensuring that one has the physical competencies and appropriate condition to undertake the activity, every effort should be made to ascertain if the trip organiser or guide is reliable and competent, and that appropriate safety and contingency plans are in place. When in doubt, Singaporeans should consult the relevant professional bodies or sporting associations for specific advice.

For those planning to travel, here are some tips:

Before travelling

  • Familiarise yourself with our network of overseas missions.
  • Purchase comprehensive travel insurance and be familiar with the terms and coverage.
  • Equip yourself with research about your destination’s entry requirements, current situation, local laws and customs.
  • eRegister with us on our website ( www.mfa.gov.sg ) so that we may reach out to you during an emergency.

While travelling

  • Always take care of your personal safety, remain vigilant and monitor local weather news, advisories, and security developments.
  • Exercise caution around large gatherings and avoid locations known for demonstrations or disturbances.
  • Be prepared for possible delays and last-minute changes in travel plans especially during unforeseen events such as natural disasters, social unrest or terror attacks.
  • Stay connected with your friends and family. Inform them of your whereabouts and provide them with your overseas contact details.
  • In the event that you require consular assistance, please contact the nearest Singapore Overseas Mission or call the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Duty Office at +65 6379 8800/+65 6379 8855.

Advisory: Email Scams

There have been reports of individuals receiving scam emails/messages purportedly sent from friends in distress overseas. These emails/messages typically originate from an email address/social media known to the receiver bearing claims of the sender getting into trouble overseas and urgently requesting financial assistance. The sender would also claim to have approached a Singapore Embassy/Consulate and the local Police for help to no avail.

MFA takes the safety of all Singaporeans very seriously.  Singaporeans in distress approaching our Overseas Missions for assistance will be rendered with all necessary consular assistance.  If you receive such emails/messages from purported friends seeking funds transfers, we strongly advise you to call them first to verify the authenticity of the emails/messages before responding to their request.  It is also not advisable to give out any personal information such as NRIC/passport numbers, address, telephone number, etc.  Any form of reply, even one of non-interest, could result in more unsolicited emails.  Members of the public who suspect that they have fallen prey to such scams should report the matter to the Police immediately.  Should Singaporeans abroad require consular assistance, they can contact the nearest Singapore Overseas  Mission  or call the Ministry of Foreign Affairs 24-hr Duty Office at +65 6379 8800/+65 6379 8855.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is a ministry of the Government of Singapore responsible for conducting and managing diplomatic relations between Singapore and other countries and regions.

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  2. Bhutan Tour Package from Singapore

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  3. 7 Days 6 Nights Bhutan Singapore Package

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  4. Singapore to Bhutan: How to Get to Paro from Singapore by Flight and

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  5. Travelling to Bhutan from Singapore

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  6. 7 Days Bhutan Tour from Singapore

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COMMENTS

  1. Bhutan travel blog

    Bhutan travel blog — The fullest Bhutan travel guide blog for a wonderful trip to Bhutan for the first-timers. By. Living + Nomads - November 16, 2021. ... (Thursday and Sunday) from Singapore. In addition, Druk Air also operates daily flights from Nepal and other cities in India. Druk Air airfare is a full ticket, with no discounts or offers.

  2. 7 Days In Bhutan Travel Itinerary: Best Things To Do & See

    More Bhutan Travel Tips. Thanks for looking! I hope you enjoyed this 7 day Bhutan travel itinerary. These are some of the best things to do in Bhutan if you have a week. I'll be adding more Bhutan tips to my travel blog, so don't forget to bookmark it and check back later! See Also. Tiger's Nest Monastery In Bhutan: Complete Hiking Guide

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    Find Overland Travel Options. 3. Apply For A Visa. 4. Pay For The Sustainable Development Fee. 5. Acquire Permits To Restricted Areas. Planning Your Bhutan Tours from Singapore through a Travel Package. Overall Travel Cost To Bhutan.

  4. A millennial's honest review of travelling to Bhutan

    Drukair flies directly from Singapore to Paro twice a week. The flight time is approximately 5 hours and 30 minutes. ... Find out more about Bhutan tourism at Bhutan Travel. Travel Guide Asia Bhutan Destinations. You might also like ... 280602946_8203487876343616_8599846285646540991_n. saint-laurent-icare-tote-bag-rose-4-783×1024. Type 8.

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    The air-ticket from Singapore to Bhutan is currently S$1.4k+. Add in hotel fees, perhaps engaging a driver, ... More Bhutan travel articles on the blog! • Road Trip in Eastern Bhutan (Part 1) - A Journey to Stir Your Wanderlust • Hiking to Tiger's Nest without a Flying Tigress

  6. Travel with Me to Bhutan! : My Full 7-Day Bhutan Itinerary

    Travel Itinerary. Day 1 ( 3 June) From Singapore to Paro. Day 2 (4 June): Thimphu. Day 3 (5 June): From Thimphu to Punakha. Day 4 (6 June) : From Punakha to Paro. Day 5 (7 June): From Paro to Haa Via Chele La. Day 6 (8 June) : Paro. Day 7 (9 June): From Paro to Singapore. Travel with Me to Bhutan!

  7. Travel to Bhutan from Singapore

    Paro Bhutan to Singapore flights are on Saturday & Wednesday - Return flights; Flight No. KB 540 departs from Paro at 1430 hrs. and arrives Singapore at 2240 hrs. The above flight has a lay over of 40 minutes at Guwahati, India. The flight duration from Singapore to Paro Bhutan is 5 1/2 hours.

  8. 23 things to know before going to Bhutan

    1. Independent travel is finally possible, but a tour operator is still the way to go. Since reopening in 2022, Bhutan has scrapped its all-inclusive tour-package minimum, and initially raised the Sustainable Daily Fee (SDF) to US$200 before reducing it to US$100, valid now through September 2027.There is a 50% discount for kids ages six to 11, with no SDF for those under six.

  9. Planning Your Bhutan Tour From Singapore

    The starting price for a 7-day Bhutan tour package averages SGD3010 per person, excluding flights. Essential Travel Tips for Bhutan When traveling to Bhutan from Singapore, it is important to be well-prepared for the journey. Here are some essential travel tips to ensure a smooth and memorable trip: Health Precautions

  10. Best Bhutan Cultural Tour Packages In Singapore [As Of 2024]

    15 Days 14 Nights East to West Bhutan Tour. Travel from East to West, see all of Bhutan's beauty and culture. From the lush, hidden valleys of the east to the historic, vibrant communities of the west, you'll witness the best of Bhutan. Begin crafting your dream itinerary today!

  11. Bhutan Travelog

    The most pictorial travel guide book to Bhutan. With over 250 stunning images of the most exclusive Kingdom in the world. ... Order Now (Singapore) Order from Amazon.com. SGD 34.90 *excluding shipping fees International shipping available ISBN: 978-981-18-8724-6 No. of pages: 296 ...

  12. Welcome to Bhutan Travel

    Welcome to Bhutan. In a world that is always on the go, Bhutan provides sanctuary. Here, you can find earthly pleasures: archery and age-old crafts, dishes of home-made cheese and fearsomely hot chillies, breathtaking treks and restorative hot-stone baths. But there's another Bhutan, too - the one hinted at by the prayer flags strung across ...

  13. How to Get to Bhutan from Singapore (Update 2024)

    Every Thursday and Sunday, Flight KB 541 departs from Singapore Changi Airport (SIN) at 12:30 PM and arrives at Paro International Airport (PBH) at 4:45 PM. The return flight operates on Wednesdays and Saturdays, with Flight KB 540 taking off from Paro at 8:05 AM and landing in Singapore at 4:10 PM. Bhutan DrukAir.

  14. 2024 Travel to Bhutan from Singapore by Druk Air

    Flight to Bhutan from Singapore vide Drukair bearing flight No.KB 541 departs Singapore Changi Airport (SIN) at 1230hrs and arrives at Paro International Airport (PBH) at 1645hrs. The flight en route via Guwahati, India (40 minutes halt). The Druk Air Aircraft No. A319 operates every Thursday and Sunday.

  15. 9 Day 8 Night: The Ultimate Bhutan Itinerary

    Start with exploring the kingdom's capital city - Thimphu. Go on to see Wangdue and Punkha valleys, challenge yourself with a 2 hour Gangtey Nature Hike, visit neighboring villages and dine at local farmhouses. Hunt for souvenirs in handicraft shops and learn about the kingdom from your English speaking guide.

  16. How Much It Costs to Travel Bhutan in 2023 (and How to Save Money)

    As mentioned, all travelers to Bhutan, except for Indian nationals, are required to pay a USD 200 SDF per night. For families, there is a 50% discount for children below 6 years of age and a 100% discount for children below 2 years old. In addition to the SDF, there's also a one-off visa processing fee of USD 40 per person.

  17. Best Bhutan Travel Agency & Tour Operator in Singapore [As Of 2024]

    As the official representative of Bhutan's national carrier, Royal Bhutan Airlines (Drukair), a licensed tour operator in Bhutan, Singapore, Malaysia, we provide all the services you need for a safe and memorable adventure in the Land of the Thunder Dragon. Druk Asia handles all your trip management from ticketing, VISA application to itinerary ...

  18. Explore Bhutan with Trusted Travel Agency in Singapore

    You need to visit Bhutan. We make sure that you'll get an experience you'll never forget. Bhutan is landlocked between India and Tibet, nestled betwen mountains, forests, and rivers. Bhutan stands as one of the last biodiversity hotspots in the world, with 70% of the country covered in forest. We are a trusted travel advisor in Singapore.

  19. Experience the Magic: Bhutan Tour from Singapore with Langur Eco

    As you embark on a Bhutan tour or trip from Singapore, prepare to be enchanted by the country's untouched beauty and profound spirituality. Langur Eco Travels: Your Trusted Companion At Langur Eco Travels, we specialize in crafting bespoke travel experiences that cater to the discerning adventurer.

  20. Bhutan Tour from Singapore: A Fusion of Nature and Culture

    If you're a nature enthusiast and cultural connoisseur seeking an unforgettable journey, Langur Eco Travels invites you to embark on a Bhutan tour from Singapore. Birding in Bhutan: A Paradise for Birdwatchers. Bhutan's diverse ecosystems, ranging from lush subtropical forests to alpine meadows, harbor an astonishing variety of avian species.

  21. Ministry of Foreign Affairs Singapore

    While the Singapore High Commission in New Delhi is accredited to Bhutan, Singapore has no physical diplomatic presence in Bhutan. Entry and Exit Singaporeans are required to obtain a visa before travelling to Bhutan. Visas are only issued to tourists booked with a local license tour operator, either directly or through a foreign travel agent ...

  22. Bhutan Tour Packages with DrukAir Holidays, Singapore

    Include Nepal, Thailand or Singapore in your travel to Bhutan. Travel to Bhutan onboard Drukair Holidays, the holiday division of Royal Bhutan Airlines. Choose from over 12 packages. Include Nepal, Thailand or Singapore in your travel to Bhutan. + (65) 8342 7017 [email protected] About Us ; Tour packages ...

  23. Bhutan

    Contact form. Great holidays are measured through the finest details and at Chan Brothers Travel, we know what makes travellers tick. Being at the forefront in the business of creating delightful tour experiences for over 50 years is what makes us experts at what we do and keeps our customers returning time and again..