FAQS & RAQS

As a tour operator in Bhutan, we offer an intimate understanding of the country’s culture, traditions, and hidden gems that larger operators can’t match. Our personalized tours focus on authentic experiences, from exploring remote monasteries to engaging with local artisans. We are dedicated to sustainable tourism, ensuring that your journey benefits local communities while preserving Bhutan’s pristine environment. With our deep roots in the region, we provide unparalleled service and insights, making your trip truly unforgettable.

With VISIT HAPPY TRIP, it is very easier for you to book a trip to Bhutan and Our web Portal is very simple to get access to all required information for your trip to Bhutan.

You can choose any of the tour programs and send us your passport details.
Or Click on Book Now  or Contact Us to let us reach to you.

Royal Government of Bhutan imposed a mandatory Sustainable Development Fee "SDF" of US $100 per person per night (Kids 6-12 years US$50 per night) which goes towards health, education, and environmental conservation projects.
Visit Happy Trip offers a very reliable and trusted service for your trip to Bhutan with value for your money. 
A. Our Inclusive base tariff for a group of 2 or more members is:
   - Base tariff: US$295 per person per night
   - For solo traveler and single occupancy: $380 per night
   - Surcharge applicable for treks or other tour selected tour packages (as in camping) and hotel upgrades
The rates given above are applicable per guest per night in Bhutan.
B. The daily package rate INCLUDES the following:
   - Private tour
 - All accommodations on twin sharing basis in clean standard hotels with attached bathroom or at homestays
   - All meals at the hotel and local restaurants
   - Visa fee to the government
   - Sustainable Development Fee "SDF" to the government
   - Services of an accompanying trip leader/tour guide
   - All transfers and sightseeing within Bhutan
 - Fees for museums and permits to enter temples & monuments
C. The daily package rate EXCLUDES the following:
   - Airfare
   - Travel insurance
   - Beverages
   - Small offerings at temples
   - Tipping to tour guide and driver
   - Personal expenses such as laundry, phone calls, Spa.
D. The above rates apply uniformly irrespective of location and the type of accommodation provided/requested. All accommodation establishments are approved and monitored by the government (Department of Tourism).

Tourists are not permitted to travel freely without a tour guide in Bhutan. While all tours in Bhutan are pre-arranged, our tour package itineraries offer flexibility and well managed trip tailored for your interest. Tours to most parts of Bhutan can be arranged for an individual tourist and small groups of less than three persons in accordance with the travelers' interests and desires. Such tours are subject to a surcharge, over and above the minimum daily rates applicable, as follows:

  • Single/ individual - US$ 40 per night 
  • Group of two - US $30 per person per night.

Yes, we are glad to extend you the following maximum discounts allowed on the nightly SDF:

  • There will be no charge for CHILDREN up to the age of 5 years,
  • while those between the ages of 6 and 12 years, accompanied by elders/guardians, will be given 50% discount on daily rates.

Upon confirmation that the full payment for your trip's been received, your visa application will be processed by us. You will need to fill out our Visa Application Form and email it to us along with a COLOR COPY of your passport. Visit Happy Trip will apply on your behalf, and after approval, your "Visa Approval Letter" will be emailed to you. This process confirms your visa for Bhutan. Remember to PRINT and save a copy of this approval letter with your passport and NOT pack with your check-in luggage. The actual visa will stamped on your passport on arrival at the Paro International Airport.

Tour payments must be made at least two months before the start of a tour. The visa process will begin only after receipt of the full tour payment, as mandated by the government. 

Cancellation of a trip should be notified in writing via email.
Tour programs booked and subsequently cancelled shall be subject to cancellation charges as follows:

  • 45 days or more prior to start of the tour - Full refund
  • 30-45 days or more prior to start of the tour - 20% of the rate
  • 22-29 days prior to start of tour - 30% of the rate
  • 15-21 days prior to start of tour - 50% of the rate
  • Less than 15 days prior to start of tour- 100%
  • After arrival in Bhutan, or cancellation without notice - 100%

    A separate administration fee of $75 will be applicable for all cancelled tours.

    Your flight tickets, if bought, are governed by a separate Drukair cancellation policy. Drukair tickets are valid for one year from the date of issue and are subject to the following cancellation and refund rules:
  • Full refund (minus administration charges) for tickets cancelled more than 45 days prior to arrival date in Bhutan
  • 50% refund for tickets cancelled between 30 and 45 days prior to arrival date
  • No refund for tickets cancelled within 30 days of arrival date in Bhutan
  • An administration fee of $25 per ticket will be applicable for all cancelled tickets
  • Passengers who fail to show up for a flight will not be eligible for a refund
  • Flights can be rescheduled for a $30 re-booking fee; however, once rescheduled, tickets are non-refundable and non-reroutable
  • Lost tickets are non-refundable

There shall be no SDF charge for the number of days of delay in the departure of visitors due to bad weather conditions, Drukair/Bhutan airline problems or road blocks. However, you will be charged any actual expenses for accommodation, food, transportation and any other services required.

For individual travelers and a group of less than three persons, we use Toyota and Hyundai cars and SUVs. For groups of 3-6 persons, we have Toyota Hiace buses. For larger groups, we use Deluxe Toyota Coaster buses.

We arrange the best accommodation options for your trip, ranging from luxurious five-star hotels to charming homestays nestled in traditional village environments. For a list of approved accommodations endorsed by the Department of Tourism in Bhutan, please get in touch with us or you may know more about your accomodation from our online site Hotels . you will also get to stay in farm houses/home stays, experiencing rural Bhutan and its rustic lifestyle. Farmhouses are very basic with no attached bathrooms. Nevertheless, they can be a fun experience and a great insight into traditional Bhutanese lifestyle. Of course, upon extra payment above the minimum tariff, you also have an option to stay in the few boutique hotels/luxury resorts in Bhutan. Please indicate your interest while communicating with us.

Bhutan experiences four distinct seasons: summer, autumn, winter, and spring. Due to its diverse topography, the climate varies greatly across the country.

In the south, a humid subtropical climate prevails year-round with temperatures ranging from 15°C to 30°C. Central Bhutan enjoys temperate forests and experiences warm summers and cool, dry winters. The northern regions are significantly colder in winter, with year-round snow-capped peaks and cool summers.

During summer, the Indian monsoon affects the southern regions from late June to September, supporting lush landscapes ideal for farming. Autumn, following the rainy season, features sunny days and early snowfall at higher elevations, marked by feasts and festivals.

Winter, from late November to March, brings clear skies, frost, and common snowfall above 3,000 meters, accompanied by gale-force winds known as the winter northeast monsoon. Spring, from March to mid-April, showcases blooming nature, while occasional showers mark the transition to summer, lasting until late June.

Bhutan’s National currency is called Ngultrum. It’s 1:1 with Indian Rupees. USD and INR are widely accepted in Bhutan. However, in terms of USD, we recommend bringing bigger notes since they get higher exchange rates in Bhutan.

If you are planning to bring cash to Bhutan, the maximum cash allowed in Bhutan by law is USD 10,000. (Ten Thousand US Dollars) or equivalent in any other currency.

You can change your local currency for Ngultrum upon arrival at Paro International Airport or at banks, larger hotels and authorised currency exchange businesses in Thimphu – The capital city of Bhutan. For a smoother and more convenient experience, it's advisable to allow your tour operator to manage it on your behalf.

ATMs and banks in Bhutan generally accept Visa and Mastercard. While international credit cards are commonly used in urban areas, availability may be limited in rural regions. To overcome this, visitors can utilize the goBoB digital wallet app provided by the Bank of Bhutan , compatible with local SIM cards and widely accepted nationwide. Alternatively, the MPay digital wallet app offered by the Bhutan National Bank is another option, connecting to international credit cards for widespread usage.

However, if you wish to use your cards in Bhutan, make sure you contact your Bank before coming to Bhutan. Some of the International banks usually need to give access for your cards to be used in Bhutan.

Cash in US dollars, Indian rupees, or Bhutanese ngultrum is widely accepted. It's recommended to carry some cash in any of these currencies.

Most of the Department of Tourism Approved hotels in Bhutan have Wi-Fi connection, however the speed may not be reliable in some. To ensure a reliable internet connection, we recommend getting a tourist SIM Card for better connectivity and reach.

The people of Bhutan utilize a diverse range of mobile phone brands, and there are no reported functionality issues with any specific brand in the country. Therefore, regardless of the brand you use, your mobile phone will function properly in Bhutan.

SIM cards are available for purchase upon arrival at the visitor information centre in Paro International Airport, as well as at branch offices of Bhutan Telecom and Tashi Cell, or through authorized agents located in towns. If you are travelling through a good tour operator in Bhutan, your tour operator will have it arranged for you before you arrive in Bhutan.

Bhutanese cuisine encompasses a variety of dishes, including Indian, Chinese, and other continental meals that are widely enjoyed. The national dish of Bhutan is 'Ema Datshi,' consisting of spicy chilies mixed with cheese. Red and white rice are staple components of most meals, accompanied by non-vegetarian dishes such as pork, beef, chicken, and fish, which are readily available across Bhutan. Additionally, vegetarian options are offered as per your preferences.

Through out your trip in Bhutan with Visit Happy Trip, You will be provided with bottled mineral water. Bottled mineral water is easily accessible throughout Bhutan, ranging from small Paan shops to luxurious 5-star hotels. We advise using tap water solely for washing and cleaning purposes, as most tap water in Bhutan is sourced directly from nature and remains untreated. It's important to refrain from drinking water from rivers.

In Bhutan, three types of electrical plugs are commonly used: the British plug (with three square pins, compatible with type G sockets), the European plug (with two round pins, compatible with type C sockets), and the Indian plug (with three thick round pins, compatible with type D sockets).

Bhutan is a haven for photographers, and capturing photos is permitted in most places except inside temples. Bhutanese people are usually willing to be photographed, but it's courteous to ask for permission if you want to focus on a specific individual. Additionally, it's important to refrain from photographing members of the Royal Family, even if they are present at festivals or gatherings. Encounters with members of the Royal Family are frequent, and depending on the circumstances, you can politely request your guide to inquire about obtaining permission for a photo together.

To operate a drone for recreational or commercial purposes in Bhutan, a permit is necessary and must be obtained beforehand. For further details regarding the regulations, please contact media@tcb.gov.bt via email or contact us.

Although Bhutan is not known for shopping or big brand outlets, numerous small handicraft shops offer a variety of handcrafted souvenirs such as keychains, shawls, hand-woven silk textiles, masks, paintings, cane and bamboo products, postage stamps, and more. These items are all crafted by local artisans. However, it's important to note that the buying and selling of antiques is strictly prohibited in Bhutan.

Keeping important antiques and artefacts in Bhutan is a key part of how we preserve our heritage for future generations. We have a law that sets out which artistic, historic, cultural, religious, social, archaeological and technical objects you may not take with you when you leave. To ensure any items you acquire comply with the law, you will need an Export Permit for Non-Antique Artefacts. Find out more about the permit and how to apply for one here.

If your inquiry pertains to tourism, you can contact the Department of Tourism directly at +975 1712 2257 (or 2300 within Bhutan) or you can directly reach the team of Found Bhutan Tours & Treks. For emergency services, dial 110 for fire, 112 for an ambulance, or 113 for the police.

Didn't find the question or answer you were looking for? CONTACT US

WE ARE ASSOCIATED WITH