Bhutan Tour 2027 – BT-03 — Bhutan by Road via Phuentsholing

• Bagdogra / New Jalpaiguri pickup and drop
• Bagdogra – Phuentsholing – Bagdogra transfer by private vehicle
• Bhutan visa fee (USD 40) for foreign nationals; entry permit for Indian nationals
• Experienced licensed Bhutanese guide
• Private vehicle with driver throughout
• Accommodation in government-certified 3-star hotels on twin sharing basis
• All meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner) in Bhutan
• Entrance fees for the monuments in the itinerary
• All applicable taxes and service charges

• Sustainable Development Fee (SDF), shown separately in the costing table
• Flights or train to Bagdogra / New Jalpaiguri
• Travel insurance (required for foreign nationals)
• Single supplement cost
• Any personal expenses, such as beverages, laundry and telephone
• Extra costs arising from unforeseen or unavoidable conditions
• Gratuities (tips) for the guide and driver

Entry rules differ for Indian and other foreign nationals. All visitors pay the Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) for each night in Bhutan, and travel beyond Thimphu and Paro requires a licensed guide and route permit. We arrange the visa or entry permit, SDF and permits from the documents you share at booking.

Indian Nationals

Entry Permit, No Visa

• No visa is required; an entry permit is issued at Paro or Phuentsholing against a valid passport or Voter ID card
• Minors without a passport should carry a birth certificate
• SDF: INR 1,200 per night (children 6–11: INR 600; under 6: free)
• Indian Rupees circulate at par with the Bhutanese Ngultrum

Foreign Nationals

Visa Approved in Advance

• A visa (USD 40) must be approved before travel; it is applied for online through a licensed Bhutanese operator
• Passport valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry
• SDF: USD 100 per night, valid until 31 August 2027 (children 6–11: USD 50; under 6: free)
• Travel insurance for the full stay is required

All Visitors

Licensed Guide and Route Permits

• A licensed Bhutanese guide is required for all travel beyond Thimphu and Paro, and on all treks
• Route permits for Punakha, Phobjikha, Bumthang and other districts are arranged by us
• Carry your passport or ID at all times; it is checked at road checkpoints

Treks

Trekking Permits

• Trekking permits for the Druk Path, Jomolhari and Snowman treks are included in the package
• The Snowman Trek usually operates only in October, and passes can close at short notice due to snow
• Treks are fully supported with camping equipment, cook, camp staff and pack animals

Entry, visa, SDF and permit rules are set by the Royal Government of Bhutan and may change; please reconfirm with us before travel.

Indian nationals must hold a valid passport or Voter ID card; foreign nationals must hold a passport with a minimum of 6 months’ validity. Passport / ID copies and one photograph per traveller should be shared with us at least 30 days before departure so that the visa or entry permit, SDF payment and flights can be arranged.

A deposit of 25% of package cost is payable at the time of booking confirmation. The remaining balance, including the SDF, is payable no later than 7 days prior to the arrival date. Payments are made by bank transfer to our Nepal company account; the SDF is remitted to the Government of Bhutan.

ABC Adventures Pvt. Ltd. and its associates are committed to providing a smooth, safe and memorable journey. We are not liable for itinerary changes due to unavoidable circumstances, such as road blockages, landslides, snowfall, weather, flight delays or cancellations, festival date changes, or illness and accidents. Flights into Paro are weather-dependent, and monsoon landslides can close roads. Any additional costs incurred under these conditions must be borne by the traveller.

The cultural tours involve easy sightseeing and a 4–5 hour hike to Tiger’s Nest (3,120 m). The Druk Path (BT-07) and Jomolhari (BT-08) treks cross passes above 4,000 m. The Snowman Trek (BT-09) crosses 11 passes up to 5,320 m over more than three weeks and is suitable only for experienced high-altitude trekkers. Travellers with cardiac or respiratory conditions should consult their doctor before booking.

All meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner) are included in Bhutan, as is customary for Bhutan tour packages. In Kathmandu (BT-10), accommodation is on BB basis.

Travel insurance covering medical treatment and evacuation is required for foreign nationals and strongly advised for all travellers. For the treks, cover should include helicopter evacuation up to 5,500 m.

All notice of cancellation must be sent in writing by email; verbal cancellation does not qualify for any refund.

• Passport (6+ months’ validity) or Voter ID (for Indians), visa approval letter for foreign nationals and photocopies
• Travel insurance policy and emergency numbers
• Modest clothing with long sleeves and long trousers or skirts for dzongs and temples
• Comfortable walking shoes; trekking boots for the treks
• Light jacket and a warm layer; rain jacket from June to September
• Sun hat, sunglasses and sunscreen
• Sleeping bag rated to –10 °C and trekking poles for the treks
• Personal medication and a basic first-aid kit
• Cash in INR or USD; cards are accepted only in larger hotels and shops
• Tobacco only in small quantities for personal use, with duty paid

The cultural tours stay mostly below 3,100 m, though the hike to Tiger’s Nest is steep and the passes reach up to 3,988 m. Walk at a steady pace and rest as needed.

The treks go above 4,000 m (above 5,000 m on the Snowman Trek), where Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) is a real risk. Each trek includes an acclimatisation hike or rest day; report headache, nausea or breathlessness to your guide straight away.

Hospitals are available in Thimphu, Paro and Punakha. Drink bottled or filtered water. Travellers with cardiac, respiratory or other relevant conditions should consult their doctor before booking.