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About Bhutan: Frequently Asked Questions

Planning a visit to Bhutan could be confusing, here are a few frequently asked questions about Bhutan for you to start with. Contact us for an obligation free assistance to plan your tours.

FAQ: Bhutan

  1. How do I travel to Bhutan?

Here are some travel tips to make your journey to Bhutan smoother:

  • Entry and Exit Borders: You can enter Bhutan by air through Paro Airport. By land you can find borders in Phuentsholing, Gelephu, and Samdrup Jongkhar.
  • From the USA: You can fly from the major US cities via Bangkok, New Delhi, Kolkata, or Kathmandu. Then take a connecting flight to Paro.
  • From India: Enter by flight through Delhi, Kolkata, Guwahati, or Bagdogra to Paro. Land border is also available as mentioned above, if you wish to travel by land.
  • Safety: Bhutan is safe with usually low crime rates.
  • Famous Places: Visit Paro Taktsang (Tiger’s Nest Monastery), Punakha Dzong, Thimphu, and the scenic Phobjikha Valley. These are a few places for you to start with.
  • Tours and Travel: We offer comprehensive packages that include guided tours, hotels, and transportation.
  • Best Time to visit: The best time you can visit Bhutan is between March to May and September to November. These periods offer pleasant weather and are ideal for trekking and exploring the country’s vibrant festivals.

  1. How can I obtain a visa for Bhutan?

  • You can apply for a visa online directly by official Bhutan eVisa system. Make sure you have the following:
  1. Valid Passport
  2. Passport sized Photograph
  3. Dates for arrival and departure
  4. Valid travel insurance for the duration of your stay
  5. Payment Details

For more details check Visa.

  1. What foods and dishes are famous in Bhutan?

  • Veg : These cuisine include dishes like Ema Datshi , Kewa Datshi, and Shamu Datsi(Mushrooms, Chilies and cheese) among others.
  • We make Ema Datshi (National Dish of Bhutan) from green chilies, cheese, onions, and tomatoes. It’s spicy and creamy.
  • Non-Veg : To name a few, the dishes are Phaksha Paa , Jasha Maru and Shakam Datshi.
  • Bhutan Food Culture: A typical Bhutanese meal contains red rice, meat and vegetable dishes, and a lot of chilies and cheese.
  • Recipe for Ema Datshi: You can cook it with green chilies, cheese (usually yak cheese), onions, tomatoes, and garlic. Boil chilies and onions gently, then add tomatoes and cheese and cooking until melted and blended.

  1. What tour packages can I avail while traveling to Bhutan?

  • Package: Packages may involve cultural tours, trekking adventures, and festival visits. A 7-day tour might include Thimphu, Paro, Punakha, and Bumthang. No matter where you’re from—India, the US, or any other country—we tailor it for your convenience.
  • A General Tour: A 7-day cultural tour might start in Paro, with the Tiger’s Nest Monastery. Then move to Thimphu for city tours, head to Punakha for the Punakha Dzong, and end with a trek in the Phobjikha Valley.
  • Cultural Tours: These tours focus on exploring the cultural heritage of Bhutan. This will include touring eastern part or the western part of the country.

The west includes landmarks like Paro Taktsang and Punakha Dzong. The east side offers a glimpse into the more remote and traditional aspects of Bhutanese life.

  • Festival Tours: We have designed this around Bhutan’s vibrant religious festivals like Tshechus.

If you plan to visit us in November, you can also enjoy the unique Black-Necked Crane Festival. This is where we celebrate the arrival of these majestic birds into the majestic Phobjikha Valley.

  • Trekking Tours: These tours include popular treks:
  1. The Jomolhari Trek, known for its stunning views and diverse landscapes
  2. The Druk Path Trek, which connects Paro and Thimphu,
  3. The Dagala Thousand Lakes Trek, famous for its scenic high-altitude lakes.

The Jomolhari Trek is most popular among trekkers.

  • Tshechu: A Tshechu is one of the annual religious festivals celebrated in each district of Bhutan. Our services during these vibrant cultural events include:
  • Hotels
  • Meals
  • English Speaking Guides
  • Transportation
  • SIM Cards
  • Bottled mineral water and evening tea.

Note: The date for Tshechus differ for different districts.

  1. Bhutan 101!!

Understanding the basics of Bhutan can enrich your travel experience.

  • Religion: The main religion is the Buddhism followed by Hinduism.
  • Currency: The Bhutanese Ngultrum (BTN).

1 USD ≈ 83 BTN (as of June 2024).

  • Tourism: Bhutan follows a high-value, low-impact tourism policy to preserve its culture and environment.
  • Capital: Thimphu is the capital city, offering a blend of traditional and modern experiences.
  • Language: National language of Bhutan is Dzongkha and we also speak English. Other Languages include Sharchopkha/Tshangla, Lhotsamkha (Nepali) and Hindi.

  1. Why is Bhutan so expensive?

Bhutan’s tourism policy ensures sustainable and high-quality tourism.

  • Tourism Levy Changes: The Sustainable Development Fee is $100 per day for adults
  • 50$ per day for children aged from 6-12. This fee supports environmental and cultural preservation.
  • The fee doesn’t include food, guide and other services. You need to pay an additional of 150$-200$ per person per day in order for the services. For the guests arriving from India, Bhutan charges 1200 rupees as the SDF.

  1. What’s so special about Bhutan?

Bhutan is unique in many ways, making it a fascinating destination.

  • Global Context: Bhutan is the only country that measures its success by Gross National Happiness (GNH) rather than GDP.
  • Interesting Facts: Bhutan is carbon-negative, has a rich cultural heritage, and stunning landscapes.
  • Shopping: Look for traditional handicrafts, textiles, and local art. Thimphu’s Weekend Market is a great place to shop.
  • Famous Industry: Handicrafts and textiles are notable industries, reflecting Bhutan’s cultural heritage.

  1. What are the hotel options in Bhutan?

  • Ambo Tours and Travels offer a range of hotels to include more options catering to various budgets. Our offerings include luxury hotels and resorts, eco-lodges, mid-range hotels, and budget-friendly guesthouses.

  1. What activities are popular for tourists in Bhutan?

  • Popular activities in Bhutan include trekking in the Himalayas, visiting ancient monasteries and dzongs, participating in traditional festivals, and exploring local markets. Adventure lovers can also enjoy rafting, and bird watching.