Discover Bhutan: Visa Process To Tourist Destination- All You Need To Know About The Land Of The Thunder Dragon

Bhutan is a paradise on earth and has only been open to foreign travellers since the late 20s but allows only a certain number of tourists to enter the nation at a fixed time.

Discover Bhutan: Visa Process To Tourist Destinatio- All You Need To Know ( Image Source :Getty )

Bhutan captivates travellers with its pristine natural beauty, wildlife, rich cultural heritage, and spiritual tranquillity. Known as 'The Land of the Thunder Dragon', it is a favourite destination of world-wide backpackers and adventure enthusiasts. Bhutan offers a distinctive experience for sustainable travel, preserving its cultural and religious teachings. Nestled amidst the majestic Himalayas, Bhutan boasts many identities like the 'Roof of the World', 'Asia's Happiest Nation', and the 'First Carbon-Negative Country', and it lives up to each. In addition, Bhutan is home to a 100-year-old monarchy and a 14-year-old democracy.

Entry Requirements for Tourists:

Bhutan is a paradise on earth and has only been open to foreign travellers since the late 20s. Following the ‘High Value, Low Volume’ policy, it allows only a certain number of tourists to enter the nation at a fixed time. Bhutan has strict and somewhat different visa rules from other countries; however, Indian tourists have the privilege to access this landlocked country without a visa, as India shares a peaceful border and strong diplomatic ties with it. You will only need an entry permit, which is a simple and hassle-free process requiring 15 to 30 minutes.

Entry Permit: This permit, issued by the Department of Immigration, is your ticket to the world of adventure, snow-capped peaks, remote villages, and unparalleled wildlife. It can be obtained at the entry checkpoint in the Pedestrian Terminal at Phuentsholing, with a few valid travel documents:

• Indian Passport with a minimum six months validity
• ID card
• 02 passport-size photographs
• For children below 18 years: Original birth certificate (in English language) or passport, and must be accompanied by a legal guardian

Sustainable Development Fee (SDF): Bhutan treats Tourism as a national asset and charges this fee to finance health, infrastructure, education, and other essential services. You have to pay an SDF of INR 1,200 per night to enter the country. Children aged 5 and below are exempted, and those aged 6-12 receive a 50% concession. Tourists visiting Samtse, Phuentsholing, Gelephu, and Samdrup Jongkhar towns for 24 hours need not pay SDF.

You can apply for the Entry Permit and SDF online as well through the official website of Bhutan Travel. 

Army Welfare Fund Contribution: A contribution of INR 100 to the Army Welfare Fund is also mandatory to enter the country.

Points To Be Noted: 

Travel Insurance: Recently, on April 23, 2024, Bhutan Travel and Tourism Ministry removed the mandatory travel insurance, which was introduced during the COVID-19 pandemic to cover unforeseen emergencies. However, the Bhutan Government suggests still taking insurance for tourists' convenience in any health emergency.

Personal Vehicles: Indian-registered vehicles are allowed within the designated zone without any charges. However, vehicles going beyond the Rinchending Check Post in Phuentsholing are required to pay Nu 4,500 per day as Green Tax. They further need to register on the Check Post Management System (CPMS) to cross the RBP checkpoints.

Documents Required For Bringing Your Vehicle:

• Original driving license
• Original Registration Certificate (Vehicle Registration shall not be more than 10 years from the date of registration).
• Vehicle insurance
• Vehicle emission and roadworthiness certificate
• If you are not driving your own car, an authority letter from the owner is also required. 

Travel Logistics:

Bhutan can be covered within 40 to 80 thousand Indian rupees in 5 to 10 days, depending on your way of traveling. If you'll prefer luxury travel, this adventure trip can cost you up to 1 lakh as well.

As the host of the world’s most dangerous airport, 'Paro International Airport,' Bhutan has limited flights directly reaching here. Drukair and Bhutan Airlines operate direct flights from various international destinations like Bangladesh (Dhaka), India (Bagdogra, Guwahati, Kolkata, and New Delhi), Nepal (Kathmandu), Singapore, and Thailand (Bangkok), which can range from 12,000 to 30,000 rupees one way. 

As a neighbouring country, reaching Bhutan will not take much time. Flights from New Delhi to Paro Airport usually take a maximum of 2 hours and 20 minutes, while if you are in the border states like West Bengal, Assam, or Sikkim, flying from Bagdogra to Paro takes maximum 40 minutes.

If you are a backpacker or prefer road trips, you can save a good amount of money, especially if you are in border areas. Remember, Phuntsholing, Gelephu, and Samdrup Jongkhar in eastern Bhutan are the only land border areas normally open for international tourists.

For accommodation, you can easily find anything from homestays to 5-star hotels, standing as evidence of their country's years-old civilization, tradition, and marvelous architecture. You will be glad to experience Bhutanese hospitality whether you choose hotels, homestays, or hostels.

The only thing you have to make sure of is to check the list of certified homestays and hotels by the Department of Tourism, as it is compulsory to stay in a certified place for the whole trip. 

To check the Certified Hotels, homestays, tour guides, and operators, click here.

For within-the-country transportation, there are 4 domestic airports connecting north-south and central Bhutan, which operate according to weather conditions. Remember, there is no rail connectivity in Bhutan, so the best way to explore is to hire a vehicle and driver from a car rental company or a tourism service provider, as you cannot hire a self-drive vehicle.

There is one private air service by Royal Bhutan Helicopter Services Limited (RBHSL) available to cater to heli-hiking and other guest services, making the otherwise long journeys quicker.

Bhutan's currency is the Ngultrum, which is equivalent to the Indian rupee, and Indian currency is also widely acceptable in all major cities.

Weather:

Although Bhutan is a year-round destination, the best time to explore is spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November). However, if you are looking for a less crowded and pocket-friendly season with views of snow carpet, Bhutan welcomes you in January and February as well. Travelling in spring will allow you to get lost in vibrant flora and clear skies with stunning mountain views. If you are into trekking and hiking, this is the best time to do so as the temperature remains mild.

Language:

Bhutan is a small country, but there are almost 19 languages spoken, including the national language Dzongkha. English is also widely used and understood throughout Bhutan. Still, it's better to learn and understand at least a few words of different languages. For example, in Dzongkha, 'Kuzu zangpo la' means hello and can be used at all times of the day, while 'Kadrin chey la' means thank you.

Wonders Of Bhutan:

While the journey to reach Bhutan is an adventure in itself, it also offers iconic wonders like the Tiger’s Nest Monastery, Punakha Dzong fortress, and the Buddha Dordenma statue, alongside thrilling outdoor activities like trekking, camping, and river rafting.

As the home of centuries-old monasteries, Bhutan's iconic tourist attraction is the Taktsang Palphug Monastery, also known as Tiger’s Nest. One of the most revered pilgrimage places in the province, it is located atop a mountain 1200 metres above the Paro Valley, requiring an almost 7 km hike and offering a moderate difficulty level. With its vast biodiversity and wildlife, explorers experience an unparalleled charm and allure here.

Tamzhing Monastery, Royal Manas National Park, Jigme Dorji National Park, Bumdeling Wildlife Sanctuary, and Sakteng Wildlife Sanctuary are some of the most visited UNESCO Heritage sites, representing the country's long-lasting religion.

Pungtang Dechen Photrang Dzong (The Palace of the Great Happiness), the National Museum of Bhutan in Paro, Buddha Dordenma in Thimphu, Dechen Phrodrang, Changlimithang Stadium and Archery Ground, National Memorial Chorten, Tashicho Dzong, Dochula Pass, and Punakha Dzong are also famous tourist attractions in the country.

Behaviours To Avoid

Most of Bhutan still lives with its old traditions and rituals. They value Mother Nature and have certain rules and regulations which you must adhere to if you do not want to face huge fines and punishments.

• It is illegal to sell or buy tobacco products in Bhutan. 
• Hunting and fishing are illegal in most of Bhutan.
• The export of all antiques is strictly prohibited and monitored.
• The Bhutanese are very eco-conscious, so do not litter and leave any trace behind.
• When visiting a temple, please wear long sleeves and cover your legs.
• Do not venture into the wild and hike without an accredited guide, as Bhutan is a high-altitude nation with mostly tough-to-navigate terrains and risky trekking routes.
• Do not play loud music in public, including inside religious sites and national parks.