Bhutan is a destination we somehow didn’t even dare to dream of ever visiting. So when the opportunity presented itself to travel to Bhutan we could hardly believe our luck… how was that even real? Whenever we mentioned we were going everyone responded the same way: Isn’t it impossible to visit Bhutan? Do they even let in tourists? And isn’t it extremely expensive to travel? It turns out we’ve all been victims of a plethora of myths that surround travelling to Bhutan.
So before we delve into our Bhutan travel tips and itinerary, let us debunk a few myths.
It seems Bhutan, the Land of the Thunder Dragon, is a country shrouded in mystery and intrigue. While we think that this also adds to it’s allure, this situation also entails a lot of misinformation that deters people from visiting. While its breathtaking landscapes, rich culture, and focus on Gross National Happiness captivate travelers worldwide, several misconceptions still surround the Himalayan kingdom.
Let’s set the record straight by debunking five common myths about Bhutan.
Myth #1: It’s impossible to get a visa
Truth: Bhutan’s visa process is simple and efficient.
Contrary to popular belief, Bhutan welcomes tourists with an open-door policy and no quotas or restrictions on the number of visitors. The visa application process is straightforward and can be completed online through a licensed Bhutanese tour operator or an international travel agent. The only requirement there is for the visa to be approved is that you have booked a tour, as you are not allowed to travel individually.
So if you have booked your tour (which can also be a personalised one) your travel agency will handle the visa process, making it hassle-free. Once your visa is approved, it will be issued upon arrival at Paro International Airport. This ease of access ensures Bhutan is not only a dream destination but has also become a realistic one to visit for travelers.
Myth #2: Bhutan is very expensive to visit
Truth: Bhutan offers incredible value for what you pay and has recently gotten more affordable to travel.
It’s true that Bhutan uses a unique “High Value, Low Impact” tourism model, which prioritizes sustainable tourism. But it’s not all unrealistically expensive! The base fee is the so called “SDF” or “Sustainable Development Fee” which is 100 USD per day (this is valid until 2027, when the SDF will go back to 200 USD). This fee is levied by the government and is used for infrastructure development, to maintain carbon-neutral tourism and support the sustainable development of the country.
But other than that Bhutan stopped the requirement for a 250 USD per day package fee, that used to be mandatory, in 2022. Since then the tour prices have been liberated. Our guide Karma told us that this liberation has led to a wide variety of tour prices and a bit of chaos in the industry, with some dumping prices surfacing that didn’t do any good. But now in year 3 things are starting to find their way under these new circumstances. Most tours will now start at around 200 USD per day (depending on the season). However, this fee is all-inclusive—covering your accommodation, meals, guided tours, transportation, and even entry fees to cultural sites.
Of course you can spend more if you stay in luxury accommodation (of which there’s plenty and they are stunning!). But there’s also affordable options like family-run homestays and smaller guesthouses, which allow you to connect with locals and reduce your overall travel costs. In any case the money you spend directly supports Bhutan’s cultural preservation and environmental sustainability efforts, making every dollar contribute to a good cause.
Myth #3: Bhutan is impossible to reach
Truth: Bhutan is more accessible than ever.
While Bhutan’s remote location adds to its allure, getting there is easier than you think. Most visitors fly into Paro International Airport, which is served by two airlines—Druk Air and Bhutan Airlines. These airlines connect Paro to major hubs like New Delhi, Kathmandu, Bangkok, and Singapore.
We flew into Paro with Bhutan Airlines from New Delhi, which was a short and convenient flight (and included views of the Himalayas!).
Recently, Druk Air has added a new route: a direct flight from Dubai! This is making it even more convenient for travelers from the Middle East, Europe and even the USA to get to Paro. For adventurous souls, overland entry via India is also an option, with border crossings at Phuentsholing, Gelephu, and Samdrup Jongkhar (which we haven’t tested).
Myth #4: You cannot travel independently in Bhutan
Truth: You can create a highly personalized travel experience.
While it’s true that Bhutan requires all tourists to hire a licensed guide and book their trip through an authorized tour operator, this doesn’t mean you lose flexibility. In fact, most guides are happy to tailor the itinerary to your preferences.
Whether you want to spend more time hiking, delve deeper into Bhutanese spirituality, or visit off-the-beaten-path villages, a private guide can make it happen. This personalized approach ensures you don’t just see Bhutan but also experience it in a deeply meaningful way. We were a bit skeptical about this as we often appreciate going with the flow and our own rhythm, especially when it comes to photography. But our guide Karma noticed this very quickly and gave us our space and enough time for this.
Also he introduced us to local Thangka painting students, showed us a very unknown local temple that is not on any tourist map and organised personal encounters with nuns and astrology readers for us to learn more about Bhutanese culture and religion. So he truly enriched our travel experience.
Personally we would recommend opting for a private guide if it’s important for you to travel somewhat independently. If you don’t mind there’s still the option to join one of the many group tours on offer.
Myth #5: Bhutan is always cold
Truth: Bhutan has diverse climates, and some areas can be surprisingly warm.
Many people assume Bhutan is perpetually chilly because of its location in the Himalayas. However, Bhutan’s climate varies significantly depending on the altitude. For instance, the capital city, Thimphu, lies at a similar latitude as Tampa, Florida! While higher altitudes, like those near the Himalayan peaks, can get quite cold, lower regions, such as Punakha, experience subtropical weather with warm, humid summers.
The best time to visit Bhutan depends on your preference—spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) are ideal for clear skies and festivals. We visited Bhutan im September and had the chance to attend Gangtey Tshechu, which was one of the highlights of the trip – therefore we would recommend to pay attention to the festival calendar as well as the weather. In September it was nice and warm in Punakha (we even used the outdoor swimming pool) and in Gangtey (at higher altitudes) we wore light jackets or wool sweaters during our full day outings. So we recommend to pack layers in any case, but it really all depends on the season and altitude in Bhutan!
Final Thoughts
Bhutan’s mystical reputation often gives rise to myths, but the reality is far more inviting and open. With its stunning landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and commitment to sustainable tourism, Bhutan offers an unforgettable experience for all who visit. We will soon share our full travel guide with our itinerary and tips for a visit, stay tuned!
And the next time you hear someone say Bhutan is inaccessible, too expensive, or too cold, share some of your wisdom—and perhaps inspire them to embark on their own journey to this Himalayan gem.
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