Visiting Bhutan from India? – Some Frequently Asked Questions!
About the post: This post answers all the frequently asked questions that most travelers encounter at various stages of planning a trip to Bhutan. The questions have been collected from a poll on Instagram asking interested travelers about what they want to know before they visit! I hope this helps a lot of people.
1. Is Bhutan Safe for Tourists?
Bhutan is an absolutely safe country to travel in and this is true for female travelers too!
2. How can I get Bhutan Entry Permit?
I did pen down a detailed article on this matter, check it out here.
3. Do Indians need a visa to visit Bhutan?
Indians do not require a visa to visit Bhutan, but we must pay sustainable development fees.
4. How can I apply for Bhutan Visa online?
Online application for Bhutan Entry permits can be availed by the tourists of India, Bangladesh, and Maldives through registered Bhutanese Tour operators and TCB certified hotels.
5. Can I go to Bhutan with a PAN card?
Yes, you can use a PAN card but Aadhaar Card is not accepted.
6. How many days do I need to explore Bhutan?
Seven days are enough to cover all the major places and to-dos. Read my article on the Bhutan travel guide for seven days.
7. Can you visit Bhutan without a guide?
Yes, completely! But tourists from the countries other than India, Bangladesh & Maldives need to have a Bhutanese guide to get a tour of all the places.
8. Can you visit Bhutan Solo?
Bhutan is unbelievably mesmerizing and safe for all the male as well as female travelers.
9. Is Bhutan Expensive for tourists?
If you are a citizen of India, Maldives or Bangladesh, Bhutan is a great destination for budget trips. Although Bhutan Government has imposed of a minimum fee of $200 per person per day for visitors to Bhutan from all other countries.
10. What is the name of the currency used in Bhutan?
Bhutanese Ngultrum.
11. Is Indian Currency Accepted in Bhutan?
Yes, the Indian currency is accepted in Bhutan. The balance change given to you will be in Bhutanese currency i.e. Ngultrum
12. How much Indian currency can I carry with me to Bhutan?
As per RBI Notification, an individual can carry up to 25000 Indian Rupees in Bhutan.
13. Is Indian driving license valid in Bhutan?
Yes, Indian driving license is valid in Bhutan.
14. Is a vehicle permit required for Bhutan for an Indian Vehicle?
A permit needs to be obtained at the Phuentsholing border if you are carrying all the essential documents like registration papers, insurance policies, emission & fitness certificates, individual driving licenses endorsed by the Road Safety & Transport Authority at the border.
15. How can I go to Bhutan from India?
Read my post on the detailed itinerary to know the existing routes to enter Bhutan, here.
16. Is there a direct flight to Bhutan from major airports in India?
It is available from Bagdogra, Delhi, Kolkata, Guwahati, Mumbai and Gaya.
17. Do Indian Sims work in Bhutan?
Airtel & Vodafone (with weak signal) do work in Bhutan but it is highly recommended to buy a local sim worth INR 200 at Phuentshloing to contact local agencies & drivers.
18. Which local telecom sim should I purchase in Bhutan?
Getting a temporary SIM card of Tashi Cell is the best option.
19. How should I dress in Bhutan?
For visitors, Bhutan is an apt country for a fairly formal dress code. A long-sleeved shirt with collar for men and a skirt or trousers for women are fine to enter into temples & monasteries.
20. Are shorts allowed in Bhutan?
Shorts can’t be worn inside a Dzong in Bhutan.
21. Are there any notable risks while traveling in Bhutan?
No scams, no theft, no begging. But the occasional outbreak of Rabies due to dog bites.
22. Is vegetarian food available in Bhutan?
Finding vegetarian food is not an issue at all while traveling in Bhutan.
23. Is non-vegetarian food available in Bhutan?
Bhutan is the highest consumer of meat per capita in South Asia. You can indulge yourself in mouthwatering non-veg dishes in Bhutan undoubtedly!
24. What is the famous food in Bhutan?
The national dishes are Emma Datse (Chili peppers and cheese) and delicious Red Rice.
25. What is banned in Bhutan?
Public smoking is banned in Bhutan.
Have these answers given you a fair idea on important things you should know before traveling to Bhutan?
