Why Bhutan Booking is Different
Planning a trip to Bhutan is unlike planning travel to most other countries.
You can’t just buy a plane ticket and book a hotel.
Bhutan requires all international tourists to book through licensed tour operators.
This might seem complicated.
But it ensures your trip is well-planned, safe, and genuinely connects you with Bhutanese culture.
The booking process is straightforward once you understand it.
Let’s walk through everything step by step.
Understanding Your Requirements
Who Needs to Book Through an Operator?
All international tourists must book through a licensed Bhutanese tour operator.
This includes tourists from:
- United States and Canada
- United Kingdom and Europe
- Australia and New Zealand
- Southeast Asia
- East Asia
- Africa and South America
Who Doesn’t Need a Tour Operator?
Only the following can travel independently:
- Indian citizens: Can travel independently or book through operators
- Bangladeshi citizens: Same as Indians
- Maldivian citizens: Same as Indians
Everyone else needs a tour operator and licensed guide.
Step 1: Choose Your Travel Dates
Best Time to Visit
Bhutan has distinct travel seasons.
Spring (March - May)
- Weather: Pleasant, blooming flowers
- Pros: Clear views, festivals
- Cons: Higher prices, more tourists
- Book: 2-3 months in advance
Summer (June - August)
- Weather: Monsoon, rainy
- Pros: Lower prices, fewer tourists, lush green
- Cons: Rain, poor visibility, landslides possible
- Book: 1 month in advance
Autumn (September - November)
- Weather: Clear skies, comfortable
- Pros: Best weather, festivals
- Cons: Peak prices, most tourists
- Book: 3-4 months in advance
Winter (December - February)
- Weather: Cold, clear, sunny days
- Pros: Fewer tourists, lower prices
- Cons: Very cold nights, some areas inaccessible
- Book: 1-2 months in advance
Duration Planning
Minimum Stay
- 5 days: Shortest practical trip
- 7-10 days: Ideal first visit
- 14+ days: Comprehensive exploration
Popular Trip Lengths
- 7 days: Highlights of western Bhutan
- 10 days: Western + central Bhutan
- 14 days: Complete Bhutan experience
- 21+ days: Including eastern Bhutan and treks
Step 2: Find a Licensed Tour Operator
Why Choosing the Right Operator Matters
Your tour operator makes or breaks your Bhutan experience.
They handle everything:
- Visa processing
- SDF payments
- Itinerary planning
- Hotel bookings
- Guide and driver assignments
- Permits and paperwork
How to Find Licensed Operators
Official Sources
- Tourism Council of Bhutan website: Lists all licensed operators
- ABTO (Association of Bhutanese Tour Operators): Member directory
What to Look For
- License number: Verify they’re officially licensed
- Years in business: Experience matters
- Reviews and testimonials: What do past travelers say?
- Specialization: Do they focus on your interests?
- Communication style: Responsive and helpful?
Questions to Ask Potential Operators
- How long have you been in business?
- What’s included in your packages?
- Can you customize my itinerary?
- What hotels do you use?
- Who will be my guide?
- What’s your payment schedule?
- What’s your cancellation policy?
Red Flags to Avoid
- No license number: Can’t verify credentials
- Prices too good to be true: Probably cutting corners
- Poor communication: Unresponsive now will be worse later
- No references: Can’t provide past client reviews
- Vague details: Won’t specify hotels or guide names
Step 3: Plan Your Itinerary
Standard Routes
Western Bhutan (5-7 days)
- Paro (Tiger’s Nest, dzong)
- Thimphu (capital city)
- Punakha (ancient capital)
- Optional: Phobjikha (crane valley)
Western + Central (10-12 days)
- All of western Bhutan
- Bumthang (spiritual heartland)
- Gangtey and Phobjikha
- Optional: Ura and Tang valleys
Complete Bhutan (14+ days)
- Western and central Bhutan
- Eastern Bhutan (Trashigang, Trashiyangtse)
- Remote valleys and villages
- Optional: Trekking extensions
Customizing Your Trip
Your tour operator can customize based on your interests:
- Culture: More temples, festivals, monasteries
- Nature: Hiking, valleys, wildlife
- Adventure: Trekking, rafting, biking
- Spirituality: Meditation, pilgrimage sites
- Photography: Best scenic spots and timing
Trekking Options
Popular treks that can be added:
- Druk Path Trek: 6 days (Paro to Thimphu)
- Jomolhari Trek: 9 days (beautiful mountain views)
- Snowman Trek: 25+ days (challenging, high altitude)
- Bumthang Cultural Trek: 3-4 days (moderate, villages)
Step 4: Understand Your Costs
The SDF (Sustainable Development Fee)
This is the mandatory daily fee:
- International tourists: $100 USD per night
- Indians: ₹1,200 per night
- Children 6-12: 50% discount
- Children under 6: Free
This is non-negotiable and paid before visa approval.
Additional Costs
On top of the SDF, you’ll pay for:
- Accommodation: $50-300+ per night
- Guide fees: $25-50 per day
- Driver fees: $20-40 per day
- Vehicle costs: $40-80 per day
- Meals: $20-40 per day
- Entrance fees: $10-50 per site
Sample Budgets
Budget 7-Day Trip
- SDF: $700 (7 nights × $100)
- Hotels: $350 (budget options)
- Guide and driver: $450
- Vehicle: $350
- Meals: $200
- Total: Approximately $2,050
Mid-Range 10-Day Trip
- SDF: $1,000 (10 nights × $100)
- Hotels: $800 (comfortable 3-star)
- Guide and driver: $700
- Vehicle: $500
- Meals: $350
- Total: Approximately $3,350
Luxury 14-Day Trip
- SDF: $1,400 (14 nights × $100)
- Hotels: $2,800 (luxury properties)
- Guide and driver: $1,000
- Vehicle: $700
- Meals: $600
- Total: Approximately $6,500
Surcharges
- Solo travelers: Additional $40/day
- Groups of 2: Additional $30/day per person
- Groups of 3+: No surcharge
Step 5: Submit Your Information
Documents Needed
Your tour operator will need:
- Scanned passport: Valid for at least 6 months
- Passport photo: Digital copy
- Travel dates: Confirmed itinerary
- Personal details: Full name, nationality, occupation
- Travel insurance: Recommended
Information to Provide
- Arrival and departure: How you’re entering Bhutan
- Interests and preferences: For itinerary customization
- Dietary restrictions: Any food allergies or preferences
- Physical fitness: Especially for trekking
- Special requests: Special occasions, celebrations
Step 6: Pay Your Deposit
Standard Payment Schedule
Deposit (20-30%)
- Due: When you confirm booking
- Purpose: Secures dates and services
- Payment methods: Bank transfer, credit card, Wise
SDF Payment (100%)
- Due: Before visa approval
- Non-refundable: Once processed
- Required: For all international tourists
Final Balance
- Due: Before arrival (usually 30 days prior)
- Includes: All tour costs, hotels, services
Payment Methods
- Bank transfer: Most common, reliable
- Credit card: Some operators accept (fees may apply)
- Online platforms: Wise, TransferWise, etc.
- Payment processors: PayPal (less common due to fees)
Tip: Use bank transfer or Wise for the best exchange rates and lowest fees.
Step 7: Receive Your Visa
Processing Time
- Standard: 5-7 working days
- Peak season: Allow 10-14 days
- Same-day: Not possible, plan ahead
Visa Approval Process
- Operator submits: Your application to immigration
- SDF verified: Payment confirmed
- Visa approved: Electronic approval issued
- You receive: Email with visa approval letter
What You’ll Get
- Electronic visa approval: PDF document
- Visa number: Unique reference number
- Validity dates: Matches your itinerary
- Instructions: What to do at entry
At Immigration
- Show approval: On phone or printed
- Passport stamped: Actual visa on arrival
- Photos taken: For immigration records
- Permits issued: Entry and route permits
Step 8: Finalize Your Itinerary
Confirmation Details
Before you travel, confirm:
- Hotels: Names and locations
- Guide: Name and contact details
- Driver: Name and vehicle details
- Pickup: Airport or border transfer details
- Emergency contacts: 24/7 support numbers
Pre-Trip Preparation
Your tour operator should provide:
- Detailed itinerary: Day-by-day schedule
- Packing list: What to bring
- Cultural guidelines: How to dress and behave
- Contact information: Guide and operator contacts
- Emergency procedures: What to do if problems arise
Step 9: Book Your Flights
Druk Air (Royal Bhutan Airlines)
- Routes: Bangkok, Singapore, Kathmandu, Delhi, Kolkata, more
- Limited flights: Book well in advance
- Weather delays: Paro airport weather dependent
Bhutan Airlines
- Routes: Kathmandu, Delhi, Kolkata, Bangkok, more
- Newer fleet: Modern aircraft
- Competitive pricing: Often cheaper than Druk Air
Booking Tips
- Book early: Seats fill quickly, especially peak season
- Flexible dates: Weather can affect flights
- Arrive morning: For best weather and views
- Confirm with operator: Before booking flights
Step 10: Pack and Prepare
Packing Checklist
Essential Documents
- Passport (6+ months validity)
- Visa approval letter
- Travel insurance documents
- Flight confirmations
- Tour operator contacts
Clothing
- Layers for changing temperatures
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Hiking boots (if trekking)
- Modest clothing for temples
- Rain jacket (especially monsoon)
- Warm clothes (winter or high altitude)
Health and Comfort
- Sunscreen and sunglasses
- Basic first aid kit
- Personal medications
- Hand sanitizer
- Reusable water bottle
Electronics
- Camera and charger
- Universal adapter (Bhutan uses Type D/G)
- Power bank
- Phone and charger
Arrival Day
What to Expect
- Airport meet: Your guide will meet you
- Sign: With your name or company name
- Transfer: To your hotel
- Briefing: Overview of your trip
Border Entry (Phuntsholing)
- Cross border: Walk from India to Bhutan
- Immigration office: Process entry permit
- Meet guide: Usually in town
- Begin journey: Start your Bhutan adventure
Common Booking Mistakes to Avoid
Mistake 1: Booking Too Late
Problem: Operators can’t secure dates, flights fill up
Solution: Book at least 2-3 months in advance for peak season
Mistake 2: Not Researching Your Operator
Problem: Poor service, unexpected costs, bad experience
Solution: Check licenses, reviews, and references before booking
Mistake 3: Not Confirming Details
Problem: Wrong dates, wrong hotels, misunderstandings
Solution: Get everything in writing and confirm before travel
Mistake 4: Underestimating Altitude
Problem: Altitude sickness ruins your trip
Solution: Allow acclimatization days, discuss fitness with operator
Mistake 5: Not Reading the Fine Print
Problem: Surprise fees, cancellation penalties
Solution: Understand payment terms, refund policies, and what’s included
Cancellation and Refund Policies
SDF Refunds
Generally not refundable once processed.
Exceptions:
- Government-declared emergencies
- Natural disasters
- Force majeure events
Tour Cost Refunds
Depends on your operator’s policy.
Standard:
- 60+ days before: Full refund (minus deposit)
- 30-60 days: 50% refund
- Less than 30 days: No refund
Always check your specific contract.
Travel Insurance
Strongly recommended to cover:
- Trip cancellation
- Medical emergencies
- Evacuation costs
- Lost or delayed baggage
Special Booking Scenarios
Group Bookings
Large Groups (10+ people)
- Discounts: Often available
- Custom itinerary: Can be tailored
- Special guide: Dedicated group guide
- Book early: Need more lead time
Solo Travelers
- Surcharge: $40/day additional
- Single supplement: For hotel rooms
- Still worth it: Bhutan is safe and welcoming
Family Travel
- Child discounts: SDF discounts for ages 6-12
- Family rooms: Available at many hotels
- Kid-friendly guides: Can request family-oriented guides
Special Occasions
- Honeymoons: Romantic itineraries available
- Birthdays/anniversaries: Can celebrate in style
- Retreats: Corporate and wellness retreats
Working with Silverpine Bhutan
At Silverpine Bhutan, we’ve been guiding travelers since 2010.
Our booking process is simple and transparent.
What We Offer
- Licensed operator: Fully accredited by Tourism Council of Bhutan
- Transparent pricing: No hidden fees, clear contracts
- Custom itineraries: Tailored to your interests
- Expert guides: Experienced, knowledgeable, licensed
- 24/7 support: Always available during your trip
Our Process
- Consultation: Free discussion about your interests and budget
- Proposal: Custom itinerary with detailed pricing
- Adjustment: Refine until you’re happy
- Booking: Handle all paperwork and payments
- Support: From booking until you return home
Ready to Book Your Bhutan Adventure?
The Bhutan booking process might seem complex.
But with the right tour operator, it’s straightforward.
At Silverpine Bhutan, we handle everything for you.
Focus on the excitement of your upcoming adventure.
Let us handle the details.
Contact us today to start planning your 2025 Bhutan journey.
Or browse our tours for inspiration.
We’ll respond within 24 hours with a custom proposal.
Frequently Asked Questions About Booking Bhutan
How far in advance should I book?
For peak seasons (spring and autumn), book 3-4 months ahead. For off-peak travel, 1-2 months is usually sufficient.
Can I book directly with the government?
No, you must book through a licensed Bhutanese tour operator. They handle all visa and permit processing.
Do I need to pay everything upfront?
No, typically you pay a deposit (20-30%) to confirm, the SDF in full before visa approval, and the final balance before travel.
What happens if I need to cancel?
This depends on your operator’s policy. The SDF is generally non-refundable. Tour costs may be partially refundable depending on timing. Travel insurance is strongly recommended.
Can I change my itinerary after booking?
Yes, minor changes are usually possible. Major changes may incur fees and depend on availability. Always check with your operator.
How do I know my booking is confirmed?
You’ll receive a visa approval letter from Bhutan immigration, detailed itinerary, and confirmation of all services. Your tour operator will provide comprehensive pre-trip documentation.
“Booking a trip to Bhutan is the beginning of a journey that will change how you see the world. The process may seem detailed, but every step ensures your experience is authentic, safe, and transformative.” — Karma Dorji