All nationalities require a visa for Bhutan. Travellers can only enter Bhutan as part of a group visa. Independent visas are not issued. The cost of the visa is included in your tour price.

To arrange the visa for you, please provide us with the following:

- scanned colour passport copy
- travelling email address
- Arrival and Departure flight details for Paro

These details need to be submitted to us 40 business days before departure.

Due to the nature of travel in Bhutan the group visa can only be submitted once we have ALL travellers details. Failure to advise any of the information as above can slow the visa issue process and delay the group visa. Generally visas are issued within 5 days of departure and as close as 48 hours prior to travel into the country. We will send your group visa to your travelling email address. Please print this visa and carry with you at time of boarding your Bhutan flight.

You must show the copy of your Bhutan Group visa at the check-in for your flight to Bhutan and on arrival at immigration in Bhutan where you will have your Bhutan visa stamped into your passport.

Travel insurance is compulsory for our trips.

When selecting a travel insurance policy please bear in mind that you must have medical coverage including emergency repatriation. We strongly recommend that the policy also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects. If you have credit card insurance we require proof of purchase of the trip (a receipt of credit card statement) with a credit card in your name. Contact your bank for details of their participating insurer, the level of coverage and emergency contact telephone number.

We will need a copy of your policy showing the policy number and the emergency hotline phone number.

Please note: A reasonable level of fitness is required to enjoy all our Bhutan tours. When hiking to the Tiger's Nest, travellers will encounter steep flights of steps. For most of the trip you will be at altitudes of over 2500m, so be prepared to be a little breathless. When selecting your trip please carefully read the itinerary and assess your ability to cope with the included activities. We advise speaking to your doctor if you have any health concerns.

Please note: Inoculations may be required for the country visited. It is your responsibility to consult with your travel doctor for up to date medical travel information well before departure.

We recommend that you carry a First Aid kit and hand sanitizers / antibacterial wipes as well as any personal medical requirements. Please be aware that sometimes we are in remote areas and away from medical facilities, and for legal reasons our leaders are prohibited from administering any type of drug including headache tablets, antibiotics, etc.

We reserve the right to exclude any traveller from all or part of a trip without refund if in the reasonable opinion of our CEO they are unable to complete the itinerary without undue risk to themselves and/or the rest of the group

You must be over 18 years to travel on our tours.

Sure you can. You will just need to pay the Single Supplement. Contact us.
Otherwise, single travellers joining group trips are paired in twin share room with someone of the same sex for the duration of the trip. If there is no one available of the same sex as you, we will arrange a single room for you at no extra cost.

Your flights into Paro, Bhutan, must be booked by you online. Please visit the following airline websites to do so:
Druk Air
http://www.drukair.com.bt/

Bhutan Airlines
http://www.bhutanairlines.bt/

Flights can be booked from: Singapore, Bangkok, Kathmandu, Delhi or Kolkata (please check Visa requirements if flying via India).

Please advise all international flight details at least 60 days prior to departure, including dates, time of departure/arrival and flight numbers.
Please be aware that Bhutan's airlines are renowned for last minute changes to flight timetables into and out of Bhutan.
Please allow a min of 24 hours transit time between your international flight and flight into Bhutan. Timetables are available on the Druk Airlines and Air Bhutan websites.

We aim to use quality, interesting and beautifully located accommodation – usually the best available – as we believe the right accommodation can enhance the overall experience.
They are all 3 stars and above and we hope you will love them as much as we do.
After all, you are on holiday!
However, perhaps they might not be exactly like what you are used to back home. Perhaps they might even be better.

Due to weather conditions, electricity, Wifi and water can be sporadic. Don't worry, this is rare.

All meals are included with the cost of your trip in Bhutan. Generally meals will be buffet style and taken in your hotel or guesthouse. Lunches and dinners will generally include a selection of western- style (often pasta), Chinese or Indian dishes, with some local specialties on occasion. Rice and vegetable dishes are always present for every meal. Usually at least one meat dish is available (on some occasions, there can be shortages, as all meat is imported from India).
Bottled and alcoholic drinks are not included with meals and are paid for separately.

If you have any dietary requirements, allergies or intolerance, kindly let us know.

Internet access is generally fast and very good in both Thimpu and Paro. There may be limited internet access in smaller towns and villages. WiFi is generally free in the lobby and restaurant section of a hotel but charges may apply for internet use within your room.

All meals, transport and accommodation are included on your Bhutan trip. You will only need extra spending money for souvenirs, drinks and tips. Best to bring cash, as it is easily exchanged into local currency. ATMs are available only in Thimphu and Paro. Credit cards are accepted only in larger tourist shops for large purchases.

The official currency of Bhutan is the Bhutanese Ngultrum (BTN). You can exchange all major currencies at the airport on arrival. When leaving Bhutan, please remember it is not possible to exchange BTN outside of Bhutan so convert any remaining currency back before you leave.

Tipping is not expected in Bhutan and it is certainly not compulsory. But it does show an expression of satisfaction with the people who have assisted you on your tour. The amount is up to you; however as a guideline USD20-30 per person, per week can be used.

Many national governments provide a regularly updated advice service on safety issues involved with international travel. We recommend that you check your government's advice for their latest travel information before departure.

Bhutan is a notoriously peaceful country and so far, we did not have any incidents of any nature.

We strongly recommend the use of a neck wallet or money belt while travelling, for the safekeeping of your passport, air tickets, travellers' cheques, cash and other valuable items. Leave your valuable jewellery at home - you won't need it while travelling. Many of the hotels we use have safety deposit boxes, which is the most secure way of storing your valuables. A lock is recommended for securing your luggage.

Swimming and other water based activities are always at your own risk.

Illegal drugs will not be tolerated on our trips. Possessing or using drugs not only contravenes the laws of the land, but also puts the rest of the group at risk. Smoking marijuana or the exploitation of prostitutes is not acceptable for our travellers. Our group leader or local representative has the right to expel any member of the group if drugs are found in their possession or if they use prostitutes.

Everyone has the right to feel safe and secure on their trip. We don’t tolerate any form of sexual harassment, either between passengers or involving our leaders or local operators. If you ever feel another person is behaving inappropriately please inform us immediately by contacting the emergency contact number detailed in these trip notes.

If, for any reason you are unable to commence your group trip as scheduled, as soon as possible please contact us, leaving a detailed message and contact information so that we could assist you as soon as possible.

Your airport arrival transfer has been arranged based on flight information provided to us. If you are advised of a flight schedule change within 48 hours of your scheduled arrival time, we will do our best to rearrange your arrival transfer however we cannot guarantee this.

Emergency Contact Number:

Mr Tshering Dhendup
During Office hours (Weekdays, 9am-5pm Bhutan Local Time): +97517110866

Small is good! Our group trips average 10 travellers per departure, depending on the adventure. The maximum is usually no more than 16.

EARPLUGS
Bhutan, being a Buddhist country believes in ahimsa so to some people the barking of dogs can be at times annoying. It's advisable to bring earplugs. Just in case.

CLOTHING
Bring comfortable clothing, appropriate to the weather conditions that you are likely to meet. Bring hiking boots/sturdy walking shoes.
During the winter months, for protection against cold, particularly at night, dress in layers.
Windproof jacket, a hat/bandana and sunscreen are essential. Thermal underclothes, being small and light, can also be very useful.
Bhutan is a conservative country and while it is not mandatory, shoulders and knees should be covered when possible. When entering buildings of a religious nature and family homes, please make sure your legs and shoulders are covered.
Laundry facilities are offered by some of our hotels for a charge.

MEDICINE
The roads in the mountains can be bumpy. If you do suffer from motion sickness, we recommend you bring medication for the drives.
We recommend that you carry a First Aid kit and hand sanitizers / antibacterial wipes as well as any personal medical requirements. Please be aware that sometimes we are in remote areas and away from medical facilities, and for legal reasons our leaders are prohibited from administering any type of drug including headache tablets, antibiotics, etc. We reserves the right to exclude any traveller from all or part of a trip without refund if in the reasonable opinion of our guide or tour leader they are unable to complete the itinerary without undue risk to themselves and/or the rest of the group.

BAG
You will need a day pack/bag to carry your water, cameras and other electronics like ipads and mobile phones. We suggest that you pack as lightly as possible as your are expected to carry your own luggage.

The tour may include hiking, rafting (optional) in addition to walking.
When selecting your trip please carefully read the itinerary and assess your ability to cope with the included activities.

Don’t be shy. Reach out. We are here for you! If you have any questions about the tours, then please don't hesitate to contact us and we will get back to you latest within 24 hours!

We can arrange a holiday based on any of our itineraries or create a bespoke itinerary for you according to your requirements.
You will have complete flexibility over dates of travelling, standard of accommodation and sightseeing.
You will use services of Qupido Travel' experienced Guides
Full Qupido Travel expertise and support, both before and during the trip. We'll help you plan your dream holiday to Bhutan.
Contact us.