Bhutan – the land of the Thunder Dragon – is one of the most peaceful, beautiful holidays you can take from India. Indians do not need a visa, but there are a few rules to know before you go.
- Do Indians need a visa for Bhutan?
- The Sustainable Development Fee (SDF)
- Best time to visit
- A 6-night Bhutan itinerary
- Good to know
- How to reach Bhutan from Delhi
- What to pack
- Questions travellers ask
Do Indians need a visa for Bhutan?
No. Indian citizens do not need a visa. You receive an entry permit on arrival (at Paro airport or the Phuentsholing land border) by showing a valid Indian passport or Voter ID card. Children can use a passport or birth certificate. Carry a few passport-size photos and printouts of your hotel bookings.
The Sustainable Development Fee (SDF)
Bhutan charges a Sustainable Development Fee to protect its environment and culture. For Indian nationals it is ₹1,200 per person per night, a rate set to remain until 31 August 2027. Children aged 6–12 pay half, and children under 6 are exempt. Indians visiting only the border town of Phuentsholing for under 24 hours do not pay SDF. We include the SDF and permits in your package so there are no surprises.
Climb to Tiger’s Nest slowly. The view at the top – and the silence – is worth every step.
Best time to visit
March to May (spring flowers, rhododendrons, clear trekking weather) and September to November (crisp skies, festival season with the Thimphu Tshechu) are the best times. December–February is cold but quiet and clear; June–August is the monsoon, when hill roads can be slow.
Hand-picked packages
A 6-night Bhutan itinerary
- Day 1: Arrive at Phuentsholing (via Bagdogra) – permit formalities.
- Days 2–3, Thimphu: Buddha Dordenma, Tashichho Dzong, Memorial Chorten, local markets; optional day trip to Punakha via Dochula Pass.
- Days 4–5, Paro: Rinpung Dzong, National Museum and the hike to the iconic Tiger’s Nest (Paro Taktsang) monastery.
- Day 6: Return to Phuentsholing.
- Day 7: Departure via Bagdogra.
See our Bhutan packages – flying into Paro is also possible if you prefer a shorter route.
Planning a Bhutan trip?
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- Dress modestly when visiting dzongs and temples – long sleeves and trousers or long skirts.
- Indian rupees are widely accepted alongside the ngultrum – carry smaller-denomination notes, as larger notes are not always accepted.
- The Tiger’s Nest hike takes 4–6 hours return; ponies are available for part of the way.
How to reach Bhutan from Delhi
By air: Bhutan’s national airlines fly from Delhi to Paro, Bhutan’s only international airport – one of the most scenic landings in the world. By road: fly Delhi to Bagdogra, then drive about four hours to Phuentsholing on the border; this route is often more economical and lets you see the foothills on the way.
What to pack
- Layers – mornings and evenings are cool even in spring and autumn; warm jackets for winter.
- Comfortable walking shoes for the Tiger’s Nest hike.
- Modest clothing for dzongs and monasteries.
- Basic medicines – Paro and Thimphu are at 2,200–2,400 metres, so take it easy on the first day.
Questions travellers ask
How much is the SDF for Indians in Bhutan?
₹1,200 per person per night for adults, half for children aged 6–12, and free for children under 6.
Which documents do Indians need for Bhutan?
A valid Indian passport or Voter ID card for adults; children can use a passport or birth certificate. The entry permit is issued on arrival.
Is Bhutan expensive for Indians?
Bhutan is moderately priced – the SDF adds ₹1,200 per night, but Indians pay far less than other nationalities, and hotels and food are reasonably priced.
Explore more: Bhutan packages · Nepal tours · Spiritual journeys · Visit our West Delhi office
Visa and entry information last checked on 2 October 2026. Government rules can change at short notice – please confirm the latest requirements before you travel, or ask our team.
