Bhutan needs a permit and the Sustainable Development Fee, and we handle both. Send passports and dates, and we will confirm the current SDF rate in writing before you pay anything.
Indian passport holders do not need a visa, but they do need an entry permit, and Bhutan levies a Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) per person per night. The concessional SDF rate for Indian nationals has been revised more than once since 2022, so we confirm the exact prevailing rate with Bhutan's Department of Immigration and Department of Tourism and show it separately in your quote rather than quoting from memory.
March to May (spring, rhododendrons) and September to November (clear post-monsoon skies) are the two best windows. Winter is cold but clear, and high passes can see snow; June to August is the monsoon with cloud and leeches on trails.
It is the toughest thing in the itinerary - roughly 4 to 6 hours round trip, climbing to about 3,120 m. Ponies are available for part of the ascent only; the last stretch of steps must be walked. It is entirely optional and the rest of the trip does not depend on it.
Yes - the usual overland route is via Phuentsholing on the West Bengal border, with permits processed there. It is cheaper but adds travel days. We quote both options.
Yes, a licensed Bhutanese guide accompanies the itinerary; this is Bhutanese tourism policy and not an upsell. The guide cost is inside the package.
Yes for the valley itinerary - Thimphu, Punakha and Paro sightseeing is largely drive-up with short flat walks. The Dochula Pass at 3,100 m is a brief crossing. Only the Tiger's Nest hike is demanding, and it can be skipped.
Permit + SDF handled · Licensed Bhutanese guide · Tiger's Nest hike
WhatsApp dates + headcount — quote shared the same day.