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To visit Bhutan, your passport must be valid for at least six months from the date of entry and have at least two blank pages for visa and entry/exit stamps. Most travelers require a visa, which is typically arranged through a licensed Bhutanese tour operator or their international partners. The visa is pre-approved before arrival and stamped in your passport upon entry. Ensure your passport meets these requirements and check the latest guidelines before your trip.

To visit Bhutan, most travelers need a visa, which must be arranged through a licensed Bhutanese tour operator or their international partners. The tour operator will handle the visa application on your behalf, and visas are pre-approved by the Tourism Council of Bhutan once your trip is fully paid. You will receive a visa clearance letter, which you must present upon arrival at Paro International Airport or land border crossings from India, where the visa will be stamped in your passport. The visa fee is typically around $40 USD, along with a Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) that supports sustainable tourism initiatives in Bhutan. A valid passport, a copy of the visa clearance letter, and a confirmed travel itinerary with a tour operator are required for entry. Independent travel is not permitted, so all visitors must be part of a guided tour or a pre-arranged travel package through an authorized tour operator. Be sure to check for the latest updates and requirements before your trip.

1. Checked Baggage: For economy class, most airlines flying into Bhutan, such as Druk Air or Bhutan Airlines, allow checked baggage between 20 kg to 30 kg (44 lbs to 66 lbs). Business class passengers usually have a higher allowance, typically around 30 kg to 40 kg (66 lbs to 88 lbs).

2. Carry-On Baggage: Generally, passengers in economy class are allowed one carry-on bag weighing up to 7 kg to 10 kg (15 lbs to 22 lbs) with specific size restrictions, such as 55 cm x 40 cm x 20 cm. Business class passengers may be allowed additional or heavier carry-on baggage.

3. Personal Items: In addition to carry-on baggage, passengers can usually bring one personal item, such as a laptop bag, handbag, or small backpack.

4. Excess and Special Baggage: Fees apply for baggage exceeding the allowed limits. For special items like sports equipment or large luggage, prior arrangements with the airline may be required, along with additional fees.

5. Restricted Items: Common restrictions apply, such as limits on liquids in carry-on bags and prohibitions on sharp objects, flammable items, and other hazardous materials.

It’s important to check with your specific airline for detailed baggage policies and allowances, as they can vary significantly.

1. Southern Bhutan (Subtropical Plains): The southern region experiences a subtropical climate with hot, humid summers and mild winters. Temperatures in summer can range from 15°C to 30°C (59°F to 86°F), and this area receives heavy rainfall during the monsoon season from June to September.

2. Central Bhutan (Temperate Hills and Valleys): The central region, including areas like Thimphu and Paro, has a temperate climate with warm summers and cool winters. Summer temperatures range from 15°C to 26°C (59°F to 79°F), while winter temperatures can drop to around -2°C to 12°C (28°F to 54°F). This region also experiences the monsoon, though less intensely than the southern plains.

3. Northern Bhutan (Himalayan Region): The northern region features an alpine climate with cold winters and cool summers. Temperatures in summer range from 5°C to 15°C (41°F to 59°F), while winters are harsh, often falling below freezing, especially in high-altitude areas.

4. Monsoon Season: The monsoon season, from June to September, brings significant rainfall, particularly to the southern and central regions, leading to lush landscapes but also potential travel disruptions.

The currency of Bhutan is the Bhutanese Ngultrum, symbolized as Nu and abbreviated as BTN. The Royal Monetary Authority of Bhutan is responsible for issuing and regulating the currency. Ngultrum is available in both coins and banknotes, with coins typically in denominations of 5 Chetrum, 10 Chetrum, 25 Chetrum, 50 Chetrum, and Nu 1, and banknotes in denominations of Nu 1, Nu 5, Nu 10, Nu 20, Nu 50, Nu 100, Nu 200, Nu 500, and Nu 1000. While Bhutan is primarily a cash-based economy, especially in rural areas, credit cards and digital payments are increasingly accepted in urban centers, hotels, and tourist areas. When traveling in Bhutan, it is advisable to carry sufficient cash, particularly in smaller denominations, for use in local markets and remote regions where digital payment options may be limited.