+1 612 869 4949Yes—but specific regulations still apply.
Since 2022, Bhutan has relaxed the former mandatory “all-inclusive” tour model. Under the country’s High Value, Low Volume tourism policy, travelers now have greater flexibility, while certain services remain regulated.
Here’s how independent travel in Bhutan works:
What you can arrange yourself
- You are free to:
- Apply for your own e-Visa (USD 40) or Entry Permit
- Pay the mandatory Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) directly via the official Bhutan Travel & Immigration portal
- Book your own flights (Drukair or Bhutan Airlines)
- Book your own hotels and accommodations
Independent exploration
Once in Bhutan, you may explore the streets, shops, cafés, and restaurants of Thimphu and Paro independently. A guide is not required for walking around town, shopping, or dining in these two valleys.
When a guide is mandatory:
A licensed Bhutanese guide is required for:
- Visiting any dzong (fortress), monastery, temple, or museum, even within Thimphu or Paro
- Traveling to any district beyond Paro and Thimphu, such as Punakha, Haa, or Bumthang
- All trekking and high-altitude hikes
Guides are required to protect sacred sites, ensure visitor safety, and comply with national tourism regulations.
Transportation rules
While you may walk independently within city centers, tourists are generally not permitted to use public transport for inter-district travel. Travel between towns must be arranged using a registered private vehicle with a licensed driver.
Why many independent travelers still choose an agent
Although independent booking is possible, coordinating:
- Monument access
- Guides on specific days
- Route permits beyond Thimphu and Paro
- Vehicles and inter-district logistics
- Trek arrangements and co-ordination
can be complex. In practice, many travelers find that arranging guides, vehicles, and permits independently can result in higher overall costs and added complexity, rather than the flexibility they initially expect
At Wind Horse Tours, we support independent travelers by offering:
- Zero service fees for visa processing and SDF payments
- Cost savings, through preferential hotel and transport rates from long-standing partnerships and our own fleet
- On-demand support of a local and global office, with experienced guides and drivers available only when required—allowing you to maintain independence while staying fully compliant with Bhutanese travel regulations
- Options to take a private tour or join one of many small group journeys
.