Archives: FAQ

No, it is not necessary. Visitors are not expected to bring gifts or offerings when visiting temples or monasteries....

Most handicrafts and items sold in licensed souvenir shops are already approved and cleared by the Department of Trade...

No. Indian citizens with Indian passport or valid travel document such as Voter IDs do not require a visa...

Banks and authorized money exchange counters in Bhutan typically accept the following currencies: US Dollar (USD) Euro (EUR) British...

Altitude sickness is rare for touring, as most travel is by vehicle. Even if you hike high, you will...

Winter days in Bhutan are often sunny, but nights can drop below freezing in core valleys such as Paro...

Yes—but only occasionally. Snowfall in Thimphu and Paro is not guaranteed every winter, but it does happen during particularly...

Most Bhutanese are happy to be photographed, but always ask first.  A simple nod or “Kuzuzangpo-la?” (Hello) goes a...

Yes, first week of December is certainly good time to visit. It is generally marked with clear blue sky...

Yes, helicopter evacuation is available  in Bhutan and it is highly efficient. It is the primary method for medical...

No. Unless you are visiting Bhutan for a government-sanctioned project or a pre-approved professional documentary, drones are not permitted....

For Snow-Seekers: Where to Find a White Winter If your goal is to photograph snow-covered monasteries or enjoy fresh...

No. Bhutan is generally relaxed and informal, and wearing formal attire such as suits or cocktail dresses would actually...

Yes. Current regulations require licensed guides in most trekking regions. Wind Horse provides experienced, English-speaking guides trained in first...

Yes. Most international and Indian debit/credit cards—including Visa, MasterCard, and RuPay—work at ATMs operated by the Bank of Bhutan...

Yes. Indian Rupees are widely accepted across Bhutan.  The Bhutanese Ngultrum (BTN) is pegged to the INR at a...

Credit cards—especially Visa and MasterCard—are accepted at five-star hotels, some mid-range hotels, and selected souvenir shops in major towns....

While Indian tourists commonly use UPI, most international travelers currently rely on cash or physical credit/debit cards in Bhutan....

Yes. As of 2026, UPI is one of the most convenient payment methods for Indian travellers in Bhutan. You...

Yes! While cash (USD/INR/Ngultrum) is still vital, Bhutan is modernizing. Many luxury hotels and shops in Thimphu now accept...

Yes you can use Indian Rupees in Bhutan. Banks will however not accept Rs.500 & higher denomination notes but...

Yes. The Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) is refundable for any nights not spent in Bhutan, including cases where you...

Yes. The Ngultrum is not traded internationally. Ensure you exchange any remaining BTN back to your preferred currency at...

When to Apply: Recommended: 30–45 days before your trip. Earliest: Up to 90 days in advance. Latest: At least...

Entry Permit for Indian tourists can be obtained upon arrival at the entry ports upon payment of daily SDF...

For Indian children under 18 who do not have a passport, following documents were accepted. An Original Birth Certificate...

Yes. Indian visitors must pay the Sustainable Development Fee (SDF). As of 2026, the SDF for Indian citizens is...

A licensed guide is mandatory for: Visiting monuments, temples, and museums Traveling to districts outside Thimphu and Paro Travelling...

SDF – Sustainable Development for Indian Tourists with valid documents Adults: ₹1,200 per night. Children (6–12 years): ₹600 per...

No. You must carry the original physical Voter ID card issued by the Election Commission of India. Photocopies or...

Yes. Indian tourists can obtain a free entry for up to 24 hours to visit Bhutan’s border towns such...

Yes. Vegetarian food is widely available, and many hotels and restaurants can accommodate Jain and other dietary preferences with...

Yes. Indian tourists can go trekking in Bhutan, from the popular day hike to Tiger’s Nest (Paro Taktsang) to...

Yes. Indian travelers can attend Bhutanese festivals.

Yes. A Route Permit is required to travel beyond Thimphu and Paro (e.g., Punakha, Bumthang, Phobjikha). This can be...

Most Indian SIM cards do not work reliably in Bhutan. Purchasing a local Bhutanese SIM card is recommended for...

Yes. Indian citizens may drive their own cars or motorcycles into Bhutan, but specific permits, fees, and rules apply...

Yes, you can extend your stay while already in the country. However, you must initiate the request at least...

You can decide what you want to see in Bhutan and how you want to experience it. You do...

Yes, but Heli for non-medical emergency is classified as a Private Charter rather than an “evacuation.” While you can...

Bhutanese, Indian, continental. Your breakfast & dinner are in the hotel you will be staying, in which case, the...

There is a wide range of hotel available in Sikkim especially in Gangtok, Darjeeling and Siliguri. Beside these places...

Your guide will provide you with all the water you need during your trek. We discourage the purchase of...

Your guide will be in charge of all your water needs. He will make sure all water is boiled...

Food safety is always a big concern when visiting a foreign country. This is why we do our best...

  You can buy Tourist sim card in Gangtok using your Passport. Mobile connection are pretty good all over...

Sikkim is a landslide prone area and in the monsoons many parts of Sikkim are cut off. The repairs...

First and foremost are the handicrafts. Reliable shops are the Govt. Institute of Cottage Industry in Gangtok or the...

For the outdoor buff, Sikkim offers a wide circuit of trekking routes. River rafting on the Teesta and the...

We can never guarantee that an area is one hundred percent safe. However, we take the safety of our...