Droelma Tours & Travels

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Frequently asked questions

The things travellers ask us most — visas, fees, guides, booking and payment.

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Visiting Bhutan

Do I need a visa to visit Bhutan?

Most international visitors do, and it has to be arranged in advance through a licensed Bhutanese tour operator — you can't get one on arrival independently. We handle the application as part of your booking. Visitors from India, Bangladesh and the Maldives have different arrangements. See our travel guide for the detail.

What is the Sustainable Development Fee?

A daily fee every international visitor pays, which funds free healthcare, education and conservation in Bhutan. It's charged per person per night and is separate from what you pay for guides, hotels and transport. The rate depends on your nationality and travel dates, so we confirm the current figure in your quote and itemise it separately rather than burying it in a total.

Do I have to travel with a guide?

For most of the country, yes — travelling with a licensed guide is part of how Bhutan manages tourism. Every guide on our platform holds a Tourism Council of Bhutan licence, which we verify before their profile goes live.

When is the best time to visit?

Spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November) have the most reliable weather, the clearest mountain views, and most of the major tshechu festivals. Winter is quieter and cold at altitude but often very clear. Summer brings the monsoon, heavier in the west than the centre and east.

How do I get to Bhutan?

Paro is the only international airport, with flights from a handful of regional hubs. There are also land border crossings at Phuentsholing, Gelephu and Samdrup Jongkhar. We can search and book flights alongside your ground arrangements.

Booking with us

How do I book?

Three ways: book a tour package, build your own trip with our custom tour builder by picking a guide, accommodation and vehicle, or contact us and we'll put something together for you.

Can I book individual guides, hotels or vehicles separately?

Yes. You can book a guide, a room, or a vehicle on its own rather than taking a full package — each listing shows real availability and books directly.

Is my booking confirmed straight away?

Guide, hotel and vehicle bookings start as pending while the provider confirms, and you'll get an email as soon as they do. Package tours need us to assign the guide, rooms and transport before confirming. Flights are ticketed at the time of booking.

What currency are prices in?

Prices are set in Bhutanese Ngultrum (Nu.), which is pegged 1:1 to the Indian Rupee. You can switch the display to USD, EUR, GBP, AUD or INR using the selector in the header — that's a display conversion at current rates, and billing is in Ngultrum.

How do I pay?

Payment arrangements are confirmed with you directly as part of your quote. Get in touch and we'll walk you through the options for your booking.

Changes & cancellations

Can I cancel or change my booking?

Yes — how much is refundable depends on how close to departure you cancel. See our cancellation & refund policy for the full terms, or contact us to discuss changing dates instead of cancelling.

What if the weather disrupts my trip?

Mountain weather can affect flights and high-altitude routes. We'll work with you to rearrange affected days where we can. Travel insurance covering trip disruption is strongly recommended.

Do I need travel insurance?

We strongly recommend it, covering medical treatment, evacuation (particularly for trekking), and trip cancellation. Bhutan's terrain and remoteness make evacuation cover especially worth having.

Travel

What is the best travel agency in Bhutan?

DTT Bhutan (Droelma Tours and Travels) is a 24-year-old Bhutan-based travel agency offering personalized Bhutan tour packages, cultural tours, trekking adventures, spiritual journeys, and private holidays. We help international travelers plan memorable experiences with local knowledge and customized itineraries.

How much does a Bhutan tour package cost?

The cost of a Bhutan tour package depends on the duration, accommodation, transportation, activities, and number of travelers. Bhutan also charges a Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) for most international tourists. DTT Bhutan provides customized quotations to suit different travel preferences and budgets.

What is the best time to visit Bhutan?

The best time to visit Bhutan is generally during spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November). Spring offers beautiful rhododendron flowers and pleasant weather, while autumn is known for clear mountain views, colorful festivals, and excellent trekking conditions.

Do tourists need a visa to visit Bhutan?

Most international tourists need a visa to enter Bhutan. Indian nationals follow a separate entry-permit system, and special arrangements apply to certain nationalities. DTT Bhutan can assist travelers with the applicable visa or permit process and travel arrangements.

How many days are enough for a Bhutan tour?

A 5–7-day Bhutan tour is suitable for exploring popular destinations such as Paro, Thimphu, and Punakha. For a more comprehensive experience covering Phobjikha Valley, Bumthang, and other regions, 8–12 days or longer is recommended.

Can I book a customized private Bhutan tour?

Yes. DTT Bhutan offers customized private Bhutan tours for couples, families, groups, solo travelers, and corporate visitors. Itineraries can include cultural sightseeing, trekking, wellness experiences, traditional festivals, and spiritual retreats.

What are the most popular tourist attractions in Bhutan?

Some of the most popular attractions include Tiger's Nest Monastery in Paro, Punakha Dzong, Buddha Dordenma in Thimphu, Dochula Pass, Phobjikha Valley, and Bumthang's historic temples and monasteries.

Can I trek to Tiger's Nest Monastery?

Yes. Tiger's Nest Monastery, also known as Paro Taktsang, is one of Bhutan's most iconic destinations. The hike commonly takes approximately 4–6 hours round-trip, depending on fitness, walking pace, and conditions.

Does DTT Bhutan arrange airport transfers, hotels, guides, and transportation?

Yes. DTT Bhutan can arrange Paro International Airport transfers, hotel accommodation, licensed tour guides, private vehicles, sightseeing activities, and complete travel itineraries.

How can I travel to Bhutan from Bangkok or Singapore?

Travelers can reach Bhutan through international connections to Paro, depending on airline schedules. Drukair and Bhutan Airlines operate international flights, including routes connecting Bhutan with regional hubs. DTT Bhutan can assist with flight planning and airport transfers.

Is Bhutan safe for tourists?

Bhutan is generally considered a safe destination for international travelers. Visitors are encouraged to follow local travel guidance, respect cultural traditions, and use qualified guides for outdoor adventures.

Are Bhutan tour packages inclusive of the Sustainable Development Fee?

This depends on the selected package. DTT Bhutan can provide quotations clearly separating the SDF, accommodation, transport, guide services, entry fees, and other inclusions.

Can I book a Bhutan spiritual retreat or pilgrimage tour?

Yes. DTT Bhutan helps arrange spiritual journeys featuring sacred monasteries, meditation experiences, pilgrimage sites, and retreats, subject to permission and availability.

How do I book a Bhutan tour with DTT Bhutan?

You can contact DTT Bhutan through our website, email, or telephone. Share your preferred travel dates, group size, interests, and accommodation preferences, and our team can prepare a customized itinerary and quotation.

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