Bhutan is an all year round tourist destination and being in the interior Himalayas the weather is not extreme. We enjoy all the four seasons and each season has its own charm and beauty, so depending on the time you visit you can enjoy the best of Bhutan in its unique phases of delight.   

Spring - March, April & May 

Spring is the best time to visit Bhutan for the most pleasant weather and beginning of the year long festival and ceremonies. With the landscape turning green, Spring is a botanist's delight as various flowers start to bloom and plants start budding after their long dormancy in winter. Spring is also the best time to visit Bhutan for trekking expeditions. 

Summer - June, July & August

This is the time of the year when flowers are in full bloom amid the lush green landscape. This is also the monsoon so we can expect rainfall and sudden showers as weather in the Himalayas can be very unpredictable, however we normally do not get rainfall for days on end and is usually sudden downpours or light rainfall. Being in the Himalayas we experience ‘pocket weather conditions’ whereby it may be raining in one place and just a few kilometers away there will be perfect sunshine! 

Autumn - September, October & November

Autumn is also one of the best time to visit Bhutan for its perfect weather. The rains would have stopped and winter not in, therefore the days are sunny and bright with clear views of the snow capped Himalayan mountains. This is the time when the entire landscape turns golden and the weather pleasant and cool. Many Festivals also happen around this time and Autumn is also the best time to visit for trekking expeditions. 

Winter - December, January & February

Winter has its moments. The days are full of sunshine and clear blue skies while evenings can turn chilly to extremely cold. Soft turfs of clouds drape lazily over mountain tops as if waiting for new life to blow across the landscape.  Winter is the perfect time to gaze at the snow capped Himalayas of Bhutan. We can also expect snowfall therefore proper attire and clothing is recommended.

It is always advisable for all travelers to Bhutan to get your insurance cover from your country of residence for any international travels. Visitors to Bhutan do not necessarily need to purchase medical insurance as, under the Royal Government of Bhutan, health care and medicines are free for the citizens as well as tourists traveling to Bhutan and the Jigme Dorji Wangchuck National Referral Hospital is located in the capital city with all modern equipment and technology. While we also provide a basic emergency First-Aid Kit Box for each tour group, it is always better to carry your own prescribed medicines and some aspirin/motion sickness medicines, etc, to be on the safer side. 

White House Apartment,

4th Floor, 

Khachoe Lam, 

Thimphu, Bhutan

Please bring along round two-pin and three-pin power outlet. The standard voltage is 230 V and the standard frequency is 50 Hz. Most hotels offer multi plug sockets or an outlet adapter on request. Bhutan is a carbon neutral destination and hence our energy is clean and green generated by hydro power.

Bhutan is a liberal country and the dress code for a tourist is the usual decent casual wear including shorts, skirts, sleeveless shirts/tops depending on the weather. However, you will be expected to dress modestly and remove your caps as you enter through government premises and areas where the national flags are hoisted. You will be informed by your guide on the code of conduct to be followed by all the visitors especially when visiting monasteries and attending religious functions. 

Also please note that Bhutan having oscillating weathers it is advisable to carry layered clothing.

There are many ATMs in all the places from where you can withdraw our local currency (Ngultrum) for your shopping by using your Visa Card or Master Card. Please inform your Bank about your international travel and and that you will be using your Credit Card in Bhutan. However, in recent times there were many problems with the ATM machines here and guests could not withdraw money; therefore, it would also be advisable to bring along some cash for your personal shopping.  People of Bhutan are hospitable and all the times with smiles and apart from buying small beautiful handmade handicrafts, you might be inclined to leave behind a little amount of cash for their warm hospitality.

If you are planning on bringing cash, please bring along in USD (preferably, but EURO, Pounds, SIN Dollars are also acceptable), and you can choose to exchange it from the Airport or the Bank. You will get a better rate in the banks or money exchange agents in town and not at the airport, so your tour guide will help you exchange your USD in the bank or a registered money exchanger in either Thimphu or Paro. Also, please note that USD 100 denomination notes gets more in exchange value than USD 50 or less.

There are 2 payment methods:

1. Via online Credit Card - while this is the fastest mode of payment, however the charges is quite high from 3.5% to 4.7% of the amount. An online link will be sent to you where you fill out your card details to make the payment. 

2. International Wire transfer - The traditional method of transferring money via multiple banks, and the charges is only USD 40.00 per transaction (irrespective of the amount). Wire transfer usually takes about 3 days to at times even a week however this is also a very safe mode of payment. 

Visa formalities is smooth and hassle free for tourists as only registered tour companies/operators can apply for tourist Visas with the Tourism Council of Bhutan. As your chosen tour company, once we confirm your travel dates, flights and logistics we will apply for your Bhutan Visa. All tourist Visa approval is 100% guaranteed and Visa approval only depends on your imminent travel dates. Visa usually gets approved 1 month prior to your arrival date to Bhutan. 

Bhutan is located in the interior Himalayas and the climate is temperate. The places you will be visiting are all in the central valleys where the temperature is cool and not hot, therefore there is no risk of malaria and you don’t have to take any vaccinations. On your tour you will be visiting a lot of rural places but as mentioned above there is no risk of dengue-fever or mosquito related diseases. These are more prevalent in the southern districts of Bhutan which you are not visiting. However, if you are traveling in India or other south Asian countries then we would advise you to consult your doctor and have the required vaccinations. 

There is a SIM card Sales counter at the Paro Airport Exit gate from where you can buy a Tourist SIM card or we will inform your tour guide and he can help you get one from the town. The price for 1 SIM card is about USD 3.00. There are different DATA Plans ranging from USD 2 to USD 5 – 6; USD 5 worth of DATA package should be enough to make international calls and mobile internet (depending on usage of course). As and when you need to top up it is easily available everywhere in all the places you visit.

All hotels have free wifi however the connection is not strong in most of the hotels so a local Sim Card with mobile data is a good choice to keep in contact with your family and friends on the go. 

You can either purchase your flight tickets online https://www.drukair.com.bt or we can do on your behalf. It will be more convenient for you and for us if we purchase your flight tickets, as there is no difference in the price whether you or we purchase. However, as a Registered Ticketing Agent of both the Airlines in Bhutan, we will be the first ones to know if there are any changes in the flight timing or schedule, and we can immediately liaise with the airlines for the next best options and reschedule accordingly the hotels and itinerary. 

The second advantage is if there are any promotional rates we can avail the offer and pass it on to you which is not possible if you buy online. 

Just like all private and government employees the official timing for our tour guides and drivers are also from 9 am till 5 pm. However, by nature of our tour operations and depending on the itinerary, our guides and drivers are available and always with our tourist guests from as early as 6 am till dinner time. Unless our guests need time to relax in their hotel rooms, we have strict instructions that all guides and drivers be with their guests for as long as required.

Yes, you can buy warm clothes, hiking shoes, slippers, personal toiletries if you cannot bring all. We have many convenience stores, pharmacies and general shops selling imported garments, footwear and essentials.

Yoga is gaining popularity in Bhutan and there are few yoga centers offering scheduled sessions by professional yoga teachers at no cost or a minimum fee. Also luxury premium hotels like Uma by Como, Six Senses and Bhutan Spirit Sanctuary offers free yoga classes for their in house guests as per their schedule. For walk in guests the additional cost for a 1 hour yoga session with their in-house teacher at Uma by Como in Paro is USD 120.00 for 1 person. 

However, if you do not need a teacher, then we can provide yoga mats which will be kept in your car all times and whenever you want you can ask your guide to take you to a good spot to do your yoga. There are many scenic spots and plenty of opportunity for outdoor yoga session by yourself or with your traveling group.   

We also arrange special wellness and Yoga retreat trips on request.

Yes, we provide English speaking female tour guides who are well experienced, trained and certified by the Tourism Council of Bhutan.

In general, Bhutan is one of the safest places on earth to travel or live in. Bhutanese people are friendly and welcoming to tourists and is absolutely safe for both male and female solo travelers. We have had numerous solo travelers who not only felt safe but had a wonderful holiday without any hassle of any kinds. 

Tourism in Bhutan is managed by the Tourism Council of Bhutan and as per the Tourism Policy any tourists wishing to visit Bhutan must tie up with a local tour operator for Visa and all logistics. The policy also mandates that each tour group irrespective of the number of people in a group, must have a tour guide and a driver. While all this sounds restrictive, suffocating and almost like traveling to North Korea where they also have the guided tour policy, however please be assured the similarity ends at these words. Bhutan is a liberal country and one of the safest places to visit and live in. Tour itineraries are customized as per the interests of the guests and the guests has the liberty to choose their duration of travel and places to visit. Guests have the liberty to start their day at any time they choose, spend extra time at a site or skip any sight if not interested. 

 The tour guide and driver are more like local companions showing you the places and providing local insight into the culture of Bhutan, while also taking care of all logistics and ensuring you have a hassle free comfortable holiday in Bhutan.

Yes, there are many interesting outdoors activities you can experience:

- White water rafting and kayaking

- Fly fishing

- Horse riding

- Cycling

These activities come at an additional cost and can be arranged at anytime during your tour. 

Yes, we will apply for a fly fishing permit and also provide you with the necessary fishing equipment. 

However, only fly fishing is allowed in Bhutan. 

Celebrations like birthdays, anniversaries are a borrowed culture from the West and is a popular and common activity now. In a more traditional aspect, we visit a temple or a monastery to light butter lamps and pray for a long and successful life ahead.  

Bhutan Swallowtail Travels organizes in-bound tours in Bhutan only, however we can connect you with reliable tour operators in India and Nepal. 

We organize tours for solo travelers as well as groups of any size. Group here means a group of family members or friends and not combined group of strangers. All our tours are private and hence irrespective of any group size we provide 1 tour guide and 1 driver for each group including for solo travelers too. If there are more than 8 people in a group then we provide additional tour guides or vehicles as necessary. 

Yes, all our tours are private and we do not organize combined tours. Traveling to Bhutan or organizing a tour to Bhutan is a completely different experience as tourism is strictly monitored by the Tourism Council which works greatly in favor of both the tourists and tour operators like us. So each tour group be it solo or group travelers can opt for a private tour with your own dedicated tour guide, chauffeured-driven vehicle and an itinerary based on your interests and preferences. 

Most of our tourists prefer private tours, be it single or with their friends and family and not combined with other people, as it gives more flexibility in terms of preferred activities/attractions and time. Moreover, we respect individual preferences and interests which can be difficult to cater to if in a combined tour, therefore all our tours are private and flexible with customized tour itineraries. 

We are sorry to inform you that usage of drones in Bhutan is strictly prohibited be it for recreational or any other purposes. Approval to use drones is only granted to Government Organizations thus one is not allowed to operate drones as a tourist. Therefore, it will be advisable to avoid bringing your drone as the same may be confiscated at the Airport/border gate while clearing security. 

Our tour itineraries are flexible and customized as per the guests’ interests, hobbies and preferences. At the onset of our communication we always inform our guests of the same and to let us know their interests and accordingly we discuss and finalize the itinerary. There are many places to visit and numerous things to do, and it may not be possible to visit all the places, therefore we provide the options and our guests choose the same as per their interests. 

Additionally, our website has a complete list of attractions and things to do, so guests can pick and choose their preferred places and activities. 

No you do not have to eat at preselected restaurants. For breakfast you can eat at your hotel, and for lunch and dinner you can try out the many restaurants that serve traditional Bhutanese, Indian, Chinese and continental cuisines. We also do not like to limit our guests to eat only at the hotels and buffet. Your guide will take you to these restaurants as per your food preference. As long as the restaurants are not 5 star, all 3 meals are included in the tour package.

There are many books on Bhutan with different themes, written by Bhutanese as well as foreigners/tourists/visitors and expatriate workers, so our suggestion would be for you to google Bhutan with your specific preference – history, culture, politics, etc. 

Also check out this link on goodreads for lists of books on Bhutan with a brief synopsis - https://www.goodreads.com/shelf/show/bhutan

Enjoy reading

There are two Airlines – The Druk Airlines (the state owned national airline) and the Bhutan Airlines (a commercial airlines owned privately by Tashi Air). Between the two, there are daily flights to and from Kathmandu and Bangkok, and regular flights from Singapore, Bangladesh (Dhaka), India (Bagdogra, Delhi, Kolkata and Guwahati). 

Yes, you can hike and stay overnight at a monastery guesthouse in few select monasteries. While this is not a popular activity, however on request we can arrange for you to stay at a remote monastery. You will also have the opportunity to interact with the student monks and their teachers, exchange life stories, learn about Buddhism and watch them as they go about their daily life. You can also sit in with them in the temples during their evening and morning prayers, or during any rituals and ceremonies that are conducted every now and then. 

For a cultural tour there is no risk of altitude sickness as most valleys that you will be visiting and staying at are located below 2,500 meters. Also as you are driving from one valley to another you will only be stopping at the high mountain Passes to take a rest from the drive, to enjoy the scenic view of the snow capped mountains or a coffee at a café or restaurant and these passes are just a little over 3,000 meters above the sea level.   

Unless you are trekking in the high mountains altitude is not a problem at all for a cultural tour. Depending on the different treks, we provide altitude medicines, small oxygen bags or oxygen cylinders and effective local medicine for prevention of altitude sickness.   

• Clothes: Waterproof down jacket and pants. You really don't need thick heavy clothes. As always, trekking in layers is better.
• Backpack with rain cover for backpack
• Water bottle (at least 1 liter total capacity)
• Baseball cap (the sun is strong at all elevations)
• Hiking poles (lessen the impact on your joints)
• Sunglasses (essential when you cross the snow line - depending on the season)
• Trekking shoes: A pair of lightweight-waterproof hiking boots is a must. Break into them in beforehand
• Winter gloves
• Personal toiletries
• Power bank/back up chargers
• Head lamp with extra batteries
• A pair of Camp shoes/slippers 
• Reading materials (Kindle may be best)
• Journal and pens 

Trekking in Bhutan is a unique experience of luxury amid spectacular views and landscape. Trekking style in Bhutan is a ‘glamping’ experience where your safety, comfort and needs are well taken care of. Whether traveling solo or with your group, you will have your own trekking team comprising of your licensed and experienced trekking tour guide, chef (to provide all 3 meals hot and cooked), helpers for pitching your tents and carry your packed lunch, horses and horsemen. 

Unlike trekking in Nepal or other countries, there are no tea houses or lodges and each time you will be camping in the wild (designated campsites of course) and most of the time it will be just your group in the mountains. By the time you reach your campsite, your sleeping tent, toilet, kitchen and dining tents will be pitched and your chef will welcome you with a hot beverage and dinner.  

Horses are used for carrying trekking equipment including your trekking gears/clothes. All you will be carrying is your backpack for water, sunscreen, chocolates/candies, cap and scarfs/personal items needed for the day only. You don't have to carry anything else and your clothes, sleeping bags, mats, etc will be carried by your horses. 

Yes, we also provide hot shower facilities on the trek. This consists of a private shower tent with a hot water bag on hooks. The water is heated and poured in the hot water bag, which is then hooked on to the tent. The water bag is connected with a shower nip with a switch to turn on and off for your hot shower. You can enjoy your hot shower twice a day as you want. 

You will take only your necessary clothes and items required for the trek, and the rest of your luggage will be safely entrusted to your driver who will keep it safe and waiting for you at your hotel after the trek. 

Yes, we provide sleeping bags on the trek. Our sleeping bags are imported from the USA made with high quality feather and along with the sleeping bag we also provide a warm inner (fleece) and hot water bag. Or you can also bring your own sleeping bags.