How to Travel to Bhutan from USA - 12 Best Travel Tips | Yak Holidays Int'l.
There are no COVID-19 related restrictions now on visa/flight/travel or booking tour/ trip and visit to Bhutan from USA (US citizens) or any other countries.
1. Who can travel to Bhutan from USA?
No backpackers or budget travelers, unfortunately. This is not discriminatory, but a simple check to over tourism. Bhutan has always been an outlier, be it in its pursuit of happiness for its citizenry or in its unique policies that seek to bring about a holistic progress to the country. One such policy has been about who is allowed to travel to Bhutan. Being conscious of its fragile Himalayan environment, its age old tradition and culture, and the unadulterated Buddhist way of life, the country encourages limited tourists each year.
This means that your Bhutan tour / travel from USA or any other country (Except for Indian nationals) comes with a sustainable development fee (SDF) of US $ 100 per person per night stay in Bhutan. Additionally, you have to pay for package tour cost, Bhutan visa fee and entry fees for museums / monument and festival visits.
This policy automatically screens out backpackers and budget travelers. The government’s idea has been to make traveling to Bhutan a unique experience and the country a sought after luxury destination that promotes high end, socially conscious tourism. Moreover, Bhutan is a small, environmentally sensitive country that could be easily overwhelmed if its entry points are opened to all.
We help plan our clients’ trip to each tiny detail so that your travel in Bhutan becomes an experience of a lifetime.
COVID-19 regulation for travel to Bhutan from USA:
All visitors can enter Bhutan with or without vaccination. The officials at the entry points like Paro, Samtse or Phuentsholing may subject the travelers to random RT-PCR test for COVID-19 surveillance and the cost is borne by the Government. For those who test positive, they will be quarantined at their own expenses until they test negative. The sustainable development fee (SDF) @ US $ 100 per night will be waived off during this quarantine period. There are no COVID-19 formalities for departing tourists.
Hollywood actor Keith and his beautiful wife, Katrina (And our guide, Kinga) at Tiger’s Nest Monastery.
2. When is the best time to visit Bhutan from USA?
The best time to visit Bhutan is during the spring months (March, April and May) and autumn months (September, October and November). Considered peak tourist seasons, spring and autumn in Bhutan means colorful flower blossoms, crisp air and bright sun, blue skies, cultural festivals and inviting Himalayan trails for wonderful treks.
Bhutan is a four season country: winter, spring, summer and autumn. And weather greatly determines how and where you travel in Bhutan and what you get too see as you travel through Bhutan.
Travel to Bhutan in spring — March, April, and May:
It is a riot of colors, of resilient greenery and vast blue skies. These months also feature cultural festivals. You could go on short day hikes or just wander around soaking in the many beauties of the land. These spring months lift your spirits and if you’re seeking some insights into the Buddhist way of life you will possibly want a reflective moment or two.
Travel to Bhutan in summer — June, July and August:
It brings monsoon showers, and is less predictable for lengthy travels. Days remain bright but could suddenly give way to light showers. Sometimes, a late monsoon may spare the month of June from showers which would mean a great time to be in Bhutan.
Moreover, these months fall inside the non peak season, which means that there will be less tourists. You could take a chance for day hikes in the warm weather or make brief stops at places of interest.Travel to Bhutan in Autumn — September, October and November:
It is the much sought after peak season spell for visitors wanting to explore Bhutan’s hinterlands, trek further up into the Himalayas or hike across its easy but undulated trails. The season has many magical cultural festivals in each calendar year. From religious mask dance festivals to traditional folk culture, the country becomes a great cultural bazaar. If you are a photographer, then Bhutan is your travel destination.
Travel to Bhutan in winter — December, January and February:
Winter is not harsh in Bhutan. The cold is beatable, the days sunny, and the countryside a little quiet. High mountain passes receive a good amount of snowfall, but the lower altitudes remain fairly navigable. This means no trekking in the highlands, but you could go for short day hikes. You could visit most cultural sites and interact with the locals for a deeper understanding of their lives and culture. You could also travel to the beautiful Phobjikha valley to see the elegant black necked cranes in their roosting grounds. These migratory, endangered birds fly into Bhutan from the great Tibetan plateau for three months in winter.
We recommend careful planning depending on what aspect of the country you are interested to see or experience. Yak Holidays will curate your itinerary in close consultation with you. We value your time and money.
3. Bhutan travelers first get to see Mt. Everest.
Approach to Bhutan is always a scramble for the best seat in your airplane. It’s your ultimate mountain flight, and a bit more, since it showcases what many would have dreamed all their lives, a close view of the world’s highest peak, Mt. Everest. Yes, you heard it correct. As you enter Bhutan, the Himalayan Mountains greet you first and then we greet you at the airport.
It is “First come, first serve” basis at the check in counters of your port of departure.
If your flight / travel to Bhutan from USA or Europe is via Delhi or Kathmandu (Nepal), you may request the ground staff at the check in counter to assign you a seat on the left, possibly by the window. If your travel/flight to Bhutan from USA or other countries is via Bangkok (Thailand), Singapore or Kolkata (India), you may request for a seat on the right.
Those who book flight / travel to Bhutan from USA, Europe and South America via New Delhi or Kathmandu, you will see five peaks above 8,000 meters: Mt. Cho Oyu (8,188m), Mt. Everest (8,848m), Mt. Lhotse (8,516m), Mt. Makalu (8,463m), Mt. Kanchenjunga (8,586m), and Mt. Jomolhari (7,326m). But if your flight / travel to Bhutan from USA or other countries via Bangkok, Singapore, or Kolkata, then you will see the panoramic Mt. Kanchenjunga and Mt. Jomolhari.
Flights to Bhutan from Delhi.
The chances of seeing these wonderful high points on the earth’s surface will be higher if your travel/flight to Bhutan from USA is in winter, early spring or in late autumn. Also, morning flights mean better chances since there will less or no clouds obstructing the mountain ranges. If not, do not worry, Bhutan has many things on offer for her guests.
4. Bhutan is a veritable museum.
The country’s Buddhist heritage, rich culture and tradition, diverse flora and fauna, and the natural scenic beauty make travelling in Bhutan a memorable experience. From ancient Buddhist temples and monasteries to several endangered species of animals, the country presents itself as a natural museum. Every nook and cranny of Bhutan boasts sites of historical and cultural significance. For example, the district of Paro, where you disembark upon reaching Bhutan, is known for its famed Tiger’s Nest Monastery (Paro Taktsang). The monastery clings on a sheer cliff-face and is an architectural feat. Similarly, Thimphu has one of the world’s tallest statue of a sitting Buddha overlooking the valley.
Bhutan is famed for its dzongs or fortresses. Each district has one, and most of them were built about 400 years ago. They are massive complexes and serve both spiritual and temporal purpose. They house the district’s monk body as well as function as an administrative center. Of course, your visit to Bhutan will not be complete without witnessing an archery match or a mask dance. You will also be able to see centuries old suspension bridges built with locally produced cast iron. We will facilitate your internal Bhutan tour with much flexibility so that you do not miss any important or significant landmark.
The tallest statue of sitting Buddha in Bhutan.
5. Great adventure awaits you in Bhutan.
While travel / flight to Bhutan from USA itself is bound to be an adventure of the highest sort, experiencing Bhutan through the many unique adventures the country offers will add up to elevate your overall travel experience.
Bhutan has some of the toughest trekking routes like the famed 25 day Snowman trek which was featured in National Geographic some years ago. There are other easy 2 day to somewhat difficult 5 day routes. But all these treks lead into the Himalayas. Then there are wonderful and refreshing day hikes that take through the ups and downs of a Himalayan life.
Many visitors to Bhutan choose to experience other outdoor adventures like whitewater rafting in Punakha or mountain biking through its circuitous roads and trails. For example, the Tour of the Dragon is one of the most sought after mountain biking events where participants come from several countries around the world. We recommend daytime whitewater rafting for fun as well as for viewing the scenic beauty of Punakha valley.
Jomolhari trek in Bhutan.
6. Bhutanese food is spicy and exquisite.
Late Anthony Bourdain, the celebrity chef and television personality, who was in Bhutan in 2017, has spoken very highly of Bhutan’s highland food. Bhutanese love meat and cheese and rice. Most hotels serve a mix of Continental, Bhutanese, and Chinese cuisine. You could also try the pure Bhutanese dish, like the one they serve at Simply Bhutan Museum-Restaurant.
In rural Bhutan, where water is often scarce, people ball up soft rice in their hands to clean them, then eat the meal with hand, and later again play with the last bit of the rice to clean the hand. Most Bhutanese do not use fork and spoon. When you travel in Bhutan, you could also try tasting meals directly with your hand. There are also several cafes and eateries in most towns that offer variety of food, including burgers and fries.
Bhutan is known for its healthy, locally grown red (sometimes called brown) wholegrain rice. Thin strips of dry beef cooked with radish and dry red chili is something the red rice lovers go for.
Bhutanese dishes.
You could also try cottage cheese stir fried in butter, and wash it all down with Suja, Bhutan’s unique salt and butter tea.
7. A cultural carnival of sorts.
The cultural side of travelling to Bhutan is generally the major highlight of a typical tourist experience. This is because Bhutan is known for its unique culture that it has taken great pains to preserve and promote. As a small nation state wedged between the Asian giants of India and China, Bhutan has positioned its age old tradition and culture as a way of exerting its geo-political soft power. The result is a country that deeply attaches itself to its historical roots.
You must experience this idea of culture based self preservation by coinciding you Bhutan visit with one of the annual cultural events called Tshechu or a festival of mask dances. There are many happening all throughout the year, and depending on your timing of Bhutan visit, we at Yak Holidays will work out an itinerary that features at least one major cultural festival. At these festivals, you will be able to experience Bhutan’s way of life first hand and interact with the local population. We will help you dress up in Bhutan’s national dress of Gho (for men) and Kira (for women). Expect lots of fun, smiles, and genuine hospitality from Bhutan’s shy, respectful, and dignified people. Write yourself into their memories!8. Hike the day in a journey inward.
People often book travel / tour to Bhutan not just to see places and people or experience their culture and way or life, but also to seek that journey inside oneself. Bhutan provides a perfect milieu for self reflection and introspection. You need not mediate or do yoga. You could just hike yourself into the depths of your awakened soul. The magic feeling of being alive in the beautiful Himalayan landscape is at the heart of physical adventure in Bhutan.
The wonderful day hikes in and around Thimphu, Paro, and Punakha add deep value to your Bhutan visit.
These are light and uplifting hikes along reliable trails that weave through pine forests, rhododendron bushes, and farmhouses. The air is crisp and birdsongs keep you company. The lightness of being overtakes you as you enjoy the nature’s precious gifts of life and what makes life possible. Many day hikes will take you through human settlements and paddy fields where you get the opportunity to interact with farmers and experience their way of life.
Mask dance festivals in Bhutan.
The easy altitudes afford deeply satisfying personal fulfillment, and you may wish the journey inward had begun earlier. But since you’re here now, we would go any lengths to help make your experience as memorable as possible.
9. Homestays for an up close cultural and social experience.
As Bhutan continues to evolve into a luxury tourist destination, so does the country’s hospitality related infrastructure like hotels and restaurants. That’s why you could choose to stay and eat in a high-end five-star property or could opt for humbler and more authentic food and accommodation in a community based property like the homestay.
Tourists typically seek rich and authentic experience, as close as possible to the native lifestyle. This means you may want to experience the country and not just see it casually. You may want to engage with the people you come across and participate in their act of living. At least, this is what we consider as important for our guests at Yak Holidays. Therefore, we suggest that you consider expanding your dreams. For example, if you spend a night in a five-star luxury hotel, we also advise you to spend at least one night in a homestay. The experience is poles apart. In a homestay, which is generally in a farm, you could try cooking your own meal from locally sourced organic vegetables and whole grains. The people of Bhutan are known for their warm hospitality, and this is bound to enrich your Bhutan visit.
Homestays in Bhutan.
You will also experience the Bhutanese culture up close if you choose to spend a night or two in a more grass roots-based homestay.
10. Bring cash US dollars for shopping and tips.
Part of what makes traveling/flight to Bhutan from USA an authentic and exotic experience is the country’s slow start and approach to the contemporaneous idea of development. The wheel moves in a slow motion, so that you may be able to catch the much needed breath and unwind yourself more satisfactorily.
While machines are replacing certain aspect of life in Bhutan, old norms still rule supreme. For example, you’ll realize how important it is to carry actual cash as you start your travel/flight to Bhutan from USA. Most shops prefer cash to cards. Indeed, a lot of these shops have not stalled the card-payment facilities. Cash would also come in handy when you tip a guide or a waitress. So, do carry some amount of cash in US dollars when you travel to Bhutan.
11. Thank you for not smoking.
Yes, smoking is banned in Bhutan. In fact, sell of all forms of tobacco products is prohibited in the country. You may bring in small quantities of tobacco for personal use. But then, you cannot smoke in public places. These include restaurants, marketplaces, sport complexes, streets, pubic parks, or offices. Also, note that most public places do not have designated legal smoking zones. This means you may light up in your room or in solitary spaces.
However, people in Bhutan are known for their fondness for a different kind of stimulant, locally known as Doma, a quid of areca nut and betel leaf with a dash of lime. In Bhutan, chewing Doma defies time and space, and age and gender, and is a fundamental part of the Bhutanese culture and ethos. You may want to try a quid, but be careful about some instant side effects like flushing, sweating, or even a mild kick of sorts.
12. Dip yourself in a hot stone bath.
Another highlight of your Bhutan tour/travel from USA could be what locals call the ‘hot stone bath’. It’s a traditional way of cleansing yourself. It’s an ancient practice, part of Bhutan’s search for an indigenous alternative to the Western idea of wellness.
A hot stone bath consists of a water filled wooden tub and red hot river stones.
First, the large stones are roasted in a fire for hours. They are then dropped in the water filled wooden tub. As stones sizzle in the cold water, you dip your hand to check the temperature and ask for the desired adjustment. You then lie on the tub as long as you want, soaking in the rich minerals released by the stones into the water. Leaves of Artemisia plant are added to the hot water to raise the bath’s medicinal value, and the stones are in a separate chamber of the tub so that you will not be hurt.
Soaking in medicinal waters is part of Bhutan’s age old culture, and people believe that one can be cured of many illnesses like joint pain, arthritis, hypertension, and stomach ailments through frequent baths in such medicinal waters. It’s said that Bhutan’s hot stone baths draw
on both Indian Ayurvedic and Tibetan traditional medicine practices. We recommend you try this healing bath at least once, especially after your tiring hike to Paro Taktsang (Tiger’s Nest monastery).
Hot stone bath.
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Travel to Bhutan from USA - FAQs.
1. How to book Bhutan trip from USA?
The visitors wishing to book Bhutan trip from USA should obtain e-Bhutan visa issued by the Department of Immigration, Thimphu Bhutan prior to your travel. The above mentioned e-Bhutan visa is processed by the Local Bhutan Tour Operators like us (Yak Holidays) upon receiving full payment for your package holiday in Bhutan.
2. Are there direct flights to Bhutan from USA ?:
There are no direct flights to Bhutan from USA (any cities), European or middle east countries. Bhutan has two airlines that operate from the only international airport in Paro valley. These two airlines namely Drukair and Bhutan Airlines fly to New Delhi, Kolkata, Guwahati, Gaya and Bagdogra, Kathmandu (Nepal), Bangkok (Thailand), Dhaka (Bangladesh) and Singapore. All Bhutanese tour operators like us are authorized ticketing Agent of these airlines in Bhutan. As such, we can make reservations and book the flights for you from these destinations. Please contact us for schedules and fares for various sectors.
3. Is there a flight from New York to Bhutan ?
No, there is no direct flight from New York to Bhutan. You have to fly either to Bangkok, Singapore, Kathmandu, Delhi or Kolkata and then connect your flight into Bhutan.
4. What are the recommended Bhutan Tours from USA ?
The most recommend Bhutan tours from USA are below.
8 nights / 9 days Bhutan tour from USA
9 night / 10 days Bhutan trip from USA
10 nights/ 11 days Bhutan tour from USA
You can combine your Bhutan tour from USA with one of the spectacular festivals in Bhutan or with trekking trips.
Please check the festival dates or you can contact us.
5. What is the cancellation policy for Bhutan tours from USA ?
The cancellation Policy for Bhutan tours from USA is as follows:
Our Bhutan trip cancellation policy is below: (1) No charge if cancelled within 45 days of the start of the tour programme; (2) Charge 20% of the tour payment if cancelled within 30 days of the start of the tour programme; (3) Charge 30% of the tour payment if cancelled within 21 days of the start of the tour program; (4) Charge 50% of the tour payment if cancelled within 14 days of the start of the tour programme and (5) Charge 100% of the tour payment charge if cancelled within 7 days or after the arrival tourist in Bhutan.6. How much is the Bhutan Visa fee for US Citizens?
The Bhutan visa fee for US citizens / nationals is US $ 40 per person per visit and is payable along with the Bhutan tour payment. Bhutan visa extension fee is US $ 40 and your local tour operator will take care of it should the need arise.
7. What are the documents/details required for visit to Bhutan from USA ?
The visitors from USA need to submit the following documents / details to process Bhutan visa:
- Scanned copies of passport (s) with minimum 6 months validity.
- Travel insurance.
- Passport size photo/Half photo.
- Residential address.
- Phone no.
- Occupation.
8. Can I visit Bhutan from USA without COVID-19 vaccination certificate and RT-PCR test ?
Yes, you can visit Bhutan from USA without COVID-19 vaccination certificate or RT-PCR test.
9. Do the US citizens of Indian origin (Non resident Indian / Overseas Citizen of India) have to pay the Sustainable fee of US $ 100 per night for travel to Bhutan from USA ?
All non-resident Indians (NRI) or overseas citizens of India (OCI card holders) visitors are treated as any other international tourists and they have to pay US $ 100 per night (sustainable development fee) for travel to Bhutan from USA.