Punakha

Entry requirements vary by passport. Check the requirements for your specific passport on the Bhutan page at Yoogo.

Bhutan's official currency is the Ngultrum (BTN), which is pegged at parity to the Indian Rupee, and both are widely accepted throughout the country. Credit and debit cards are accepted at larger hotels and some restaurants in Thimphu and Paro, but cash is essential for smaller towns, rural areas, and monastery entrance fees. It is advisable to carry sufficient Ngultrum or Indian Rupees for day-to-day expenses outside the main tourist centres.

Bhutan consistently ranks as one of Asia's safest travel destinations, with violent crime being extremely rare and petty theft uncommon by regional standards. The country's mandatory guided-tour structure means visitors travel with a licensed guide at all times, which removes many of the navigational and scam-related concerns found elsewhere. The more significant risks for travellers are altitude sickness at higher elevations and mountain road conditions on narrow winding highways.

Most international visitors travel by private car or minibus arranged through their licensed tour operator, which is the standard mode of intercity transport under Bhutan's tourism model. Public buses connect major towns such as Thimphu, Paro, and Punakha, and taxis are available in urban centres, though fares are not always metered. Limited domestic flights operated by Druk Air and Bhutan Airlines link Paro with Bumthang, Gelephu, and Yongphula, saving many hours of mountain driving.

The two most popular seasons are autumn (October to November) and spring (March to May), both offering clear skies, pleasant temperatures, and the best conditions for trekking and sightseeing. Autumn is generally considered the prime season, with crisp mountain air, excellent visibility of the high Himalayan peaks, and some of Bhutan's most vibrant festivals taking place. The monsoon months of June to August bring heavy rainfall that can affect road access and obscure mountain views, while winters are cold but clear and quieter.

Dzongkha is the national language of Bhutan, and the country has more than nineteen spoken dialects across its various regions. English is widely understood throughout the tourism sector, as it is the medium of instruction in Bhutanese schools and all government-certified guides are required to speak it fluently. Visitors can expect smooth communication in English at hotels, restaurants, and tourist sites, though basic phrases in Dzongkha are warmly appreciated by locals.