Mindful Tourism
High Value, Low Volume
Bhutan does tourism differently. Guided by the philosophy of Gross National Happiness, the kingdom has chosen a mindful path — welcoming fewer visitors who travel thoughtfully, rather than opening its valleys to mass tourism. The result is a country where dzongs remain living monasteries, trails stay quiet, and forests still cover most of the land.
For you as a guest, this means an experience that feels rare and unhurried. It also means your visit matters: every traveller contributes directly to preserving Bhutan's culture, supporting its communities and protecting an environment that has kept the country carbon negative. Travelling here is not just a holiday — it is a quiet act of stewardship.
Official Travel Requirements
Sustainable Development Fee
A Daily Levy that Gives Back
All visitors to Bhutan pay a Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) — a nightly levy that funds free healthcare and education for the Bhutanese people, reforestation programmes and the preservation of the kingdom's cultural heritage.
| Visitor Category | SDF per Person, per Night |
|---|---|
| International visitors (adults) | US$100 |
| International children (6–11 years) | US$50 |
| Children under 6 years | Free |
| Indian nationals (adults) | Nu./INR 1,200 |
| Indian children (6–11 years) | Nu./INR 600 |
The SDF is paid together with your visa application. Rates are set by the Royal Government of Bhutan and are subject to change.
Visa & Entry
Getting Your Visa Sorted
All international visitors need a visa approved before arriving in Bhutan. You can apply online through the official immigration portal at immi.gov.bt, or let a licensed Bhutanese tour operator — or our team at Rema Resort — handle the application on your behalf.
The visa carries a one-time fee of US$40 and is normally processed within about five working days, so it pays to apply well ahead of your travel dates. Indian nationals do not require a visa; instead, an entry permit is issued on the strength of a valid passport or voter ID card. Full, up-to-date details are published on the official Department of Tourism visa page.
Apply Online at immi.gov.btVisa Checklist
- Pre-approved visa arranged before you travel
- US$40 one-time visa application fee
- Allow around 5 working days for processing
- Passport valid for at least 6 months beyond your stay
- Travel insurance is strongly recommended (no longer mandatory since April 2024)
- Indian nationals: entry permit with a valid passport or voter ID
Getting Here
Flying into the Paro Valley
Paro International Airport is Bhutan's only international airport — and it sits just minutes from Rema Resort, making our hilltop one of the most convenient first and last stops in the kingdom. The national carriers, Drukair and Bhutan Airlines, connect Paro with Bangkok, Singapore, Delhi, Kolkata, Bagdogra, Guwahati, Kathmandu and Dhaka.
Keep your camera ready: the descent into Paro, banking between forested ridges before the valley opens up beneath the wings, is famously one of the most spectacular landings in the world. Prefer to arrive by road? Overland entry from India is possible through the border towns of Phuentsholing, Samtse, Gelephu and Samdrup Jongkhar.
A short scenic drive — transfers arranged on request
Good to Know
Small Details, Smoother
Journey
Currency
Bhutan's currency is the Ngultrum (Nu.), pegged one-to-one to the Indian Rupee. Cards are accepted in larger establishments, but carry cash for markets, small shops and rural stops.
Best Seasons
Spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November) bring clear skies, blooming valleys and the great festivals — including the vibrant Paro Tshechu on our doorstep.
Altitude
The Paro valley lies at around 2,200 metres. Take your first day gently, drink plenty of water and save the Tiger's Nest hike for when you've settled in.
Guides
Visitors must be accompanied by a licensed Bhutanese guide at all times. Guides bring the kingdom's stories to life — and we are happy to arrange one for you.
Etiquette
Dress modestly at temples and dzongs — cover shoulders and knees — and remove shoes and hats before entering shrines. Always ask before photographing people or sacred interiors.
Connectivity
Local SIM cards are inexpensive and easy to pick up on arrival, and complimentary Wi-Fi keeps you connected in every room and public area at Rema Resort.
We're Here to Help
How Rema Resort Can Help
Planning a journey to Bhutan is easier with a friend on the ground. Our team assists with visa guidance, airport transfers and licensed guides, and can shape day-by-day itineraries around the Paro valley — from the cliffside Tiger's Nest (Paro Taktshang) to the ancient Kyichu Lhakhang and the mighty Rinpung Dzong.
Tell us how you like to travel and we will handle the details, so you arrive with nothing to do but breathe the mountain air. Browse our curated stays or write to us directly — we usually reply within a day.
Visa rules and SDF rates are set by the Royal Government of Bhutan and may change — always verify current requirements on the official Department of Tourism portal.