Dive into a world of stunning Himalayan vistas, rich traditions and unparalleled tranquility.
All wrapped into one extraordinary tour package.
Your perfect Bhutan journey awaits.
Explore Bhutan with the best Bhutan travel agency.
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Explore stunning photos and videos from past Bhutan trips.
Read authentic testimonials from both first-time travelers and returning guests.
Discover why we are the best Bhutan travel agency.
On a strict schedule? Fret not, just state your preferred date of departure and we’ll make it happen.
Private blessings with lamas, farmhouse homestays, and festivals untouched by crowds.
Meet your personal storyteller, fluent in culture, history, and hidden trails.
From serene monastery stays to adrenaline-pumping river rafting, your trip, your way.
We only put you up in reputable hotels that guarantee you a comfortable and relaxing experience.
We take honesty and integrity very seriously. Our prices are transparent to ensure complete trust.
Travel responsibly, support local communities, and leave only footprints.
We had some of the best guides we could ever ask for, sharing deep knowledge and wisdom about Buddhism and the culture of the country. We also stayed in very nice and clean hotels — not overly luxurious, but filled with warmth and genuine hospitality. The food was fantastic as well, especially for those who enjoy spicy cuisine, something many Asians can easily relate to. Over the 7 days and 6 nights, we created many fond memories through trekking, exploring, and enjoying the local food and culture. The weather in April is just perfect — not too cold and ideal for trekking and spending time in nature. You don’t need to wear too many layers, yet it never feels too hot during the day. It made the entire hiking and outdoor experience very comfortable and enjoyable. Thank you, Bhutan Best Travel, for such a meaningful and memorable experience!
Excellent private tour of Bhutan. The itinerary was very well organized, the hotels were great, and the whole experience felt smooth and stress-free. Our guides, Dorji and Tashi, were both extremely kind, helpful, flexible, and always attentive to what we wanted to do each day. They made the trip much more enjoyable. Bhutan itself is extraordinary, and this was a perfect way to discover it. I would highly recommend this agency to anyone looking to visit Bhutan in comfort and with complete peace of mind.
We just got back from a 10-day trip from western and central Bhutan. We selected BBT due to Jaclyn's responsiveness and her ability to tailor the itinerary to our needs. The trip was well planned and gave us ample time to acclimatise, with shorter hikes and gradually building up to longer ones. We opted for mid-range hotels and were generally happy with the choices. The 4x4 was always clean, spacious, comfortable and solid - something that's important when travelling on mountain roads. Now comes our guide Sangay and driver Khandu. What can I say..... They were in fact the highlight of our trip (well, of course besides Tiger's Nest ;D)! Sangay was wonderfully thoughtful judging from the smallest details, like arranging the best room views for us without us asking & special local food arrangements. He's also extremely knowledgeable. His cheeky personality kept us entertained on long drives. Khandu was a quiet and safe driver, and incredibly funny and thoughtful as well. Together, they formed such a great team that made the experience exceptional for us!
Our time in Bhutan was made truly exceptional by our guide, Dorji. He struck that rare balance of being deeply knowledgeable while also wonderfully human—unfailingly polite, yet quick to laugh and full of curiosity. Every day felt enriched by his insights, whether he was sharing nuances of Bhutanese culture, stories of Buddhism, observations on nature, or thoughtful perspectives on the country’s politics. What stayed with us most, though, were not just the places we saw, but the conversations we had. Over time, those conversations turned into inside jokes and a genuine sense of connection that made each day feel personal and joyful. By the end of the trip, it felt less like we had a guide and more like we were traveling with a friend. Our driver was equally outstanding—consistently safe, steady, and reliable on roads that demand real skill and care. Together, they made an incredible team: both unfailingly professional, attentive, and deeply committed to making our experience seamless. I truly miss seeing them every day, which says everything about the kind of presence they brought to our journey.
Fast-track your visa for a smooth travel timeline.
Full refund if your Bhutan visa isn’t approved.
Visa support plus handcrafted Bhutan tour packages.
Bhutan is one of the most sought-after travel destinations for American travelers seeking authentic, off-the-beaten-path experiences. Unlike most international destinations, Bhutan requires every visitor to book through a Tourism Council of Bhutan (TCB) certified agency and travel with a licensed guide — making agency selection the single most important decision you will make.
Bhutan Best Travel is a TCB-certified agency co-founded by Nidup Dorji, a licensed Bhutanese guide with 10+ years and 500+ tours completed. We have guided hundreds of American travelers from cities including New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Seattle, Chicago, and Houston — handling every detail from US departure to Bhutan arrival.
There are no direct flights from the United States to Bhutan. Paro International Airport (PBH) is served exclusively by Drukair (Royal Bhutan Airlines) and Bhutan Airlines, with connections via Asian hub cities.
Recommended routing: New York (JFK/EWR) or Washington (IAD/DCA) → Bangkok (BKK) → Paro (PBH)
Total travel time: Approximately 22–26 hours including connection
Best connection city: Bangkok Suvarnabhumi (BKK) — Drukair operates direct Bangkok–Paro flights
Alternative routing: New York → Delhi (DEL) → Paro — approximately 20–24 hours
US airlines to connect with: Delta, United, American Airlines to Bangkok or Delhi, then Drukair to Paro
Recommended routing: Los Angeles (LAX) or San Francisco (SFO) → Bangkok (BKK) → Paro (PBH)
Total travel time: Approximately 20–24 hours including connection
Why Bangkok: Direct Bangkok–Paro Drukair flights, strong LAX/SFO–BKK connections on multiple US and Asian carriers
Alternative: San Francisco → Tokyo (NRT/HND) → Bangkok → Paro for Japan stopovers
US airlines to connect with: United, Delta, American to Bangkok; then Drukair to Paro
Recommended routing: Chicago (ORD) or Dallas (DFW) → Bangkok (BKK) or Delhi (DEL) → Paro (PBH)
Total travel time: Approximately 22–28 hours including connection
Note: Many Central US travelers add a short stopover in Bangkok (1–2 nights) to break the journey — Bhutan Best Travel can arrange Bangkok hotel pre-booking on request
US airlines: United from Chicago to Delhi direct; American/Delta via hubs to Bangkok
Paro International Airport (PBH) is one of the world’s most technically challenging airports. The approach through the Himalayan valley requires specially certified pilots — only 8 pilots in the world were certified to land at Paro as of recent count.
Altitude: 2,235m (7,332 feet) above sea level — prepare for mild altitude effects on arrival
Your guide meets you at arrivals: Nidup or a Bhutan Best Travel certified guide will be at arrivals with your name board. Private vehicle is pre-arranged.
Time zone: Bhutan Standard Time (BST) is UTC+6. From Eastern Standard Time (EST/UTC-5), Bhutan is 11 hours ahead. From Pacific Standard Time (PST/UTC-8), Bhutan is 14 hours ahead.
All Bhutan Best Travel packages for American travelers are quoted in US Dollars (USD) for clarity. Pricing is fully itemised and includes the mandatory Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) of USD 100 per person per night.
| Package | Duration | From (USD) | Includes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cultural Bhutan | 5–7 days | From USD 1,700 | Guide, hotel, meals, transfers, SDF, visa |
| Festival Tour | 6–8 days | From USD 2,100 | Guide, hotel, meals, transfers, SDF, visa, festival access |
| Trekking Package | 7–14 days | From USD 2,400 | Guide, camping, meals, transfers, SDF, visa, trek permits |
| Luxury Bhutan | 7–10 days | From USD 4,500 | Guide, 5-star/boutique hotels, meals, transfers, SDF, visa |
Prices are per person based on double occupancy. Solo traveler supplements apply. Contact us for a personalised USD quote.
American travelers typically plan international trips around US holidays and school breaks. Here is how Bhutan seasons align with the US calendar.
Perfect alignment. The Paro Tsechu festival falls in March or April — exactly when US students and families take spring break. This is the most celebrated festival in Bhutan, featuring traditional Cham masked dances at Paro Rinpung Dzong.
Book by November for March spring break. Paro hotels sell out early for festival weeks. This is our most requested season for American travelers.
Late November falls at the tail end of Bhutan’s best autumn season. Clear skies, excellent mountain views, and ideal trekking conditions. Temperatures are dropping but valleys are still comfortable.
Bonus: Thanksgiving week is a natural long weekend for American travelers — combine with annual leave for a 10–14 day Bhutan trip without using excessive PTO.
Book by August for Thanksgiving travel.
December and January offer Bhutan’s best value pricing with fewer crowds. The Haa Valley and Phobjikha Valley are ideal for winter visits — Phobjikha hosts hundreds of endangered black-necked cranes migrating from Tibet.
Valley temperatures range from 5–15°C (41–59°F) — cold but manageable with layers. High mountain passes may be snowbound.
Ideal for: Couples, retirees, and travelers seeking a quiet, contemplative Bhutan experience away from peak-season crowds.
Monsoon season in Bhutan runs June through August — coinciding with US summer vacation. Heavy rainfall, leeches on trekking trails, and reduced mountain visibility make this the least ideal season for most activities.
Cultural tours are still possible during monsoon at lower prices, but trekking and outdoor activities are significantly limited. We advise American families with summer-only availability to consider a cultural-focused itinerary or shift to September if possible.
US citizens require a Bhutan visa, which must be arranged through a TCB-licensed agency before travel. Visas cannot be obtained on arrival at Paro Airport.
Process:
No US embassy or Bhutan consulate application required. All processing is handled through your licensed tour operator.
Bhutan Best Travel quotes all packages in USD for American clients. The Bhutanese Ngultrum (BTN) is pegged 1:1 to the Indian Rupee.
In Bhutan: USD cash is widely accepted at hotels and major shops. ATMs are available in Thimphu and Paro accepting Visa/Mastercard. Inform your US bank of Bhutan travel before departure to prevent card blocks.
Recommended: Carry USD 100–200 cash for tips, souvenirs, and incidentals. All major expenses are pre-paid through your package.
Travel insurance is strongly recommended for all Bhutan visitors and is particularly important for Americans due to the absence of US health coverage abroad.
Essential coverage for Bhutan:
Recommended US providers: World Nomads, Allianz Travel, Travel Guard (AIG), Seven Corners. Confirm your policy covers Bhutan specifically and high-altitude trekking if applicable.
Bhutan Standard Time (BST) is UTC+6.
Time differences from the USA:
Jet lag tip: Most Americans fly westward to Bhutan (US → Pacific → Asia), which is easier for eastward adjustment. Arrive in Bhutan a day early if budget allows — Day 1 is always a gentle acclimatisation day in our itineraries.
No special US entry requirements apply for citizens returning from Bhutan. Standard US customs declaration applies for goods purchased abroad (duty-free exemption of USD 800 per person).
Popular Bhutanese items to bring home: Hand-woven textiles (Kishuthara, Mathra), thangka paintings, handmade paper products, Bhutanese spices (dried chili), and traditional incense — all permitted under US customs regulations.
We have guided American travelers from every major US city and every walk of life — retired couples from Florida, tech professionals from San Francisco, families from New York, and solo adventurers from Colorado. Here is what sets us apart for US clients specifically.
Jaclyn Zhang
Nidup Dorji
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We’re here to help make your dream journey come true.
The best Bhutan travel agency should be licensed by the Tourism Council of Bhutan and demonstrate extensive local expertise. Look for Bhutan travel agencies that:
Yes, you can customise your Bhutan trip! Flexibility includes:
Simply share your preferences with our team, and we’ll work together to create your ideal Bhutanese journey, keeping in mind any seasonal or permit requirements.
Yes, we guarantee your Bhutan visa application process with a full refund policy!
Our Guarantee:
For the smoothest experience, we recommend:
Peace of mind guaranteed – Book with confidence!
We recommend booking 2-3 months in advance for the best experience. Here’s why:
Peak Seasons (Book 3-4 months ahead):
Regular Seasons (Book 1-2 months ahead):
Last-minute bookings possible but:
Book early for better rates, preferred accommodation, and smoother visa processing!
Yes! Your flight to Bhutan is fully covered in our travel packages.
What We Handle:
Essential Services:
Entry & Activities:
Transportation:
Yes, we do! Bhutan Best Travel offers exclusive discounts for group bookings. Whether you’re planning a trip with family, friends, or a corporate team, we’re happy to provide a customized deal just for your group.
We recommend all travellers to obtain their own travel insurance.
A Commitment to Sustainable Tourism
Bhutan’s Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) is a cornerstone of the country’s visionary
“High Value, Low Volume” tourism strategy. This mandatory daily charge ensures that
tourism aligns with Bhutan’s goals of environmental conservation, cultural preservation, and
equitable socio-economic growth for its communities.
Standard Fee Structure
Special Rates and Conditions
The SDF funds development projects, preserves cultural traditions, enhances
sustainability, upgrades infrastructure, and provides free healthcare and education.
A visa is to be obtained through a foreign or local agent in Bhutan (excluding Indians, Bangladeshis and Maldivians).
We require a scanned clear copy of your passports to process visas. Payment is required to be made in full in order to process your visa. Please ensure that your passport has more than 6 months of validity.
There is will be no charge for delays in arrival and departure due to weather conditions, flights disruption or road blocks. However, the guest will have to bear the cost of food, accommodation transportation and other services required.
Bhutan’s currency is the Ngultrum (Nu.) that is at par with the Indian rupee. US dollar are also accepted only at certain shops, restaurants and hotels. Generally, credits cards are not accepted, with the exception of hotels.
Almost all hotels in Thimphu and Paro have internet access. Mobile (cell) phones are also widely used with international roaming facilities.
Bhutan is an ideal place for photographers, offering immense opportunities for photography, especially our outdoor sightseeing trips.
However, indoor photography is not allowed inside Dzongs, temples, monasteries and religious institutions, unless you have a special permit from the Department of Culture.
Nevertheless, you can capture images of the landscapes, panoramic views of the mountain ranges, the rural folk life, the flora and fauna, the Bhutanese architecture and the Dzongs and Chortens in particular.
You may shop for a a variety of goods such as hand-woven textiles that is either in raw silk or silk, carved masks of various animals, woven baskets of cane and bamboo, wooden bowls known as Dapas, handmade paper products or finely crafted gods of silver.
There are also shops that sell beautiful Thangkha paintings and Bhutan’s exquisite postage stamps. There are many handicraft shops in and around Thimphu and Paro.
Tipping is generally only for your guide & driver, hotel porters, and trekking crew, as for the rest, tipping is generally discouraged. For children accompanying you, please do not include them in the tipping formula as only adults need to tip.
1- 2 persons travelling: US$8 – 10 per person per day for your guide & USD5 – 7 per person per day for your driver
3 -8 persons travelling: USD6 – 8 per person per day for your guide & USD3 – 5 per person per day for your driver
8-16 persons travelling: USD4 – 6 per person per day for your guide & USD3 – 5 per person per day for your driver
For travellers that are staying more than 8 nights, we recommend a slightly lower rate to be paid for your guide and driver tips, at your own discretion.
You will also need to tip your trekking cooks and horsemen (not structured to day hikes). Normally, your trekking guide will be with you throughout your entire journey. Tip your guide & driver at the end of your tour using the formula above.
We recommend the below total tips for the entire cook/horsemen crew and not per person.
Tips for 5 trekkers or less:
Short treks 4 nights or less: total USD80 to the cook/s & total US$50 to the horsemen
Longer treks 5 night plus: total USD150 to the cook/s & total US$80 to the horsemen
Tips for 6 trekkers or more:
Short treks 4 nights or less: total US$150 to the cook/s & total US$100 to the horsemen
Longer treks 5 nights plus: total USD200 to the cook/s & total USD150 to the horsemen
Tourists travel in Bhutan with medium-sized buses (20-22 seats), small buses (8-12 seats) or hired cars. Larger coaches are not permitted due to the road’s limited width.
With the high altitude, Bhutan is a challenging and rewarding experience for trekkers. It will take you deep into the beautiful and unspoilt nature. It will lead you to evergreen forests populated by various plant and animal species, forming a scenic path for you to follow. These treks lead you through villages, farms and religious temples, allowing a chance to witness the rich culture and the life of the rural Bhutanese people.
We have knowledgeable and friendly guides, cooks, porters, assistants and pony handlers at your disposal.
In short, all you need to do is simply enjoy the trek with a camera in hand as you take shots of the breathtaking scenery and mingle with the indigenous people.
In addition, we customise treks to suit each individual of different groups and needs.
Bhutan’s summers are warm with daily temperatures ranging from 20 to 25 degrees celsius, while winters are cold with daily temperatures often falling bellow 15 degrees celsius.
If you’re visiting Bhutan during winter, be sure to pack a few sets of warm clothes and comfortable shoes.
All trekkers are accompanied by a guide, a cook and usually at least one horseman or yak herder.
They will lead your trekking group. The horseman and cook will usually run ahead during a trekking day.
They will have prepared a packed lunch for hikers and will go on to the night’s resting place to set up camp.
They set up tents, cook dinner and ready the area for arriving trekkers.
When trekkers reach the campsite they are greeted with a hot cup of tea and biscuits in the dining tent. After six hours on the mountains, no drink will ever taste sweeter.
For dinner, the cook will usually prepare a buffet of dishes that are just as delicious as they are welcoming.
In Bhutan, all trekking supplies – camping equipment, kitchen implements, food – are all carried by pack animals. Usually, the loads are carried by horses or, in higher regions, yaks.
It’s always important to ensure that you’re well-prepared before you head off on your trekking expedition in Bhutan. Here’s a little packing list that will guide you along.
Footwear
Other equipment
Clothing
Miscellaneous
Altitude sickness can be a serious problem at the altitudes hiked to in Bhutan.
If you feel sick, dizzy or have a worsening headache, stop and drink as much water as possible.
If the symptoms persist, go back down the mountain.
Bhutanese guides are trained to look out for altitude sickness and other ailments that can affect trekkers.
They are expert walkers who have been trained as trekking guides and follow routes that have been walked for centuries.
All trekkers are required to strictly follow trekking rules to protect the fragile environment at high altitudes.
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