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At Asana Bhutan, we believe travel is more than just visiting a new place—it’s about immersing yourself in a vibrant culture, discovering breathtaking landscapes, and finding moments of peace and inspiration. Founded by passionate traveller’s and Bhutanese locals, Asana Bhutan is dedicated to providing authentic, personalised travel experiences that showcase the beauty and serenity of the Land of the Thunder Dragon.
Bhutan measures success through Gross National Happiness (GNH) rather than GDP. This philosophy emphasizes well-being, environmental conservation, and cultural preservation over economic growth. Bhutan’s commitment to happiness reflects its unique approach to development.
Bhutan is one of the few carbon-negative countries in the world, meaning it absorbs more carbon than it emits. The country’s strict environmental policies and commitment to conservation keep forests intact and pollution minimal. This makes Bhutan a global leader in sustainability.
Bhutan is deeply rooted in Vajrayana Buddhism, which influences its culture, art, and daily life. Monasteries, temples, and prayer flags are visible throughout the country, embodying spiritual traditions. Bhutan’s commitment to Buddhism is integral to its identity and values.
Bhutan follows a “High Value, Low Impact” tourism model to preserve its culture and environment. Visitors are required to pay a Sustainable Development Fee and follow guided tours. This approach allows Bhutan to manage tourism sustainably while offering unique experiences to travelers.
08-12 April, 2025
The Paro Tshechu is one of Bhutan’s most famous festivals and is held in the picturesque Rinpung Dzong. It features colorful mask dances performed by monks and laymen, which depict the triumph of good over evil. The festival culminates with the unfurling of the giant Thongdrel (a sacred scroll) on the last day, believed to bless those who view it.
By Tourism Council of Bhutan
We offer a variety of tour packages designed to cater to different interests and preferences. Our packages are thoughtfully crafted to provide unique experiences that set us apart from other travel companies.
Visitors of all nationalities, except those from India, require a visa before entering Bhutan. For all visitors, except those from Bangladesh and the Maldives, this visa must be applied for and approved in advance of travel. Visitors from Bangladesh and the Maldives also require a visa, but this can be applied for and approved either in advance of travel or upon arrival in Bhutan.
Visitors from India are able to apply for a permit but are required to hold an Indian passport or an Indian voter ID card. For Indian nationals under the age of 18, a passport or a birth certificate can be used to enter and they must be accompanied by a legal guardian.
Nationals from Switzerland and Thailand holding diplomatic or government-official passports are eligible for a visa at their port of entry
Yes, provided the extension is applied for before the original visa or permit expires.
Visitors can extend their stay via the online visa application portal, using the same log-in details that were used to process their original visa.
The fees for processing your extension application, and daily SDF for the duration of your extended stay, will be payable via the same portal.
The Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) is a daily levy paid by visitors to support Bhutan’s development. Since the kingdom first opened its doors in 1974, guests have played a critical role in our country’s growth.
The SDF is collected by the national exchequer and funds are allocated to various projects that create long-term, sustainable opportunities for the Bhutanese people, through free healthcare, education and training, upskilling the tourism and hospitality industry, improved infrastructure, environmental preservation and conservation, cultural preservation programmes and initiatives that support local businesses and economies. The SDF is also a vital means of maintaining the exceptional forest cover and carbon-neutrality for which our small nation is world-renowned and globally critical. The SDF also helps us to ensure that we can continue to offer guests tranquillity and an intimate experience.
The SDF is USD 100 per night for adults from all countries except for India. Children aged between 6 years and who have not yet turned 12 are eligible to pay USD 50 per night. Children who have not yet turned 6 years old do not have to pay any SDF.
The SDF for Indian nationals (showing a valid Indian passport or Voter ID card) is Nu. 1,200 (or the equivalent amount in Indian rupees) per person, per night. Children aged between 6 years and who have not yet turned 12 are eligible to pay Nu./INR 600 per night. Children who have not yet turned 6 years old do not have to pay any SDF.
Yes, the SDF will be refunded by the Department of Immigration for any cancelled or shortened trips; any bank charges will be deducted from the total refunded. Requests for SDF refunds should be submitted online using the visa portal. The refund will be processed after visitors leave Bhutan.