How To Obtain Bhutan Visa Traveling From Nepal?

5Min to Read | By Himalayan Windows | Jun 05, 2026

When preparing to travel to a new place, the importance in having some clear information on travel logistics and visa process is a must. In this article, we would like to elaborate the steps for a good trip to organize and acquire the Bhutan visa while visiting Kathmandu, Nepal to travel across for it. Choosing to head to Bhutan from Kathmandu is an amazing possibility for you to visit two places in a few days in the Himalayas. With a rich culture and tradition that few other bordering countries offer, it becomes a destination that is attractive to those on a journey or who feel a sense of adventure.

Buddha Dordenma in Thimphu, Bhutan

Contents hide

1 How to enter Bhutan from Kathmandu, Nepal?

2 How to apply for the Bhutan Visa?

3 What are the requirements to obtain a Bhutan Visa?

4 Can my visa in Bhutan be extended?

5 When is the ideal time you visit from Kathmandu?

6 Accommodation & meals in Bhutan

7 Helpful tips for Bhutan tour traveling from Kathmandu

8 Conclusion

RELATED CONTENT: All You Need To Know Before Traveling To Bhutan

Bhutan, a small landlocked Himalayan kingdom, is bordered by India to the East, South, and West and by China to the North. Believing in Gross National Happiness (GNP) instead of Gross Domestic Product (GDP), Bhutan is culturally rich and has preserved its natural beauty in a unique way.

Travel Bhutan to the country from the Indian borders – Phuentsholing, Gelephu, Samdrup, and by direct flights from Nepal: Kathmandu, Delhi, Kolkata, Bagdogra, Guwahati, Bangkok, Dhaka, Singapore. However, since we are a Bhutan tour-operator in Kathmandu, Nepal, we can guide you in planning and getting Bhutan Visa. The procedures below apply to Non-(Indians, Bangladeshi) as Bhutan has different procedures for its regional tourists.

How to enter Bhutan from Kathmandu, Nepal?

From Kathmandu, an approximate 1-hour flight leads to Bhutan, the land of Thunder Dragon and The Last Shangri-La. This can be through a mountainous route between the Kakadvitta border crossing (India-Nepal border) or through India (West Bengal) and Indian Visa is required to be obtained beforehand. So it is easier to schedule the trip by flying if you’re flying from Nepal. You will fly over the mighty Himalayas such as Mount Everest and Makalu. We fancy it a cool flight, as you will be landing in Paro Int’l airport with its short runway and mountain ranges surrounding you.

Two airlines (Druk Air and Bhutan Airlines) provide non-stop service connecting Tribhuvan International Airport Kathmandu to Paro Int’l Airport Bhutan. During peak (Spring, Fall/Autumn season), Druk Air runs daily from Kathmandu and a relatively low flight fare than with Bangkok, Delhi, Singapore etc. If you are flying from Kathmandu to Paro, you should ask for left and the opposite when you are flying back from Paro for the spectacular views of Himalayan Vistas from your window.

RELATED CONTENT: Bhutan Travel Information

How to apply for the Bhutan Visa?

In most countries, if we travel to one, we register at the closest embassy and receive a Tourist Visa at the spot of departure, like Nepal. The only big exception here is Bhutan, because Bhutan e-Visa Clearance is needed before the start of getting on board of your flight to Bhutan. Bhutan e-Visa Clearance is a necessary permit to travel to Bhutan as a tourist. And you have to have this through that registered tour operator who you will need to get arrangements of your whole Bhutan packages. That process for the Bhutan e-Visa clearance is sent through the same tour company process to you by email. You need to buy a Bhutan tour package with the tour company before you can process for the Bhutan Visa. Once you have adjusted the itinerary and price, your passport is color-scanned, and the operator asks for payment of the tour package. A Bhutan visa only will be processed if that amount of trip is sent to the operator. Your e-Visa clearance takes at least 72 hours to generate. But, during high season, this takes longer, so arrange the travel before at least 2 weeks’ tour starting time. Bhutan e-Visa Clearance is approved by Tourism Council of Bhutan (TCB).

For all its inconvenience you can make your Bhutan tour directly through the tour company registered or official tour companies of reliable foreign companies. After your tour operator issues you a Bhutan e-Visa Clearance, you will be received a print out or a soft version and take it to the airline counter during check-in. If you are traveling from Kathmandu, your tour operator in Kathmandu will ensure that you have all the hard/soft copies, and will pass them off to you before you take your flight. A stamp on your passport then is done when you reach Paro immigration. Not allowed to travel alone in Bhutan, through another accredited tour operator, then your guide/representative will have your name card to take you to your hotel of your choice. Your tour guide in Bhutan arrives, has all of the necessary travel permits, and is there with you during your entire journey in Bhutan. But, you can still explore the market and the city on your own sometime during your free time.

What are the requirements to obtain a Bhutan Visa?

Here are the requirements to process the Bhutan Visa through the tour operator:

The full amount of the tour package

Visa Fee (USD 40 for the entire trip)

Color Scanned Passport Copy

Passport Size digital photograph

A detailed day-by-day travel itinerary (The agency will provide you)

Travel Insruance (Not a mandatory but advise you to have one)

Flight ticekt (to and from Paro)

Hence, Bhutan Visa cannot be processed separately but you are rather compelled to pass through the registered Bhutanese tour operator. You can still book the trip with overseas tour operator that has contracted a registered local tour operator registered with the state or a branch in Bhutan.

Can my visa in Bhutan be extended?

A: Yes, while traveling in Bhutan, it is possible to prolong the life of your Bhutan Visa. But this extension will require the same registered tour operator to extend, and TBC retains the sole right whether the visa should be extended or not. Should you wish to visit the country more than permitted, you have the option to extend the Visa, but you have to add daily package fees plus transfer to the related account before TCB can approve your Visa. You may also extend travel days beyond your current Bhutan e-Visa already cleared with the tour operator prior to the trip. If applicable, the existing visa will be canceled and issued again with another e-Visa clearance.

When is the ideal time you visit from Kathmandu?

A: You can visit all year round. The ideal season to visit Bhutan is during spring and fall/autumn since the temperature is mild and some festivals are held in this period. There are two seasons for Bhutan i.e (busier). Prominent seasons are spring (March, April, May) and fall/autumn season (September, October, November), and low season are winter (December, January, February) and summer (June, July, August). Since the autumn season with a moderate weather of less rainfall is the most frequent season of tourists in Bhutan, falls/autumn. And the second busiest season is spring, the spring blooms the local flowers, which makes the country beautiful and vibrant. Similarly, lush green forests and landscapes thrive in spring season. Nepal and Bhutan are under one roof, which is similar weather type — thus, planning the trip of Nepal and Bhutan at the same time is a no-brainer. Thimphu and Paro are high in elevation but are colder than Kathmandu. We also would recommend that some extra warm clothes should be packed, especially in winter season.

Accommodation & meals in Bhutan

Your tour package includes all your accommodation and meals in Bhutan. The minimum daily package includes your standard accommodation (minimum of 3-Star hotels) in municipal areas and the best-in-class guesthouses available in most rural towns. The minimum daily package fee also comprises three sitting-meals per day comprising Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner on a buffet plan at government’s certified restaurants. You are eating locally and not Chinese and continental dishes. A different option is that you upgrade the hotel at your own choice for an extra fee and choose to eat out to dinner at your own expense.

Helpful tips for Bhutan tour traveling from Kathmandu

As ATMs in Bhutan don’t always work reliably or they are not always available, ensure to bring enough of cash in USD either deposit at ATM Machine in Kathmandu or withdraw it from the ATM machine. However, as you are a member of Full Board package, you are required to carry out some extra cash for shopping, tipping, drinking etc.

It is not permitted to take photographs at some Dzongs/monasteries. So do not skip over checking with your guide on clicking pictures.

Within the monastery and Dzongs, there are no shorts, shoes are not allowed, check with your guide before entering monuments.

While you may walk in city (you are free to eat or for souvenirs) without a guide, you cannot travel between cities or through monuments on your own as you are forbidden to travel in Bhutan independently except for the Indians, Bangladeshi, Maldivies. However, they are required to obtain the entry permit or in advance to enter the country. See the list of latest changes: for tourists in the region, including from India in the kingdom.

During your visit to Bhutan, try their local food, like butter tea. Some common dishes served with locals are Ema Dasti, Hogay, Nosa Pa and Dumplings. Look out for their taste as certain dishes are very spicy.

Smoking: All kinds of cigarettes and tobacco sales and production is illegal in Bhutan, and smokers are forbidden in public places; however, smoking is permitted but in smoking areas; hotels have smoking rooms; restaurants have smoking zones. Cigarettes are illegal in Bhutan so you need to provide as many as you need from home or Kathmandu.

Because you will be hiking at Tiger’s Nest Temple, provide comfortable hiking shoes (if suitable, you are allowed to wear Sports shoes), walking sticks, day bag, water bottle, sunscreen, sunglasses, hat and so on. To find out more, check the blog: All you need to know about the hike to Tiger’s Nest.

Did you know? We already have some popular tailor-made itineraries traveling from Kathmandu that are liked by most of our clients for a long time now, click on the link to check the itineraries below:

Bhutan Tour From Kathmandu (7-9 Days)

Everest Base Camp Trek and Bhutan Tour (17-19 Days)

Bhutan Kathmandu Lhasa Tour via India (entering from Phuentshhiling border) for 15- 16 Days

Conclusion

This blog is about travel to Bhutan and access to Bhutan visa from Kathmandu. We know that great preparation and knowledge gathering are essential for a flawless trip. We can guide you through these plans, and take you all together to visit the unique Himalayan nationals. Knowledge is key and with the best knowledge and experience you can experience these countries effectively to create memories.