Frequestly Asked

Questions

At KORA, we go beyond standard travel itineraries with a commitment to crafting personalized and meaningful journeys that connect travelers deeply with Bhutan. Each experience we design reflects our core values: practicing responsible tourism that supports local communities and protects the environment, encouraging cultural immersion through authentic encounters with Bhutanese traditions and ways of life and promoting spiritual wellness by creating journeys that nurture both body and spirit.

With us, travel is never just about visiting places. It’s about creating stories, memories, and connections that last a lifetime.

BTT (Bhutan Time) is UTC/GMT +6 hours, which is 0.5 hours ahead of Delhi time and 1 hour behind Bangkok time. The entire country of Bhutan is in the UTC/GMT +6 time zone, and Bhutan does not use Daylight Saving Time.

India, Bangladesh and Kuwait have embassies in Bhutan. Austria, Denmark, United Kingdom, Japan and Thailand have representative offices in Bhutan.

KORA shall arrange your airline tickets on both Druk Air and Bhutan Airlines. There is no commission fee involved for this service. However, you can also buy directly from their websites www.drukair.com.bt www.bhutanairlines.bt

The following documents are required to fulfill visa application form: valid passport copy and a recent digital copy of your passport size picture with a plain background.

Absolutely! We’d love to help you customize your journey. Just share with us where you’d like to go, the experiences you’re excited about, your budget and any special requests. We’ll take care of the details and craft a trip that’s truly yours.

No, you are not allowed to freely bring in or operate drones anywhere in Bhutan. 

To fly a drone legally, you must obtain prior permission from the Bhutan Civil Aviation Authority (BCAA) and sometimes clearance from the Ministry of Home and Cultural Affairs, especially in sensitive cultural or border areas.

Without official permits, drones will be confiscated at entry points (airport or land borders).

Bhutan is safe, clean, and welcoming, making it perfect for families. Kids can enjoy gentle hikes, nature walks and wildlife while cultural experiences like festivals and dzongs (fortresses) introduce them to Bhutanese heritage. With family-friendly accommodations and relaxed itineraries, Bhutan offers adventure, learning and lasting memories for the children.

While it's not mandatory, it's a thoughtful way to show your appreciation for good service.

For groups of two or less, guides are normally tipped an average of USD 15 per person per day and drivers are normally tipped an average of USD 7 per person per day. For groups larger than two persons, guides are normally tipped an average of USD 10 per person per day and drivers are normally tipped an average of USD 5 per person per day. Both tips are normally paid as a lump sum on the final day of the trip. Trekking porters are tipped an average of USD 10 per person per day. 

All treks must be undertaken with a licensed tour operator or guide. Your tour operator will assist you with all the necessary logistics and safety precautions.

We are licensed by the Department of Tourism and is committed to safeguarding your interests in case any issues or concerns arise. Additionally, our office will provide a Travel Contract signed by both parties, outlining all terms and conditions.

Tobacco products are not for sale locally, but you may bring them for personal consumption within the following limits: 800 cigarettes, 150 cigars, or 750 grams of other tobacco products. A 100% tax on the product’s value applies.

Bhutan is officially a tobacco-free country, and smoking in public places or at official events is strictly prohibited. Smoking is only allowed in designated areas.

Most nightlife is in Thimphu and Paro. You can enjoy live music at Mojo’s in Thimphu and dance at Space 34, Club Avenue or Thimphu Club. Club Insomnia and Club Khamsaa are popular dance clubs in Paro. Nightlife in Bhutan usually starts as early as 9 p.m. and closes by 3 a.m. (popular nights are Wednesday & Friday).

In Bhutan, the power sockets are of type D, F and G. The standard voltage is 230 V and the standard frequency is 50 Hz. Power adaptors are not provided by KORA. Please bring your own with you.

Tshechus are integral to Bhutanese culture because they serve as vibrant, spiritual and social events that embody the nation's deep-rooted religious, cultural and community values. Tshechus are a way for Bhutanese people to honor their Buddhist faith, especially the teachings of Guru Rinpoche, who is believed to have brought Buddhism to Bhutan. 

The rituals, prayers and dances performed during Tshechus are intended to purify the mind and protect individuals and communities from negative influences. Tshechus are much more than just festivals; they are a reflection of Bhutan's spiritual, cultural, and social fabric and they help maintain a deep sense of continuity and pride in Bhutanese society.

Other than the locally-made crafts on display in the various handicraft shops found across the country, it is illegal to buy or sell antiques in Bhutan.

Since 2013, homosexuality has been legal in Bhutan. Bhutan is very welcoming to gays and lesbians or for that matter, anyone hailing from any gender, culture or religious background.

Bhutanese cuisine can range from mild to very spicy. Meals at hotels and restaurants are usually catered to international tastes so they tend to be less spicy and should be comfortable for most travelers. Spicier dishes are more common in private homes or farm stays. But our office usually let them know your preferences in advance.

We are a local tour agency based in Thimphu, Bhutan, and booking directly with us can save you significant money. International travel agents act as commission-based intermediaries, which adds extra fees on top of the rates charged by local operators.

Because tourist visas can only be issued by licensed Bhutanese operators, even bookings made through overseas agents ultimately go through local operators like us. By booking directly, you benefit from better rates, clear and direct communication, and a seamless travel planning experience.

Travelers have to pay one time Bhutan visa fee of US$40 and US$100 per night as SDF (Sustainable Development Fee) to the Royal Government of Bhutan and pay additional for the actual land arrangements such as accommodation, vehicle, entrance fees to national monuments, guide fee and meals.

The major banks now have ATMs and you can withdraw local currency via Visa & Master Card credit & debit cards & Cirrus/Maestro endorsed bank debit cards. Remember to inform your bank that you are traveling to Bhutan and you may use your credit cards in Bhutan. Some banks don’t let their cards be used in Bhutan, if not informed before hand.

Our licensed Bhutanese guides will introduce you to the many facets of Bhutan and its rich culture. All guides are English-speaking and undergo regular training to ensure the highest standards of service. For specialized activities—such as treks, bird watching, biking, meditation, or other unique experiences—expert guides with specific knowledge will accompany you.

Guides are an integral part of your journey in Bhutan, ensuring you gain deep insights, memorable experiences, and engaging company throughout your trip.

For passengers heading to Bhutan, both the airlines will ensure that you get on the next available flight to Paro. For passengers who miss their flight due to late check-in, passengers can pay Druk Air an admin charge of US$50 to get on the next available flight.

For travelers returning from Bhutan our team will assist you with all arrangements in case of a flight delay. We will also attempt to contact your connecting flight airline to inform them of a delay. Should you not be able to take your connecting flight on the same day, the Airline will arrange for your accommodation in your transit port.

Any other fees and charges incurred will typically have to be borne by the travelers. You are advised to acquire your own travel insurance.

Airlines do not issue paper tickets any more. KORA will purchase your ticket and email the e-ticket to you.

Yes, it is possible to use your credit card to pay for your visa and SDF online. However, we strongly recommend that you notify your bank prior to making the credit card transaction to ensure that the payment is processed successfully.  If they are not informed in advance, sometimes international banks will block online payments to Bhutan as part of the bank’s online security measures.

No However, it is strongly recommended that all guests to Bhutan have travel insurance before visiting the Kingdom as a precaution in case of unforeseen situations.

Yes, You can drive your own car to Bhutan by paying USD40 per car per day to RSTA (Road Safety & Transport Authority). A guide is also mandatory and will be at an additional charge.

If guests want to bring their own car, the cars must meet the requirements of RSTA and must also have a valid driver's license, insurance documentation, pollution control documentation, an entry permit and a vehicle in reasonable condition.

A valid Indian driver's license is accepted for self-driving within Bhutan. The same fees and rules apply for motorbikes.

In case the vehicle is not owned by the guests travelling to Bhutan, an authorization letter is required.

While independent travel is generally fine within Paro and Thimphu, it is mandatory to have a licensed local guide when visiting other districts.

A local guide not only helps you experience the best Bhutan has to offer but also ensures your safety while exploring unfamiliar terrain and locations.

Guides are also required for travelers entering Bhutan via land borders who plan to journey beyond the border towns.

Tourists cannot carry USD 9,999 or more in cash. Amounts equal to or exceeding this must be declared to customs upon entry or exit.

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