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Tiger's Nest Monastery, Bhutan
Destination · 09 of 09

Bhutan for travel agents.

The last Himalayan kingdom. SDF-inclusive tariffs, permit processing, Druk Air ticketing, and preferred access at Aman, COMO and Six Senses circuits — handled end to end.

About the destination

High-value, low-volume.


Bhutan is engineered for a specific traveller — one who values solitude over spectacle, monastery bells over cocktail bars, and pays a Sustainable Development Fee happily because it funds citizens' healthcare. Selling Bhutan is not about volume; it is about matching a small, discerning segment to a destination that rewards them exactly.

The challenge for foreign agents is the paperwork. SDF, visas, Druk Air ticketing (Paro landings require pilot certification), permits for eastern regions, and hotel allocation that runs on a calendar you cannot see from Manila or Toronto. That is where a Bhutan-specialist DMC becomes essential.

ILH's Bhutan operations run through direct relationships with the Department of Immigration, Druk Air, and every major lodge circuit — Aman, COMO, Six Senses. We quote SDF-inclusive so nothing surprises your client at final invoice.

Signature programs

Proven Bhutan routings, ready to tailor.


Tashichho Dzong illuminated at dusk, Thimphu
First-timer flagship · 5N/6D

Classic Bhutan Cultural

Paro–Thimphu–Punakha–Paro. Tiger's Nest hike, Punakha Dzong. SDF, permits, Druk Air inclusive.

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Amankora lodge exterior at dusk with outdoor dining terrace
Aman circuit · 9N/10D

Amankora Grand Circuit

All five Amankora lodges — Paro, Thimphu, Punakha, Gangtey, Bumthang. Deepest cultural immersion.

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Trekking camp with orange tents in a high Himalayan valley
Trekking · 9N/10D

Druk Path Trek

Classic 5-day trek between Paro and Thimphu with high alpine lakes. Mar–May & Sep–Nov only.

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Masked cham dancers performing at a Bhutanese tshechu
Festival · 5N/6D

Tshechu Festival

Timed to Paro, Thimphu, Punakha or Bumthang tshechu. Reserved festival-ground seating. Book 6+ months out.

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Sell with confidence

Bhutan essentials.


Best Season
Mar–May · Sep–Nov
Spring bloom & autumn views.
Visa
ILH-processed
USD 40, 5–7 working days. Indian/Bangladeshi/Maldivian nationals exempt.
SDF
USD 100/night
₹1,200 for Indian nationals. Included in every tariff.
Language
Dzongkha · English
English universally spoken in tourism.
Gateway
PBH (Paro)
Druk Air & Bhutan Airlines from major regional hubs.
Transport
Road · Domestic Flight
Chauffeur SUVs. Paro–Bumthang domestic available.
Lodge network

Aman, COMO, Six Senses and every category between.


Ultra-luxury circuits

Amankora – Paro · Thimphu · Punakha · Gangtey · Bumthang · COMO Uma Paro · COMO Uma Punakha.

Premium

Six Senses Bhutan – Paro · Thimphu · Punakha · Gangtey · Bumthang · Zhiwa Ling Ascent · Terma Linca.

Boutique heritage

Gangtey Lodge · The Postcard Dewa Thimphu · Naksel Boutique Hotel · Le Meridien Paro Riverfront.

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Frequently asked

Agent questions, answered.


Is Incredible Luxury Holidays a DMC for Bhutan?

Yes. We are a B2B destination management company working only with travel agents and tour operators. We handle the whole Bhutan program — visa applications, the Sustainable Development Fee, lodges, Druk Air or Bhutan Airlines flights, licensed guides and chauffeured transport — with 24×7 support while your clients travel. Incredible Luxury Holidays is approved by the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, is a member of IATO and ITATOA, and is an allied member of NAITAS (Philippines). See our accreditations →

What is the best Bhutan itinerary for a first-time client?

Five nights / six days on the classic western circuit — Paro, Thimphu and Punakha — shows first-time clients the best of Bhutan: the Tiger's Nest monastery hike, Punakha Dzong, Thimphu's dzongs and markets, and the Dochula Pass with its Himalayan views. Clients with more time can add the Phobjikha (Gangtey) valley and Bumthang for 9 to 10 nights. Time the trip to a tshechu festival for an unforgettable cultural highlight, booking six months or more ahead.

What is the Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) and how does it work?

The SDF is Bhutan's daily fee for visitors. It is USD 100 per adult per night for most nationalities (a reduced rate in place until 31 August 2027) and ₹1,200 per night for Indian nationals. Children under 6 are exempt and children aged 6 to 12 pay a reduced rate. The SDF funds free education, healthcare and environmental conservation in Bhutan. ILH quotes SDF-inclusive tariffs by default. Fees are set by the Royal Government of Bhutan and may change.

How does the Bhutan visa process work?

All visitors except Indian, Bangladeshi and Maldivian nationals need a visa, applied for online through Bhutan's official visa system before travel. ILH handles the application on your client's behalf; the visa fee is USD 40 and the visa is usually issued within 5–7 working days of complete documents. Indian nationals do not need a visa but receive an entry permit on arrival, showing a valid passport or voter ID card. Entry rules are set by the Royal Government of Bhutan and may change.

Which airlines fly to Bhutan and from where?

Druk Air and Bhutan Airlines. Direct routings from Delhi, Kolkata, Bagdogra, Kathmandu, Bangkok, Singapore, Dhaka. ILH holds Druk Air agent access for advance ticketing. Paro landing requires special pilot certification.

What is the best time of year to sell Bhutan?

March–May (spring, rhododendron bloom) and September–November (autumn, clear mountain views) are peak seasons. December–February is cold but rewarding — clear skies, fewer visitors. June–August is monsoon with shoulder pricing.

Which luxury lodges do you contract with in Bhutan?

Amankora circuit (all five lodges), COMO Uma Paro, COMO Uma Punakha, Six Senses Bhutan (all five lodges), Zhiwa Ling Ascent, The Postcard Dewa, Terma Linca, Le Meridien Paro.

How do you handle the Tiger's Nest hike for older or less-fit clients?

The Taktsang hike is 4–5 hours return with 700m elevation gain. For less-fit clients we offer horse-supported ascent to the cafeteria mid-point. Alternative viewpoint programs to the lower monastery courtyard available for clients unable to hike.

How quickly do you send a quote?

Within 24 hours of receiving the client brief — travel dates, number of travellers, nationality (it affects visa and SDF), hotel category and any special interests such as festivals or treks. Use the request form on this page or message us on WhatsApp.

Request a tariff

Send the client brief. We'll quote in 24 hours.


Adults
Kids (2–11)
Infants (0–1)

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Selling Bhutan from your market?

Bhutan sits high on bucket lists in Manila, Toronto and Singapore. Our Bhutan desk clears the paperwork so you can focus on selling.

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