-
1. How to Fly from Jakarta to Bhutan?
No direct flights. Common routes:
- Jakarta → Singapore → Paro (Druk Air, 2x weekly).
- Jakarta → Bangkok → Paro (Druk Air/Bhutan Airlines, daily).
- Jakarta → Delhi → Paro (daily flights, but requires Indian transit visa).
-
2. What is the Cost of a Bhutan Tour? Any tips for travel planners?
Bhutan’s daily tour fee covers:
- $150–$250 USD/person/day (covers 3-star hotels, meals, transport, guide).
- $200 USD/day sustainability fee (with 50% discount, $100 USD/day before Aug 2027).
- Flights from Jakarta to Bhutan cost $600–$1,000+ USD round-trip.
Key Tips for Travel Planners:
1. Book Early: Secure flights and visas 3–6 months ahead, especially for festivals.
2. Highlight Unique Experiences: Tiger’s Nest Monastery, Punakha Dzong, and hot stone baths.
3. Transit Advice: Singapore is the smoothest hub (visa-free transit up to 96 hours).
-
3. Is altitude sickness a concern for Indonesians traveling to Bhutan?
Altitude sickness could be a concern, especially for travelers not accustomed to higher elevations. Bhutan has moderate altitudes:
- Paro and Thimphu: ~2,200–2,500 meters.
- Tiger’s Nest Monastery: 3,120 meters.
- Dochula Pass: 3,100 meters.
To minimize risks:
- Take it slow on the first day and stay hydrated.
- Avoid alcohol.
- Consider altitude sickness medication if planning to trek to higher regions.
Tour guides are trained to assist in case of altitude sickness symptoms.
-
4. What should Indonesians pack for a trip to Bhutan?
Packing depends on the season, but essentials include:
- Clothing:
- Spring/Autumn: Light layers, a jacket for cool mornings/evenings.
- Winter: Warm clothing (thermal wear, coats, gloves, and scarves).
- Summer: Light clothing, rain gear (umbrella or raincoat).
- Footwear: Comfortable walking shoes or trekking boots, as most tours involve walking or hiking.
- Accessories: Hat, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a reusable water bottle.
- Personal Items: Passport, visa approval letter, travel insurance, and necessary medications (e.g., altitude sickness pills).
For Muslim travelers, packing halal snacks or prayer mats may also be useful.
-
5. What are the top attractions in Bhutan for Indonesians?
Bhutan Key attractions for Indonesian include:
Paro Taktsang (Tiger's Nest Monastery): Must-visit place in Bhutan.
Tashichho Dzong (Thimphu): A fortress-monastery housing King’s & Je Khenpo’s offices.
Buddha Dordenma (Thimphu): A giant golden Buddha statue, best spot to view Thimphu city.
Punakha Dzong: Wedding palace of the 5th King. Most beautiful Dong in Bhutan.
Dochula Pass (Punakha): Offering panoramic views of the Himalayas.
Chele La Pass (Haa): The highest motorable pass in Bhutan.
-
6. Hong long it will need for a Bhutan tour from Indonesia?
5 to 10 days is recommended for a comprehensive experience.
This allows exploration of major attractions in Paro, Thimphu, Punakha, and potentially other valleys. It also allows for some flexibility and relaxation.
- 5 Days: Covers Paro, Thimphu, and Punakha.
- 7 Days: Includes additional destinations like Phobjikha Valley or Haa Valley.
- 10+ Days: Ideal for trekkers or those looking to explore remote areas like Bumthang or take on longer treks like the Druk Path Trek.
Contact us to check the varied itineraries that meet your interests and time constraints.
-
7. How do Indonesians travel to Bhutan? Any direct flights?
The primary way is by flying into Paro International Airport (PBH). Drukair and Bhutan Airlines operate flights to Paro, often with connecting flights through cities like Bangkok, Singapore, Kathmandu, or Delhi or Kolkata.
There are no direct flights from Indonesia to Bhutan. Contact us to check flight availability, connections from Jakarta or other Indonesian cities, and layover durations.
Common routes include:
- Jakarta → Bangkok → Paro: Druk Air and Bhutan Airlines operate flights from Bangkok to Paro.
- Jakarta → Delhi/Kolkata → Paro: Flights to Paro are available from Delhi or Kolkata.
- Jakarta → Singapore → Paro: Druk Air operates flights from Singapore to Paro.
Most Indonesians prefer transiting through Bangkok due to frequent flight connections.- Transit Visa Requirements: If transiting through India, Indonesians may need a transit visa if leaving the airport during layovers.
-
8. What is the best time to visit Bhutan from Indonesia?
Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) are ideal. These seasons offer pleasant weather, clear skies, and are perfect for trekking and sightseeing.
Spring brings blooming rhododendrons (Paro Tshechu Festival), while autumn provides stunning mountain views (Thimphu Tshechu Festival). Winter for snow-capped Himalayan Mountains (Black-necked Cranes Festival). The tour will be great when your visit period coincide with local festivals.
Most Indonesian travelers prefer spring and autumn for festivals, clear weather, and outdoor activities.
-
9. Do Indonesians need a visa to visit Bhutan? Need to pay SDF fee?
Yes, All Indonesians require a e-visa to visit Bhutan. Required documents typically include a passport copy, passport-sized photos, and payment of the visa fee and SDF fee.
Here are the visa process for your reference:
- A Bhutan local tour operator or their international partner like Asia Odyssey Travel arranges the visa as part of the tour package.
- Indonesians must pre-book a tour with a licensed travel operator like us.
- The visa fee is USD 40, and it will be processed only after full payment of the tour package, including the Sustainable Development Fee (SDF; travel tax) of USD 100 per day (USD 200 per day x 50% discount before Aug.2027). Contact us to check the updated visa & SDF fee policy.
-
10. Are there halal food options in Bhutan? What is the Bhutan food like?
Halal food options are limited in Bhutan, as the majority of the population consumes non-halal meat. However, vegetarian dishes are widely available and can be customized to suit halal dietary needs.
- Popular vegetarian dishes include Ema Datshi (chili and cheese), red rice, and vegetable curries.
- You can inform us in advance about dietary requirements so that arrangements can be made.
Bhutanese cuisine is known for its use of chilies and cheese. "Ema Datshi" (chili cheese stew) is the national dish. While the Bhutan food can be spicy, restaurants often offer milder options.
You can inform us about the cuisine and request restaurants to adjust spice levels as needed. You can also bringing some familiar snacks from home.
-
11. What are the luxury hotels/5 star accommodations available in Bhutan?
Bhutan offers a range of luxury accommodations, including luxury hotels, boutique resorts, unique lodges, and traditional luxury Bhutanese farmhouses known as "luxury rural retreats."
There are over twenty-one 5-star hotels in Bhutan, which encompass approximately 10 brands of world-famous 5-star hotels:
1.Thimphu Luxury Hotel, Bhutan 5 Star Hotels: Amankora Thimphu, Six Senses Thimphu, DusitD2 Yarkay Thimphu, Le Meridien Thimphu, Pemako Thimphu (Taj Tashi)
2.Paro Luxury Hotel, Bhutan 5 Star Hotels: Amankora Paro, Six Senses Paro, Bhutan Spirit Sanctuary, COMO Uma Paro, Zhiwa Ling Heritage Paro, Le Meridien Paro Riverfront
3.Punakha Luxury Hotel, Bhutan 5 Star Hotels: Amankora Punakha, Six Senses Punakha, Pemako Punhaka, &Beyond Punakha River Lodge, COMO Uma Punakha
4.Gangtey Luxury Hotel, Bhutan 5 Star Hotels: Amankora Gangtey, Six Senses Gangtey, Gangtey Lodge
5.Bumthang Luxury Hotel, Bhutan 5 Star Hotels: Amankora Bumthang, Six Senses Bumthang