Best of Bhutan

No, every foreigner visiting Bhutan (save those from India, Bangladesh and the Maldives) must be accompanied at all times by a Bhutanese tour guide. One reason for this is to ensure Bhutanese locals benefit from tourism. Your daily visa fee covers the cost of the tour guide, so you don't pay extra for this service. We talk about this and more in detail in How much does it cost to travel to Bhutan?

Undoubtedly the number one place visitors most want to see when visiting Bhutan is Tiger's Nest, and justifiably so. This iconic monastery sits perched on a cliff edge and can only be reached by hiking or riding a pony up through the forest. It's a must.

Other must-see sites in Bhutan include Thimphu, the capital city, and Punakha Dzong, a picturesque fortress that sits at the confluence of two rivers.

But there are many other, lesser-known attractions definitely worth your time. We recommend reading Bhutan travel guide – Top 12 places to visit in Bhutan.

Foreigners visiting Bhutan must pay a daily visa fee of $200 or $250, depending on the season. This fee covers most of your costs, including accommodation, transport and food. The Bhutanese Government uses the visa to ensure a minimum daily spend. You might like to read 6 things to know before visiting Bhutan, which explains the visa in more detail.