Permit Route Planner
Most travelers assume one permit covers Bhutan. Reality: Paro / Thimphu / Punakha are open with no extra permit, but Haa, Bumthang east, eastern Bhutan, and remote valleys all need a Regional Permit. Trekking routes need additional trekking permits. Restricted Areas (Merak-Sakten, Lunana, Gasa) need a separate Restricted Area Permit. Pick the regions below — the tool shows what you need.
Select your route
What this solves
Operators quote you a single "permit fee" line. That fee bundles: (a) your Bhutan visa clearance letter, (b) SDF, (c) a regional permit (if your itinerary leaves the western corridor), and (d) any trekking / monastery / restricted area permits. This tool makes the layers explicit so you can ask: "Is Merak-Sakten included, or is that extra?"
How to read the result
Each permit line shows whether it's automatic (operator arranges, included in tariff) or whether it needs pre-approval (extra days, limited quota, or proof of guide). Restricted Area Permits for Merak, Sakten, Lunana, Gasa, Haa, and Laya need advance applications through your operator — minimum 1–2 weeks, sometimes longer for Snowman/Lunana.
Limitations
- Permit policy is set by the Department of Tourism. Restricted area quotas, especially for Snowman Trek, change yearly.
- This tool doesn't book permits — your licensed operator files the applications.
- Indian / Bangladeshi / Maldivian passport holders follow a different route (no SDF, but still need protected area permits for some zones).
FAQ
Do I need a permit for Punakha?
No extra permit for Punakha, Wangdue, and Gangtey-Phobjikha. They're covered by the standard tour permit once your operator files your route.
Is the Snowman Trek permit separate?
Yes. The Snowman crosses multiple restricted areas (Lunana, Gasa) and has its own limited-window quota. Expect operator coordination 3–6 months in advance.
Sources
- Bhutan Department of Tourism — tourism.gov.bt (Permit Schedule 2024, Restricted Area notification)
- Trekking Operators Association of Bhutan (TOAB)