About Us

More Than a Tour Company — We're Your Gateway to Bhutan

Founded by Bhutanese guides with a passion for sharing their extraordinary kingdom, Arise Bhutan Tours & Travel has been crafting life-changing journeys since 2012.

Our Story

Born from a Love of Bhutan

Arise Bhutan was founded with a single conviction: that Bhutan deserves to be experienced deeply, not just seen briefly. Too many travelers arrive, tick the Tiger's Nest off their list, and leave — missing the ancient soul of this remarkable kingdom.

Our founder, a Paro native and third-generation guide, created Arise Bhutan to build the bridge between curious travelers and authentic Bhutanese culture. The name “Arise” captures our core belief: that the best journeys don't just take you somewhere new — they awaken something within you.

Every itinerary we craft is designed to create that awakening: a morning hike where prayer flags flutter in mountain mist, a festival moment where centuries-old dance dissolves time, a quiet afternoon in a farmhouse where a family shares their ema datshi and stories of the land.

Tiger's Nest
Cham Dance festival
Our Philosophy

What Does It Mean to “Arise”?

01

To Awaken

Bhutan doesn't just change your itinerary — it changes your perspective. Leave with a clearer sense of what makes a life well-lived.

02

To Explore

Go beyond the famous sights. We take you to hidden valleys, family homes, and sacred places most visitors never find.

03

To Grow

The best travel is transformative. We design every journey to stretch your horizons, deepen your understanding, and nourish your spirit.

What We Stand For

Our Core Values

Authentic Experiences

We go beyond the tourist trail, connecting you with real Bhutanese people, culture, and daily life.

Sustainable Tourism

Bhutan's unique 'High Value, Low Impact' philosophy guides every tour we design.

Licensed & Trustworthy

Fully licensed by the Association of Bhutan Tour Operators (ATCB). Your safety and experience are our priority.

Expert Local Guides

All guides are certified, local Bhutanese experts with deep knowledge of culture, history, and terrain.

Personalized Service

No two trips are the same. We custom-craft every itinerary around your interests and travel style.

End-to-End Planning

From visa processing to airport pickup — we handle every detail so you can simply enjoy Bhutan.

Essential Information

Planning Your Bhutan Visit

Do I need a visa?

Yes. All visitors (except Indian, Bangladeshi, and Maldivian nationals) require a Bhutan visa. Arise Bhutan handles all visa processing on your behalf. Visas are issued only through licensed tour operators.

What is the Sustainable Development Fee (SDF)?

Bhutan charges a mandatory daily SDF of USD 100/day (as of 2024). This fee supports free education, healthcare, and environmental conservation. It is included in all our packages.

When is the best time to visit?

March–May (spring, rhododendrons in bloom) and September–November (autumn, clear mountain views) are peak seasons. Winter (Dec–Feb) is cold but offers uncrowded festivals like Punakha Drubchen.

How do I get to Bhutan?

Bhutan is served by Druk Air and Bhutan Airlines, with connections from Bangkok, Singapore, Delhi, Kathmandu, Mumbai, and Kolkata. The approach to Paro Airport is one of the world's most dramatic.

Ready to Plan Your Bhutan Adventure?

Our specialists are standing by to craft your perfect itinerary.

Get in Touch Today