As travelers learn more about the Kingdom of Bhutan, the country finds itself atop many a travel bucket list. It’s unlike any other place on earth, and is certainly worth visiting. Its Himalayan vistas, ornate monasteries and well-preserved culture rightfully attract intrepid travelers from around the world.

However, its very uniqueness and its relative newness to the world of tourism means that Bhutan is still shrouded in a bit of mystery. Travelers often arrive without the knowledge necessary to ensure a stress-free experience. Having boarded a plane to Paro a few months back, I found myself squarely in this camp, excited by the prospect of adventure but understanding almost nothing about that it’s like to travel in Bhutan. I learned on the fly, but if I’d had the following information ahead of time, it would have transformed my entire experience.

THE FACTS ABOUT FLIGHTS

Paro is home to the only international airport in Bhutan. Only two airlines (Druk Air and Royal Bhutan) fly into and out of the country. What’s more, flights only depart from a select number of cities in Nepal, India, Thailand, Bangladesh, and Singapore. Because of these restrictions, consider booking your round-trip ticket to Bhutan first, as it may impact your other itineraries. I had to change multiple flights I’d scheduled once I realized the limitations into/out of Paro. And leave at least a four to five-hour layover in your city of departure, as you’ll have to re-check bags and pass back through security.

VISAS AND GUIDED TOURS

Visiting Bhutan requires a visa costing US$250 a day, and you must travel with a guide. While this sounds expensive, the fee includes accommodation, a driver, your guide and three meals a day. Travel companies also build this fee into their trip costs, so it’s not an additional expense.

In order to read the remaining fifteen pieces of advice, check out the full article written for Inside Himalayas, and start planning your Bhutanese adventure!