Restricted Area Checker
Bhutan opens about 60% of its land for standard tourism. The rest — primarily eastern valleys, Brokpa highland communities, and remote trekking routes — sits behind a Restricted Area Permit (RAP). This checker lists every restricted zone, the exact fee (USD 20/day), the minimum group rules, and when the permit window is closed.
Filter by activity / region
| Region / Trek | Type | Fee | Rules | Window |
|---|
What this solves
Most "Bhutan regions" guides lump everything together as "you need a permit." Reality: Paro, Thimphu, Punakha, Wangdue, Gangtey, and Bumthang are open on the standard permit. Only specific zones require the RAP. If your itinerary doesn't actually go off-grid, you don't need this page at all.
How to read the table
- Open zones — no extra permit. Standard SDF + tour permit is enough.
- Restricted Areas (RAP) — USD 20/day surcharge per person; minimum group size usually 2; operator files 1–2 weeks ahead.
- Trek routes — trekking permit USD 20/day + sometimes a Nu 500 sensor/royalty fee; routes have specific quotas.
- Closed window — the zone is closed to foreign visitors during that period (e.g. winter snow, monsoon landslides).
Limitations
- Rules update yearly. Snowman Trek quotas and route closures change more often than the standard tour permit.
- Border-area zones (e.g. parts of Samtse) are sometimes closed for security reasons without public notice.
- This table does not cover monastery-specific entry — some dzongs require advance caretaker permission regardless of zone.
FAQ
Is Haa Valley open year-round?
Yes — Haa is restricted but open year-round (with permit). The Haa Tshechu in summer is a major draw.
Can I do Merak-Sakten solo?
No. Minimum 2 tourists + licensed guide. Solo travelers must join an organized group or pair with another solo traveler.
Sources
- Department of Tourism, Restricted Area Notification 2023
- Trekking Operators Association of Bhutan (TOAB) trek permit schedules