Travelling to Bhutan, Need guidance

Hi Bhutan <3

We are going to Bhutan in September last week, from 21st to 28th September from India. We will reach Phuentsholing on the 21st and will stay there till next day before we leave for Thimpu.

Here's our short itinerary -

21-22 : Phuentsholing

22-23 : Thimpu

24 - Punakha

25-26 - Paro

27 - Phuentsholing

I saw lots of videos and got to know that now hiring a guide is mandatory; and the SDF fee we need to pay, I have a few questions if someone can help -

  1. Will the guide travel with us for our whole trip duration?
  2. who pays for their travel and stay?
  3. Will they live with us 24*7?
  4. Will be SDF charged in Phuentsholing also?
  5. Are buses/public transport readily available in Bhutan or hiring a private taxi will be better?