Travel Information
Tourism
In keeping with the government's cautious and balance approach to all aspects of developments and modernization, the tourism industry in Bhutan runs in the principle of sustainability. This means that tourism must not only be economically viable but also sensitive to the local culture and environment. There is no restriction imposed on the number of tourists to Bhutan. However, the policy of low volume high quality tourists ensures that Bhutanese tradition and culture can be preserved and numbered without exploitation.
Tourists can travel to Bhutan only through all-inclusive packages tours for which the government of Bhutan sets the tariff. All tours are booked through recognized Bhutanese tour operators and the entire land arrangements provided by the same agent. The Department of Tourism, Ministry of Trade & Industry has laid down a few guidelines and rules for foreigners visiting as tourists.
Tourists visiting Bhutan has to come through recognized tour operators and visa will be processed by that operator they are coming through.
Getting to Bhutan
By Air:
Druk Air, Bhutan's national airline is the only airline service in the country. The airport is in Paro. During monsoons and winter, unpredictable weather forces can delay flights and travelers should consider including an extra day in their itinerary.
By Road:
The nearest Indian airport is in Bagdora, which can be reached by plane from Calcutta and Delhi. The road from Bagdora connects to Phuentsholing, a border town in Bhutan. It is a 3-4 hour drive from the airport. It takes approximately 6 hours from Phuentsholing to Thimphu (capital city) or Paro (airport).
Visa
Visas must be obtained before departing for Bhutan. Druk Air ( the only Airline flying in and out of Bhutan) tickets cannot be purchased without visa clearance, which is issued by the Department of Immigration in Thimphu, the capital city. Actual visa is stamped on arrival in bhutan while visa is cleared in advance and a visa clearance number issued. Extension of visas can be obtained in Thimphu.
Note: Visas cannot be obtained at Bhutanese embassies.
Tourist tariff
International tourist tariff is set by the Royal Government of Bhutan and is valid for all-inclusive packages. The tariffs for tourists visiting in a group of 3 persons or more are as follows.
Season:
Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr, May, Jun, Jul, Aug,Sep, Oct, Nov & Dec.
Tariff: US$200 / per person per night
The above rates are the same for cultural tours, treks or any other special interest tours.
Tourist Entitlements
The above minimum daily tariff / package rates are inclusive of the following services:
1.Accommodation on twin sharing basis.
2.All transfers and sightseeing within Bhutan.
3.Services of accompanied guide.
4.All meals.
5.Royalty & taxes to the government.
6.Riding ponies and pack animals on treks.
7.Fees to temples & monuments.
The rates given above are applicable per tourist per night stay in Bhutan. On the day of departure, the local agent's obligation shall be limited to breakfast only and any extra requirement shall be payable on actual basis. The rates apply uniformly irrespective of locations and the type of accommodation provided / asked for. These accommodation establishments shall be approved by Tourism Council of Bhutan (TCB).
Tariff for individual and small groups (FIT)
Individual tourist and smaller groups of less than three persons shall be subject to surcharges as follows.
Single Individual: US$ 40 per night stay.
Group of 2: US$ 30 per person per night stay.
These FIT surcharges are net payable. All tourists are required to pay additional US$ 10 per visit as Tourism development contribution.
Discount on tourist tariff
1.There shall be no charge for CHILDREN up to the age of 5 years. However, those between the ages of 6 to 12 years accompanied by elders/guardians shall be given a 40% discount on daily rates.
2.Full time Students below the age of 25 years holding valid identity cards from their academic institutions shall also be given a 25% discount on daily rates.
Cancellation
You can cancel the trip at any time without obligation.
A cancellation fee for tours booked, paid for, and later canceled (plus additional wire-transfer fees) applies. The penalty charges for the land cost are as follows:
*45 days or more prior to arrival date in Bhutan--no penalty.
*30-22 days prior to arrival date in Bhutan--20% penalty.
*15-21 days prior to arrival date in Bhutan--30% penalty.
*14-7 days prior to arrival date in Bhutan--50% penalty.
*Less than 7 days prior to arrival or after arrival in Bhutan (or without notice)--no refund.
*Druk Air tickets once confirmed and purchased is not refundable
*Passengers who fail to show up for a flight will not be eligible for a refund.
*Lost tickets are nonrefundable
*Passengers who reschedule their flights will be subject to the following rebooking fees:
*48 hours before departure: $11
*36 hours before departure: $22
*24 hours before departure: $33
Due to the limited availability of Druk Air seating and the nature of travel in Bhutan, we cannot vary from our stated cancellation policy on confirmed and issued Druk tickets regardless of the guest’s situation. We strongly recommend the purchase of trip cancellation and trip related insurance upon booking a tour program.
Delayed arrival / departure
1.There shall be no fixed charge for the number of days of delay in arrival of visitors due to weather conditions, Druk Air problems or road blocks except for minimum charge on hotel cancellation, transport & guide.
2.There shall be no charge for the number of days of delay in departure of visitor due to weather conditions, Druk Air problems or roadblocks. They will be charged only the actual expenses on accommodation, food transport and any other services required.
Single room supplements
The quoted package rates are valid for accommodation on twin sharing basis and the following supplements will be applicable in case of a single room accommodation.
Festival season: US$ 50 per night
Other season: US$ 25 per night
Remittance of tour payment
Tour payment must be settled one month prior to the date of arrival in Bhutan and VISA is cleared by the government subject to advance payment only.
For high seasons (Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr, May, Jun, Sep, Oct, Nov & Dec,) it is advisable to remit payment for Druk Air flights 3 months advance. This will help us in getting your seats confirmed and secured.
What to know before travel
If you are visiting Bhutan you know that you are one of the fortunate few. We’ve put together important information that will come in handy as you begin planning for your trip.
Packing List for Trekking
In preparation for your upcoming vacation, we recommend that you review the suggested packing list.
* Boots [leather] in good condition
* Teva or similar sandals
* 2 pairs Coolmax inner sox
* 4 pairs thick Socks [make these all the same and ensure they are right for boots.]
* Lightweight long walking skirt [for girls]
* Lightweight walking trousers
* Fleece trousers
* Rain pants
* 2 lightweight long sleeved shirts [quick dry]
* 2 wick away short sleeved t shirts[quick dry]
* 3 sets of underwear. [ quick drying ]
* 1 set thermal underwear
* 6 handkerchiefs
* Large headscarf
* Fleece jacket
* Fleece vest
* Very light weight windproof jacket
* Rain jacket
* Fleece gloves and waterproof over gloves
* Broad brimmed sun hat
* Bathing suit [for hotel and hot springs]
* Sleeping bag [at least 3 season]
* Liner
* Thermarest sleeping mat.
* Pillow case of a size to take your fleece
* Washing kit
* Towel
* Personal hygiene / medical kit
* Spa 25 uva &uvb suncream
* Platypus/camel back water bottle/s at least 2 litres (4 pints) capacity
* Head torch and spare batteries
* Sunglasses
* Spare pair prescription glasses
* Pocket knife
* Binoculars
* Camera
* Notebook & penwallet that can be put on a belt or hung round your neck
* 35 minimum and preferably 45 litre capacity day sack
* Books
* Passport
* Tickets
* Insurance certificate
* Money in new us dollars [specify US$Mint to bank]
* List of emergency contact numbers
* Trek details
* Guide books
* Repair kit
* Kit bag : pack everything in ziplock plastic bags
* Trekking poles
* A set of comfortable clothes which you can leave in a spare bag at the hotel you return to after the trek.
Money & currency exchange
Bhutan's unit of currency is Ngultrum (Nu.) 1 Nu. = 100 Cheltrum. The Ngultrum is at parity with the Indian currency Rupee. The most current exchange rate of US$ against the Ngultrum can be found at Royal Monetary Authority.
Visa and American Express credit cards are accepted only at few places. Visitors are advised to carry traveler checks (preferably American Express) with some cash in US dollars.
Health Information
Currently, there are no vaccinations required for traveling to Bhutan. However, visitors coming from an area infected with yellow fever are required to get a yellow fever vaccination and mist be administered at least ten days before arrival in the country. Likewise, visitors arriving from cholera infected area should be vaccinated, and anti-malarial medication is strongly recommend for travelers visiting rural areas bordering India.
Pure spring water, locally bottled from the high mountains is available at almost all the shops. Imported bottled water from India is also available at almost all the stores.
Weather
Schedule your trips to take advantage of Bhutan’s most favorable seasons.
Seasons :
Winter (December-February),
Summer (March-May),
Monsoon (June-Aug),
Autumn (Sept-Nov).
Autumn (Sept-Nov.) : This season offers excellent weather and tantalizing mountain views.
Winter (Dec-Feb) : This season is noted for occasional snowfall only at higher elevations. Hence it is ideal for trekking at lower elevations, generally below 3,000 meters.
Spring (March-May) : Different varieties of wild flowers, specially the rhododendrons make the hillside a haunting paradise during this season. Summer (June-Aug) : Summer months, continues up to mid September making travel wet and warm. These times are blessed for the keen botanist as the higher valleys and meadows blossom with flowers and lush vegetation.
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