Bhutan Tours
The Buddhist Kingdom of Bhutan lies along the lofty ridges of the eastern Himalayas. The country forms a giant staircase, from a narrow strip of land in the south to some of the highest unclimbed Himalayan peaks on earth. With an area of 46,500 square kilometers, Bhutan is comparable to Switzerland both in its size and topography, being largely mountainous.
It was the mighty Himalayas which protected Bhutan from the rest of the world and left the Kingdom blissfully untouched.
With a relatively small population of 6,50,000, people in Bhutan enjoy a sustainable lifestyle which they inherited from their forefathers. About 85% population of country still live in small villages sparsely scattered over rugged mountain land. Buddhism, prevalent in the country since the 7th century and continues to play important role in their peaceful lives.
For centuries, Bhutanese have treasured the natural environment and have looked upon it as the source of all life. This traditional reverence for nature has delivered Bhutan into the 21st century with an environment still richly intact. More than 72% of the land area is still under forest cover. The country has been identified as one of the ten bio-diversity hot spots in he world and as one of the 221 global endemic bird areas. Its Eco-system harbors some of the most exotic species of the eastern Himalayas with an estimated 770 species of birds and 50 species of rhododendrons, besides an astonishing variety of medicinal plants and orchids. Many parts of the country which have been declared as wildlife reserves, are the natural habitat of rare species of both flora and fauna .During the second half of the 20th century , Bhutan has seen its isolation steadily eroded by the inexorable forces of progress and development. Until then it was a country shrouded in mystery, untainted by any foreign influence. Although its seclusion prevented the Kingdom from fully benefiting from many developments of the modern world but it also shielded the country from many of the detrimental side affects of unplanned or haphazard development. As a result, while most of the Himalayan region has seen its natural resource base severely compromised through deforestation, soil degradation, erosion and pollution, while Bhutan's natural patrimony of extensive and varied forests, limited yet fertile and productive farmland, and pristine water and air remains largely intact.
Druk Yul or the 'Land of Thunder Dragon', the country as called by Bhutanese is a land replete with myths and legends. The mountains are magnificent, the forest are dense, the people are delightful, the air is pure, the architecture inspiring, the religion exciting and the art superb. Like timeless images from the past, the traveler encounters the full glory of this ancient land through its strategic fortresses known as Dzongs, numerous ancient temples, monasteries and stapes which dot the countryside, prayer flags which flutter along the high ridges, wild animals which abound in dense forests, foamy white waterfalls which are the ethereal showers, and the warm smile of its friendly people. Each moment is special as one discovers a country which the people have chose to preserve in its magical purity.
With its beautiful and largely unspoiled Himalayan setting, its rich flora and fauna and its vibrant Buddhist culture, Bhutan has become an increasingly popular destination for international tourists.
Bhutan is best known to the world today as the last Shangrila. The few visitors who make the rare journey into this extraordinary kingdom will discover that there is no other destination like this land of pure and exotic mysticism. In this country known as Druk Yul, or the 'Land of the Peaceful Dragon', the fortunate visitor will find a rare combination of harmony and accord, amidst a landscape of incredible natural beauty.
The Royal Government of Bhutan recognizes that tourism is a world-wide phenomenon and an important means of achieving socioeconomic development particularly for developing countries like Bhutan. It also recognizes that tourism, in affording the opportunity to travel, can help in promoting understanding among peoples and building closer ties of friendship based on appreciation and respect for different cultures and lifestyles.
Towards achieving this objective, the Royal Government, since inception of tourism in the year 1974, has adopted a very cautious approach to growth and development of the tourism. The Bhutanese tourism industry is based on principle of sustainability that is 'tourism must be environmentally and ecologically friendly, socially and culturally acceptable and economically viable'.
Health Information: No vaccination is currently required for entry into Bhutan . However if you are arriving from an area infected with yellow fever, you are required to have a yellow fever vaccination.
If you are arriving from Cholera infected area then officials may ask for evidence of Cholera vaccination. Anti –malarial medication is recommended for all travelers to Bhutan who are visiting rural areas in the districts that border India.
It is suggested that you assemble a traveler's medical kit appropriate to destination, length of trip and general health. On a tour in Bhutan, there are long drives, and roads are winding so medication for motion sickness is strongly suggested. You should also pack an adequate supply of any prescribed medications you may require while traveling.
Travelers who plan to visit Bhutan should consult a physician about high-altitude travel. After a brief period of acclimatization, most people do not suffer from altitude sickness; but elderly travelers or those with high blood pressure or heart conditions need to exercise caution at high altitudes.
Accommodation: In Bhutan, there is no star categorization of hotels however at all tourist destinations there are accommodation establishments approved by Tourism Council of Royal Government of Bhutan. The popular destinations such as Thimphu, Paro, Punakha, Wangduephodrang, Bumthang, Phuentsholing, has good standard hotels however accommodation is basic at Mongar, Trashigang, Gangtey, Samdrup Jongkhar. Interestingly all hotels / lodges / guest houses are built in traditional architecture offering good cuisine and reasonably decent, clean, accommodation. Away from main towns there are purpose built huts on some of principal trekking routes. Otherwise there is nothing like camping out under the clearest skies that you have ever seen. Wherever you spend the night, the warm Bhutanese hospitality will make you feel welcome.
We have carefully selected the list of accommodation units with the best of location, ambience and service:
Phuentsholing: Lhaki Hotel, Hotel Druk, Centennial Hotel, Hotel Namgay, Sinchula Hotel & Central Hotel
Paro: The Village Lodge, Hotel Olathang, Kyichu Resort, Gangtey Resort, Hotel Eye of the Tiger, Janka Village Resort, Rinchen Ling Lodge, Hotel Silverpine, Hotel Valley View, Hotel Jigmeling, Tashi Namgay Resort, Dechen Cottages, Bhutan Resort, Pelri Hotel & Samdenchholing Resort
Thimphu: Kisa Hotel, Hotel Druk, Hotel River view, Hotel Motithang, Hotel Pedling, Hotel Jumolhari, Hotel Pine Wood, Hotel Wangchuk, Hotel Taktsang, Druk Tshering Guest House, Hotel Kelwang, Bhutan Suites, Wangchuk Resort & Hotel Dragon Roots
Punakha: Hotel Zangtho Pelri, Hotel Meri Punsum, Y. T Hotel, Puna Tshangchu Cottages & Singye Lodge
Wangduephodrang: Kyichu Resort, Tashiling Lodge & Dragon Nest Resort.
Gagntey: Hotel Dewachen, Theckchenphodrang Lodge, Phuentshochholing Lodge & Gakling Lodge.
Trongsa: Phuenzi Lodge, Norling lodge & Yankhil Resort
Bumthang: Mountain Lodge, Jakar Village Lodge, Swiss Guest House, Wangdichholing Resort, Wangdichholing hotel, Hotel Home, River Lodge, Gongkhar Lodge & Pelling Hotel
Mongar: Shongar Lodge, Druk Kuenden Guest House, Hotel Wangchuk, New Lee Hotel & Samling Hotel.
Trashigang: Kelling Motel, Hotel Doejung & Uling Resort
Samdrup Jongkhar: Hotel Peljorling, Hotel Jigten, Hotel Dekling & Hotel TLT.
Communication: Bhutan has an efficient telecommunication system. Nearly all accommodation units have facilities of international dialing, fax and few of them have started offering internet services also. The satellite earth station in Thimphu was installed in 1990 along with a sophisticated international telephone services and now direct dial calls go through quickly and clearly.
You can send mail from hotels and post offices and this mail service is quite reliable. DHL provides efficient courier service to and from Bhutan.
Food & Drink: Bhutanese food is generally good. Set meals for travelers tend to be on the bland side, because local food is heavily seasoned with red chilies and can be quite hot. Most hotels provide meals buffet-style. There are usually continental, Indian, Chinese and Bhutanese dishes. The food in hotels is often the best in town, but in main towns now there are few restaurants increasingly becoming popular. All tourist hotels have good selection of international and Bhutanese beverages.
Food provided during tour is quite elaborate and generally consists of followings :
On Cultural Tour.
BREAKFAST; Canned juice with choice of orange, mango, pineapple, apple etc, Porridge/cornflakes/cereals, Fresh fruits, Sausages/bacon, Toast, butter and Jam, Eggs, Tea/coffee
LUNCH; Salad, Rice, 2 Non-vegetable items, 2 Vegetable items, Roti/Nan, Desert, Tea/Coffee
DINNER; Soup, Salad, Rice, Noodles, 2 Non-vegetable items, 2 Vegetable items, Desert, Tea/Coffee
EVENING TEA; Tea/Coffee, Cookies/sandwich, Biscuits/pasteries
On Trek
BREAKFAST; Canned juice with choice of orange, mango, pineapple, apple etc., Porridge/cornflakes/cereals, Fresh fruits, Sausages/bacon, Eggs, Tea/Coffee
LUNCH; Vegetable cutlet/sandwich/boiled potato, Chicken roast/roast beef, Boiled eggs, Roti/Naan, Fresh fruits, Canned juice, Boiled drinking water
DINNER; Soup, Salad, Rice, Noodles, 2 Non-vegetable items, 2 Vegetable items, Desert, Tea/Coffee
EVENING TEA; Tea/Coffee, Cookies/sandwich, Biscuits.
Photography: Bhutan's landscape, buildings and people are some of the most photogenic in the world. While photographic local people, it is always better to take permission first. There are certain places such as monasteries and temples, where photography is prohibited however there is no restriction on photographing Dzongs and Goembas from outside. If you are uncertain about whether or not photography is permitted, please check with your local guide. You should refrain from taking pictures of military installations.
Accessibility:
Air: Bhutan's National Air Carrier, Druk Air, operates flight from Delhi, Kolkatta (twice a week), Kathmandu (twice a week), Bangkok (thrice a week), Dhaka (once a week). For detailed information about airline, schedule and tariff, please refer to its website : www.drukair.com.bt
Druk Air Fare Chart
As of date, airfare for different sector is as under:
Sectors Economy class fare Business class fare (Appr).
Delhi / Paro or vice versa US $ 315/ US $ 380/
Calcutta / Paro or vice versa US $ 190/ US $ 230/
Kathmandu / Paro or vice versa US $ 190/ US $ 230/
Bangkok / Paro or vice versa US $ 360/ US $ 440/
Dhaka / Paro or vice versa US $ 190/ US $ 230/
This quoted fare is excluding taxes.
Surface: Entry / Exit to Bhutan is also possible through Phuentsholing, the southern Bhutan frontier town. Bagdogra airport, in the state of West Bengal (India) is the nearest airport about 5 hours drive from Phuentsholing. Also Bagdogra (and its main town Siliguri) is the convenient point for visiting West Bengal region of Darjeeling, Kalimpong, state of Sikkim..
Badrapur (about 5 hours drive from Phuenstholing) and Birat Nagar (about 7 hours drive from Phuenstholing) are two other airports in Nepal, connected with regular flights from Kathmandu.
Tour Guides: All our tours are escorted by well trained, knowledgeable guides who are certified by Department of Tourism. We generally provide English speaking guides however the services of Japanese, French, German, Italian, Spanish and Russian speaking guides can be provided with sufficient prior information and on an additional cost.
Custom & Immigration: Visitors are required to fill up the Custom Form and hand over to concerned authorities on arrival. Following articles are exempted from duty :-
a). Personal affects and articles for day to day use by the visitor
b). 2 litres of alcohol, 400 cigarettes, 150 gms of pipe tobacco
c). Instruments, apparatus or appliances for professional use
d). Photographic equipment, video cameras and other electronic goods for personal use.
The articles mentioned under c). & d). must be declared in Custom Form. If such items disposed off in Bhutan by sale of gift, they are liable for custom duty.
Import and Export of following goods are strictly prohibited :-
a). Arms, ammunitions, explosives and military stores
b). All narcotics and drugs except medically prescribed drugs
c). Wildlife products, especially those of endangered species
d). Antiques<
Also visitors are advised to be cautious in purchasing old and used items. Custom authorities will not allow any old / used items to be taken out of the country if they have not been certified as non-antiques. Imports of plants, soils etc. are subject to quarantine regulations. These items must be cleared on arrival.
Newspaper & Magazines: 'Kuensel' is country's newspaper published on every Saturday in three languages English, Dzongkha and Nepali. Also newspaper is online through its website : www.kuensel.com.bt
Indian newspapers and magazines are available in few main towns but they reach Bhutan one or two days after publication.
Radio & TV: Bhutan Broadcasting Service has Programme in Dzongkha, English and Nepali. Television started in year 2000 and various channels are now available for the viewers such as BBC, CNN, Discovery, Star TV, ESPN etc..
Language: 'Dzongkha', one of the Tibetan family of languages is Bhutan's national language. English is commonly spoken in main towns and also it is the medium of education in schools throughout the country.
Electricity: In Bhutan, electricity runs 220 / 240 volts. If you do bring electrical appliances, take along an international converter kit complete with a set of adapter plugs.
Transport: Comfortable transport is available in Bhutan, making journey in this mountainous terrain really pleasant. Latest model Japanese Toyota Cars, Land Cruisers, Haice Buses and Coaster Buses are offered to tourists depending upon the group size. The transport and guide accompanies the tourists right from arrival until departure.
Shopping: Items that are most frequently purchased by travelers to Bhutan include postage stamps, lovely hand-woven fabrics, carved masks, woven baskets, thangkhas, wooden bowls, handmade paper and finely-crafted metal objects. In Bhutan, the buying and / or selling of antiques is strictly forbidden.
Gratuities: Tipping is not compulsory for tour, nor there is any fixed amount for this. Nevertheless the bottom line in determining whether and how much to tip is to ask yourself how much the individual contributed to make your travels more enjoyable.
Clothing & Accessories: Comfortable clothing and sturdy, soft-soled shoes are essential for travel in Bhutan. Warm clothing is recommended ; and except for summer months, down jackets and woolen sweaters are suggested. In summer, heavy cottons and lightweight woolens will be acceptable. Altitudinal differences account for a wide range of temperatures from day to night the year round. It is, therefore, suggested that clothing be layered so that you can adapt to the changing conditions.
While visiting temples and other religious places, you will need to dress conservatively. Slacks are more appropriate for men; and longer – length skirts are more appropriate for women. Shoulders must also be covered when inside religious buildings. Please keep in mind that shoes must be removed when entering temples. It is, therefore, suggested that you carry a pair of socks to wear inside religious buildings.
The items you should carry for this trip are :clothes as per season, sunglasses / spare glasses, pair of casual shoes, hat, umbrella, camera, films and accessories, insect repellent, hand cream, small sewing kit & safety pins, torch or flash light with spare batteries, mirror, scissor, sun cream, lip salve or soluble aspirin, antiseptic cream, anti-histamine cream, anti-diarrhea pills, a preparation for the relief of sunburn.
Camping Equipment Whilst on a trek: Whilst trekking you are provided with foam mats but we recommend you bring a self-inflating mat pack called Thermarest. This packs up small but when inflated gives very good insulation and is more comfortable than a single closed-cell foam mat. We do not recommend you bring an airbed. You should also bring your Sleeping bags which should be 4-seasons bags as the temperature will decrease especially at 4,000m camp sites.
Other useful items: It would be prudent to bring all essential items from home; razor blades (or battery operated shaver), toothpaste, shampoo, make-up etc., insect repellent, soap, alarm clock, binoculars, torch, sunscreen, sufficient reading material and plenty of batteries for all electrical appliances.
Laundry: Laundry service is available in most of the hotels at main destinations. However, it is advisable to check the hotel's individual laundry return policy and pricing schedule before choosing to have laundry done at a hotel.
Money: Bhutanese currency is Ngultrum (Nu.). As of May, 2002, approximately 49 Ngultrum exchanged for one US dollar. The Ngultrum is officially pegged to the Indian Rupee. Also Indian Rupee is acceptable all over Bhutan. As of date, only American Express card is acceptable in the country and that too by very limited service establishments.
Tariff:
In Bhutan, the tourist tariff is set by government which is valid for all inclusive package.
* The government fixed package tariff for tourists visiting in a group of 03 persons or more are as follows :-
- High Season Tariff (Mar, April, May, Sept, Oct, Nov) = US $ 250/ per person per night
- Low Season Tariff (Jan, Feb, June, July, Aug, Dec) = US $ 225/ per person per night
- This tariff is same for Cultural Tours, Treks or any other Special Interest Tours.
These minimum daily rates are inclusive of following services :
i) accommodation on twin sharing basis
ii) all transfers and sightseeing within Bhutan
iii) services of accompanied English speaking guide
iv) all meals
v) government's royalty
vi) riding ponies and pack animals on treks
vii) entrance fees to the monuments
Individual tourists and smaller groups of less than three persons are subject to following surcharges, over and above daily package tariff :
Surcharge incase only single person travelling = US $ 40/ per night
Surcharge incase 02 persons travelling together = US $ 30/ per person per night
Incase the number of persons travelling together is 03 or more then there is no surcharge.
Agency Commission: As per international norms, 10% of the gross tour payment shall be payable to the principal agents abroad as commission and shall be deducted by these agents at source. Further, this commission shall be calculated from the net amount after deducting the discounts wherever applicable. Also there is no commission on FIT Surcharges, applicable incase of 01 and 02 pax.
Tourism Development Fund: A sum of US $ 10/ per tourist per visit shall be payable towards Tourism Development Fund.
Discount on Tourist Tariff: A discount of 50% on daily rates is available for one person in a group of 11 to 15 persons and 100% discount to one person for every 15 full paying persons.
DIPLOMATS from foreign embassies / missions accredited to Bhutan shall be given a 25% discount on the daily rates.
Full time STUDENTS below the age of 25 years holding valid identity cards from their institutions shall also be given a 25% discount on daily rates.
There shall be no charge for CHILDREN up to the age of 5 years. However, those between the age of 6 to 12 years accompanied by elders/guardians shall be given 50% discount on daily rates.
A discount of 10% on the daily rates shall be provided for halts between 11 to 20 nights and 20% discount on halts beyond 21 nights.
Cancellations: Tour programs booked and subsequently cancelled shall be subject to cancellation charges as follows :
(a) Within 30 days of the start of the tour programme Free
(b) Within 21 days 10% of the rate
(c) Within 14 days 15% of the rate
(d) Within 7 days 30% of the rate
(e) Less than 7 days or cancellation without notice 50%of the rate
(f) After arrival in Bhutan 100%
Delayed Arrival / Departure: There shall be no charge for the number of days of delays in arrival of visitors due to weather conditions, Druk Air problems or road blocks.
There shall be no charge for the number of days of delay in departure of visitors due to weather conditions, Druk Air problems or road blocks. They will be charged only the actual expenses on accommodation, food, transport and any other services required.
Remittance of Tour Payment: Entire tour payment must be settled at least 6 weeks prior to date of arrival in Bhutan and VISA is cleared by Government subject to advance payment only.
Please deposit / transfer the payment to following Banks:
ADVENTURE TREKS NEPAL (P) LTD.
CURRENT US$ A/C# 001 01306190017
HIMALAYAN BANK LIMITED, TRIDEVI MARG,
THAMEL KATHMANDU, NEPAL.
Telex No: 2789 HIBA NP
SWIET: HIMANPKA
Time: Bhutan time is six hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time. There is only one time zone throughout the country.
Visa: Visa is required for traveling to Bhutan. Following information along with full tour payment shall be emailed / faxed / couriered to us about 4 weeks prior to date of arrival in Bhutan, to process visa with the concerned authorities: Full Name, Permanent Address, Nationality, Date & Place of Birth, Profession / Occupation, Passport Number, Date of Issue, Place of Issue, Date of Expiry, Nature of Passport : Diplomatic / Official / Ordinary / UN Laissez Passer
Alternatively, attached VISA FORM can be filled up and forwarded to us.
On the basis of these information, visa is processed in Bhutan and upon approval, Visa Clearance is issued by Department of Immigration, Ministry of Home & Cultural Affairs, Royal Government of Bhutan and we email you the same copy. Tourists need to produce this Visa Clearance copy at the time of check-in for Druk Air flight while those entering Bhutan by surface via Phuentsholing, they are required to produce this Visa Clearance at the Immigration counter. Actual visa is stamped at passport, on arrival in Bhutan.
Visa fee is US $ 20/ and it is charged along with tour invoice.
Tourists entering Bhutan by surface via Phuentsholing also need to carry 02 copies of passport size photographs and handover it to our representative on arrival while for those arriving by Druk Airways, photos are not required.
Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Protocol Division
Thimphu
Visa Application Form (.pdf file)
Holidays & Special Events: 17th December, the date of establishment of the monarchy in 1907, is celebrated as National Day. Other important holidays are the King's birthday on 11th November and Coronation Day on 02nd June. 'Losar', New Year of the country normally falls between mid January to mid March. Festivals are scheduled according to Bhutanese calendar.
List of Dzongs, Monasteries, Festivals, open for visitors
Not all religious institutions are open for visitors but still they get good insight into Kingdom's unique cultural heritage. The closure of religious establishments is to ensure that monastic life can continue unhindered and works of art can be protected and sanctity of such places can be preserved.
Western Bhutan
- Paro: Ta Dzong (National Museum), Drukgyel Dzong, Bitekha Dzong, Taktsang Monastery from the view point, Paro Tsechu
- Thimphu: Trashichhodzong, Memorial Chorten, Changlimethang Lhakhang and Jigmeling Lhakhang, Thimphu Tsechu
- Punakha: Punakha Dzong (open in summer months when monks are in Thimphu), Punakha Dromche
- Wangduephodrang: Wangduephodrang Tsechu
Central Bhutan
- Bumthang: Jakar Dzong, Member Tsho, Peling Sermon Chorten, Ura new Lhakhang, Kurje Tsechu, Nemalung Tsechu, Tamshing Phala Choepa, Tangbi Mani, Jambey Lhakhang Drup, Prakar Tsechu
- Trongsa: Chendbji Chorten, Ta Dzong, Trongsa Tsechu
Eastern Bhutan
- Mongar: Mongar Dzong, Mongar Tsechu
- Trashigang: Trashigang Tsechu, Zangtho Pelri, Kanglung Lhakhang, Khaling Lhakhang, Radhi Lhakhang, Trashiyangtse Dzong
- Samdrup Jongkhar: Zangtho Pelri Lhakhang
- Phuentsholing: Kharbandi Goemba, Kamji Monastery, Zangtho Pelri Lhakhang
