Treks
Treks - Festivals
Festivals
Pilgrimage-Meditation
Special Interests
Places of Interests
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 Ministry of Foreign Affairs in
Thimphu, the capital city. Actual visa is stamped on arrival in bhutan
on payment of the visa fee while visa is cleared in advance and a visa
clearance number issued. Extension of visas can be obtained in Thimphu.
Visa form is available
HERE.
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.
Peak season:
All months except January, June & July. Tariff: US$250 / per person per
night
Low Season:
January, June & July. Tariff: US$200 / per person per night
The above rates are the same for cultural tours, treks or any other special interest tours.
Tourist
Entitlements
The above minimum daily tariff / package rates are inclusive of the
following services:
1. Accommodation on twin sharing basis.
2. All transfers and sightseeing within Bhutan.
3. Services of accompanied guide.
4. All meals.
5. 35% royalty & taxes to the government.
6. Riding ponies and pack animals on treks.
7. Fees to temples & monuments.
The rates given above are applicable per tourist per night stay in Bhutan. On the day of departure, the local agent's obligation shall be limited to breakfast only and any extra requirement shall be payable on actual basis. The rates apply uniformly irrespective of locations and the type of accommodation provided / asked for. These accommodation establishments shall be approved by Tourism Authority of Bhutan (TAB).
Tariff for individual and small groups (FIT)
Individual tourist and smaller groups of less than three persons shall
be subject to surcharges. These FIT surcharges are net payable. All
tourists are required to pay additional US$ 10 per visit as tourism
development contribution.
Discount on tourist tariff
Children between the ages of 6 to 12 years accompanied by
elders/guardians and full-time students shall be given discounts.
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.
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 (March, April, May, Sept, Oct and Nov) it is
advisable to remit payment for Druk Air flights 3 months advance. This
will help us in getting you seats confirmed since the seats will be sold
out fast.