Bhutan Visa

With the exception of travelers from India and Bangladesh, all visitors to Bhutan require a visa. Visas are only issued when a confirmed booking through a Bhutanese or International tour operator has been made. Visa procurement is done via the tour operator. Four weeks before the start of a tour the visa application of each client must be sent by fax/email. If you do not have the visa form sends in passport particulars: Full Name, Nationality, Permanent Address, Occupation/Profession, Passport Number, Place and Date of Issue, Date of Validity, Place and Date of Birth, and passport size photo.

Tour deposit must be made four weeks in advance by wire transfer in the address mention.
The visa will be faxed to you for your reference  and a copy will be sent to the visa officer in the entry point as well to the Druk-Air station officer in different country. Without the visa you may not be allowed to board the flight

Visa fee is US$ 40 per person. Upon entry to Bhutan, the visa is stamped into the passport(In 2012 it was only US$20 per person but starting from year 2013 the visa fee was increased to US$40 by Tourism Council of Bhutan under Royal Government of Bhutan).

To know more. please email : traveltobhutan@yahoo.com

Bhutan Travel Informations

Entry into The kingdom of Bhutan is by Druk-Air (air carrier), Paro operates flights from Bangkok (Thailand), Delhi, Kolkata (India),Bagdogra(India),Guwahti(India), Gaya(India), Singapore, Mumbai(India), Dakha (Bangladesh) and Kathmandu (Nepal). The Aircraft used is the Air Bus A-319 Jet carry passenger through one of the most spectacular flight paths in the world. A particular highlight is the stretch between Kathmandu and Bhutan, where one passes 4 of the 5 highest mountains in the world. Weather permitting; passengers will be treated to magnificent views of Mt. Everest, Lhotse, Makalu und Kangchenjunga. Landing in then Paro valley, surrounded by 4000 meter high mountains stretching across the west of Bhutan, means a visual landing is the order of the day.

If you wish to travel overland, you can also reach Bhutan from its southern gateway, the city of Phuentsholing, about six hours drive from the capital, Thimphu. The nearest Airport is in the India city of Bagdogra, in the state of West Bengal. One can travel combing Darjeeling, Sikkim, Northern part of India to and form Bhutan as well. All tours must be booked well in advance with dates of entry and exit from Bhutan. This is mainly to ensure seats on the flight, Druk-Air. The Airlines has a winter and summer schedule. The difference is normally in timings while the days of operation remain unchanged. The airfare must be sent in advance to ensure the visit to the Airlines as for the visa.

All Druk-Air space is controlled by headquarter in Thimphu. Reservations are routed through us. The ticket has to be bought at the time of reservation on non refundable basis. The ticket will be sent to the out station where you can either collect from the city office if you have time or it can be delivered to you at the airport in check-in counter.

CUSTOMS

Exports of antiques, plants or animal products are strictly prohibited. Cameras, video cameras, computers and personal electronic equipment must be declared on arrival and will be checked upon departure.

CLIMATE

It is difficult to accurately generalize the climate of Bhutan because of the variations in elevations and seasons. Southern Bhutan has a tropical climate with hot humid monsoons. Spring in the higher valleys (mid-March to May) has warm days (20 °C) and cool nights. June marks the beginning of summer when day temperatures warm up to 27 – 29 °C. By July, the rainy season starts and continues till mid-September. The autumn months of September to November are ideal for trekking with clear skies and mild weather. In December temperatures fall, but the days are warm and the clear, azure winter skies serve a striking background to the snow-capped peaks. On a sunny day, temperatures reach about 16-18 ° C. The nights, however, are cold with temperatures falling below freezing.

CLOTHING

Cottons and light woolens in summer (June-Sep). Heavy woolens and jackets the rest of the year. Rain gear for the monsoons and comfortable shoes.

ELECTRICITY
230 – 240 volts, 50 cycles A.C. The current is variable.
CURRENCY

The national currency is the Ngultrum (Nu). 100 Chetrum = 1 Nu. Exchange rate is approximately US$ 1 = Nu. 50. Indian Rupees circulate at per.

CREDIT CARDS

American Express and VISA credit cards are accepted in a few shops. Travelers Cheques are also accepted.

TIME DIFFERENCE

Bhutan standard time is 6 hours ahead of GMT.

ACCOMMODATIONS

Comfortable hotels and lodges built in traditional architectural style are available in the major towns.

CUISINE

Tourist hotels have a choice of Bhutanese, Indian, Chinese and Continental food.

COMMUNICATION FACILITIES

Reliable telephone and fax services are available in all towns in Bhutan. International connections are excellent.

PHOTOGRAPHY

Carry plenty of films and batteries. Photo shops in Bhutan do not sell equipment or accessories.

LANGUAGE

Dzongkha, the language of the western region, is the national language. English is the medium of instruction and is spoken by all government officials and businessmen. Nepali is prevalent in the south while Bumthangkha, Khyengkha and Sharchopkha are common dialects.

INSURANCE

To protect against unforeseen accidents and mishaps, we advise you to have Travel insurance policy from your country. It should adequately cover helicopter evacuation and medical assistance. We regret the unavailability of such policies in Bhutan.

SAFETY

The crime rate in Bhutan is very low.

SHOPPING

Traditional handicrafts, textiles, jewellery, baskets, masks, Paintings and woodcarving make good buys.

Bhutan Tour Cost

Daily Tourist Tariff

The minimum tariff for tourists visiting in a group of 3 persons or more are as follows:
High Season tariff : US$ 250 per person per night halt( March, April, May, September, October & November )
Low Season tariff : US$ 200 per person per night( December, January, February, June, July, August & December )
The minimum daily package rates are inclusive of the following services:
1. 35 % Royalty
2. Charges for accommodation
3. services of accompanied guide
4. all meals
5. Transport within Bhutan
6. riding ponies and pack animals on treks
Tariffs for Individuals And Small Groups ( FITs )

Individual tourists and smaller groups of less than three persons shall be subject to surcharges over and above the minimum daily rates applicable, as follows
Single Individual : US$ 40/ per night haltGroup of 02 : US$ 30/ per person per night halt
These FIT surcharge are net payable (non commissionable).
Agency Commission
As per international norm, 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.
Royalty and other levies

- Royalty of US$ 65/- per tourist per night halt shall be payable during the high season months..
- A sum of US$ 10 per tourist visit shall be payable towards the Tourism Development Fund.
- 2 % holding tax payable to TAB.

Discount on tourist tariff

The following discounts shall be allowed :
1. Diplomats from foreign embassies/missions accredited to Bhutan shall be given a 25% discount on the
daily rates.
2. 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 a 40% discount on daily rates.
3. 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.
4. A discount of 50% on daily rates shall be given to one person in a group of 11 to 15 persons. A 100% discount shall be given to one member in a group exceeding 16 persons.
5. 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.

Cancellation
Tour Programs booked and subsequently cancelled shall be subject 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
a.There shall be no 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.
b. There shall be no charge for the number of days of delay in departure of visitor 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

Tour payment must be settled one month prior to date of arrival in Bhutan and VISA is cleared by the government subject to advance payment only

Jumolhari Base Camp Trek

Day One
During this flight, one will experience breaktaking views of Mount Everest, Kanchan Junga and other Himalayan Peaks including sacred Chomolhari and Mt. Jichu Drake in Bhutan. On arrival at Paro International Airport you will be received by a representative of Dream Advanture. who will escort you to the Hotel where arrangements have been made for two nights halt.
Day Two
Drive to Drugyel Dzong (a ruined fortress - 16 Kms. away from Paro Town). Although in ruins, this Dzong is of great historical importance. It was here that the Bhutanese finally defeated the invading Tibetans and drove them back. From here , the peak of Chomolhari "Mountain of the Goddess" (Alt. 7,329 m / 24,029 ft.). On the way back you visit a typical Bhutanese farmhouse. After lunch, at the hotel, take a leisurely stroll around the compound. Overnight in Hotel
Day Three
Distance 17 Kms. About 5 - 6 hours journey. Altitude of Shana 2,800 m. Drive up to Drugyel Dzong where the road ends and the trek begins. The trail follows the river through beautiful meadows and paddy fields. The night’s camp is just beyond an army outpost.
Day Four
The trail continues uphill through the river valley. The valley gradually narrows to a mere path which descends to a meadow where a camp will be set up.
Day Five
Distance - 19 Kms. About 5 - 6 hours journey. Altitude of Jangothang 4040 m. The trek starts up the Pa Chu. Cross an army outpost along the way. The valley begins to widen here with a spectacular view of high mountain ridges and snow-capped peaks. Yaks and the herders' winter homes become a regular feature of the landscape. Camp for the night beneath a ruined fortress at the base of Mt. Chomolhari.
Day Six
Trek up to Tosoh or hike around the area. There are good short hiking trails in three directions. Chomolhari and it subsidiary mountain chains lie directly west, Jichu Drake to the north and a number of unscaled peaks to the east. Overnight halt in camp
Day Seven
Distance - 19 Kms. About 5 - 6 hours journey. Altitude of Lingshi 4150 m. Trek through wide yak pastures and up and down passes. As you come down into the Lingshi basin, you get a wonderful view of Lingshi Dzong on a clear day. Tsarim Kang and its glaciers rise up at the north end of the valley. Night halt is a choice between a stone hut or the tent.
Day Eight
A day excursion to Tsokha (Lake), which is the base camp for Jichu Drâke, can be organized. Blue sheep and musk deer are plentiful along the trek route. Distance 15 Kms. About 3 - 4 hours journey. Altitude of Tsokha 4500 m.
Day Nine
Distance - 22 Kms. About 7 - 8 hours journey. Altitude of Shodu 3963m.The trail climbs up to the Yalila Pass at an altitude of 4820 m. From the pass, you can get an excellent view of Chomolhari, Tserim Gang and Masagang on a clear day. The trek from the pass to camp site at Shodu is steep down hill. Camp can be made in a stone shelter or in tent.
Day Ten
Distance - 13 Kms. About 3 - 4 hours journey. Altitude of Barshong 3785m.The trail follows the Thim - Chu river through rhododendron forests. Waterfalls can be seen along the way. The valley narrows till the path takes to the slopes and gradually ascends to reach the ruins of Barshong Dzong. Camp can made in stone shelter or tent.
Day Eleven
Distance - 11 Kms. About 3 - 4 hours journey. Altitude of Dolam Kencho 3628m. The trail descends through thick rhododendron forest to meet the Thim-Chu and then ascends to pasture lands. Camp is in a meadow.
Day Twelve
The trail continues through forested areas winding up and down and through a small pass. Langurs (monkeys) can be seen along the way. Overnight halt in Hotel.
Day Thirteen
Drive to Punakha and Wangdi for a day’s excursion. Visit Punakha Dzong. Packed lunch will be arranged. Return to Thimphu. Overnight halt in Hotel.
Day Fourteen
Visit Tashichho Dzong, the main Government Secretariat building, where the government ministries, the Office of His Majesty the King and the Throne Room , and the offices and living quarters of the monk body and the Chief Abbot are housed. Explore the town, visit shops and the Choki Handicrafts, where Bhutanese textiles and other handicrafts are available. Visit the workshop where the handicrafts are made.Visit the painting and woodcraft schools where traditional painting and other crafts are still practiced.Visit the National Library and see the ancient manuscripts preserved there.Visit the Simtokha Dzong (6 Kms. from Thimphu), the oldest Dzong in Bhutan built by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyel in 1629 A..D. The Simtokha Dzong houses the largest monastic school in the country.
Day Fifteen
Drive to Paro International Airport. Seen off by representatives of our tour operator or your guide.

Introduction About myself

I am Mr. Phub Dorji born in the western part of Bhutan. I completed my higher secondary school from a government school in the year 2003 and later i joined Tourism and hospitality industry with my aim and target to meet/interact with people around the world and to lend my hand in promoting/preserving the old aged culture and traditions to the outside world.
After serving in well known travel companies in the country and also to many of the overseas travel companies, i here by decided to start or begin with my own Travel Company. The name i have kept for my travel company is Bhutan Tour Organizer, located in Thimphu Bhutan.

The company though its very new and small, i have contract employments of the professional language guides and specialty guides specially for Birding, Trekking and son. I look forward in providing all kind of Tour and Trek packages depending on the clients interest and demand.

To know more about bhutan tour packages, feel free to
email : traveltobhutan@yahoo.com
Skype : bhutan_trip_advisor_11

Kadrinche and thank you