Introduction
Hidden deep in the folds of the great Himalaya mountains for years, Bhutan developed its own civilisation. The population of about 680,000 people, living in close harmony with nature, evolved a unique identity, derived largely from a rich religious and cultural heritage. Today, the world is seeing many exotic aspects of this kingdom.
Bhutan is becoming increasingly known for its pure practice of Mahayana Buddhism in the Tantric form, its untouched culture, its pristine ecology and wildlife, and the unparalleled scenic beauty of its majestic peaks and lush valleys. It is still, in many ways, a magical kingdom of the past.
An Unconquered Land
It is a matter of great pride to the Bhutanese that their small kingdom was never colonised. Its ancient history, which is a mixture of the oral tradition and classical literature, tells of a largely self-sufficient population which had limited contact with the outside world until the turn of the century.
In the eight century Guru Rimpoche (Padmasambhava), established several sacred religious sites which are important places of pilgrimage for the Buddhist world today.
Over the years many other saints and religious figures helped shape Bhutan’s history and develop its religion.
The Zhabdrung
Perhaps the most dynamic era in Bhutanese history came in the 17th century with the arrival, in 1616, of Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, the great leader of the Drukpa school of Mahayana Buddhism. He unified the country and established the foundations for national governance and the Bhutanese identity.
The Zhabdrung also left as his legacy the dual system of government – the temporal and theocratic – with Je Khenpo (chief abbot) as the religious head and the temporal leader known as the Desi. This system took Bhutan to the turn of the 19th century, until the birth of the Wangchuck dynasty and establishment of hereditary Monarchy.
In 1907, a historic Assembly of the clergy, the official administration, and the people unanimously elected Gongsar Ugen Wangchuck as the first hereditary King of Bhutan. The reigns of the first two Kings were marked by political stability.
A Spiritual Nation
Just as the kingdom’s history is characterised by religious landmarks, the influence of religion is highly visible in every day life of the lay population. Bhutan is a spiritual nation. Hundreds of sacred monasteries, stupas, religious institution, prayer flags and prayer wheels which dot the countryside provide a strong infrastructure and atmosphere for the teachings of their living faith.
In both urban and rural Bhutan, religious ceremonies and rituals are performed regularly and with reverence. The horoscope of Bhutanese life is drawn from the scriptures. National and regional festivities, coinciding with the seasons, are major events for the entire population the year round. The Buddhist world thus regards the kingdom with special importance as the last bastion of Mahayana Buddhism.
A Rich Culture
Bhutanese language and literature, the arts and crafts, ceremonies and events, and basic social and cultural values draw their essence from religious teachings. The tradition of fine art is alive today, manifested, for example, in exquisite traditional painting visible on monasteries and houses, skillfully enhancing the architecture.
Architecture is also a significant feature of the Bhutanese identity. The combination of engineering skill and aesthetic beauty is unparalleled in all structures, from the massive monastic fortresses to houses and bridges. Traditional shapes, colours and patterns on the walls, doors, windows, put Bhutanese architecture in a class of its own.
Music, dance, and handicrafts, both by the clergy and the lay population, play an important role in national, village, or domestic functions and festivals. Bhutan’s textile tradition has, in recent years, gone international. The distinct technique, colour and style of indigenous Bhutanese weaving is being increasingly appreciated by textile specialists, collectors, and users.
The national language of Bhutan is Dzongkha. The people also speak more than 18 dialects across the country. Today, English is taught in the schools and is used as the official working language, but the national leaders emphasise the development and use of Dzongkha.
Nature
Bhutan has been described as a natural paradise. Even as the world mourns the loss of its ecology, this small Himalayan Kingdom is emerging as an example to the international community, with about 70 percent of its land still under forest and a great variety of rare plant and wildlife species.
Wedged between China and India, Bhutan’s terrain ranges from the sub-tropical foothills in the south, through the temperate zones, to dizzying heights of over 7,300 meters (24,000 feet). In Historical records Bhutan was known as Lhojong Menjong ‘the Southern Valley of Medicinal Herbs.’ Besides these rare herbs, the Bhutanese seasons are reflected in full color by wild flowers and plants, which carpet the mountain sides.
People
Bhutan’s population is, in many ways, one large family. More than 70 percent of the people live on subsistence farming, scattered in sparsely populated villages across the rugged terrain of the Himalayas. With rice as the staple diet in the lower regions, and wheat, buckwheat, and maize in other valleys, the people farm narrow terraces cut into the steep hill slopes.
Bhutanese communities settled in the valleys with limited communication in the past. It is for this reason that the sense of individuality and independence emerges as a strong characteristic of the people.
It is for the same reason that, despite the small population, it has developed a number of languages and dialects. The Bhutanese are, by nature, physically strong and fiercely independent with open and ready sense of humor. Hospitality is an in-built social value in Bhutan.
Challenges and change
Yet it is inevitable that Bhutan is changing. Five decades of development have had a dramatic impact on the Kingdom which has moved, in a short span of time, from the medieval age into the 21st century. A comprehensive network of roads, school and hospitals reaching their services to the people, a modern telecommunication system, increasing contact with the international community, urbanisation, and a growing private sector cannot but bring change.
But, just as the Bhutanese people chose to guard their magical kingdom in its pristine form through the centuries, they are determined to balance development and change. The essence of modernisation in Bhutan has been a blend of tradition and progress. The protective Bhutanese psyche, which kept the kingdom in a jealously guarded isolation, is visible in the controlled tourism policy, strong sense of environmental protection, and the careful pace of all-round development.
Bhutan has long decided that economic achievement is no replacement for its unique national identity. In the past, the kingdom fought aggression, in different forms, to safeguard its interests, its priorities, and its identity. The future will be no different.
Routes to Bhutan
Till the early 1960’s, Bhutan remained cloistered from the rest of the world. The hermit Kingdom was accessible only by foot. Of the two main entries, in the north the high mountain passes enabled the crossing only during the snow-free seasons while, in the south, the connectivity was through the plains of Assam and West Bengal. With modern development, however, came the motorable road, opening the country not just to the outside world but also overcoming the extremely difficult geography that had isolated the Bhutanese communities from each other for centuries.
The main thoroughfare in the south today is from Phuentsholing, the country’s second biggest town and the conduit of most of its commerce. The town links Bhutan with the Indian plains of West Bengal while its other sister towns, Gelephu and Samdrup Jongkhar, connects with the Indian state of Assam.
By Air
In 1983, Bhutan introduced its national airline, Druk Air, connecting the country to the metropolis in India, and eventually to Bangkok, Kathmandu, Dhaka and Singapore. Druk Air operates a fleet of A319 aircraft. In the latter half of 2013, a new airline was launched. Bhutan Airlines currently flies only to Bangkok but has plans to operate from several other cities in the coming year.
Bhutan today has one international airport at Paro in western Bhutan, an hour’s drive from the capital city, Thimphu. The international airport at Paro is located at a height of 7300 ft above sea level and surrounded by mountains as high as 16,000 feet.
In the past few years, the capacity for airline travel was augmented with the opening of three domestic airports in central, east and southern Bhutan. This provides passengers with the choice of multiple entry into Bhutan from various parts of India.
By Land
Phuntsholing in south-west Bhutan, Gelephu in the central and Samdrup Jongkhar in eastern Bhutan are the only land border areas open for international tourists.
Phuntsholing is located approximately 170 km east of the Indian airport at Bagdogra. After Phuntsholing, the journey by road meanders northward over hills and mountains to Thimphu, the capital city. The journey takes approximately five hours.
From Gelephu to Thimphu, the distance is approximately 250 kms and takes travelers through sub-tropical regions before entering the alpine zone and then finally into Thimphu. The journey traverses across three districts in about 10 hours.
Samdrup Jongkhar, the only entry point in eastern Bhutan, borders the Indian district of Darranga, Assam, and is approximately 150 kms away from Guwahati, the capital city of Assam. The journey from Guwahati to Samdrup Jongkhar takes about three hours, and thereafter an additional six hours to Trashigang, Bhutan’s largest district. From Trashigang, the lateral highway takes the travelers via Mongar, Bumthang, Trongsa, Wangde Phodrang and then finally to Thimphu. The distance of about 700 kms takes a minimum of two days.
By Air
The contact addresses of the Druk Air offices are as follows:
In India:
New Delhi ?Tel: 91-11-335-7703
Email: druk_delhi@hotmail.com
Kolkata ?Tel: 91-33-240-2419
Email: drukcal@vsnl.et
In Bhutan:
Paro International Airport? Tel: +975-8-271856/271857
Email: drukair@druknet.bt
Visit www.drukair.com.bt for more information
By Land
You can enter into Bhutan from any of the three entry points: Samdrup Jongkhar (southeast Bhutan), Gelephu (south Bhutan), and Phuentsholing (southwest Bhutan)
Entry Permit
You will be endorsed by the immigration officers upon your arrival before you are issued with a permit. Make sure you go personally. You may have to carry your passport (also some passport photographs) or voter’s registration card. If you plan to travel by road, the endorsement is done at the entry points in Phuentsholing, Samdrup Jongkhar, and Gelephu. If by flight, you will enter from the Paro Airport.
Traveling within Bhutan
Despite the major hurdle posed by the inaccessible terrain, the high mountain passes, all major towns and important places of visit are connected by a good road network.
GETTING AROUND
However, an important feature of the road system is the innumerable curves and bends that one will have to negotiate. Besides the bends, another characteristic of the road network is the steep ascents and descents that slow down the car travels. An average speed for road travel rarely exceeds 40 kilometers an hour, with tourist buses making even slower progress. One is however generously rewarded for the long and tiring car journey by the spectacular views of the mountains, the lush green jungles, the ancient villages, the majestic temples and monasteries and the many road side restaurants and inns.
The roads are well sealed but the rides can still be bumpy as the lanes are single and narrow at most points. The advantage is that the Bhutanese are well accustomed to driving such lanes and know their land well and are careful drivers.
Tourist Buses
Tourists can travel in Bhutan with medium-sized buses (20-22 seats), small buses (8-12 seats) or hired cars. Road widths do not permit larger buses.
Bringing in your own vehicle
Indian visitors can bring in their own vehicles. For the entry of the foreign cars, the Road Safety and Transport Authority (RSTA) – www.rsta.gov.bt – will have to endorse the documents. But we strongly recommend that you use our cars and the services of the local drivers as the narrow and winding roads in Bhutan may pose a challenge for you.
Travel/Medical Insurance
The Royal Insurance Corporation of Bhutan has initiated a travel and medical plan solely for the visitors. You may visit the web site at www.ricb.com.bt.
Money
Bhutan’s currency is the Ngultrum (Nu) that is at par with the Indian Rupee. It is however recommended that you carry travelers’ cheque or cash, preferably American Express and US dollar instead, as the ATM facilities for foreign currency is limited to just few towns including the capital city Thimphu. Visa and American Express credit cards are also widely accepted.
Banking
Some of the banks that you can avail of services and facilities while in Bhutan are the Bank of Bhutan Limited, the Bhutan National Bank, the Druk PNB, Bhutan Development Bank Limited, and the Tashi Bank. Many of these banks provide you with SMS and internet banking facilities. There are also ATM facilities that you can avail of and ATMS are located in a number of places where you can withdraw your money especially in Thimphu and in the border town of Phuentsholing. Traveler’s cheque can be easily withdrawn and exchanged into local currency. However, as you travel into the interior, ATM and internet facilities are almost non-existent and we suggest that you do your banking facilities while in Thimphu.
Electricity
All major towns are well connected with electricity that runs on 220/240 volts with round hole two-pin and three-pin power outlets. Our energy is clean and green energy generated by hydropower.
Communications
The country has a good network of telecommunication facilities. Almost every town has an internet cafe and IDD calling booths from where you can log on to and send messages home and to your loved ones. Also most hotels have internet access. Mobile (cell) phone is also widely used with international roaming facilities.
Travelling Kits
Bhutan experiences a great variation in its climate. Summers are warm with average daily temperature ranging from 20 to 25 Celsius, while winters are cold. In winters temperatures are usually below 15 Celsius. So bring with you a couple of warm clothes and comfortable shoes to go with the weather, the terrain and the program. You might want to consider ‘what to wear’ for hikes, trekking and sightseeing, as well as for dinners, appointments and functions that we have for you.?Others that you could consider bringing with you would be a pair of sunglasses, sun screen lotion and a hat; antiseptic cream, anti-histamine cream, anti-diarrhoea pills, altitude & car sickness medicine; insect repellent, flash light (w/spare batteries) umbrella, camera, films and accessories (including spare camera batteries)etc.
Photography
Bhutan is an ideal place and a frequent haunt for photographers offering immense opportunities for photography especially during our outdoor sightseeing trips. However you may need to check with your guide for indoor photography as taking photographs inside Dzongs, temples, monasteries and religious institutions are restricted unless you have a special permission from the Department of Culture. One can however, capture images of the landscapes, the panoramic views of the mountain ranges, the rural folk life, the flora and fauna, the Bhutanese architecture and the Dzongs and Choetens in particular.
Shopping
For people who love shopping and taking home gifts, Bhutan offers a variety of goods that revolve mainly round textiles. You may shop for items like hand-woven textiles that is either in raw silk or silk, carved masks of various animals, woven baskets of cane and bamboo, wooden bowls known as Dapas, handmade paper products or finely crafted gods of silver. You can also shop for thangka paintings and Bhutan’s exquisite postage stamp. One can come across these items in the many handicraft shops in and around Thimphu and also in major towns. Please remember that buying and selling of antiques is strictly forbidden in Bhutan.
Gratuities
Tipping is a purely personal matter. We do not have any tradition of giving tips and we clearly leave it up to you as to whether you want to give tips to your guides and drivers.
Customs
The following articles are exempt from duty:
(a) Personal effects and articles for day to day use by the visitor?(b) 1 litre of alcohol (spirits or wine)?(c) 200 cigarettes, on payment of import duty of 200%?(d) Instruments, apparatus or appliances for professional use?(e) Photographic equipment, video cameras and other electronic goods for personal use.
You have to complete the passenger declaration form on your arrival before checking out. The articles mentioned under (d) & (e) must be declared on the declaration form. If any such items are disposed of in Bhutan by sale or gift, they are liable for customs duty.
On departure, visitors are required to surrender their forms to the customs authorities.
Import/export restrictions of the following goods is strictly prohibited:?(a) Arms, ammunitions and explosives?(b) All narcotics and drugs except medically prescribed drugs?(c) Wildlife products, especially those of endangered species?(d) Antiques.
Imports of plants, soils etc. are subject to quarantine regulations. These items must be cleared on arrival. Visitors are advised to be cautious in purchasing old and used items, especially of religious or cultural significance, as such items may not be exported without a clearance certificate.
Language
Besides Dzongkha, the national language and, English is also a medium of communication and most Bhutanese speak English. Communicating in English especially with the people in the urban areas and the towns will enhance your knowledge on Bhutan.
Cloths and paraphernalia
With great altitudinal variations weather is quite erratic in Bhutan. So be prepared to brace the erratic weather as you step outdoor. We expect visitors to dress modestly and respectfully especially if you are planning a visit to the monasteries, fortresses and other religious institutions. As a mark of respect, be kind enough to remove your hats, caps etc. as you enter religious and administrative premises, institutions and in any other place that you come across with the national flag being raised.
Time
Our standard time is 6 hours ahead of GMT and there is only one time zone throughout the country.
Office Hours
Office hours in Bhutan are divided into two – the summer timing and the winter timing. The summer timing begins at 9 AM Bhutan standard time and goes on till 5 PM in the evening. The summer timing is followed from March till the end of October. The winter timing that lasts for the months of November till the end of February begins at 9 AM in the morning till 4 PM in the evening. However, these timings are followed only by the civil servants. For those people employed in corporations and private organizations, the timings are usually from 9 AM till 5 PM irrespective of the season.
Health: Inoculations
Before embarking on a trip to Bhutan, it is advisable to have tetanus, typhoid and hepatitis A inoculations.
Tobacco/Smoking
We have a duty to protect Bhutan from Drugs and Tobacco Products. To do this we need your help and cooperation. If we stop you and ask you about your baggage please cooperate.
Please do not carry tobacco goods that are over the limits.
Accommodation
Most hotels in Bhutan meet the recent standardization policy, most tourists accommodate in a 5 star or a 3 star hotel. The hotels are well maintained and have all basic amenities such as geysers and shower rooms and are properly maintained. Visitors can be assured of their warmth and comfort of the hotels, and the ambience and the hospitality offered by the hotels are incredible. The 5 star hotels are mostly located in Thimphu and in Paro; towns like Punakha, Gangtey and Bumthang also have a variety of hotels that are comfortable. Away from town, you may find it tempting to camp outside in the forest or make a night halt at the purpose-built-in cabins sprinkled along some main trekking routes.
Food
Most Bhutanese dishes are rich and spicy with a lot of cheese and chili. It is advisable that visitors stick to the Chinese, Continental or Indian cuisine that is served in most restaurants. Visitors can also choose among the various vegetarian and non-veg food. You can also try out momos, the Tibetan dumplings, and for those daring, you may try out the ema datshi dish served with cheese and chili and other typical Bhutanese dishes.
Weights and Measures
Bhutan has a standard system of weights and measurements in place and most weights are measured in gram and kilogram. With better and efficient measurement systems readily available, most of the shopkeepers in the capital city make use of electronic and weighing scale. However, as you travel further east, you will find the ordinary weighing scale in place.
Safety Precautions
While safety is not much of a concern, it is good to come prepared for any mishap. One needs to avoid walking alone or roaming the streets after 9 PM as you may never know of any mishap that may occur. Or else you may visit the town in groups or with your guides.
Also please ensure that your belongings especially your passports, route permits, cameras, wallets and purses are properly secured.
Guides and Interpreters
Bhutan has a good team of interpreters and guides who are well-versed in history and possess good communication skills. They are all certified having undergone training conducted by the Tourism Council of Bhutan. There are also guides who speak fluent Japanese, Thai and other European languages.
Public Holidays
Public holidays are declared by the government. However, each district has its own list of holidays that is observed especially while conducting annual Tshechus (religious festivals).
Visitor Travel Tips
Daily Tariff
The minimum tariff for tourist visiting in a group of 3 persons or more are as follows:
High Season Tariff – USD 250 per person per night for the months of March, April, May, September, October, and November.
Season Tariff – USD 200 per person per night for the months of January, February, June, July, August, and December.
The minimum price includes:
All internal taxes and charges (including the royalty)
Accommodation
All Meals
All travel with a licensed Bhutanese Tour Guide
All Internal Transport
Camping Equipment and Haulage for Trekking Tours
The rates are applicable per tourist per night halt in Bhutan. On the day of departure, the ‘local agents’ host obligation shall be limited to breakfast only and any extra requirements shall be payable on actual basis.
The rates shall apply uniformly irrespective of locations and the type of accommodation provided/asked for. List of hotels and lodges approved for international tourist accommodation updated from time to time shall be issued by TCB.
Surcharges
Individual tourists and smaller groups of less than three persons shall be subject to surcharge, over and above the minimum daily rates applicable, as follows:
Single individual US$ 40 per night
Group of 2 persons US$ 30 per person per night
The 10% agency commission payable to agents abroad shall not be deductible from the surcharge.
The surcharge will not be applicable to representatives of foreign travel agents on business study or promotional visit duly approved and cleared by TCB.
a) There is no discount on Diplomatic visas.
b) There shall be no charge for CHILDREN up to the age of 5 years. However, those between the ages of 6-12 years accompanied by elders/guardians shall be given 50% discount on daily rates and 100% discount on Royalty.
c) 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.
d) A discount of 50% on daily rates shall be given to one person in a group of 11 to 15 people. 100% discount shall be given to one member in a group exceeding 16 persons.
e) 50% discount on Royalty shall be provided after the 8th night and 100% discount on Royalty shall be provided after the 14th night.
f) Visitors availing discounts under Sections A, B & C shall not be eligible for discount under E.
Visa Formalities
Other than Indian, Bangladeshis and Maldivian nationals, all visitors to Bhutan require a visa; all visas are issued from Thimphu; visas are only issued to tourists booked with a local licensed tour operator, directly or through a foreign travel agent. Applications for tourist visas are submitted by the tour operator. Visa clearance from Thimphu must be obtained before coming to Bhutan. Visa clearance takes at least 10 days to process. Air tickets to Bhutan cannot be purchased without visa clearance. At your point of entry the visa will be stamped in your passport on payment of US$20; two passport photos will also be required. Visas are issued for a 15-day period; extensions can be obtained in Thimphu at a cost of Nu 510.
Cancellations
Tour Programmes booked and subsequently cancelled shall be subject to cancellation charges as follows:
within 30 days of start of programme – no charges
within 21 days – 10% of rate
within 14 days – 15% of rate
within 7 days – 30% of rate
less than 7 days or without notice – 50% of rate
after arrival in Bhutan – 100%
Delayed Arrivals
There is no charge for delays in arrival and departure because of weather conditions disrupting flights or road blocks. The tourist must however bear the cost of food, accommodation, transportation, and other services required
Driving Distance
FAQ
How do I get into Bhutan?
There are two ways to get into Bhutan, either by Druk Air line or from overland through India. Most prefer to fly into Bhutan via Druk Air, which operates several flights per week from Bangkok (Thailand), Delhi and Kolkatta (India) and Kathmandu (Nepal) to Paro (Bhutan). The flight from Kathmandu is perhaps the most amazing flight as it offers spectacular views of Everest, Makalu and Kanchenjunga on its way to Bhutan.
Flight schedules and other information are available with us on request. If you want to enter Bhutan by land, the only entry point is the town of Phuntsholing in southwest Bhutan. It is an approximately 5-hour drive from the Indian domestic airport Bagdogra, West Bengal. The scenic drive from Phuntsholing to Thimphu takes about 7 hours. As per Government rules, it is mandatory to travel at least one way by Druk Air. It can be either entry or exit. However, if Druk Air seats are not available, both entry and exit by road is permitted. The mode of transport within Bhutan is by motor vehicle only. There are no domestic airlines or trains.
Where do I get a Bhutan visa?
All foreigner visitors, other than Indian nationals, need a visa to visit Bhutan and these are only issued to people who have booked with a Travel Agency, or with a foreign travel agent. The visas are issued in Thimphu, and Bhutan Norter Adventure will process your Bhutan visa for you. You can apply online Visa FORM and you will get paper Visa for Bhutan; however your passport will be stamped at paro Airport.
Is Bhutan a safe country?
Bhutan is a Buddhist country, and respect for others is a cultural cornerstone. Bhutanese are very hospitable people. You will find that Bhutan is a very safe country, with helpful and friendly people. Most young people speak excellent English, and even older people know enough English to help you find your way, or assist you in making purchases.
How about accommodation in Bhutan?
You will be staying in A-class hotels that combine comfort and charm. Although recently a few luxury five-star hotels have been established in Bhutan, visitors in general can expect as they travel through the country a unique combination of traditional Bhutanese style accommodation with modern services. Clean and well maintained, most of the hotels are equipped with telephones, fax machines and internet services. Hotels and lodges are categorized by the Tourism Council of Bhutan. International visitors will only be accommodated in hotels that fulfill the standard set by the Government. Five-star accommodations are available in Bhutan. But you would have to bear the extra charges over and above your daily tour cost you choose to stay in the luxury hotels in Bhutan.
How about the altitude changes in Bhutan? What is the range of altitude in Bhutan?
Our journeys in Bhutan lead us through the mid-mountain belt of the Eastern Himalayas, which ranges from 900 to 3,354 meters or 3,000 to 11,000 feet altitude. Most of our time is spent around 2,300m/7,544 feet or lower, but we do travel over high passes. If you have any altitude problems, please let us know and we can work additional acclimatization time into your itinerary. You will also want to consult your physician before traveling so he/she can give you suggestions as well.
When is high season or the best season to visit Bhutan ?
High season in Bhutan is March-May. September-November is also the best time of the year to visit Bhutan. Because of limited accommodations and flights in Bhutan during these two seasons, you must plan your travel well ahead of time. We recommend at least three months in advance during these busy times.
What clothes do Bhutanese wear?
In Bhutan, the traditional clothing is the gho for men, a long robe that is gathered and tied at the waist. This is accompanied by knee-high socks and dress shoes. Women wear the kira, a beautiful woven garment that covers nearly the whole body, from shoulder to ankle. A colorful silk jacket completes the outfit. Traditional clothing is still worn daily throughout the country today. If you’re interested, we can help you purchase your own gho or kira when you arrive. However, you don’t have to wear our traditional clothing unless you want to. Western clothing is perfectly acceptable. We do ask that you respect the cultural norms and bring clothing that compliments the country. Shorts, short skirts and sleeveless tops are not usually worn in Bhutan. When we visit temples and monasteries, you will also need to wear a long-sleeve top and long pants to enter. You will want to bring a selection of clothing that is comfortable and easy to care for. Good walking shoes are a must, as is a raincoat. A light jacket is good to have year-round and winter visitors will want to bring a proper coat.
What are the things I should bring for my Bhutan trip?
Your clothing needs depend on the season. Druk Air, the national carrier, limits baggage to just 20 kilos in economy class and 30 kilos in first class, so you must pack carefully. We can help you with suggestions when you book your trip. Bhutan is a developing country; so many things are not available. If you have any special medications, you need to bring all your medication with you. The same is true for specialty items like contact lenses and a backup pair of glasses. A flashlight is always helpful as well. In addition, it’s nice to bring things that help enhance your relaxing times – an i-pod, a good book and your favorite herbal tea. Comfy slippers are nice to wear around your room at night. Cigarettes and any other tobacco-related products are forbidden in the Kingdom. For personal consumption passengers are permitted to bring in 200 cigarettes (10 packets) on payment of 200 percent duty.
What we should know if we come for the festival in Bhutan?
Tourists are allowed to take photographs of and visitors are seated with the general public. However, tourists will have to obtain a Special Permit for Filming. Toilets are available for pay and use (a nominal fee). Tourists should be briefed beforehand not to disturb the festival audience or distract the performers while taking photographs.
Festival/tshechu dress code:
No hats. No umbrellas. No smoking. No slippers. No short skirts. No half pants. Tour Guide licenses may be checked by the police anytime to authenticate that the tour groups are handled by a licensed guide.
Do you also handle small group and custom tours?
We specialize in small groups and customer-crafted independent tours. Our group departures are guaranteed with a minimum of two sign-ups. We keep our groups small, usually less than 10 -12 persons, so that each participant receives personal attention from their guides and support staff. Small group travel allows our Travellers flexibility in itineraries and access to areas and sights unknown or unavailable to large tour groups—plus you have more independence and opportunity to socialize and share your experience with other participants.
Our itineraries are, in fact, an approximate indication of the schedule, scope of activities, and trip routing, rather than an inflexible schedule of events. Typically there are changes to the daily itinerary depending on local conditions and/or on the request of our guests, provided there is no financial consequence. These changes may vary from specific sights to the village or city visited. Every evening our guests and guide or Tour Manager sit down together to discuss the next day’s schedule, and at this time you will have the opportunity to put forth your ideas or request the change you would like to have in the itinerary.
Our trips cover history, the arts and architecture, religion and culture, local festivals and events, nature and landscape, and soft to moderate adventures (e.g., jungle safaris, river rafting, hiking, mountain biking, mountaineering, etc). Cultural tours are basically motor vehicle-based tours, but we also offer optional hikes and village visits. During our trips you will have the opportunity to meet the locals, try local cuisine and attend local festivals and events. For those who want more active adventures, we offer rafting, mountain biking, trekking, jungle safaris and more.
More than 70% of our customers elect to customize their trips. Any trip featured on this website can be taken as a foundation upon which to build your own private trip. Select a date that suits you and we will suggest a detailed itinerary. If none of our existing itineraries works for you, we can craft one that does. If you do not have a travel companion, we can arrange a solo-traveler tour or look for a companion to join you.
Do I have to buy a tour package for travelling in Bhutan? Can I not travel on my own, choose any hotel I wish, and plan my own tour itinerary as I go along?
Yes. You must buy a package tour that is all inclusive (hotel, full board, transfer & transport, guide and sightseeing). Having paid for a package tour, you can be flexible in the tour programme, change the tour to see, or do what most interests you.
How can I get the Druk Air flight tickets?
Druk Air flight tickets can be sent to you via e-mail. We will forward tickets to your e-mail address as soon as we purchase the Druk Air tickets (E-Ticket system) prior to your departure for Bhutan.
How is the food in Bhutan? Is the water safe to drink?
You will be served relatively hot Bhutanese style cuisines that contain chilies. Most visiting tourists enjoy the food. Chinese and Indian-style food is also available. Though the Bhutanese water sources come direct from the Himalayas, it is suggested that you always drink bottled mineral water.
What is the best time to trek in Bhutan?
Spring (mid March – end of June) and autumn (mid September – end of November) seasons are the best time for trekking.
What kind of transport vehicles do you use?
For individual travellers we use Hyundai Tucson and 4WD Land Cruiser Prados. For groups of 3-7 persons we have Toyota Hiace mini buses. For larger groups of 8-20 persons we have Toyota Coaster Buses.
What outfit/clothes should I wear in Bhutan?
Like any other country, Bhutan also maintains a high sense of dress code for different places and events. If you are visiting temples, dzongs and offices, you are expected to dress in formal attire. In other, less formal, situations casual dress is appropriate. You are advised to bring warm clothing even if you are visiting in the summer (July-September).
Can I receive references from people who have travelled through your agency?
Yes, please feel free to contact us in this regard. We would be happy to provide you with all the information you require.
How can I pay for my tour? What currency do I have to pay in? Can I use my credit card?
Payments for the tour can be bank transferred or you could pay by your Visa/Master card (with extra 4% service charge).
Can I arrange air travel through your agency?
Yes. Air travel on any international flight, including for Druk Air flights, can be arranged through this agency.
How can I make my payment for a tour?
All the tour payments must be made in advance. Tour payment must be settled by one month prior to date of arrival in Bhutan. The VISA is cleared by the Government subject to advance payment only. Once your tour is confirmed we will send you our bank address details to wire transfer the tour payments or payment with credit cards also possible with us.
