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HEALTH & VACCINATIONS
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.
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ACCOMMODATION
In Bhutan, there is no star categorization
of hotels however at all tourist destinations there are accommodation
establishments approved by Department of Tourism, 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: Hotel Druk,
Hotel Namgay, Sinchula Hotel, Central Hotel
Paro: Hotel Druk, Hotel
Olathang, Kyichu Resort, Gangtey Resort, Hotel Eye of the
Tiger, Dechen Cottages, Bhutan Resort, Pelri Hotel, Samdenchholing
Resort
Thimphu: Hotel Druk, Hotel
River view, Hotel Motithang, Hotel Pedling, Hotel Jumolhari,
Hotel Pine Wood, Hotel Wangchuk, Hotel Taktsang, Druk Tshering
Guest House, Hotel Kelwang
Punakha: Hotel Zangtho
Pelri, Hotel Meri Punsum, Y. T Hotelt
Wangduephodrang: Kyichu
Resort, Dragon Nest Resort
Gagntey: Gangtey Guest
House
Trongsa: Phuensum Lodge,
Sherubling Lodge, Shambala Lodge, Norling lodge
Bumthang: Mountain Lodge,
Jakar Village Lodge, Swiss Guest House
Mongar: Shongar Lodge,
Druk Kuenden Guest House
Trashigang: Kelling Motel,
Hotel Doejung
Samdrup Jongkhar: Hotel
Peljorling, Hotel Jigten, Hotel Dekling |
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Communication
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.
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Food & Drinks
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 Tours
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 |
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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 |
| 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.
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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) Photogrphic 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.
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Clothing
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.
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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 $ 200/ per person per
night
Low Season Tariff (Jan, Feb, June, July, Aug, Dec) = US
$ 165/ 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 which is US $ 65/ per person
per night in High Season and US $ 63/ per person per night
in Low Season.
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.
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.
Our “Cancellations Contract”
with the local supplier …
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.
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Visa
Visa is required for traveling to Bhutan.
Following information along with copy of full tour payment
shall be emailed / faxed / couriered to us at least 6 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
Alternatively, attached VISA FORM can
be filled up and forwarded to us.
Also tourists need to carry 02 copies
of original passport size photograph which is required on
arrival in the country.
Visa fee of US $ 20/ is payable on arrival
in cash, at the point of entry.
Visa is issued in advance and a Visa
Clearance Number is granted by Foreign Ministry. Without this
Visa Clearance Number, tourists can not board the flight or
enter into country. While actual visa is stamped on arrival.
Also this Visa Clearance is required at the time of issuing
Druk Air tickets. |
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Holiday & 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 |
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