The package tour to Bhutan includes meals, lodge (twin bedded rooms), overland transportation, guides, mineral water in the bus or car and cultural program when and where available. However the package tour does not include airfare, airport taxes, visa fees, medical expenses, drinks at the hotel and insurance coverage.
Reservation: it is recommended that all bookings should be made two three months in advance. "Earlier the better".
The Royal Government of Bhutan recognizes that tourism is an important means of promoting socio-economic development particularly for developing country like Bhutan. Tourism helps promote understanding among peoples and builds closer ties and friendship beyond Frontier. Tourism promotes oneness among people across different culture, race, and religion.
There are, however problems associated with tourism which, if not controlled, can have devastating and irreversible impact on the local environment, culture and identity of the people. Realizing these problems and the fact that the resources on which tourism is based are limited, the Royal Government of Bhutan recognizes the need to develop the Bhutanese tourism industry based on the principles of sustainability, which means it must be environmentally and economically friendly, socially and culturally acceptable and economically viable. With this objective the government has adopted a very cautious approach to growth and development of tourism industry in Bhutan.
TIME & MONEY
Bhutan Standard Time (BST) is 6 hours ahead of GMT, and there is only one time zone throughout the country.
Bhutan's unit of currency is Ngultrum (Nu.), with 100 Chetrum = 1 Ngultrum. The Nu. Is fixed to the value of Indian rupee. Tourists are advised to carry their money in form of traveler checks (preferably American Express) with a little cash (US Dollars), which might be needed for incidental expenses. Visit http://www.rma.org.bt for info on currency conversion
CLIMATE
The southern part of Bhutan is tropical, and in general the eastern region of the country is warmer than the central valleys. However, bear in mind that the higher the altitude, the cooler the weather, and that with a brisk wind blowing down off the mountains, even a low-lying valley can become quite chilly.The central valleys of Punakha, Wangduephodrang, Mongar, Tashigang and Lhuentse enjoy a semi-tropical climate with cool winters, whilst Paro, Thimphu, Tongsa and Bumthang have a much harsher climate, with summer monsoon rains and winter snowfalls which may block passes leading into the central valleys for days at a time. Winter in Bhutan is from mid-November till mid-March, and at this time of the year the climate is dry and sunny for the most part, temperatures peaking at around 15c. in the daytime and falling below zero at night. The monsoon usually arrives in mid-June, with light rain falling mainly in the afternoons and evenings. At the end of September, after the last of the big rains, autumn suddenly arrives, and is a magnificent season for trekking until November.
ELECTRICITY
In Bhutan, electricity runs on 220/240 volts, with round hole two-pin and three-pin power outlets. If you bring electrical appliances, also pack appropriate adapter plugs. Thimphu electrical appliance shops stock adapter plugs, but they are unlikely to be available elsewhere
VISITING BHUTAN
Visa Clearance must be obtained before your departure for Bhutan. Visa Clearance is also required by visitors at the time of obtaining Druk Air ticket from their local agents.
Actual visa is stamped on the visitors' passport upon arrival at the port of entry. Visa fee is US$ 20 for per person for a 14-day visa. Extension of visa, for a period not exceeding 6 months, can be obtained in Thimphu on payment of Nu.510 (www.xe.com for conversion).
Visitors can enter Bhutan either by road through the Indian territories at the border town of Phuentsholing in the south of the Kingdom or by air at Paro.
In order to ensure the maximum utilization of Druk Air, the Royal carrier, either entry or exit has to be made by Druk Air in accordance with the government's tourism guideline. Royal Bhutan Airlines operates flies to Kolkata(India), Delhi(India), Katmandu(Nepal), Dhaka(Bangladesh) and Bangkok(Thailand).
Tours to Bhutan can be arranged through travel agents abroad, or directly contacting one of the local tour operators in Bhutan (Such as Gangkar Adventures & Expeditions) who are responsible for making all local tour arrangements viz visa, flight reservation, tour program, etc. for visitors.
FILMING IN BHUTAN
The rules and rates for filming in Bhutan differ from that of normal treks and tours. Tourists or professionals intent on filming in Bhutan must abide by the Bhutanese Filing Regulations, 1995, available with the implementing agency, the Department of Tourism. (the regulation does not apply to feature or cinematographic films). Applications for a filming permit must be submitted to the Department of Tourism at least 30 days in advance. The application must be accompanied by:
- theme,background,objective,purpose of the film
- specific locations/objects/activities
- composition of the team and list of equipment, accessories/ consumables (members of the team will have to pay the full daily tourist tariff)
- letter of recommendation from sponsoring agency (application forms can be obtained from the DOT on payment of Nu 300.)
Filming royalty for :
First 30 Minutes or part thereof is US$10,000
Next 30 Minutes or part thereof is US$6,000
Every additional 30 Minutes or part thereof is US$3,000
In addition a security deposit of US$5,000 must be deposited with the Department of Tourism. This deposit will be refunded upon completion of the film to the satisfaction of the Department of Tourism.
TIME TO TRAVEL
Ideal time to travel in Bhutan are Spring and Autumn i.e, the months of March, April, May and Sept, October, November. Contact us for more info.
