Entry points into Bhutan are by road through Phuentsholing in the South, or by air in Paro.

By Air : The only airport is at Paro. Bhutan's national airline, Druk Air, is the only airline servicing Paro.

Druk Air, the national carrier is linked to four cities in three countries. There are three flights a week from Bangkok, two flights a week from Calcutta, and two flights a week from Delhi and Kathmandu. During the festival season Druk Air arranges additional flights accordingly.

NOTE: During monsoons, unpredictable weather forces can delay flights and travellers are advised to include an extra day in their itinerary.

By Road : The road from Bagdogra (the nearest Indian airport) enters Bhutan at Phuentsholing, the border town. It is a 3-4 hour drive from Bagdogra airport which can be reached by plane from Kolkata and Delhi. From Darjeeling or Gangtok (Sikkim), it can take 7 hour to Phuentsholing. It takes approximately 6 hour from Phuentsholing to Thimphu or Paro.

The Royal Government of Bhutan adheres strongly to a policy of low impact/volume, high value tourism.

The tourism industry in Bhutan is founded on the principle of sustainability, meaning that tourism must be environmentally and ecologically friendly, socially and culturally acceptable and economically viable.

The government recognizes that tourism is a world-wide phenomenon and an important means of achieving socioeconomic development particularly for a developing country like Bhutan. It also recognizes that tourism, in affording the opportunity to travel, can help in promoting understanding among people and building closer ties of friendship based on appreciation and respect for different cultures and lifestyles.

Towards achieving this objective, the Royal Government, since inception of tourism in the year 1974, has adopted a very cautious approach to growth and development of the tourism industry in Bhutan. In order to minimize the problems, the number of tourists has been maintained at a manageable level and this control on number is exercised through a policy of government regulated tourist tariff and a set of administrative requirements.

ACCOMODATION/MEALS

All guests are put up in government-approved hotels, guesthouses and lodges. The Department of Tourism has rated these hotels in three categories but tourists are kept in all hotels during the peak seasons because of the limited number of hotels in the country. The hotels accept bookings on a first come, first serve basis.

TRANSPORTATION

All operators either have their own fleet of luxury buses or have access to them. The operator provides both vehicles and drivers.

GUIDES

All guides are licensed by the Department of Tourism and have undergone periodical examinations to upgrade their knowledge and services.

VISITING BHUTAN

All visitors to Bhutan are required to book through a registered tour operator in Bhutan. This can be done directly or through a travel agent abroad. The tour operator in Bhutan handles visa applications, tour programme and all other ground.

VISA FORMALITIES

Other than Indian 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. Visa clearance from Thimphu must be obtained before coming to Bhutan. 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 but extensions can be obtained in Thimphu at a cost of Nu. 510.

DAILY TARIFF

The minimum tariff for tourist visiting in a group of 3 persons or more are as follows:

High Season Tariff - US$ 200 per person per night halt (March, April, May, September, October and November).

Low Season Tariff - US$165 per person per night halt (January, February, June, July, August and December).

The minimum daily package rates shall be inclusive of the following:

a) Royalty
b) Charges for accommodation
c) Food and Beverages as per the ‘Minimum Meal Entitlements’
d) Service of Guides
e) Transport within Bhutan
f) Riding ponies and pack animals on treks

The rates given above 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 the Department of Tourism.

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 DOT.

DISCOUNTS

a) DIPLOMATS from foreign embassies/missions accredited to Bhutan shall be given a 25% discount on the daily rates.

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.

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 is a group of 11 to 15 people. 100% discount shall be given to one member in a group exceeding 26 persons.

e) 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.

f) Visitors availing discounts under Sections A, B & C shall not be eligible for discount under E.

Detailed information on Druk Air flights, tour and trekking programmes, festivals, places of interest, hotels etc can be obtained from the tour operators.

ENTERING BHUTAN

Entry points into Bhutan are by road through Phuentsholing in the South, or by air in Paro. Druk Air, the national carrier is linked to four cities in three countries. There are three flights a week from Bangkok, two flights a week from Calcutta, and two flights a week from Delhi and Kathmandu. During the festival season Druk Air arranges additional flights accordingly.

BAGGAGE

All visitors are required to complete the customs form upon arrival at Paro. The following items are exempted from customs duty:

CANCELLATIONS

Tour Programmes booked and subsequently cancelled shall be subject to cancellation charges as follows:

DELAYED ARRIVAL

There is no charge for delays in arrival and departure because of weather conditions disrupting flights or roadblocks. The tourist must however bear the cost of food, accommodation, transportation, and other services required.

FILMING IN BHUTAN

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.

FILMING ROYALTY

In addition a security deposit of US$5,000 must be deposited with the DOT . This deposit will be refunded upon completion of the film to the satisfaction of the DOT .         

MOST SUITABLE MONTHS FOR TREKKING