Bhutan

Bhutan is no ordinary place. It is the last great Himalayan kingdom, shrouded in mystery and magic, where a traditional Buddhist culture carefully embraces global developments.

Low Volume, High Value Tourism

The Bhutanese pride themselves on a sustainable approach to tourism in line with the philosophy of Gross National Happiness. Foreign visitors famously pay a minimum tariff of US$250 per day, making it seem one of the world's more expensive destinations. However, this fee is all-inclusive – accommodation, food, transport and an official guide are all provided, so it's not a bad deal. You don't have to travel in a large group and you can arrange your own itinerary. What you won't find is budget independent travel.

Surprising Bhutan

Bhutan is like nowhere else. This is a country where the rice is red and where chillies aren't just a seasoning but the main ingredient. It's also a deeply Buddhist land, where monks check their smartphones after performing a divination, and where giant protective penises are painted at the entrance to many houses. Yet while it proudly prioritises its Buddhist traditions, Bhutan is not a land frozen in time. You will find the Bhutanese well educated, fun loving and very well informed about the world around them. It's this blending of the ancient and modern that makes Bhutan endlessly fascinating

ABOUT THE HOTELS USED IN THE PACKAGE

We have used hotels, which are not to be compared with the Hotels of other developed destinations. We have selected, combined & graded the hotels in a fashion, so that the Guest gets similar kind of standard in services & facilities at every destination.

For the easy understanding we have termed: –

Services rendered by Hotel used under GRADE B2, B3 & B4 will be equivalent to 3* TO 4* Properties.
Services rendered by Hotel used under GRADE A, A1 & A2 will be equivalent to 4* to 5* Standard Properties.
Services rendered by Hotel used under GRADE A3, A4 & A5 will be equivalent to 5* Luxury Properties.

While travelling towards Central, Eastern Bhutan & remote area like Haa, Tongsa, Mongar, Trashigang, Gelephu & Samdrup Jonkar kindly be informed that these areas are very remote. The facilities & services provided by the hotels, in these areas, are very basic which can be compared to hotels of 1* or lower.

Hence, please do not expect luxury facilities while travelling to these areas. These travels, are experiential travel. In case you are unable to cope up with the compromise on comfort, we will insist youdrop your idea to travel to this area.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION ON TRANSPORT & GUIDE SERVICES

Concept of vehicle on disposal is not a practice in Bhutan. The vehicle + Trip leader (Guide) will be with the guest generally from (0900 Hrs till 1700 Hrs). The vehicle used will be exclusive for that group but will not be at disposal. It will be as per contract & may change in case of any operation or mechanical problems.
The Drivers comes from remote places and are not educated in tourism etiquette and some of them do not know how to speak & behave sometime. You are requested to be soft & gentle with your drivers.
For suitable operational conditions, at the time of actual travelling, the itinerary could be altered, changed or removed, without assigning any reasons. All such right are reserved with the operating company.

Uses of AC (Air Condenser) in the Vehicle – Generally in Bhutan, Most of the vehicle we write Non AC as because of its location & Altitude, AC are not required. In case guest is insisting on AC, Supplement cost as per vehicle selection could be taken. The AC will be on when the Vehicle is on move only. While travelling in the plains the clients would need AC, which will be switch on. When the car is travelling uphill AC will be switch off. All AC Vehicle request should come way in advance helping us to place the vehicle accordingly, on tours AC vehicle request will be difficult to entertain & might not be in a position to honor the same.
Cancellation – Since the Vehicles are limited in number, cancellation rules will be applicable on the complete tour package including the transport cost.

BHUTAN PERMIT FOR OTHER AREAS

A special pink permit is required to visit all area other than Thimphu, Paro & Phuentsholing. This pink permit can be process in advance for guest holding Valid Passport (Clear , Colour & readable Copy). The same need to be applied minimum 08-10 days in advance with the Bhutan Immigration or else the immigration will not be responsible if the permit are not issued by the department. For guest holding election ID card (Adult) / Original Birth certificate in English ( Child) pink permit will be applied manually in Thimphu upon guest arrival in Bhutan on week days only (Immigration office is closed on weekend & National Holidays )

ENTRY FORMALITIES FOR INDIAN NATIONALS TRAVELLING TO BHUTAN

DOCUMENTS REQUIRED FOR ISSUING PERMIT:

FOR ADULT

Personal presence
04 Recent Color Photograph (as a stand by precaution for all travelers).
Original Indian Passport (Minimum Six months valid) OR Election Identity card ONLY for all passengers traveling to Bhutan.
Indian National if flying to/from Bhutan, to/from to any second country require six-month valid passport only.
OCI (Oversea Citizen of India) & PIO (Person of Indian Origin) passport are not considered as valid document in Bhutan, as Indian Citizen proof.
All NRI, OCI & PIO passport holder will be considered FOREIGN NATIONALS & will have to pay USD RATE as fixed by the Bhutan Government.
All FOREIGN NATIONALS tourist must obtain a visa clearance prior to travel to Bhutan. Foreign nationals are required to send the clear readable and viewable photo-page of their passport to us & we will apply for their visa. For your kind information, once the full payment for the holiday has been wire transferred and received by the TCB (Tourism Council of Bhutan), the visa will be processed by them. At the point of entry, foreign nationals will have to show their visa clearance letter, for the visa to be stamped on their passport.

FOR CHILDREN (WHOSE PARENTS ARE INDIAN PASSPORT HOLDERS)

Personal presence
04 Recent Color Photograph (as a stand by precaution for all travelers).
Original Birth Certificate in English. In case the Birth Certificate is in Regional Language, then an affidavit from the Magistrate.
Along with School / College identity card. They must be accompanied by their parents with Election ID card / Valid Indian Passport. (Bona-fide letter from School or College are not valid documents for Bhutan Entry for minors).
Indian national children if flying to/from Bhutan, to/from to any second country require six month valid passport only.
For Foreign National Children six month valid passport along with valid visa is the only valid document for entry into Bhutan.