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Tourism in Bhutan was privatized by the Royal Government
in 1991. In keeping with the government’s cautious and balanced
approach to all aspects of development and modernization, the
tourism industry in Bhutan is based on the principle of sustainability,
indicating that tourism must be environmentally and ecologically
friendly, socially and culturally acceptable and economically
viable. There is no restriction imposed on the number of tourists
to Bhutan. Tourists can travel to Bhutan only through all-inclusive
package tours. A daily tariff fixed by the Department of Tourism
covers accommodation, meals, guide services, entrances fees to
museums, camping facilities and transport.
TOUR RESERVATION
All visitors to Bhutan are required to book through a registered
tour operator in Bhutan such as Bhutan Eco-Expedition , or through
a travel agent abroad. The tour operator in Bhutan handles visa
applications, tour programme and all other ground arrangements
for the visitor.
*To ensure trip availability, we recommend that you make reservations
at least 6-8 weeks prior to departure (as follows):<<Top
Booking Tours:
The booking for all cultural tours must be completed 4-6 weeks
in advance. For tours during festivals 8 weeks advance information
is required. This is because the major festivals held in spring
and autumn are peak time for tourists and it can be difficult
to confirm flights and hotels without early reservations. <<Top
Booking Treks:
For trekking groups, it is advised to book at least 8 weeks in
advance, as this requires more detailed planning logistics. <<Top
VISA FORMALITIES:
Visas must be obtained before departing for Bhutan, and applications
are processed through Bhutan Eco-Expedition. You simply need to
fax or email your passport details and your intended duration
of stay with dates of travel. Once we get this information we
apply on your behalf. Visa clearance numbers are issued by the
Ministry of Foreign Affairs and must be obtained before coming
to Bhutan, and takes at least 10 days for processing. A visa clearance
number is then faxed or emailed to you.
At the point of entry the actual visa will be stamped on the passport
on the payment of US $ 20, two passport-size photographs are required.
<<Top
TARIFF:
The minimum international tourists tariff (set by the government)
for visiting in a group of 3 or more are as follows:
Peak Season Tariff
US $200.00 per person per night halt (March, April, May, September,
October & November)
Low Season Tariff
US $ 165 per person per night halt (January, February, June, July,
August & December)* <<Top
Note:
*The rates are same for cultural tours, treks or any other special
interest tours
*The rates do include for the new luxurious hotels of Amankora
Resorts and Uma hotel. Staying in such accommodations requires
additional fees per night at much higher rates.
SURCHARGES
Individual tourists and smaller groups of less than 3 persons
are subjected 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. <<Top
TOUR PAYMENT
All tour payments shall be made in US dollars and shall be made
in advance, especially to obtain confirmed seats on the requested
Druk Air flights. We'll take care of everything for you and confirm
your reservation with a deposit. Deposits can be made by telegraphic
transfer to an overseas account of Bhutan National Bank. The balance
of the trip cost can be paid upon arrival in Bhutan by US dollar
traveler checks or cash. <<Top
ENTRY TO BHUTAN
Entry to Bhutan is by Druk Air (the country’s national carrier),
or by road through the southern border town of Phuentsholing.
There are five flights a week from Bangkok and Kolkatta, two flights
from New Delhi and Kathmandu. During the festival season, Druk
Air arranges for additional flights accordingly. <<Top
CUSTOMS
All visitors are required to complete the customs form upon arrival
at Paro. Cameras, video cameras, personal electronic equipment
must be declared on arrival and will be checked upon departure.
<<Top
CANCELLATIONS
Tours programs booked and subsequently cancelled shall be subject
to cancellation charges as follows:
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Within 21 days of the start of the tour programme - Free
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Within 14 days - 15% of the rate
-
Within 7 days - 30% of the rate
-
Less than 7 days or cancellation without notice - 50% of the rate
-
After arrival in Bhutan - 100% . << Top
DELAYED ARRIVAL/DEPARTURE
There shall be no charges for the numbers of days of delays in arrival/departure of visitors due to weather conditions, Druk Air problems or road blocks. <<Top |
