Tourism in Bhutan:
The Royal Government of Bhutan adheres strongly to a policy of low impact/volume, high value tourism.
Tourism policy dictates that the industry must be environmentally and ecologically friendly, socially and culturally acceptable and economically viable.
The Government recognizes the importance of tourism in achieving social-economic development, promoting understanding among people and building closer ties of friendship.

Diplomats
Diplomats (holding passport) accredited to Bhutan shall be given a 25% discount in tour cost if they come in a group of 02 pax.

The minimum daily package rates shall be inclusive of the following:
a) Royalty
b) Food and Beverage as per the “Minimu Meal Entitlements”
c) Service of Guides
d) Transport within Bhutan
e) 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 Agent” 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 types 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.

Air Fare:
US$ 195. + 20 Tax (One Way)

Tour Payment:
All tour payment must be settled in advance. The tour booking will be confirmed only after we receive 100% of the tour payment. Please deposit/transfer the tour payment through Bank.
Note: A copy of Bank transfer receipt should be faxed to us.

Discount:
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 u 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 in a group of 11 to 15 people. 100% discount shall be given to one member in a group exceeding 16 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.

Cancellations:
Tour Programmers booked and subsequently cancelled shall be subject to cancellation charge:

Photography:
The photographic opportunities on all trips are immense if you wish to record the local people, their houses and shops etc. You can always ask by gesture, if it’s ok to take picture. Also while visiting Dzongs, monasteries and religious institutions: please follow your guide’s instruction carefully. Photography inside the Dzongs and monuments are not allowed. Although films and batteries are available locally, It is best to bring it yourself.
16mm film camera are prohibited in Bhutan. Also photography in some of the monasteries & Dzong are not allowed.

Filming Regulations:
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 filming regulations, 1975 Act. Available with the implementing agency, the Department of Tourism. Applications for a filming permit must be submitted to the Department of Tourism.

Filming Royalty:
1. First 30 minutes or part thereof-USD 10,000
2. Next 30 minutes or part thereof- 6,000
3. Every additional 30 minutes or part thereof- USD 3,000

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

Tour Escorts:
All our tours are escorted by well trained, knowledgeable guides, certified by the Department of Tourism. All the guides speak English but Japanese, French and German speaking guides can be provided with prior information and on additional cost.

Food:
Bhutanese Delicacies are limited with spicy chilies and Cheese. However You will be served a buffet of continental food with some local dishes too. On treks, our trained cooks prepare dishes suitable to western tastes ranging from continental to Chinese and Bhutanese to Indian. Money:
Bhutanese unit of currency is the Ngultrum. 1Nu =100 Chetrum. The Ngultrum is at par with the Indian Rupee. Approx. 1 USD=Nu/43.5.

Clothing:
Due to wide range of temperature and climatic conditions, It is advisable to bring appropriate clothing. From May to Sep. Cotton clothes are sufficient, plus a woolen sweater of light jacket. From November to the end of April, you will need very warm clothes including long underwear or woolen tights to wear under trousers, and down jacket or coat. During visit to the monasteries, Dzongs and other religious institution, you should not wear short, hats and should be properly dressed.

What to Pack:
Clothes as per season, sunglasses/ spare glasses or contact lenses, pair of casual shoes, washing kit, shaving kit, towel, hat, umbrella, camera, film and accessories, maps, insect repellent, hand cream, small sewing kit & safety pins, torch or flash light with spare batteries, mirror, sun screen cream, lip salve or soluble aspirin, antiseptic cream, preparation for the relief of sunburn. You may not be tuned to the Asian drugs so it is always advise to bring own brand. Medical and Health:
Anyone who enjoys out door life and is physically fit can participate on our treks and tours. However some treks may be rigorous and difficult because of high altitude and therefore a good training of fitness for at least a month at home is required for treks going to an altitude in excess of 4000mts. There are no compulsory vaccinations for travel to Bhutan or within the continent. However it is recommended that you be protected against Polio, Tetanus, Typhoid, Cholera, Hepatitis A, Malaria, especially if you are traveling out of Bhutan. If you have heart condition, Please check with the doctor to ensure that it is ok to undertake high altitude treks.

Travels Insurance:
The costs that we offer do not cover your Travel Insurance. It is imperative that you have full comprehensive insurance cover to protect against unforeseen accidents and mishaps. Such policies are not available in Bhutan. It should adequately cover baggage and travel delays etc. and helicopter evacuation, transportation and medical assistance incase of treks.

Single Room Supplement:
Rooms and Tent camp accommodations are provided on double occupancy basis. If you wish to reserve a single tent or Hotel room, an additional surcharge of USD 25 is applicable per person per night

Alteration of Itineraries:
We Holiday Nepal and Bhutan Agent reserves the right to modify or alter many trip itineraries due to circumstances beyond our control such as flight cancellation, Weather condition, Political strikes or restrictions etc.

Customs & Regulations:
The Bhutanese authorities strictly prohibit the export of any religious Antiquity or antiques of any types. All personal electronics, camera, video cameras, computers, Laptops and personal electronic equipment may be brought into the country but they must be listed on the customs from provided on arrival at Paro and will be checked on departure. Two liters of Alcohol and reasonable quantity of cigarettes may be brought in to the country without duty.

Accommodation:
There are comfortable hotel and lodges at all tourist destinations, Western Bhutan has better hotels while in central and eastern part of the country, and accommodation establishments are simple and offer minimum facilities.

Driving Distance:
All mode of transport within Bhutan is by motor vehicle as there is no domestic airlines or trains. However, motor roads are well maintained and link all parts of the country. The mountainous terrain and winding roads restrict the average driving speed of vehicle to less than 35 km per hour. All transport vehicles are well maintained and tourist coaches are imported from Japan, which make it very reliable and comfortable.

Getting There:
Druk air flies 3 days a week i.e Monday, Thursday and Sunday between Kathmandu and Paro. Cost for one way trip is US$ 195+20 Tax. Per person & round trip just double. The national airline of Bhutan/Druk Air operate with connection from Kolkatta, Delhi, Dhaka, Bangkok. It is possible to enter & exit Bhutan by overland transportation, stopping en-route at Sikkim and Darjeeling (India)

Travel Tips:
October-March warm clothing.
April-September light cotton clothing, However, a warm sweater and jacket are always advised.

Climate: Best seasons:
March-April-May, Sep- Oct- & Nov. /  /Monsoon- June-July & August / Winter-Dec-Jan & Feb