Bhutan Travel and Trekking Info


Bhutan, a tiny, remote and impoverished Buddhist kingdom nestling in the eastern Himalayas is hemmed by China (Tibet) in the north and northwest, the Indian states of Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, West Bengal and Sikkim in the east, south and west respectively and has and area of about 38,364 square km .


Tourism Authority of Bhutan:
The Tourism Authority of Bhutan (TAB) regulates all tourism related activities in Bhutan . All tour operators are registered with them, and the TAB also fixes the daily tariff rates. Thirty-five percent of the daily cost goes directly to the TAB and hence to the national treasury. The government for the socioeconomic development of Bhutan uses these funds. Hospitals, schools, and roads are built and maintained with the income. TAB has released a travel information booklet detailing their role and the regulations by which all tour operators are governed.

Mountain Leaders and Bhutan:
Trekking and tour is an ideal way to discover this country with it's unspoiled environment and majestic mountains its unique cultural heritage and warm, friendly people. Trekking and tours in Bhutan are most challenging and rewarding. You will discover in the thunder dragon Kingdom of Bhutan , (perhaps the last Shangri-La on earth) true mystical bliss enveloped in its natural splendor. If the weather is clear you will have a most beautiful view of Choyu and other high snow peaks. We provide you with knowledgeable and friendly guides, cooks, porters, assistants and pony handlers - in short, to ensure everything you need to enjoy the trek and tour with only a camera in your hand as you take the shots of breathtaking sceneries and meet up with the indigenous people. Besides the treks mentioned in our website we can even design treks to meet your needs and desires. Trip to Bhutan can also be arranged with Nepal-Tibet package tour.


Visa: All visitors to Bhutan require visas. For the Bhutan Visa procedure, we require the following information at least 30 days prior to the clients' arrival in Bhutan : Visitors need to obtain visa clearance from the Tourism Authority of Bhutan in Advance.


Reservation:
Booking should reach as at least 1 month in advance with all passport details with 50% of tour cost and full payment at least a month period to the begins of the tour for confirmed bookings. This is to avoid last minute hassles especially in the peak season April & October as the infrastructure in Bhutan can handle only a limited number of tourists at a time.
We need fallowing information to obtain your travel document:
1: Full Name (as it appears in your passport)
2: Permanent Address
3: Occupation
4: Nationality
5: Passport Number
6: Date of issue and expiration of passport
7: Date and place of birth
8) 3 pass port size photograph

Visa will be issued upon arrival in Paro airport. Individual tourist visas for a period of two week costs US $ 20 and an extension can be obtained at an additional US$ 20. Besides the visa fee, Tourism Services fee US $ 10 will also be required
However, at least two week prior to your tour, a booking with full passport details and payment of tour should reach us.
Note: It would help to book at least 60 days advance, as the infrastructure in Bhutan can handle only a limited number of tourists. The months of April, May, October and November normally have many festivals being celebrated at that time, and tourism is at its height during this period.


Cancellation:
There will be a cancellation charge of 50% for confirmed booking upto 7 days prior to departure whereas, no refund thereafter. No refund for no shows & delay arrivals of the clients whatsoever reason.


Best season to visit: The best times to visit are the spring months of March, April and May and the autumn months of September, October and November.


Getting There:
Druk Air flies between Kathmandu & Paro.You can email us regarding the cost, timing and days.
On clear days the flight into Paro offers spectacular views of the Himalayan mountain range, including Mt. Everest , Mt. Kanchenjunga in Nepal and Chomolhari, Kulu, Kangri and many other peaks of the Bhutan Himalayas.


Photography:
Photography in some of the Monasteries & Djongs is not allowed.Also some types of film cameras are not allowed.


Accommodation:
Modern hotels are available in Thimpu. The outlying areas have comfortable resorts and lodges.


Risk and Liability : Mountain Leaders will put every effort to make your journey very smooth and pleasant. However all the programs in Bhutan are under the rules and regulations of Bhutan tourism authority. Therefore, Mountain Leaders or its Bhutanese counterpart will not be responsible for any changes and alternation in the itinerary due to natural circumstances, flights cancellation. Any extra cost shall be borne by the clients on the sports. It is most advisable all clients to have full insurance against medical and personal accidents cancellation insurance are also highly recommended.


Clothing
October – March: Warm Clothing
April – September: Light Cotton Clothing
A warm sweater and a jacket are always advised.
Cloths should preferably be made from natural materials, which allow the body to breathe better. You will be offending people if you walk around in skimpy or tight fitting clothes. Although there are normally opportunities to wear shorts, we would advise women to wear skirts or loose trousers, men should not wear singlet. During visit of monasteries, Dzong and other religious institutions you should not wear shorts & hats.


Food : Bhutanese delicacies are rich with spicy chillies and cheese. Mountain Leaders' Counterpart in Bhutan selects list of hotels and lodges offering delicious Chinese, Continental, Bhutanese and Indian Cuisine. Even on trek well-trained cooks prepare dishes suitable to western Taste ranging from Continental to Chinese and Bhutanese to Indian.


Practicalities: Visitors to Bhutan must be either guests of the government or tourists. All tourists must travel on a pre-planned, prepaid, guided package tour. Independent travel is not permitted. A minimum number of 2 People are required for getting permits to trek in Bhutan . For Tours , 1-2 Pax are considered FIT'S and 3 & above as Group. A special discount is available, if you are travelling in a Group of 3 & above.


Money
Bhutanese currency is the Ngultrum. US Dollars & traveler cheques are acceptable in large hotels & tourist shops. Indian currency is accepted everywhere.

 
Facts About Bhutan
Full Name: Kingdom of Bhutan
Capital City: Thimphu
Population: 672425
Time Zone: UTC:+6
Languages: Dzongkha, Tibetan , Nepali
Currency: Ngultrum and Indian Rupee
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