How and where do I get a Bhutan visa?
All foreigner visitors, other than Indian and some SAARC country nationals need a visa to visit Bhutan. Visas are issued only to people who have booked with a Travel Agency, or with a foreign travel agent.
The visas are issued in Thimphu, Bhutan’s capital. The travel agency you are coming through will process your Bhutan visa for you. You can apply online and you will get an electronic one that can be downloaded. However your passport will be stamped at Paro International Airport.
How safe is Bhutan?
Bhutan is a Buddhist country, and respect for others is a cultural cornerstone. Bhutanese are by nature very hospitable people. You will find that Bhutan is a very safe country, with helpful and friendly people. Most young people speak excellent English, and even older people know enough English to help you find your way, or assist you in your enquiries.
Where are we put up during our visits?
Your stay will be in A-class hotels that guarantee comfort and charm. A few luxury five-star hotels have been established in Bhutan. In general visitors can expect as they travel through the country a unique combination of traditional Bhutanese style accommodation with modern services. Clean and well maintained, most of the hotels are equipped with telephones, fax machines and internet services. Hotels and lodges are categorized by the Tourism Council of Bhutan. International visitors will only be accommodated in hotels that fulfill the standard set by the Government. Five-star accommodations are available in Bhutan. But you would have to bear the extra charges over and above your daily tour cost you choose to stay in the luxury hotels in Bhutan.
What is the range of altitude in Bhutan?
Our journeys in Bhutan lead us through the mid-mountain belt of the Eastern Himalayas, which ranges from 900 to 3,354 meters or 3,000 to 11,000 feet altitude. Most of our time is spent around 2,300m/7,544 feet or lower, but we do travel over high passes. If you have any altitude problems, please let us know and we can work additional acclimatization time into your itinerary. You will also want to consult your physician before travelling so he/she can give you suggestions as well.
When is the best season to visit Bhutan?
The best season to visit Bhutan is March-May. September-November is also a welcoming season. Due to an increase in the number of tourists visiting Bhutan during these two seasons, you must plan your travel well ahead of time. We recommend you to plan your visit at least three months in advance during these periods.
What is the Bhutanese attire like?
Traditionally, men wear the gho, a long robe that is gathered and tied at the waist. This is accompanied by knee-high socks and dress shoes. Women wear the kira, a beautiful woven garment that covers nearly the whole body, from shoulder to ankle. A colorful silk jacket completes the outfit. Traditional clothing is still worn daily throughout the country today.
If you’re interested, we can help you purchase your own gho or kira when you arrive.
What are the things I should bring for my Bhutan trip?
Your clothing needs depend on the season. Based on the limitations on baggages offered by the two Bhutanese airlines, we advise you to pack properly. We can help you with suggestions when you book your trip. As Bhutan is a developing country; most of the essential things you need may not be available here. Do bring all special medications, if you have any. Also get your contact lenses and a backup pair of glasses. A flashlight is a necessity. Things needed for leisure, such as i-pod, good books and your favorite herbal tea could be brought. For personal consumption passengers are permitted to bring in only 200 cigarettes (10 packets) on payment of 200 percent duty.
Are there any advices for us when we visit the religious festivals?
Tourists can blend along with the crowd and take photographs. However, a Special Permit for Filming should be obtained. You are advised not to disturb the festival audience or distract the performers while taking photographs.
There is a dress code while visiting festival/tshechu. We request you to refrain from wearing hats and using umbrellas. Smoking is not permitted and visitors cannot come in slippers, short skirts and shorts. Tour Guide licenses may be checked by the police anytime to authenticate that the tour groups are handled by a licensed guide.
Do you also handle small group and custom tours?
Ours is a customer oriented company. Thus, we specialize in small groups and customer-crafted independent tours. Our group departures are guaranteed with a minimum of two sign-ups. In order to ensure that all visitors receive the same attention from guides and your leaders, we usually refrain from making our groups large.
Moreover, small groups permit flexibility in itineraries and access to areas and sights unknown or unavailable to large tour groups.
Our itineraries are drawn based on an approximate indication of the schedule, scope of activities, and trip routing, rather than an inflexible schedule of events. However, there could be changes to the daily itinerary depending on local conditions and/or on the request of our guests, provided there is no financial consequence. These changes may vary from specific sights to the village or city visited.
As most clients prefer to customize their trips, any package featured on this website can be taken as a foundation to build your own private trip. Select a date that suits you and we will suggest a detailed itinerary. If none of our existing itineraries works for you, we can craft one that does. If you do not have a travel companion, we can arrange a solo-traveler tour or look for a companion to join you.
Do I need to buy a tour package for travelling in Bhutan? Can I travel on my own?
Yes. You must buy a package tour that is all inclusive (hotel, full board, transfer & transport, guide and sightseeing). Having paid for a package tour, you can be flexible in the tour programme, change the tour to see, or do what most interests you.
How can I get the flight tickets?
Flight tickets can be sent to you via e-mail. We will forward tickets to your e-mail address as soon as we purchase the tickets (E-Ticket system) prior to your departure for Bhutan.
How is the food in Bhutan? Is the water safe to drink?
You will be served relatively hot Bhutanese style cuisines that contain chilies. Most visiting tourists enjoy the food. Chinese and Indian-style food is also available. Though the Bhutanese water sources come direct from the Himalayas, it is suggested that you always drink bottled mineral water.
What is the best time to trek in Bhutan?
Spring (mid March – end of June) and autumn (mid September – end of November) seasons are the best time for trekking.
Can I arrange air travel through your agency?
Yes. Air travel on any international flight, including domestic flights, can be arranged through this agency.
How can I make my payment for a tour?
All the tour payments must be made in advance. Tour payment must be settled one month prior to date of arrival in Bhutan. The VISA is cleared by the Government subject to advance payment only. Once your tour is confirmed we will send you our bank address details to wire transfer the tour payments. Payment with credit cards are also acceptable.