General Information
Getting into Bhutan
Current flight schedules are available at Druk Air website.
By Land
Travelling within Bhutan
Distances and Travel times within Bhutan
Travel Essentials
Medical Services
Every district in Bhutan has a general hospital and is staffed with competent doctors and offer basic health services however, you should come well prepared with all the necessary medicines like anti-nausea pills, anti- diarrhea pills, oral dehydration packets , eye drops, anti biotic ointment, and anti -histamine ointment.
Filming
The rules and rates for filming in Bhutan differ from that of normal rates of tours and treks.
Tourists or professionals intent on filming in Bhutan must abide by Bhutanese Filming Regulations 1995 available with the implementing agency (Tourism Authority of Bhutan) . The regulation does not apply to feature and cinematography films.
Application for a filming permit must be submitted to the Tourism Council of Bhutan TCB) at least 30 days in advance. The application must be accompanied by :
a. Synopsis of the film - theme/ background /objective/purpose
b. Specific location/objects/activities
c. Composition of the filming team and the list of equipment including accessories and consumables( film crew members have to pay full daily tourist tariff)
d. Letter of recommendation from sponsoring agency (application form available with TAB at a cost of Nu 300)
Royalty on filming
• First 30 minutes or part thereof - US $10,000
• Nest 30 minutes or part thereof- US $6000
• Every additional 30 minutes or part thereof- US $3000
In addition a security of $5000 must be deposited with TCB. The deposit will be refunded upon completion of the film to the satisfaction of TCB.
The easiest way for visitors to
enter Bhutan is by air. Druk Air – Royal Bhutan Airlines is Bhutan’s national
carrier and the only airline operating in Bhutan. Druk Air ‘s fleet consists of two modern
Airbus A319 which are perfectly designed
and crafted for high altitude landings and take offs. The pilots are especially
trained and internationally licensed for mountain flying. Druk air has an
impeccable safety record, without a single mishap since its inception in 1983.
On clear days the flight to
Bhutan offers spectacular views of the Great Himalayas, Mt Everest, Mt
Kanchenjunga, Chomo Lhari, Kula Gangri and you can also catch a glimpse of the
Great Tibetan Plateau and its grandeur stretching in the distance.
Current flight schedules are available at Druk Air website.
Bhutan Exquisite Travels will
books your tickets well in advance avoiding the last minute rush during the
peak seasons without the added commission that outside travel agents charge. To
do this you need to confirm your trip especially during the rush of Spring and
the Autumn festivals. Tickets can only be issued once your visa is approved by
the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Don’t
worry about getting approved our staff will hand carry your passport details
and personally book your tickets. *Important- the visa information that you send for your ticket should be exactly
the same as it is on your passport.
Air tickets will be issued only after your
visa is approved by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. To expedite this
procedure, it is essential that you send us all the passport information
required to apply for your Bhutan visa (see in the visa section for more info)
. The air tickets cannot be issued until
the visa is approved and this process takes more than two weeks.
By Land
Tourists wanting to combine to visit to Bhutan with
Sikkim & Darjeeling (or other places in India) can enter Bhutan by surface
road through the border town of Phuenstholing.
This is the only other entry point to Bhutan other than flying into the
Paro airport. Visitors can also fly into Bhutan and exit by road through Phuentsholing
or vice versa.
Phuentsholing lies approximately 170 km east of the
Indian national airport Bagdora, nearby a Darjeeling, a hill station. The road leads to the northern Indian tea
plantations through endless turns, hair pin bends and daring stretches carved
into the mountain rock via Chukka to Thimphu, Capital of Bhutan. The travel time for 275 km stretch can be
more than 7 hours.
For those travelling to eastern Bhutan there is an
option to exit out of the country through the border town of Samdrup Jongkhar
to Guwahati Airport in Assam of India.
Only exit is allowed from this point not entry into Bhutan. From
Guwahati there are flights available to Calcutta and Delhi.
Travelling within Bhutan
Bhutan has no domestic airlines or trains. The only
mode of transport within Bhutan is by road. All the major towns in the 20 districts
of Bhutan are accessible by road. Despite high mountains, steep slopes and the
deepest valleys, Bhutan has a relatively well developed network of roads.
Distances and Travel times within Bhutan
|
From/To
|
Distance
|
Travel Time
|
|
Thimphu – Paro
|
65 km
|
1 hr 30 min
|
|
Thimphu – Phuentsholing
|
176 km
|
6 hrs
|
|
Phuentsholing – Bagdogra (India)
|
170 km
|
4 hrs
|
|
Thimphu – Haa
|
115 km
|
3 hrs 30 min
|
|
Haa – Paro
|
60 km
|
2 hrs 30 min
|
|
Thimphu – Wangdue Phodrang
|
70 km
|
2 hrs
|
|
Thimphu – Punakha
|
77 km
|
2 hrs 15 min
|
|
Punakha – Wangdue Phodrang
|
21 km
|
30 min
|
|
Wangdue Phodrang – Trongsa
|
129 km
|
4 hrs
|
|
Trongsa – Bumthang
|
68 km
|
2 hrs 30 min
|
|
Bumthang – Mongar
|
129 km
|
7 hrs
|
|
Mongar – Trashigang
|
96 km
|
3 hrs
|
|
Trashigang – Trashi Yangtse
|
55 km
|
2 hrs
|
Travel Essentials
What To Bring
Druk Air flights observes the baggage weight limit of 20 kg (40lb) in economy class and 30 kg (60) in business class so it can be troublesome and expensive to carry too much. Even if you pay for excess baggage, it still travels standby and may be offloaded. As with all travel, the less you carry, the easier it is to move around and the less there is to misplace. Due to wide range of temperature and climatic conditions it would be advisable to bring appropriate clothing. From May to September, cotton clothes are sufficient plus a woolen sweater or light jacket. From October to the end of April, you will need very warm clothes including long johns or woolen tights to wear under trousers and down jackets or coat. During visits to monasteries, Dzongs and other religious institution, you should be properly dressed and you should not wear shorts and hats. Casual clothes are generally more suitable though a set of formal wear might come in handy for festivals or in the likely event that you are being invited to a Bhutanese home or a social function. You will be outside a lot so you might also want to carry sun glasses, sun caps, sun cream and lip protection. Rain gear will be a useful item in your check list if you are traveling during the monsoon season from June through August.
Travel Insurance
The tour price does not include travel insurance. All visitors are advised to get a travel insurance cover as we do not provide travel insurance policy in Bhutan. Travel insurance will prove useful should any unforeseen or mishaps occur while your stay in Bhutan.
Tour Guides
Our guides are licensed and trained by Tourism Authority of Bhutan. Our trekking guides have an additional mountain guide training including safety and first aid instructions to lead any size of groups. You will be accompanied throughout your stay with English speaking guide, driver and a car at your disposal at all time.
Tipping
As tipping is not compulsory but if you appreciate the services offered by our guides, drivers and service staffs, you may tip them according to your will.
Currency
The national currency of Bhutan is Ngultrum. It is at par with Indian rupee which is widely accepted in Bhutan except for the denomination of 500 notes which are banned in Bhutan because of counterfeit. You can exchange your money with Ngultrum at the airport, hotels or from the Bank of Bhutan and Bhutan National Bank.
There are no international ATM centers in Bhutan. Credit cards are accepted in very few hotels and shops. All credit card transactions take extra time and are cumbersome to use. It is preferable to use checks and cash dollars.
Accommodation
All tourist hotels in Bhutan approved and regulated by Tourism Authority of Bhutan. The hotels are comfortable, clean and reasonably well run. We will put you in the best hotels available in Bhutan. Visitors are advised not to expect luxury or five star hotels although a few luxury hotels have opened recently and that would come in with an additional cost on your tour payment.
Food
Bhutanese food is hot and spicy. For our visitors, however, Chinese, Indian and Continental fares are also served. The more adventurous can try hot Bhutanese dishes. For visitors on trek we serve simple but nutritious and tasty dishes. Meals are normally served in buffet style in hotels.
Transport
We use comfortable and modern Toyota cars, land cruisers, SUVS and coaster buses for all group sizes. Every vehicle is rechecked properly before every tour to ensure the safety and comfort for all clients.
Electricity
It runs on 240v system. The power supply is generally good but it may fluctuate sometimes.
Time difference
Bhutan is 6 hours ahead of G.M.T and half an hour ahead of India
Taxes
A departure tax of US $19 is levied at Paro airport. Subject to change without notice.
Customs
All visitors are required to complete a customs form upon arrival at Paro airport. The following items are exempt from customs duty:
• Personal belongings
• Instruments ,apparatus or appliances for personal use
• Photographic equipment, video cameras and other electronic goods
Tobacco
Bhutan is the first country to ban usage of tobacco products. Smoking is prohibited in the public places. Cigarettes may not be bought or sold in the country however visitors can bring in 200 cigarettes (1 cartoon) on 100% customs duty and 100% sales tax.
Shopping
There are wide array of hand woven textiles, handmade paper products, woven baskets etc... the most popular purchases made by tourists are postage stamps which is world renowned in the philatelic community. Please note that buying and selling antiques in Bhutan is strictly forbidden.
Druk Air flights observes the baggage weight limit of 20 kg (40lb) in economy class and 30 kg (60) in business class so it can be troublesome and expensive to carry too much. Even if you pay for excess baggage, it still travels standby and may be offloaded. As with all travel, the less you carry, the easier it is to move around and the less there is to misplace. Due to wide range of temperature and climatic conditions it would be advisable to bring appropriate clothing. From May to September, cotton clothes are sufficient plus a woolen sweater or light jacket. From October to the end of April, you will need very warm clothes including long johns or woolen tights to wear under trousers and down jackets or coat. During visits to monasteries, Dzongs and other religious institution, you should be properly dressed and you should not wear shorts and hats. Casual clothes are generally more suitable though a set of formal wear might come in handy for festivals or in the likely event that you are being invited to a Bhutanese home or a social function. You will be outside a lot so you might also want to carry sun glasses, sun caps, sun cream and lip protection. Rain gear will be a useful item in your check list if you are traveling during the monsoon season from June through August.
Travel Insurance
The tour price does not include travel insurance. All visitors are advised to get a travel insurance cover as we do not provide travel insurance policy in Bhutan. Travel insurance will prove useful should any unforeseen or mishaps occur while your stay in Bhutan.
Tour Guides
Our guides are licensed and trained by Tourism Authority of Bhutan. Our trekking guides have an additional mountain guide training including safety and first aid instructions to lead any size of groups. You will be accompanied throughout your stay with English speaking guide, driver and a car at your disposal at all time.
Tipping
As tipping is not compulsory but if you appreciate the services offered by our guides, drivers and service staffs, you may tip them according to your will.
Currency
The national currency of Bhutan is Ngultrum. It is at par with Indian rupee which is widely accepted in Bhutan except for the denomination of 500 notes which are banned in Bhutan because of counterfeit. You can exchange your money with Ngultrum at the airport, hotels or from the Bank of Bhutan and Bhutan National Bank.
There are no international ATM centers in Bhutan. Credit cards are accepted in very few hotels and shops. All credit card transactions take extra time and are cumbersome to use. It is preferable to use checks and cash dollars.
Accommodation
All tourist hotels in Bhutan approved and regulated by Tourism Authority of Bhutan. The hotels are comfortable, clean and reasonably well run. We will put you in the best hotels available in Bhutan. Visitors are advised not to expect luxury or five star hotels although a few luxury hotels have opened recently and that would come in with an additional cost on your tour payment.
Food
Bhutanese food is hot and spicy. For our visitors, however, Chinese, Indian and Continental fares are also served. The more adventurous can try hot Bhutanese dishes. For visitors on trek we serve simple but nutritious and tasty dishes. Meals are normally served in buffet style in hotels.
Transport
We use comfortable and modern Toyota cars, land cruisers, SUVS and coaster buses for all group sizes. Every vehicle is rechecked properly before every tour to ensure the safety and comfort for all clients.
Electricity
It runs on 240v system. The power supply is generally good but it may fluctuate sometimes.
Time difference
Bhutan is 6 hours ahead of G.M.T and half an hour ahead of India
Taxes
A departure tax of US $19 is levied at Paro airport. Subject to change without notice.
Customs
All visitors are required to complete a customs form upon arrival at Paro airport. The following items are exempt from customs duty:
• Personal belongings
• Instruments ,apparatus or appliances for personal use
• Photographic equipment, video cameras and other electronic goods
Tobacco
Bhutan is the first country to ban usage of tobacco products. Smoking is prohibited in the public places. Cigarettes may not be bought or sold in the country however visitors can bring in 200 cigarettes (1 cartoon) on 100% customs duty and 100% sales tax.
Shopping
There are wide array of hand woven textiles, handmade paper products, woven baskets etc... the most popular purchases made by tourists are postage stamps which is world renowned in the philatelic community. Please note that buying and selling antiques in Bhutan is strictly forbidden.
Medical Services
Every district in Bhutan has a general hospital and is staffed with competent doctors and offer basic health services however, you should come well prepared with all the necessary medicines like anti-nausea pills, anti- diarrhea pills, oral dehydration packets , eye drops, anti biotic ointment, and anti -histamine ointment.
Filming
The rules and rates for filming in Bhutan differ from that of normal rates of tours and treks.
Tourists or professionals intent on filming in Bhutan must abide by Bhutanese Filming Regulations 1995 available with the implementing agency (Tourism Authority of Bhutan) . The regulation does not apply to feature and cinematography films.
Application for a filming permit must be submitted to the Tourism Council of Bhutan TCB) at least 30 days in advance. The application must be accompanied by :
a. Synopsis of the film - theme/ background /objective/purpose
b. Specific location/objects/activities
c. Composition of the filming team and the list of equipment including accessories and consumables( film crew members have to pay full daily tourist tariff)
d. Letter of recommendation from sponsoring agency (application form available with TAB at a cost of Nu 300)
Royalty on filming
• First 30 minutes or part thereof - US $10,000
• Nest 30 minutes or part thereof- US $6000
• Every additional 30 minutes or part thereof- US $3000
In addition a security of $5000 must be deposited with TCB. The deposit will be refunded upon completion of the film to the satisfaction of TCB.