Visitors must book through one of the 58 registered tour operators in Bhutan. They can either approach the operator directly or contact their counterparts abroad. The minimum tariff set by the Tourism Authority of Bhutan is US$ 200 per day (the rates can be higher, depending upon the nature of services desired beyond the entitlement for US$ 200). The rate is same for both cultural tours and treks. High season tariff - US$ 200 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).

Entering Bhutan Entering points in Bhutan are by road through Phuentsholing in the South, or by air in Paro. Druk Air, the national carrier is linked to five cities in four countries. There are two flights a week from Bangkok, two flights a week from New Delhi Kathmandu and Calcutta and one flight a week from Dhaka.

Accomodation/Meals : All guests are put up in government approved hotels, guest houses and lodges. While the quality of service, infrastructure and facilities differ in these hotels, tourists are kept in all the hotels during peak seasons because of the limited number of hotels in the country. The hotels accept bookings on a first come, first serve basis. Transportation : All operators either have their own fleet of luxury buses or have access to them. Both, vehicles and drivers, are provided by the operator. Guides : All guides are licensed by the Tourism Authority of Bhutan and undergo periodical examinations to upgrade their knowledge and services. Surcharges : There are surcharges on individuals and groups of less than four :

a) Single person - US$ 40 per night
b) Two persons - US$ 30 per night

The tour operator in Bhutan will apply for the visa which will take a minimum of five working days to process. It is mandatory for a tourist to get his visa clearance from the local operator before departing for Bhutan. The National Airline, Druk Air, will not issue tickets without the clearance and no visa is entertained upon arrival. The visa will be stamped at the port of entry upon payment of the fee of US$ 20. Two passport photos are required for the visa. The visas can be extended in Thimphu, for up to six months, at a cost of Nu.510.

All visitors are required to complete the Customs Form upon arrival at Paro. The following articles are exempted from customs duty :

a) Personal effects day to day use.
b) 2 Litres of alcohol; 400 cigarettes; 150gms of pipe tobacco.
c) Instruments, apparatus or appliances for professional use.
d) Photographic equipment, video cameras and other electronic goods.

Those articles described in section c) and d) must be declared on the Customs Form. If these items are disposed off in Bhutan by sale or gift they become liable for Customs duty.
Import and export of arms, ammunition, explosives, narcotics and drugs and wildlife products are stricly prohibited.

There are no charges for delays in arrival and departure because of weather conditions disrupting flights or road blocks. The tourists must, however, bear the cost of food, accomodation, transport and other services required.

1. DIPLOMATS from foreign embassies/missions accredited to Bhutan shall be given 25% discount on the daily rates.
2. There shall be no charge for CHILDREN up to the age of 5 years. However, those between the age of 6 to 12 years accompanied by elders/guardians shall be given 50% discount on daily rates.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. Visitors availing discounts under Sections A, B & C shall not be eligible for discount under E).

Tour programs booked and subsequently cancelled shall be subject to cancellation charges as follows:

1. Within 30 days of the start of the tour programme - Free
2. Within 21 days - 10% of the rate
3. Within 14 days - 15% of the rate
4. Within 7 days - 30% of the rate
5. Less than 7 days or cancellation without notice - 50% of the rate
6. After arrival in Bhutan - 100%

Note : Visitors are advised to be cautious in purchasing old and used items. Customs authorities will not allow any old/used items to be taken out of the country if they have not been certified as non-antique.Import of plants, soils etc. are subject to quarantine regulations. These items must be declared on arrival.

For any further information, please contact us.