Bhutan - Travel Information
Visa
All foreigners except Indians must process their Bhutan visa through a tour operator. Book a trip with us and supply us your passport information, occupation and home address details and leave the rest to our expert hands. Bhutan visa arrangement is a part of the tour.
We need to apply your visa in advance at Department of Tourism at Thimpu and has to be approved by Foreign Ministry. Foreign ministry issues a visa clearance number in latter which is required while you checking in Druk Air flights.
Visa clearance letter is issued a few days ahead of your arrival in Bhutan. All Druk Air Stations, Paro immigration and other ports of entry are faxed a copy of your visa clearance letter but it's handy for to bear a copy of visa clearance letter that helps speed up work while checking in and clearing immigration. Your passport is stamped with actual visa upon arrival at Paro airport. Keep visa fee USD 20 and two passport size photographs ready.
Bhutan visa will be valid for the period of tour booked only. It’s possible to extend visa but you have to buy the NEPAL CULTURE NATURE TOUR paying the standard rate set by the government with your trip application.
Currency
The currency of Bhutan is called Ngultrum (Nu.). For economic reasons, the Bhutanese ngultrum is equivalent to the Indian Rupees (Rs.) which is also accepted in the country as legal tender. Major currencies and travelers cheques can be exchanged in the banks and some hotels. Credit cards are accepted at only a few of the hotels and shopping establishments in the country.
Language
Dzongkha is the national language of Bhutan, however English is common. It is the language used in the education system across the country, alongside the native language. Nepali is prevalent in the south while Bumthangkha, Khyengkha and Sharchopkha are common dialects in the central and eastern Bhutan.
Beverages and Drinks
Bhutan is known across the world for its excellent production of beverages and drinks. Alcohol is widely available at reasonable prices. In rural areas you can get home brewed Ara, which is similar to Japanese Saki. Other imported beverages are also served at the hotels. Bottled mineral water is available throughout the country.
Power and Electricity
Electricity is available in all of the towns frequently visited by tourists. The voltage supply is 220/240. Tourists intending to carry electrical appliances are advised to bring a converter with an adapter kit.
Time
Bhutan time is 6 hours ahead of GMT and there is only one time zone across the country.
Clothing
Between late May and early October it is summer with temperatures ranging from 5 to 27 Celsius (40–80 F) and monsoon season, with heavy rainfall, is from June to August. Light layers of natural or synthetic fabrics are recommended, with heavier outer layers for the evening, such as sweaters or fleece jackets. A light raincoat or umbrella is useful for the rainy moments and waterproof gear is recommended for longer treks.
Health Information
Good health facilities are available in the major towns. However, it is always advisable to take caution while traveling to rural areas by drinking only bottled water. For trekkers, it is most important to acclimatize to higher altitudes.
Communication Facilities
Telecommunication facilities are available across the country although overseas mobile phones will not operate. If constant communication is required we recommend use of a satellite telephone. With the introduction of internet to Bhutan in 1999, visitors can also access internet facilities in all major towns and cities.
Photography
To capture the beauty of Bhutan, you are advised to carry plenty of film and batteries. You cannot count on being able to purchase the most current photographic supplies: e.g., batteries and digital disks. Only a few things are available in some places.
Insurance
In order to protect against unforeseen accidents and mishaps, it is advisable to have travel insurance policy from your country. The policy coverage should include helicopter evacuation and medical assistance, among others, since such policies are not available in Bhutan.
Safety
Bhutan is safe place as crime rate is almost negligible. The towns and cities are safe to enable you to roam without any danger.
Shopping
Shopping malls in Bhutan are filled with traditional handicrafts, textiles, jewelry, baskets, masks, paintings and woodcarvings, all of which make excellent souvenirs. Transportation
In order to ensure your conformable travel, we offer Japanese imported vehicles like Land Cruiser, Toyota Cars, Hiace Buses, Hilux, etc.
Season:
March-May and September-November are the high
season months. While June, July and December-February
comprise the low season. Bring cotton or light
woolen wear in summer (maximum temperature 30
degrees Celsius) and heavy woolens and down
jacket in winter (minimum 1.1 degrees Celsius)
Accommodation and food
: All of the hotels we use are clean,
comfortable, and of the highest quality by Bhutanese
standards. They are all approved by the Department
of Tourism. Western Bhutan (Thimphu, Paro, Phuntsholing,
Wangdue, Bumtnag and Punakha) has the best hotels.
Hotel categories by A, B, C class, we give priority
to offer our customers A class.
Central and eastern Bhutan the
quality of the hotels goes down a little bit.
But we use the best quality available in each
region. In general, Bhutanese hotels are modest
and simple. Your hotels in Bhutan will provide
you pillows, blankets, sheets, towels, bathroom
tissue, and soap. You have to take your own
toothbrush, toothpaste, lotions, and other items.
Most hotels will have telephones.
The hotels and restaurants will
serve a variety of dishes (Bhutanese, Indian,
Chinese, and Continental). You can request spicy
or no spicy, depending on your preference. It
is no problem if you are a vegetarian or have
food allergies. Just let your guide know, and
he will instruct the chefs on what type of food
to prepare for you.
Reservation:
Booking should reach as at least 6 week before
departure with passport details and 50% of advance
payment through bank to bank wire transfer as
soon as you make sure to make any tour and trek
in Bhutan. We do not guarantee the trip until
the advance payment is reached to us. Balance
payment at least a month prior begins the tour
for confirmed bookings. This is to avoid last
minute hassles especially in the peak season
April & November 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:
