Information before coming to Bhutan
Peak Season Rates:
For The Months Of January, February, March, April, May, June, September, October, November and December.
US$200 per person per day for 3 or more in a group
US$230 per person per day for 2 in a group
US$240 per day for a single individual
Off Season Rates:
For The Months Of June, July and August.
US$165 per person per day for 3 or more in a group
US$195 per person per day for 2 in a group
US$205 per day for a single individual
These rates include government mandated surcharge of US$40 per day for one person and US$30 per day per person for a group of two.
You get a lot more for your money in Bhutan!
Does not include airfare on Druk-Air:
Here’s what’s Included!
- All ground transportation and horses
- All lodging, hotels, camping equipment
- All Meals, & cooks for camping
- Fluent and knowledgeable English speaking guide
The above prices include all hotel accommodations, food, ground transportation, an English speaking guide, trekking equipment, tents, a cook, and pack animals, and sleeping bags if necessary. Our guests are hosted in Class A or B hotels (the best!) which are approved by Department of Tourism.
*The rates quoted above are set by the Royal Government of Bhutan. Any other rates seen advertised is illegal. Many tour operators think they have to “undercut” prices that the government has set in order to compete. This inevitably leads to poor customer service as tour operators herd as many guests as they can in large groups, and put their guests in sub-standard hotels to cut expenses and hire unqualified guides to haul you around.
Accommodations:
The costs of all accommodations are included in tour costs. In the major towns of Thimphu, Paro, and Phuentsholing, comfortable hotels are available for the visitor. In smaller towns, modest, but adequate, hotels, lodges and guest houses are readily available. We will ensure that the best available accommodations are arranged for you. The Department of Tourism (formerly known as Tourism Authority of Bhutan: TAB) regulates hotel standards and all travel regulations in Bhutan.
Food and Drink:
Traditional Bhutanese food is hot and spicy. For our visitors, however, Chinese, Indian, and Continental fares are served. The more adventurous can try the local delicacies like the tasty and fiery the national dish of Bhutan, Emma Datshi which is made with chilies and Local Bhutanese cheese. Meals are normally served buffet style in the hotels. On trekking tours a trained cook will accompany your group to provide simple but nutritious dishes. All meals while you trek or visit in Bhutan are also included in the daily tour cost. Other services include trekking arrangements. Your only extra expenses will be, liquor, laundry, souvenirs and tips if you choose.
Ground Transport:
Again, all ground transportation is already included in your daily tariff. We use only clean, comfortable and well maintained cars, vans and coaches to transport our guests. Our experienced drivers are trained and licensed by the DOT and the Road Safety and Transport Authority. You will be at ease riding in the mountains of Bhutan unlike the experiences you will have had in Nepal and India. Sanity on the road prevails, and drivers are courteous to each other.
Guides:
Guests of the kingdom are required to have guide accompaniment throughout their stay in Bhutan. You will have a very fluent English speaking guide and driver at your disposal at all times. This is not to say you have to have your hand held everywhere you go. We are very accommodating and we can be flexible. Our guides have all been trained and licensed by the DOT (Department of Tourism). Our trekking guides and cooks undergo additional mountain training, including safety and first aid. None of our guests have ever needed a rescue, but we have helped lost trekkers from other tour agencies get out of the high passes safely. We have been successfully leading groups through the Bhutan highlands ever since tourism was privatized.
Tourist Seasons:
A visit to Bhutan can be planned anytime of the year but the best period is from mid September to November and March to June. There are many festivals during these months, and visitors should take advantage of trekking and the Tsechu. Most hotels sell out during this time and it is important for us to plan in advance if you want to attend.
Contact us if you have any questions regarding the tour costs. The daily rate may sound high at first, but remember that this includes all your accommodations, meals, guided tours, and all ground transportation in Bhutan, museums fees.
Travel Visa Application:
Tourist Visas: Your visa has to be approved prior to air ticketing and your arrival in Bhutan. Once you are ready to confirm your tour arrangements we will apply for your visas. We will need all of the following details.
01: Your full name (EXACTLY as it appears in your passport)
02: Permanent address
03: Occupation
04: Nationality
05: Passport number
06: Date of issue and expiration of passport
07: Date and place of birth
Your Bhutan visa will be stamped in your passport only when you arrive in Bhutan. You will have to pay US$ 20 cash upon arrival and present 2 passport photo with your passport number written on the back. We can process visa extensions for you if necessary.
