Bhutan is a nation with foot each in the past and modern world; ancient cultures are still part of daily lives but at the same these cultures and traditions are part of modern Bhutan. It is a perfect balance and harmony of progress in continuity.

Tour Operator

Tourists visiting Bhutan must travel through an authorized local tour operator on a pre-planned, pre-paid, guided package tour. Independent travel is not permitted. The government stipulates an all-inclusive entry fee per day. Concerned local tour operator is responsible for all logistical arrangements during your stay in Bhutan.

Visas

Visas must be processed prior to one's arrival into the country. All necessary formalities are taken care of by your tour operator. Application must be made between 3 and 6 weeks prior to the intended date of arrival, depending on the season. Visas are granted for the applied period as per travel itinerary. If the clients wish to extend their stay in Bhutan beyond initially planned itinerary, the local tour operator will arrange for extension. Upon arrival at the airport or land point, you will need three passport-sized photographs and US$20 in cash.

Download visa application forms here.

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Arriving/Departing by Air

Most tourists arrive and depart Bhutan by air. Unless you are an Indian national, visitors from other countries are required to either enter or exit through the country's only airport at Paro. The only airline flying to Bhutan is the national flag carrier, Druk Air. They operate a fleet of two 72 seat BAe 146-100 aircraft, running regular services from Bangkok, Delhi, Kolkata, Dhaka and Katmandu. Schedules vary between seasons, and there may also be extra flights during peak tourist periods. Prices are fixed and payable in US$. It is best to have your tour operator arrange your bookings. Payment for air tickets should be remitted three months in advance for high season (March, April, May, Sep, Oct, Nov) to help us obtain confirmed seats.
Visit Druk Air at their website, http://www.drukair.com.bt/

Arriving/Departing by Land

The only land entry point for tourists is through the town of Phuentsholing, on the southwestern border with India. If prior arrangements are made it will be possible to exit through the town of Samdrup Jongkhar in the southeast region, which makes an easy entrance point to northeastern India.

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Customs

On arrival you will be required to complete a custom declaration form. The main purpose of this is to ensure that anything brought into the country is re-exported. It is important that this form is produced on departure. There are no restrictions on personal effects and required gear for your trip here. Duty free allowances are generous including up to two bottles of liquor and two ten-pack cartoons of cigarettes. The export of antiques, wildlife and wildlife products are strictly prohibited. It may be prudent to obtain and save receipts for your purchases of high value souvenirs.

Taxes & Permits

The airport tax on departure from Paro is Nu.300/US$10. All areas outside Thimphu and Paro valleys require travel permits, which your tour operator will arrange. Most dzong courtyards are open to tourists but the inner sanctums are generally closed for obvious reasons that they house provincial offices and monk studies.

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Tour Payments

Tourist tariff is fixed and regulated by the Department of Tourism. An all-inclusive entry fee per day covers all tour expenses such as hotels, food, transport, guides and museum fees. Personal expenses like telephone calls, drinks and laundry are not included. Please contact us for details on current daily cost of tours.

FITs : 30 days advance
GITs : 30 days advance
Festival tours : 60 days advance

Transfer information will be provided after planning tour programs and determining costs.

Getting Around the Country

There are two ways to travel within Bhutan, by car or on foot, if trekking. There is a basic, but usually well maintained, network of motorable roads across the country. Due to the mountainous terrain, roads are single-lane and full of curves, and travel speeds are relatively slow. Your tour operator is responsible for arranging all necessary modes of transportation. Tour vehicles are comfortable buses, vans and cars. Where necessary four-wheel vehicles will be arranged as required.

Most of the country is still only accessible on foot, so there are abundant trekking routes. There is a widespread system of trails, most of which are well maintained and used. Walking in Bhutan's mountainous terrain is generally strenuous due to numerous mountain passes between valleys. Trekkers will have to be in moderate state of physical fitness and must really enjoy long walks.

For more details see the trekking section.

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Road Distances and Travel Times

Communication & Electricity

Bhutan has an efficient network of telecommunication system with even some remote areas connected through microwave technology. Almost all accommodation facilities used by tourists have direct international dialing, and recently, some places have begun offering Internet services.
There is also a good network of postal facilities, including express international services from some towns. In addition, there is DHL courier service in few towns that provides efficient service to and from Bhutan.

Electricity is 220V and relatively stable in more developed towns. However, in towns farther east, although it has improved greatly in recent years, it can sometimes be erratic.

Nirvana Expeditions
P.O Box 611, Deki Lam, Changangkha
Thimphu, Bhutan
Telephone : 975 232 8875
Fax : 975 233 1781
Email : info@nirvanaexpeditions.com

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