FAQ's
Do I need to get a VISA to visit Bhutan ? what formalities to be carried out to travel Bhutan? From which countries I can get a VISA? Time Taken to process VISA?
All Tourist VISAS are processed in Thimphu through any licensed travel operators or travel agents.No embassies abroad will issue Bhutan tourist VISA. In order to process VISA, Firstly you have to finalize your duration of stay and itinerary must be confirmed through a travel agent. After that you have to send the passport details and one passport size photo. Your VISA will be ready after 7-10 days. It is possible to request an expedited.The processed VISA number is then faxed or emailed to you the copy. This will be your final confirmation of duration for arrival to Bhutan. When you arrive at Paro airport or at the border at Phuentsholing (through land option- VIA Bagdogra, India). you will then have your visa stamped on your passport; please have 2 passport size photos to be used upon arrival, and visa fees of US$ 20 is to be paid after arrival.
What is the best time to visit Bhutan?
Yes.
What I have to do- when i want to travel Bhutan as a tourist?
You can start to communicate with our company Bhutan Himalayan Holidays through mail.
Browse our website your your suitable trip that suits you or we can customize your trip.You can book online through our booking form. Any any type of communication is suitable for us.If you want to go for customize trip..fill the form online i.e customize your trip.Firstly decide your trip duration then find out availability of Druk Air flight schedule to make your entry and departure dates. No of days your stay in the Himalayan Kingdom of Bhutan will get your travel cost.
Do I need to get a VISA for Bhutan?
Unless you are of Indian nationality holding a valid Indian passport, you need a visa for entry into Bhutan.
Why there is fixed cost for a tourist to travel to Bhutan? Why it is expensive than other destinations?
The Fixed cost is total tour package that covers all your hotel, meals, transfers to and from the airport or border, transport for sightseeing, one knowledgeable local guide, all inland permits and fees. And if you are trekking this covers all expenses for the treks such as horses,yaks, guide, all camping equipment, meals and transport.
Are there discounts when several people travel to Bhutan together?
Individual travel(FIT) is possible in Bhutan. single traveler(FIT) is US$ 30 extra per day, and it includes (one guide with private car/transport).
Can I decide on what I see in Bhutan or do I have to go with a planned tour?
You can decide on what you want to see in Bhutan and how you want to see it. You do not have to follow a planned tour strictly unless you are part of a group tour with a fixed itinerary. You will be provided with a planned tour itinerary, but once you reach Bhutan you can have some flexibility with your guide.
How do i make payment for my tour? Payment in what Currency? Can I use my credit card?
We accept deposit in form of Credit card. The balance payments for the trip can be wired, Banker's Check or even personal checks are accepted if received 60 days before the departure date. Payments mostly accepted in US$, DM, Yen Currencies.
How safe is the Bank Transfer Deposit? How can I be sure that my money is not lost in some distant account?
If you feel unsafe bank transferring to a distant account you have two options:
a) you may ask us for client references from your country who have traveled with us recently and or
b) you can also decide to bank transfer 15% of all payments upon confirming the tour and the rest to be paid upon arrival in Bhutan using Traveler's Checks in US$
What languages are tours available in?
Tour guides are mostly English speaking. But German or Japanese speaking guides are also available with an extra fee- usually for groups of 4 or more persons.
How can I get to Bhutan? Can I travel overland from India?
You can get to Bhutan by Air from Katmandu, Delhi, Kolkata, Dacca, Bangkok, Myanmar. If you opt for Overland options, regular road transport are available from Indian cities of Siliguri, Darjeeling, Sikkim and Kalimpong.
Which Hotels do you use in Bhutan?
We use the best hotels available in each valley. Please check our links to Hotels in Bhutan(under construction..)
What kind of transport vehicles do you use?
For individual travelers we use Toyota cars, 4WD Landcruisers/ SUV / jeeps; for groups of 3-7 persons we have Toyota Hiace mini buses; for larger groups of 8-20 persons we have Toyota Coaster Buses.
What are the major tourist attraction in Bhutan?
Major Tourist Attraction are the religious and colorful festivals taking place at different times of the year besides, the already existing unique and vibrant culture and the well preserved natural environment.
Do I have to carry cash or can I use my credit card for shopping in Bhutan? If yes, which credit cards are accepted?
Cash US Dollar in small quantity is OK and more practical for personal expenses. Credit Card can only be used for some shops in Bhutan. Most of the handicraft shops accept these for a processing fee of 7%. American Express and Visa are the ones widely used.
Can we extend our itinerary upon reaching Bhutan? What about the Visa extension in such cases?
Yes, one can extend the itinerary/tour even upon reaching Bhutan. All extension of itinerary means an extension of trip in Bhutan and in such cases, one pays the full tariff on the actual number of nights extended plus a Visa extension fee of US$ 15. The visa is then extended for the actual number of nights extended in Bhutan.
Do I need shots for malaria, etc. for entering Bhutan?
No, there is no requirement for Bhutan, however if entering via India, you are recommended to have such precaution.
How is the food in Bhutan? Is water safe to drink?
Food is much like Chinese cuisine, or as in Kathmandu hotels, Tibetan, Nepalese, Indian and Continental dishes are served. Water on treks is boiled for drinking, or with tea, it is naturally boiled; in hotels, mineral water is available.
What outfit/clothes should I carry?
Season-wise, a good guideline is to follow much as in Northern Europe-Germany/France; cold winters, cool-cold spring, warm-hot summers, and cold autumn. Warm jackets, woolen pullovers are recommended for winter; comfortable walking shoes; summers, light cotton is good. For trekking good strong hiking shoes with water protection for summer treks, light cottons or jeans are also good. Please do not forget to have at least one set of formal clothes for use in attending festivals, visiting the Dzongs, or meeting with government officials; a semi-formal dress is good for normal sightseeing and visiting temples and monasteries. [clothing]
When is the best time to trek in Bhutan?
Spring and fall are the best times to trek in Bhutan.
What recreation besides trekking are available in Bhutan?
Besides trekking, we also have the option to choose and experience the following;
- Rafting
- Bird Watching
- Fishing
- On and off road bicycle
- Motor biking
Do I need to get a VISA to visit Bhutan ? what formalities to be carried out to travel Bhutan? From which countries I can get a VISA? Time Taken to process VISA?
All Tourist VISAS are processed in Thimphu through any licensed travel operators or travel agents.No embassies abroad will issue Bhutan tourist VISA. In order to process VISA, Firstly you have to finalize your duration of stay and itinerary must be confirmed through a travel agent. After that you have to send the passport details and one passport size photo. Your VISA will be ready after 7-10 days. It is possible to request an expedited.The processed VISA number is then faxed or emailed to you the copy. This will be your final confirmation of duration for arrival to Bhutan. When you arrive at Paro airport or at the border at Phuentsholing (through land option- VIA Bagdogra, India). you will then have your visa stamped on your passport; please have 2 passport size photos to be used upon arrival, and visa fees of US$ 20 is to be paid after arrival.
What is the best time to visit Bhutan?
Best time to visit is through out the year except June-July, due to monsoon season that may disrupt your flight schedule to get in or out of Bhutan.
Can we book directly with you for a package tour to Bhutan? Yes.
What I have to do- when i want to travel Bhutan as a tourist?
You can start to communicate with our company Bhutan Himalayan Holidays through mail.
Browse our website your your suitable trip that suits you or we can customize your trip.You can book online through our booking form. Any any type of communication is suitable for us.If you want to go for customize trip..fill the form online i.e customize your trip.Firstly decide your trip duration then find out availability of Druk Air flight schedule to make your entry and departure dates. No of days your stay in the Himalayan Kingdom of Bhutan will get your travel cost.
Do I need to get a VISA for Bhutan?
Unless you are of Indian nationality holding a valid Indian passport, you need a visa for entry into Bhutan.
Why there is fixed cost for a tourist to travel to Bhutan? Why it is expensive than other destinations?
The Fixed cost is total tour package that covers all your hotel, meals, transfers to and from the airport or border, transport for sightseeing, one knowledgeable local guide, all inland permits and fees. And if you are trekking this covers all expenses for the treks such as horses,yaks, guide, all camping equipment, meals and transport.
Are there discounts when several people travel to Bhutan together?
Yes, there are discounts for several people traveling together. Depending on group size, per person costs may range from USD 180/DAY (groups of 4 or more) to USD 230/day (for single individual).
Can I travel as an individual(FIT)with a tour guide?Individual travel(FIT) is possible in Bhutan. single traveler(FIT) is US$ 30 extra per day, and it includes (one guide with private car/transport).
Can I by my air tickets through BHUTAN HIMALAYAN HOLIDAYS - Bhutan?
Yes Air Travel on any international flight including Druk Air flights can be arranged through this agency; Please see the Druk Air Flight Schedule(www.drukair.com.bt), that lists sectors covered by Druk Air.
Can I make decision on what I see in Bhutan and do I have to go with a planned tour? You can decide on what you want to see in Bhutan and how you want to see it. You do not have to follow a planned tour strictly unless you are part of a group tour with a fixed itinerary. You will be provided with a planned tour itinerary, but once you reach Bhutan you can have some flexibility with your guide.
You can decide on what you want to see in Bhutan and how you want to see it. You do not have to follow a planned tour strictly unless you are part of a group tour with a fixed itinerary. You will be provided with a planned tour itinerary, but once you reach Bhutan you can have some flexibility with your guide.
How do i make payment for my tour? Payment in what Currency? Can I use my credit card?
We accept deposit in form of Credit card. The balance payments for the trip can be wired, Banker's Check or even personal checks are accepted if received 60 days before the departure date. Payments mostly accepted in US$, DM, Yen Currencies.
How safe is the Bank Transfer Deposit? How can I be sure that my money is not lost in some distant account?
If you feel unsafe bank transferring to a distant account you have two options:
a) you may ask us for client references from your country who have traveled with us recently and or
b) you can also decide to bank transfer 15% of all payments upon confirming the tour and the rest to be paid upon arrival in Bhutan using Traveler's Checks in US$
What languages are tours available in?
Tour guides are mostly English speaking. But German or Japanese speaking guides are also available with an extra fee- usually for groups of 4 or more persons.
How can I get to Bhutan? Can I travel overland from India?
You can get to Bhutan by Air from Katmandu, Delhi, Kolkata, Dacca, Bangkok, Myanmar. If you opt for Overland options, regular road transport are available from Indian cities of Siliguri, Darjeeling, Sikkim and Kalimpong.
Which Hotels do you use in Bhutan?
We use the best hotels available in each valley. Please check our links to Hotels in Bhutan(under construction..)
What kind of transport vehicles do you use?
For individual travelers we use Toyota cars, 4WD Landcruisers/ SUV / jeeps; for groups of 3-7 persons we have Toyota Hiace mini buses; for larger groups of 8-20 persons we have Toyota Coaster Buses.
What are the major tourist attraction in Bhutan?
Major Tourist Attraction are the religious and colorful festivals taking place at different times of the year besides, the already existing unique and vibrant culture and the well preserved natural environment.
Do I have to carry cash or can I use my credit card for shopping in Bhutan? If yes, which credit cards are accepted?
Cash US Dollar in small quantity is OK and more practical for personal expenses. Credit Card can only be used for some shops in Bhutan. Most of the handicraft shops accept these for a processing fee of 7%. American Express and Visa are the ones widely used.
Can we extend our itinerary upon reaching Bhutan? What about the Visa extension in such cases?
Yes, one can extend the itinerary/tour even upon reaching Bhutan. All extension of itinerary means an extension of trip in Bhutan and in such cases, one pays the full tariff on the actual number of nights extended plus a Visa extension fee of US$ 15. The visa is then extended for the actual number of nights extended in Bhutan.
Do I need shots for malaria, etc. for entering Bhutan?
No, there is no requirement for Bhutan, however if entering via India, you are recommended to have such precaution.
How is the food in Bhutan? Is water safe to drink?
Food is much like Chinese cuisine, or as in Kathmandu hotels, Tibetan, Nepalese, Indian and Continental dishes are served. Water on treks is boiled for drinking, or with tea, it is naturally boiled; in hotels, mineral water is available.
What outfit/clothes should I carry?
Season-wise, a good guideline is to follow much as in Northern Europe-Germany/France; cold winters, cool-cold spring, warm-hot summers, and cold autumn. Warm jackets, woolen pullovers are recommended for winter; comfortable walking shoes; summers, light cotton is good. For trekking good strong hiking shoes with water protection for summer treks, light cottons or jeans are also good. Please do not forget to have at least one set of formal clothes for use in attending festivals, visiting the Dzongs, or meeting with government officials; a semi-formal dress is good for normal sightseeing and visiting temples and monasteries. [clothing]
When is the best time to trek in Bhutan?
Spring and fall are the best times to trek in Bhutan.
What recreation besides trekking are available in Bhutan?
Besides trekking, we also have the option to choose and experience the following;
- Rafting
- Bird Watching
- Fishing
- On and off road bicycle
- Motor biking
