BHUTAN TOURISM

Bhutan Tourism 

Tourism in Bhutan was privatized by the Royal Government of Bhutan in 1991. Today it is a vibrant business with nearly 2000 plus private operators in the Tourism Business. The Royal Government of Bhutan adheres strongly to a policy of low impact/volume, high-value tourism. We are not restricting tourists but we want to provide the best service with the best resources. The tourism industry in Bhutan is founded on the principle of sustainability, meaning that tourism must be environmentally and ecologically friendly, socially and culturally acceptable, and economically viable. we follow the concept of GNH(Gross National Happiness). The number of tourists visiting Bhutan is regulated to a manageable level because of the lack of infrastructure.

The Royal Government of Bhutan recognizes that tourism is a worldwide phenomenon and an important means of achieving socioeconomic development particularly for a developing country like Bhutan. It also recognizes that tourism, in affording the opportunity to travel, can help in promoting understanding among people and building closer ties of friendship based on appreciation and respect for different cultures and lifestyles. Towards achieving this objective, the Royal Government, since the inception of tourism in the year 1974, has adopted a very cautious approach to the growth and development of the tourism industry in Bhutan. In order to minimize the problems, the number of tourists has been maintained at a manageable level and this control on the number is exercised through a policy of government regulated tourist tariff.

Best Time to Visit Bhutan

The Himalayan Kingdom of Bhutan is covered by all climatic zones, starting from sub-tropical jungles in southern Bhutan(bordering with India) to the moderate heights of 2000 – 2500 meters in the center and alpine towards northern Himalayas and glaciers of the north (bordering with Tibet-China).

Bhutan during winter

During winter its dry and pleasant conditions make this the best time of year for bird watching in the beautiful jungles of the Himalayan Kingdom of Bhutan. It will best time to visit Bhutan for birding and trekking in some areas. It is will be really beautiful to do biking in the lower altitudes or a bicycle ride along deep black mountain roads. The trekking routes in the high mountains of Bhutan are covered with snow. The endangered Black Necked Crane in the beautiful valley of Bumdeling in eastern Bhutan and Phobjika in central Bhutan will be awesome to visit Bhutan. Festival in Bhutan will be another interesting cultural visit to Bhutan. Punakha Festival will be in the month of February.

Bhutan during Spring

The best time to visit Bhutan is during the spring season because of the weather and climatic conditions. The trekking season commences in moderate altitudes. Above 3000 meters spectacular rhododendron forests bloom with different varieties of species. It is also the best time with Bhutan Himalayan Holidays to do a white river rafting tour. In Paro, one of the best festivals is Paro Tsechu(Festival) in the Last Shangrila-Bhutan takes place.

Summer 

Summer with rain will not hamper the travelers coming to Bhutan. In central and western Bhutan pleasant summer temperatures without heat or humidity can be found. Rain falls is not heavy compared with the southern region it is manageable with proper resource and plan with tour operators. Treks like the Snowman Trek are good with mild temperatures. Nomads with yaks herds are seen in the high Alps and blue poppies.

Autumn 

Autumn will be the best season to visit Bhutan. It is high season for tourists in Bhutan. September and October months have the highest number of festivals and turnout for tourists is also high. Trekkers particularly enjoy the clear view of the mountains in October and the low rainfall. Rice harvest means a picturesque landscape with remarkable terraces and changing colour.

BHUTAN FORTRESS

Tashichoe Dzong

In 1216 the lama Gyalwa Lhanampa built the fortress(Dzong) on the hill above Thimphu, Dechen Phodrang now stands. A few years later Lama Phajo Drugom Shigpo, who brought the Drukpa Kagyu sect into Bhutan, took over Dohon Dzong. In 1641 the Shabdrung Rimpoche acquired the Fortress from the descendants of Lama Phajo and renamed it as Tashi Chhoe Dzong. He then arranged to house both monks and civil officials in the same Fortress. Present it is a seat of the national government and the Central Monastic Body, including the summer residence of the Je Khenpo (Chief Abbot of Bhutan).

Rinpung Dzong

Rinpung Dzong meaning "fortress of the heap of jewels", built at the same time of Drukgyal Dzong, now serves as the administrative and judicial seat of Paro district and residence for the 200 monks. Walking up through the traditional bridge, and over a stone inlaid path, you enjoy the great view of the superb architecture and the life around the Dzong. It is also the venue for Paro festival, held in the spring.

Drukgyal Dzong

‘Bhutan’s victory fort’, overlooking the beautiful village with Mount Jumolhari in the background. This ruin Dzong (Fortress) was built in 1646 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal to commemorate his victory over the Tibetan invaders led by Mongolian warlord, Gushri Khan. Historically and strategically it withstood all its glory and had captured western eyes in 1914 vide National Geography magazine. The Dzong was destroyed by fire in 1951 and is now preserved as heritage site.

Wangdue Fortress
Wangdue Dzong was built by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal in 1638 .The fortress sitting on a hilltop at the confluence of Punakha Chu and Tang Chu Rivers. Wangdue Festival is celebrated here in the fall.

Tashigang Fortress

The Fortress is built in 17th century. The Fortress is standing at the extreme end of the spur, overhanging the Gamri River. If you are interested in rural life and textiles, there are several villages where you can make day excursions.Day Hikes in Trashigang.

Jakar Fortress







Dagana Dzong

FAQs

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?

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.

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

why travel with us

• Bhutan Himalayan Holidays is an authorized travel and tour operator in Bhutan.
• Bhutan Himalayan Holidays is licenesed Travel and tour operator in Bhutan. Please refer tourism department of Bhutan. www.tourism.gov.bt.
  
• Bhutan Himalayan Holidays provide their clients quality service
• We are very professional in our business. we believe in giving you the most outstanding service from your payment to us.
• We customize your trips and always listen to your individual needs and make suggestions.