Druk Air
GETTING TO BHUTAN
By Air: The only international airport is at Paro. Bhutan’s national airline, Druk Air is the only national airline servicing Paro at present. Druk air operates flights to Bangkok, Delhi, Kolkata, Bodh Gaya, Dacca, Kathmandu and Guwahati. Buddha Airlines, a new commercial airline operates flight between Katmandu and Paro.
NOTE: During monsoons, unpredictable weather forces can delay flights and travellers are advised to include an extra day in their itinerary.
By Road: The road from Bagdogra (the nearest Indian airport) enters Bhutan at Phuentsholing, the border town. It is a 3-4 hour drive from Bagdogra airport which can be reached by plane from Calcutta and Delhi. From Darjeeling or Gangtok (Sikkim), it is an approximately 7 hour drive to Phuentsholing. It takes approximately 6 hours from Phuentsholing to Thimphu or Paro. Samdrup Jongkhar in eastern Bhutan borders the Indian district of Darranga, Assam. The travel time from Guwahati, the capital of Assam to Samdrup Jongkhar is approximately 3 hours. From Samdrup Jongkhar, tourists usually travel to Trashigang, followed by Mongar, Bumthang, Trongsa, Wangdue Phodrang, Punakha and finally to the capital Thimphu. The journey takes about 3 to 4 days.
VISAS & PASSPORTS
Valid passports and an entry visa are essential. Passports should have a minimum of 6 months validity. Travellers to Bhutan are permitted only as a member of a commercially organised tour group. Visa clearances are issued by the Department of Immigration in Thimphu and must be obtained before departing for Bhutan. Druk Air tickets cannot be purchased without visa clearance. At your port of entry your visa will be stamped in your passport .
Following information ( required on the visa application form ) shall be forwarded to us at least three weeks prior to date of travel, for processing visa with the concerned authorities:
- Full Name
- Permanent Address
- Place of Birth, Date of Birth
- Nationality
- Profession
- Nature of Passport: Diplomatic / Official / Ordinary / UN Laissez Passer
- Passport Number, Date of Issue, Place of Issue, Date of Expiry
- Date & Duration of visit
Also, all visa application forms should have original passport size photographs.
Actual visa is stamped on arrival in Bhutan while visa is cleared in advance and a visa clearance number issued.
Extension of visas, for up to 6 months, can be obtained in Thimphu at a cost of Nu. 510.
NOTE: Visas cannot be obtained at any of the Bhutanese embassies abroad.
MINIMUM TOURIST TARRIFF:
The minimum tariff for tourists visiting in a group of 3 persons or more are as follows :
Tariff – US $ 250 per person per night halt.
- The minimum daily package rates shall be inclusive of the following :
- Government Royalty & Taxes
- Accommodation in standard hotels approved by the Tourism Council of Bhutan
- All meals
- Service of Lisensed English speaking guide
- Transportation within Bhutan
- Entry Fees into all the Museums
- Charges for all arrangements required for treks.
Individual tourists and smaller groups of less than 3 people will have to pay the daily FIT surcharges (applicable for all months ) as follows, over and above the daily tour cost of US $ 250 :
Single Individual – US $ 40 per night halt
Group of 2 – US $ 30 per person per night halt in Bhutan
There are no charges applicable for CHILDREN under the age of 5 years.
However, those between the age of 6 – 12 accompanied by elders / guardians will receive a 50% discount on daily tour cost.All travelers will also have to pay US $ 20 per person as Bhutan Visa fee.
CUSTOMS
Export of antiques, plants or animal products are strictly prohibited. Cameras, video cameras, computers and personal electronic equipment must be declared on arrival and will be checked upon departure.
CLIMATE
It is difficult to accurately generalise the climate of Bhutan because of the variations in elevations and seasons. Southern Bhutan has a tropical climate with hot humid monsoons. Spring in the higher valleys (mid-March to May) has warm days (20 °C) and cool nights. June marks the beginning of summer when day temperatures warm up to 27 – 29 °C. By July, the rainy season starts and continue till mid-September. The autumn months of September to November are ideal for trekking with clear skies and mild weather. In December temperatures fall, but the days are warm and the clear, azure winter skies serve a striking background to the snow-capped peaks. On a sunny day, temperatures reach about 16-18 ° C. The nights, however, are cold with temperatures falling below freezing.
CLOTHING
Cottons and light wollens in Summer (June-Sep). Heavy wollens and jackets the rest of the year. Rain gear for the monsoons and comfortable walking shoes for hikes.
ELECTRICITY
230 – 240 volts, 50 cycles A.C. The current is variable.
CURRENCY
The national currency is the Ngultrum (Nu). 100 Chetrum = 1 Nu. Exchange rate is approximately US$ 1 = Nu. 45. Indian Rupees circulate at par.
CREDIT CARDS
Master and VISA credit cards are accepted in few shops around the country. Travellers cheques are also accepted.
TIME DIFFERENCE
Bhutan standard time is 6 hours ahead of GMT.
ACCOMMODATIONS
Comfortable hotels and lodges built in traditional architectural style are available in all major towns.
CUISINE
All tourist hotels have a choice of Bhutanese, Indian, Chinese and Continental food.
COMMUNICATION FACILITIES
Reliable telephone, fax, internet and mobile services are available in all the towns in Bhutan. International connections are excellent.
PHOTOGRAPHY
Carry plenty of films and batteries. Photo shops in Bhutan do not sell equipment or accessories.
LANGUAGE
Dzongkha, the language of the western region, is the national language. English is the medium of instruction and is spoken by all Government officials and businessmen. Nepali is prevalent in the south while Bumthangkha, Khyengkha and Sharchopkha are common dialects.
INSURANCE
To protect against unforeseen accidents and mishaps, we advise you to have Travel insurance policy from your country. It should adequately cover helicopter evacuation and medical assistance. We regret the unavailability of such policies in Bhutan.
SAFETY
The crime rate in Bhutan is very low.
SHOPPING
Traditional handicrafts, textiles, jewellery, baskets and masks. Paintings and woodcarving make good buys.