Travel Information


Becoming one of our guests isn't hard; it is a very special thing.
Just follow these steps.
1. The first step in traveling to Bhutan is to decide which of the tours best suits you. (You may also choose an alternative excursion, or design your own tour by contacting us.)
2. Once you decide on the excursion, choose the dates you wish to travel and for how long. (Your tour dates will depend on available openings with Druk Air, but our itineraries may be used for any dates you can be in Bhutan.) Decide which city you will fly from on Druk Air (Kathmandu, Bangkok, Calcutta, Delhi, or Bombay). Please visit: http://www.drukair.com.bt to see updates on flight schedules.
3. Contact us via email to notify us of your intended excursion plans. This pre-booking procedure is to help ensure that all requirements are met.
4. All you have to do now is meet your tour guide at the airport.

Visa Information and Formalities
1. A visa is required for traveling to Bhutan and it is processed and arranged by Destination Kathmandu. No foreign mission grants Bhutan tourist visas.
2. All Passport details should be forwarded to us at least 3 weeks prior to the date of your arrival either by e- mail, fax or regular mail. Your visa will be stamped on arrival in Bhutan while it is cleared in advance and a visa clearance number is issued. For all travelers entering Bhutan by Druk Air, the visa clearance number is forwarded to the concerned overseas Druk Air stations. Without a proper clearance number passengers will not be allowed to board the flight.
3. Visa clearance number is also required while issuing Druk Air tickets.
4. For travelers entering into the country by land through Phuntsholing (Border in South Bhutan) the visa clearance number is forwarded to the Office of Foreign Ministry in Phuntsholing for reference.
5. Three original passport-size photographs are required on arrival.
6. Visa fee of US $ 20 for 14 days visa, which can be further extended with an additional fee of US $15 and US $10 must be paid on arrival.

Clothing
In the winter months warm clothing is required, but at all times a warm pullover or jacket are required due to unpredictable weather conditions. More detailed information on clothing and related matters will be provided upon booking your tour. You can also click on Preparations in our website for more information on clothing, gear and essentials.

Health
All major towns in Bhutan have fully-equipped hospitals with all medical facilities, including medical specialists and ambulance services for emergencies. Certificates of inoculation against cholera and smallpox are required for entry, although Bhutan is free from these diseases. For trekers, you are recommended to consult a doctor before booking your trip.

Festivals
Festivals (Tshechus) are held in Bhutan throughout the year and at different locations. These festivals are celebrations of faith, legends, myths and history of Bhutan in ancient rituals of colorful dance and music. The most popular for tourists are those held in Thimphu, Paro and Bumthang. They mark the busiest times of the year for tourism so reservations are difficult to come by. Festival times are one of the only periods during a year when tourists are permitted inside the courtyard of the dzongs. The dzongs come to life with color, music and dance as valley dwellers and townsfolk dress in their best clothes and join together to exorcise evil spirits and rejoice in a new harvest. Rare masked and sword dances and other rituals are performed in the dzong's courtyards and temples. Each dance has its own significance and can be performed by monks or lay village leaders dressed in bright costumes. Certain festivals end with the unveiling and worship of huge religious appliques or thongdrels. The moment of the unveiling is shrouded in secrecy and creates great excitement amongst all the participants.

Tashidelek!

 

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