Tourism Policy

Bhutan Tourism Policy : Bhutan’s tourism sector is regarded as one of the most exclusive travel destinations in the world. Bhutan enjoys a reputation for authenticity, remoteness and a well-protected cultural heritage and natural environment.

Today tourism is a vibrant business with a high potential for growth and further development.  The Royal Government of Bhutan adheres strongly to a policy of ‘High Value, Low Impact’ tourism which serves the purpose of creating an image of exclusivity and high- yield for Bhutan.

Our vision

“To foster a vibrant industry as a positive force in the conservation of environment, promotion of cultural heritage, safeguarding sovereign status of the Nation for significantly contributing to Gross National Happiness.”

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. 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 believes that tourism, in affording the opportunity to travel, can help to promote a deeper understanding among people and to strengthen ties of friendship based on a deeper appreciation and respect for different cultures and lifestyles.

Towards achieving this objective, the Royal Government of Bhutan, has adopted a very cautious approach to growth and development of the tourism industry in Bhutan. Its tremendous potential as a truly indigenous industry and the clear comparative advantages Bhutan enjoys, are compelling reasons to promote Bhutan as a high-end tourist destination in a manner which accords with the tenets of Gross National Happiness.

TARIFFS:

The Government Fixed Daily Tariff is set at $ 100 per person per night.

VISA FEE:

Each traveler pays $ 40 as visa fee, which is one time.

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You get a lot more for your money in Bhutan!

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Services Included with the above cost:

Cultural Tour:

  • Licensed Professional Driver
  • SUV for ONE or TWO Free Independent Travelers (FIT)
  • MINI COACH for THREE to EIGHT Travelers
  • FULL A/C COACH for EIGHT to SIXTEEN or MORE
  • Licensed Professional Guide
  • All Accommodations in Twin Sharing in Three Star Hotels or Upgrade to 4 or 5 Stars upon extra payment
  • All Meals with Bottled Mineral Water
  • Entry Fees to Museums or Monuments
  • All Sightseeing included in the Itinerary
  • Walks and Hikes Included in the Itinerary

While on Trekking Tour:

  • The North Face Sleeping Bag
  • Air Mattress
  • Two Person Sleeping Tent
  • Dining Tent
  • Kitchen Tent
  • Shower Tent
  • Toilet Tent
  • Handy Shower
  • Comfort Chair
  • Table
  • Walkie Talkie
  • Walking Poles
  • Ice Axe
  • Hot Water Bag
  • Water Bottle
  • Trekking Cook & Waiter
  • Trekking Horses with Horsemen

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Services NOT Included with the above cost:

  • Single Room Supplements
  • Laundry
  • Donations to Monasteries and Temples
  • Alcohol / Beverages
  • International Telephone Calls
  • Souvenirs
  • Tips for Guide / Driver / Trekking Team
  • Round Trip Air fare
  • Travel Insurance

The Royal Government of Bhutan sets the rates quoted above and any other rates seen advertised are illegal.

Many tour operators think they have to “undercut” prices that the government has set in order to compete. This inevitably leads to poor customer service as tour operators herd as many guests as they can in large groups, and put their guests in sub-standard hotels to cut expenses and hire unqualified guides to haul you around. Bhutan Tourism Policy

Accommodations: The costs of all accommodations are included in tour costs. In the major towns of Thimphu, Paro, Punakha , and Phuentsholing, comfortable hotels are available for the visitor. In smaller towns, modest, but adequate, hotels, lodges and guesthouses are readily available. We will ensure that the best available accommodations are arranged for you. The Department of Tourism regulates hotel standards and all travel regulations in Bhutan. Bhutan Tourism Policy

Food and Drink: Traditional Bhutanese food is hot and spicy. For our visitors, however, Chinese, Indian, and Continental fares are served. The more adventurous can try the local delicacies like the tasty and fiery the national dish of Bhutan, Emma Datsi which is made with chilies and Local Bhutanese cheese. Meals are normally served buffet style in the hotels. On trekking tours a trained cook will accompany your group to provide simple but nutritious dishes. All meals while you trek or visit in Bhutan are also included in the daily tour cost. Other services include trekking arrangements. Your only extra expenses will be, liquor, laundry, souvenirs and tips if you choose. Bhutan Tourism Policy

Ground Transport: Again, all ground transportation is already included in your daily tariff. We use only clean, comfortable and well-maintained cars, vans and coaches to transport our guests. Our experienced drivers are trained and licensed by the Department of Tourism and the Road Safety and Transport Authority. You will be at ease riding in the mountains of Bhutan unlike the experiences you will have had in Nepal and India. Sanity on the road prevails, and drivers are courteous to each other.

Guides: Guests of the kingdom are required to have guide accompaniment throughout their stay in Bhutan. You will have a very fluent English-speaking guide and driver at your disposal at all times. This is not to say you have to have your hand held everywhere you go. We are very accommodating and we can be flexible. Our guides have all been trained and licensed by the Department of Tourism. Our trekking guides and cooks undergo additional mountain training, including safety and first aid. None of our guests have ever needed a rescue, but we have helped lost trekkers from other tour agencies get out of the high passes safely. We have been successfully leading groups through the Bhutan highlands ever since tourism was privatized. Bhutan Tourism Policy

Tourist Seasons: A visit to Bhutan can be planned anytime of the year but the best period is from mid September to November and March to June. There are many festivals during these months, and visitors should take advantage of trekking and the Tshechu. Most hotels sell out during this time and it is important for us to plan in advance if you want to attend. Contact us if you have any questions regarding the tour costs. The daily rate may sound high at first, but remember that this includes all your accommodations, meals, guided tours, and all ground transportation in Bhutan, museums fees. Bhutan Tourism Policy

Travel Visa Application:

Tourist Visa: Your visa has to be approved prior to air ticketing and your arrival in Bhutan. Once you are ready to confirm your tour arrangements we will apply for your visas. We just need scanned color copy of your Passport; Your Bhutan visa will be stamped in your passport only when you arrive in Bhutan.