Bhutan

The tiny kingdom of Bhutan opened up to tourism in 1974. A devoutly Buddhist kingdom and also called “ Druk-Yul” or the land of the Thunder Dragon. Located in the heart of the high Himalayan mountain range, Bhutan is a landlocked country surrounded by mountains in the north and west.

A population of 763,000 is made primarily of indigenous Bhutanese known as the Drukpa. It is a land steeped in religion. Ancient Dzongs (fortresses) stand sentinel in calm Valleys through which flows a serene Himalayan river.

The Buddhist faith has played and continues to play a fundamental role in the cultural, ethical, and sociological development of Bhutan and its people. Annual festivals which are very important spiritual occasions are held in each district. Festivals are a major attraction to tourists.

Bhutan has been able to retain its traditional identity by making a concerted effort not to allow outsiders to settle here although tourists from all over the world are very cordially welcomed. The Bhutanese government feels a very protective way of life, religion, culture, and dress, and people are discouraged from adopting outside cultures. Even viewing of TV telecasts till 1997 was prohibited and the wearing of the national dress by a citizen is compulsory. Bhutan has somehow managed to adopt only those outside values, which would help in improving their way of life without being overwhelmed by outsider’s culture.

Bhutan has altitudes ranging from sea level to 7,500 meters. In a land of such varied altitude, it is natural to find wide-ranging flora and fauna. Tropical wildlife and flora abound on the southern border with elephants and tigers roaming in jungles of Sal, walnut, and plantains. In temperate central Bhutan, red pandas, black bears and deer take shelter in forests of Magnolia and rhododendrons. In the arid and dry northern, borders, wild asses, and snow leopards can be found.

Trekking is one of the best ways to see Bhutan. High passes which once carried traders between Tibet and Bhutan cut through the mountain range. Glaciers tumble down slopes creating mountains top lakes and fast-flowing rivers that rush through narrow gorges and wind through lush valleys.

Bhutan is one of the world's most protected and well-traditionalized nations. One's dream of exploring the Himalayan Buddhist region is incomplete without Bhutan Tour.

Till Bhutan embarked on planned economic development in the early 1960s, Bhutan by and large remained cut off from the rest of the world. The country was accessible only by foot. The two main entry points to the country were from the North and from the South. From the north, the entry was from Tibet, and was possible to cross the high passes while from the South it was through the plains of Assam and West Bengal. However, with the planned economic development, accessibility became easy with motorable roads connecting Bhutan with the other parts of the country.

Today the main points of entry are through Phuentsholing in the south that links Bhutan with the Indian plains of West Bengal, through Gelephu and Samdrup Jongkhar that links with the Indian state of Assam, and through Paro, where the entry is through Druk Air, the National airline of Bhutan.

Daily Tariffs

The minimum tariff for tourist visiting in a group of 3 persons or more are as follows:

High Season Tariff: USD$ 250 per person per night for the months of March, April, May, September, October, and November.

Low Season Tariff: USD $200 per person per night for the months of January, February, June, July, August, and December.

The minimum price includes:

• All internal taxes and charges (including the royalty)
• Accommodation in 3 star category Hotels
• All Meals
• All travel with a licensed Bhutanese Tour Guide
• All Internal Transport
• Camping Equipment and Haulage for Trekking Tours
• 65 USD sustainable development fee

The rates given above are applicable per tourist per night halt in Bhutan. On the day of departure, the ‘local agents’ host obligation shall be limited to breakfast only and any extra requirements shall be payable on an actual basis.

The rates shall apply uniformly irrespective of locations and the type of accommodation provided/asked for. A list of hotels and lodges approved for international tourist accommodation updated from time to time shall be issued by TCB.

Surcharges

Individual tourists and smaller groups of less than three persons shall be subject to a surcharge, over and above the minimum daily rates applicable, as follows:

Single individual US$ 40 per night
Group of 2 persons US$ 30 per person per night

The surcharge will not be applicable to representatives of foreign travel agents on business study or promotional visits duly approved and cleared by TCB.

Discounts

a) There shall be no charge for CHILDREN up to the age of 5 years. However, those between the ages of 6-12 years accompanied by elders/ guardians shall be given a 50% discount on daily rates and a 100% discount on Royalty.

b) Full-time STUDENTS below the age of 25 years holding valid identity cards from their academic institutions shall also be given a 25% discount on daily rates.

c) A discount of 50% on daily rates shall be given to one person in a group of 11 to 15 people. 100% discount shall be given to one member in a group exceeding 16 persons.