14/09/2014
BE INFORMED & "VISIT BHUTAN 2015"
September 11, 2014 at 10:18pm
FAQ
•What is the best time to visit Bhutan?
In Bhutan every season has its own charm; as suchthe country has variety of doings to the tourist according to their interest.But the most visited months are usually March, April and May during which thecountry is at its best scenery as the spring just hits off and of course in thelater months of the year like August, September, October and November. Theseare the peak seasons as the weather during these time of the years are pleasantand warm and not to forget the festival months. However, Bhutan Travel Club isfocusing to spread out visitation over the year because, come rain or shine;there is something for all parts of the year. The winters are cold, but we havewinter treks and festivals in the southern parts of Bhutan,which has warmweather through out the year. A winter in Bhutan is characterized by clear blueskies, but you need your jackets with you.
• Do I need Visa for Bhutan? How can I obtain a Visa for Bhutan?
Allvisitors traveling to Bhutan are required to obtain a Visa prior to yourarrival to Bhutan, except for Indian nationals holding a valid Indian passport.After your confirmation to visit Bhutan with us, you can just download and fillout the Visa Application form from our website and send it to us. We’ll havethe visa confirmation l enter processed within 7 working days and send it toyou.
•What Documents will I require at the Airport when I come to Bhutan?
You will need your Passport which has 6 months validity for its expiry date, Druk Air e-ticket, whether you booked it throughus or the Druk air’s website and your Visa confirmation letter which we willsend you prior to your arrival in the country. And please to carry a copy ofyour tour itinerary as well.
•How do I enter Bhutan? From where do I enter?
You can enter Bhutan by Druk Air, or Bhutan Airlines,the airline from the following entry points;
Bangkok, Kathmandu, New Delhi, India, Calcutta, Dhaka,Bagdogra, Singapore
You can also enter Bhutan by road through Phuntsholing, Gelephu and SamdrupJongkhar in southern Bhutan.
• How can I purchase Drukair tickets?
You can directly purchase the Druk air tickets from their website (www.drukair.com.bt) or if you may wish, we can book thetickets for you. Please note that all tickets are e-tickets and will be send toyou via email.
• How much does it cost to visit Bhutan?
Daily tariff to Bhutan is prescribed by the Government in order to maintain Bhutan’s exclusivity. A visitor has to pay anall-inclusive minimum amount of USD. 250per day in spring and autumn (March, April, May, September, October, November)and USD.200per day in winter and summer (December, January, February, June,July and August).
Individual tourists and smallergroups of less than three persons are required to pay a surcharge, over andabove the minimum daily rates applicable, as follows:
1. Single individual US$ 40 per night Group of 2 persons
2. US$ 30 per person per night
Visitors have to pay an additional USD 20 as onetime Visa Fee.
Tour operators are required to maintain the minimum standards and arenot allowed to sell tour packages below the prescribed daily rates.
· What is included in the minimum dairy tariff/price?
The minimum price as prescribed by the governmentis inclusive of all your travel needs such as:
1. USD 65 as government levy (which goes directly asGovernment revenue that is used for free education and free health and mostimportantly poverty alleviation)
2. Accommodation in at least a 3 start hotels.
3. All meals
4. Airport transfers
5. Licensed English-speaking guide service.
6. Overland transport in a tourist standard car withlicensed driver.
7. Trekking equipment and haulage using ponies fortreks.
We, at THE WAY TO BHUTAN TOURS & TREKS also include a list of extras through our own initiative to make your stay in Bhutan as exceptional experience in the aspects of being convenient and memorable. We assists to get mobile Tourist SIM Card,mineral waters, tea and snacks, beverages and specified as required.
· What kind of visitors does THE WAY TO BHUTAN TOURS & TREKS cater to mostly?
We do not prioritize our holidays according to types. Going by numbers, most of our visitors are of the cultural enthusiastic, followed by adventurous mountain biking tours and treks.Special interest groups such as marriage tours, textiles, homestays, fishing,bird watching and fishing tours are also popular. We are focusing on Community-based tours to enable more interaction between visitors and community residents and engage the local people to make income through our tourism services.We are also trying to engage your selves to promote low carbon footprint travel distination.
·What happens if I have already made a booking with you and then I have to cancel the trip due to unavoidable circumstances?
Tour Programmes booked with us andsubsequently cancelled shall be subject to cancellation charges as prescribedby the government as follows.
1. Within 30 days of start of programme~ no charges
2. Within 21 days ~ 10% of rate
3. Within 14 days ~ 15% of rate
4. Within 7 days ~ 30% of rate
5. Less than 7 days or without notice ~50% of rate
6. After arrival in Bhutan ~ 100%
The remaining amount is remitted backto your bank account.
· Are there any discount schemes provided by your company?
Yes, our discount schemes are given as follows;
1. There shall be no charge for CHILDRENup to the age of 5 years. However, those between the ages of 6-12 yearsaccompanied by elders/ guardians shall be given 50% discount on daily rates and100% discount on Royalty.
2. Full time STUDENTS below the age of 25 years holding valid identity cards from their academic institutions shallalso be given a 25% discount on daily rates.
3. A discount of 50% on daily ratesshall be given to one person in a group of 11 to 15 people. 100% discount shallbe given to one member in a group exceeding 16 persons.
4. 50% discount on Royalty shall beprovided after the 8th night and 100% discount on Royalty shall be providedafter the 14th night.
5. Visitors availingdiscounts under Sections A, B & C shall not be eligible for discount under E.
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What is the fare for Drukair?
Please note that the fare of Druk Air changesaccording to the fluctuation of the exchange rate, so rates can vary a littlefrom day to day. However, we can confidently say that it has one of the most friendliest in flight services. The rates are given in their websitewww.drukair.com.bt.
• What kinds of vehicles do you use?
We make sure of your comfort to or fullest andtherefore we use comfortable, clean, well-maintained vehicles. Our fleet ofvehicles include Toyota Land Cruiser Prados, Toyota Hiace vans, Toyota Coasterbuses, Hyundai Santa Fe, Hyundai Tucson SUVs. Through our Corporate SocialResponsibility criteria, we at Bhutan Travel Club do not use vehicles that aremore than 3 years, in order to minimize our company’s carbon footprints.
• How far in advance do I have to sign up for the tours?
If you can book your tour as early as possible,it will give us more time to plan your travel. However, given our company’spurchasing power and experience, we can also hand last minute bookings withouthassle. It is however advised to book your travel 6-8 weeks in advance if it iscoinciding with popular festivals like Thimphu and ParoTsechu. Given that we have limited availability of airlines, tickets are notoriously overbooked during that period.
•What willbe the food like
You will have a variety of cuisines to choosefrom- Bhutanese, Indian, Tibetan,Chinese, and Thai to Continental. The main staple diet of Bhutanese is rice which is savored with the mostfavorite dish made out of chilies and cheese called “emadatshi”. Meat is widelyeaten in Bhutan as are the vegetables. Our partner hotels and restaurants arealways aware of your eating habits and serve according to your palate. Even ifyou want to try Bhutanese, we do not make it as spicy as we are used to.
• What isthe language of Bhutan?
The official language of Bhutan is Dzongkha,though there are many other dialects that each region in the country hasmaintained. Since English is an official language, it is easy to communicate withmost Bhutanese people.
· Are there any embassies in Bhutan?
We only have an Indian embassy in the country.There are consulate offices of the Netherlands, Kuwait, and Canada. The closestinternational embassies are in Delhi, India, Kathmandu, Nepal and Bangkok,Thailand.
· What vaccinations do I need?
We do not have any screening to come to Bhutan,but for your own safety in the region, please check the following website forthe latest international requirements (Centre for disease control websitewww.cdc.gov/).
· What is the currency of Bhutan?
The currency of Bhutan is Ngultrum. The value ofNgulturm is equivalent to the currency of Indain Rupee. You cannot buy Ngultrumprior to your arrival to Bhutan but once you arrive, you can easily exchangeyour currency to Ngultrum at the banks or even in your hotel. Please check thecurrent exchange rates at www.bnb.bt.
· Can I use credit cards in Bhutan?
You can use your Mastercard and Visa cards to withdraw Ngultrums from local banks. Some handicrafts shops also accept theseinternational credit cards. However, you cannot pay the Visa fee of USD 40 atthe Immigration Counter while entering Bhutan. You have to carry at least USD 40with you while you enter Bhutan!!
· Are thereATM's in Bhutan?
There are ATM machines in Thimphu and Paro where you can use your credit cards.
· What isthe time zone of Bhutan?
Bhutan has only one time zone. It is six hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT), 3o mins ahead of India, 15 mins ahead ofNepal and an hour behind Thailand. In USA during daylight saving time, Bhutanis 10 hours ahead of New York City and during standard time, Bhutan is 11 hoursahead of New Your City. Thecountry telephone code for Bhutan is +975.
· Is itsafe to travel to Bhutan?
Given the minimal crime records in the country,it is very safe to travel in Bhutan.
· How do I pay for my tour?
Your payment can be made through credit cards,and wire transfer. If you choose to pay with credit card, the banks will charge a processing fee of 4%.
· What is the baggage allowance of Drukair?
For the economy class, your check-in luggagecannot exceed more than 20 kg and for first class, and upto 30 kg for BusinessClass. You can carry some few extra kg in your luggage but you will have to payfor it.
Is there an official number of tourists allowedto travel in Bhutan each year?
No, there is no such official ceiling on the numbersof visitors to Bhutan. However, the premium which visitors have to pay as dailytariff and the requirement of taking a tour operator maintains exclusivity andlimits arrivals. This is thehigh-value, low volume tourism policy that is aimed at averting mass tourismand backpackers.
· How high is the elevation in Bhutan?
The elevations on our trips range between 7000feet and 12,000 feet. Altitude is definitely an important consideration foranyone planning to visit Bhutan as most of the people are not used to it. Theaverage elevation is about 7000 feet. Most of our itineraries entail travel ashigh as about 12,000 feet, including a highest sleeping elevation of about10,000 feet. We make sure to minimize the risks of altitude sickness and thisis something we're happy to discuss with our travelers.
YOU HAVE RIGHT TO WRITE US:
mail: [email protected]
Cell: +975-17353431
Tweet: https://twitter.com/xposebhutan
website: http://www.bhutantourismagency.com
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