Getting to Bhutan
Getting in Bhutan
There is only two way to enter the Bhutan by Air and by road.
The two national air flight of Bhutan are Bhutan airlines and Drukair which are at operation. Drukair fly to international airport such as Singapore, Bangkok, Kathmandu, Dhaka, Delhi, Kolkata, Mumbai, Guwahati, Bagdogra and Bodh Gaya. The air tickets can be bought online on www.drukair.com.bt.
And Bhutan airlines is first private airline in the Country which started on 10th October 2013, linking to Paro to Bangkok via Kolkata. Today it fly to Bangkok, Kathmandu, Delhi, Dhaka and Singapore. So it is upon the guest choice to book the ticket of Drukair or Bhutan airlines. The air ticket can be bought online on www.bhutanairlines.bt.
Note: We highly recommend that to leave the air ticket booking burden on us at no extra fees.
Domestic Air Services in Bhutan
Both Drukair and Bhutan airlines has the domestic air services. There are currently three Domestic Airport in Bhutan that operates from Paro International airport: (1) Gelephu Domestic airport in southern part of Bhutan, (2) Bathpalathang Domestic airport in Bumthang in central Bhutan and (3) Yongphula Domestic airport in Tashigang (which is currently under repairs on runway and it expected to complete by end of 2015). With the need of domestic flight, we will discuss with you at an extra cost related to the availability of the scheduled domestic flight.
There are three main entry and exit points by road for foreign tourists namely Phuntsholing, Gelephu and Samdrup Jongkhar. The first is at Phuntsholing in southwest Bhutan which is located approximately 170 km east of Indian national airport Bagdogra. After crossing the Phuntsholing, your mountain journey begins through endless turns and bend till you reach Thimphu, the capital city. Travelling from Phuntsholing to Thimphu with 176 km can take about 5-6 hours.
Next Gelephu in south-central Bhutan is another entry point to Bhutan. It is approximately 250 km from Thimphu and the journey will take through the sub-tropical areas of Bhutan before entering the alpine zone and then finally into Thimphu. Traveler will across three Districts and the travel time will take about 10 hours.
And lastly Samdrup Jongkar in southeast of Bhutan. The journey from Guwahati is about 3 hours to reach border town called Darranga. The Tourists entering Bhutan through Samdrup Jongkar will take you to Tashigang, most populous District in the country and from there over the lateral route to Mongar, Bumthang, Trongsa, Wangdu Phodrang and then finally to Thimphu. The distance is about 700 kms which takes minimum of three days to reach Thimphu.
Travel information
Except for Indian, Bangladeshi and Maldivian, almost all the visitors to Bhutan require a visa with at least six months validity. The visa will Not be issued by Royal Government of Bhutan (RGoB) without your full tour payment in advance (including US$ 40 visa fee). For visa processing, Jamyang Jimpa Tours & travels shall process on your behalf which will take around one month for visa confirmation.
Remember we need from you is the complete fill up tour booking form with a scanned copy of the identity page of your valid passport. Once you complete filling up, you can send us by email or fax. The form will send through E-mail once you book the tour.
After getting the visa confirmation from Royal government of Bhutan, we will send the copy of visa clearance letter/number to you by email. The copy of visa must be carried with you at the Check-in counters where the actual visa is stamped on arrival in Bhutan. The Visa fee of US$ 40 is charged for individual person while making your holiday package payment.
Those for Indian, Bangladeshi and Maldivian do not require visa to enter Bhutan but travel documents such as valid passport or voting card is required at the point of entry.
The Royal Government of Bhutan sets standard tourist tariff for holidays to Bhutan which must be paid in full prior to your arrival in Bhutan. The minimum package tour prices sets by the Tourism Council of Bhutan are as given below:
- During peak season US $250 per person per night halt for the month for March, April, May, September, October and November.
- During off season US $200 per person per night halt for the month of January, February, June, July, August and December.
The minimum price includes as follows:
- Accommodation at 3 stars rated hotels.
- All meals
- All travel with a licensed Bhutanese Tour guide
- All internal transport within Bhutan
- Camping equipment and haulage for trekking.
With additional to above rate, an extra charge called “FIT surcharge” is applicable to following travelers and the minimum rates is:
- Single person = US$ 40 per night halt per person
- Group of two = US$ 30 per night halt per person
- Group pf three or more = no surcharge
The following discounts are available on top of the daily tour tariffs:
- 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 50% discount on daily rates.
- Full time STUDENTS below the age of 25 years holding valid identity cards from their academic institutions shall also be provided with a 25% discount on daily rates.
- 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.
Tour programs booked and later cancelled must be informed in writing through mail, fax or e-mail to us. Tour cancellation will also apply for our admin fee of US$ 75 and shall be subject to cancellation charges as follows:
- Prior to 30days of start of the program = no charges
- Within 21 days = 10% of the rate
- Within 14days = 15% of the rate
- Within 7 days = 30% of the rate
- Less than 7 days or without notice = 50% of the rate
- After arrival in Bhutan = 100%
NOTE: Apart from the daily tour tariffs, the price of flight ticket in and out of Bhutan, and visa fee are charged in US dollars separately.
