General information about Bhutan

The Land of The (Peaceful) Thunder Dragon- A Fact File

The Himalayan Kingdom of Bhutan is fast emerging from centuries of self imposed isolation. First opened to tourists in 1974 in very regulated manner upon the coronation of present Bhutanese King, this mountain kingdom is still perhaps the world's most exclusive tourists destination. Due to the Royal Government's far-sighted policy to preserve the countries pristine environment and its culture, the harmful effects to industrialization and mass tourism on the environment and the traditional lifestyle of Bhutanese have been carefully avoided. This makes Bhutan a truly unique destination. An unspoiled country with majestic mountains, a unique cultural heritage preserved for many centuries, an architectural style like no other, a landfill of warm hearted and friendly people, reveals a true paradise in the lost era of the present centu ry.

Roughly the size of Switzerland (38,394 sq km) and populated by less than 800,000 people, can be called a small and under-populated country when compared to its giant neighbors. The little Kingdom has an extraordinary ecological diversity. It is about 300 km West to East, 150km from north to south.

A conscious policy of isolation complemented by formidable geographical barriers has enabled the Kingdom to maintain its independence through out its history. Ancient stone implements and other archaeological findings indicate that there were settlements in Bhutan dating back to 2000 B.C. The chronicled history of the Kingdom however begins with the advent of Buddhism in the 8th century.

Besides the Great Himalayan Range which runs East to West, the entire country is mountainous, and ranges in elevation from 100m to the 754m Gangkhar Puensum peak on the Tibetan border. Between each valley, passes are as high as 4000m, which has led to difficult communication between the different valleys.
From South to North, Bhutan is roughly divided into three zones, namely The Southern Foot Hills, the Inner Himalayas and the Northern Belt

Bhutan : Druk Yul
Population: 7,00,000
Capital : Thimpu
Location: Bhutan lies between 890 and 920E and 270 and 280 N .
Time: 30 minutes ahead of Indian standard time. 6 hours ahead of GMT.
Language:  Drukpa (67%) of Tibetan and Monpa  Bhutan Travel Information

Geography
Bhutan is a land locked country, approximately 300km long and 150km wide, with an overall size of 38,394 square kilometers. It is situated along the southern slopes of the Himalayan range between the parallels 26 30' of north latitude and 88 45' and 92 25' of east longitude. It is bounded by Tibet in the north, the Indian Sikkim and Darjeeling districts of West Bengal in the west, on the south by Assam and West Bengal and on the east by the Indian state of Arunachal Pradesh.

The southern Foothills:
A plain only a few kilometers wide forms the border with India (West Bengal & Assam). The plain rises swiftly to 2000m and this zone is covered with dense tropical jungles. The climate is hot, getting cooler from November to February. The monsoon is very heavy from mid June to the end of September. As it lies in the border area with neighboring India , business opportunity abounds. Favorable climate for growing rice, oranges and cardamom on large scale has contributed to the economic growth of the region. They are excellent agriculturist.

The inner Himalayas :
This zone is the historical and cultural heartland of the country. It is situated between 2000m-3500m with some valleys lying lower. The climate is alpine with monsoon, but in the lower valleys it is semi-tropical. In winter the night temperature falls below zero degree. From June to September, in monsoon, the valleys become lush and green. Spring witness the bloom of thousands of Rhododendrons, azaleas, magnolias and others. This zone is divided into three distinct regions, each of them having its own characteristics.

The Northern Belt:
From west to East, this region is bordered to the north by the great Himalayas ranging from 6800m to 7400m & forms the border with Tibet . The Northern belt starts from and around 3400m and inhabited by yak herders until 5000m. The climate is difficult with cold snowy winter and short rainy summers. It is a conservation area of rare flora & Fauna

Flora and Fauna:
Bhutan has a rich and varied biological diversity. Very few countries in the world match Bhutan 's biological diversity and fewer still have taken such strong steps to conserve their biodiversity. Bhutan , for example, has its own Biodiversity Action Plan. The country ranks amongst the top ten percent of highest species density (species richness per unit area) in the world, and it has the largest proportion of land under protected areas.

Some 26.23% of the country's area is protected through National Parks. In addition, a further 9% has been declared as Biological Corridor, connecting protected areas, and there are a series of Conservation Areas intended to protect important conservation sites outside the formal Protected Areas system. As a result, more than 35% of the country's area is under the protection of some form of conservation management. This system serves as a globally unique system for in situ conservation of biodiversity.

Regarding diversity at the species level, inventories have indicated that there are more than 5,500 species of vascular plants, more than 770 species of avifauna and more than 165 species of mammals, with many species being endemic to Bhutan .

Economy:
Agriculture is still the main source of livelihood for 80% of people living in the rural areas of Bhutan . The agricultural sector includes livestock rearing and horticulture, which contributes 32.7% of GDP. About 62% of women are involved in agriculture and their contribution is substantial. medical plants).

Accommodation:
There are comfortable hotel and lodges at all tourist destinations, Western Bhutan has better hotels while in central and eastern part of the country, and accommodation establishments are simple and offer minimum facilities

Tour Payment:
All tour payment must be settled in advance.

Tour Escorts:
All our tours are escorted by well trained, knowledgeable guides, certified by the Department of Tourism. All the guides speak English but Japanese, French and German speaking guides can be provided with prior information and on additional Cost.

Tour Surcharges:
Individual tourist and smaller groups of less than three persons shall be subject to surcharge, over and above the minimum daily rates applicable, as follows:
Single Surcharge : USD 40.00 Per Person Per night
Group of 2 Person : USD 30.00 Per Person per night

Airport Tax:
Airport tax of Nu/500.00 or USD 15.00 per person is payable at the time of departure. It is subject to change

Getting There:
Druk air flies 3 days a week ( Monday, Thursday and Sunday) between Kathmandu and Paro. Cost for one way trip is US$ 200+10 Tax. Per person & round trip just double. The national airline of Bhutan/Druk Air operate with connection from Kolkatta, Delhi , Dhaka, Bangkok . It is possible to enter & exit Bhutan by overland transportation, stopping en-route at Sikkim and Darjeeling ( India ).

Travel Tips:
October-March warm clothing.
April-September light cotton clothing, however, a warm sweater and jacket are always advised.

Climate:
Best seasons: March-April-May, Sep- Oct- & Nov.
Monsoon - June-July & August
Winter - Dec-Jan & Feb

Terms and Conditions :
Any Reservation made with Plan Nepal Tours, the Tour Operator and Travel Agent based in Kathmandu,the capital city of Nepal will be governed by and subject to these Terms & Conditions. No variation to these Terms and Conditions shall be of any effect unless made in writing by and with the authority of Plan Nepal Tours.

1. Liability :
The liability of Plan Nepal Tours has limited and shall be exempt from all liability in respect of any sickness, injury, loss, damage, accident, delay or inconveniences which may occur either by reason of defect, or from any cause beyond the control of Plan Nepal Tours. Plan Nepal Tours can accept no responsibility for the loss or additional expenses due to delay or alteration in schedule or other causes. Plan Nepal Tours and its suppliers reserve the right to cancel or rescheduled any tour itinerary by reasons or whatsoever including but not limited to logistical and other travel arrangement problems that may obstruct the tour operation. If the trip is cancelled, the money received will be refunded in full.

Bhutan Tour & Treks Fixed by Royal Bhutan Government

Tour Cost Includes:
35% of royalty and taxes to the government ,
Accommodation on twin sharing basis,
Transportation within Bhutan ,
Services of guide,
Meals (breakfast, lunch & dinner)
Tea and Snacks ,All sightseeing as specified in the itinerary ,
Riding ponies and pack animals on treks,
Entrance fees to temple and monuments

Cost does not Includes:
Visa fee of US$ 20 per person.US$ 10.00
Tourism Tax,
Laundry bill,
Phone call,
Air tickets
Drinks and beverages,
One time payment of US$ 10 each for Tourism Development Fund

Payment :
All tours must be pre-paid except otherwise stated. Once the tour reservation has been confirmed, Plan Nepal Tours will provide the secure and safer mode of payment.

Travel Insurance :
Though Bhutan is a peaceful country and crime rate is very low, we still recommend you to purchase adequate travel and medical coverage insurance from your respective country before your departure to Bhutan , including the insurance coverage for the delay or loss of luggage, personal effects and travel documents.

Cancellations

Tour programmes booked and subsequently cancelled shall be subject to cancellation charges as follows:
1. within 30 days of start of programme - free
2. within 21 days - 10% of rate
3. Within 14 days - 15% of rate
4. Within 07 days - 30% of rate
5. Less than 07 days or without notice - 50% of the rate
6. After arrival in Nepal - 100 %

Tour Surcharges:

Individual tourist and smaller groups of less than three persons shall be subject to surcharge, over and above the minimum daily rates applicable, as follows:
Single Surcharge : USD 40.00 Per Person Per night
Group of 2 Person : USD 30.00 Per Person per night

Airport Tax:
Airport tax of Nu/500.00 or USD 15.00 per person is payable at the time of departure. It is subject to change

Getting There:
Druk air flies 3 days a week ( Monday, Thursday and Sunday) between Kathmandu and Paro. Cost for one way trip is US$ 200+10 Tax. Per person & round trip just double. The national airline of Bhutan/Druk Air operate with connection from Kolkatta, Delhi , Dhaka, Bangkok . It is possible to enter & exit Bhutan by overland transportation, stopping en-route at Sikkim and Darjeeling ( India ).

Travel Tips:
October-March warm clothing.
April-September light cotton clothing, however, a warm sweater and jacket are always advised.

Bhutan Visa Application Details

Tourist Visas
Your visa has to be approved prior to air ticketing and your arrival in Bhutan . Once your are ready to confirm your tour arrangements we will apply for your visas. We will need all of the following details.

1.     Your full name (EXACTLY as it appears in your passport )
2.       Permanent address
3.        Occupation
4.        Nationality
5.        Passport number
6.        Date of issue and expiration of passport
7.        Date and place of birth

Your Bhutan visa will be stamped in your passport only when you arrive in Bhutan . You will have to pay US$ 20 cash upon arrival and present a passport photo with your passport number written on the back. We can process a visa extensions for you if necessary. 

Visa Formalities

Other than Indian nationals, all visitors to Bhutan require a visa; all visas are issued from Thimphu ; visas are only issued to tourists booked with a local licensed tour operator, directly or through a foreign travel agent. Applications for tourist visas are submitted by the tour operator. Visa clearance from Thimphu must be obtained before coming to Bhutan . Visa clearance takes at least 10 days to process. Air tickets to Bhutan cannot be purchased without visa clearance. At your point of entry the visa will be stamped in your passport on payment of US$20, two passport photos will also be required. Visas are issued for a 15day period; extensions can be obtained in Thimphu at a cost of Nu.510

Step follows are the Visa Application
Visa applications for Bhutan take up to six weeks to process.  As soon as you have decided on an itinerary and have made payments for your trip, we will be able to make your reservations on Druk Air. To make these reservations, we will need your application.
1. Download visa application form
2. Fill out form in detail
3. Return form as an attachment by e-mail or in the body of your message.
4. Bring two passport type & size photos with you to present at the immigration desk in Paro. The visa will cost you US$20 cash upon arrival.

VISA NOTE: For Bhutan visas use your full name exactly as it appears on your passport.

It is absolutely imperative that your Druk Air ticket have the same name as your passport and your visa has.

Delayed Arrivals
There is no charge for delays in arrival and departure because of weather conditions disrupting flights or road blocks. The tourist must however bear the cost of food, accommodation, transportation, and other services required.

What to Bring
Personal clothing: Strong, normal clothing (According to the season), preferably cotton for summer and woolen clothing for evening and winter. For Trekking strong comfortable trekking boots, warm socks, sunglasses, headgear, raincoat, and warm clothing, including a down Jacket for higher altitude treks and for the evenings. A sleeping bag is a most; medium too heavy is advised. (Note: for trekking, a load of 25 kg is allowed)