Bhutan

Bhutan, the Land of the Thunder Dragon, lies in the center of the Himalayas located between 88º 45’ and 92º 10’ longitude east and between 26º 40’ and 28º 15’ latitude north, in its 18,147 square miles where variety of climate and scenery is found. Its neighboring countries are Tibet to the north, Sikkim to the west, India's West Bengal and Assam to the south and east."

Bhutan was not known to many western travelers until 1960. They rarely visited this country till that date. But after 1960 the western travelers started their venture in this land. The "fascination of the novel and unknown destination still continues to enthrall visitors. Unlike neighboring countries, which promote mass tourism, the Royal Government of Bhutan has adopted a more prudent policy on tourism mainly to preserve its natural and cultural heritage. Today visitors of Bhutan can feel the difference and reap the benefits of this policy. Bhutan enthralls travelers and some of them are so enchanted that they would easily imagine passing their entire life in Bhutan.

Indeed, Bhutan is the last paradise that awaits to be discovered and explored. For this we can be your reliable guide and fellow traveler to experience this a must visit land on earth.

Entry and Visa
One of the easiest access to Bhutan is traveling by air. Druk Air is Bhutan's national flag carrier and the only airline that operates regular flights between Thimpu, the capital city, and other major cities of the south and south-east Asia. Druk Air flies between Bhutan and Bangkok (Thailand), Delhi and Calcutta (India), Kathmandu (Nepal) and Dhaka (Bangladesh).

On clear days the flight to Paro (Bhutan's airport) offers spectacular views of the Himalayan mountain range, including Mt. Everest, Mt. Kanchenjunga, Chomo Lhari and Kula Kangri.

One can also notice the blanket of greenery and thick forest as your aircraft crosses over the international border into Bhutan. The country boasts more than 70% of land covered by forest, which is the highest in the world.

After fascinating flight into Bhutan, the government trained and licensed guide will receive you at the airport. And from the moment you enter Bhutan, you get tribute to a true guest. You can enjoy the traditional hospitality and friendship of the Bhutanese throughout your journey.

Paro Airport, located at the foothill of mountains, is subject to the vagaries of Mother Nature. Weather conditions do sometimes prevent flights from landing and taking off. But Druk Air has an impeccable safety record without a single mishap since its inception in 1983.
We helpbooking your ticket with Druk Air well in advance avoiding the last-minute rush during the peak seasons of spring and autumn.

Druk-Air Tickets and Visas
If you are planning to visit Bhutan by air, you should have Druk Air tickets well in advance. For this, you have to send us all required information about you in time so that we can start visa acquisition process to smooth your visit. The visa acquisition process takes 10 to 14 days. The tickets cannot be issued until the visa is approved.

Visas Visa is not issued by Bhutanese embassies abroad. Visa is issued only when you arrive in Bhutan, either at Paro airport or (if by road) at Phunsoling.

You must apply in advance. You can fax or email us providing following information about you. The rest, leave to us:

Your full name as it appears in your passport (First Name, Middle Name & Surname)
Permanent address
Occupation
Nationality
Passport number
Date of issue and expiration of passport
Date and place of birth

After the Ministry of Foreign Affairs issues the visa clearance, they send a visa confirmation number to Druk Air. Druk Air will not issue the tickets to Paro until they receive this confirmation number.
The actual visa endorsement is stamped in your passport when you arrive at Paro. When the visa is issued, you need to pay US$20 and present a passport photo with your passport number written on the back. You will then receive a visa for the period you have arranged to stay in Bhutan. We also facilitate visa extension process for you if necessary.

Accommodation

Comfortable hotels and lodges that cater your almost every accommodation need are available in the major towns of Thimpu, Paro and Phunsoling. If you believe small is beautiful, there are also a number of modest hotels and lodges that provide you all basic services with personal care. For more information, you can contact the Tourism Authority of Bhutan that regulates travel and hotel standards in the dragon country. Accommodations are included in the daily tariff rates.

Payment
Government regulations require that the tour payment be deposited before the visa can be processed.

Food and Drink
Traditional Bhutanese food is hot and spicy. However, Chinese, Indian and Continental cuisines are also available. For visitors on trekking, we serve simple, light and hygienic dishes. Meals are normally served buffet system in the hotels. Your tour cost includes all services in Bhutan. Your only extra expenses may be on imported liquor, laundry, souvenirs and optional tips to the guide and driver.

Transport
We use comfortable and safe Toyota vans and cars to transport our guests. The cost of transport is also covered by the daily tariff.

Guides
An English-speaking guide will accompany you throughout the time in Bhutan. Also available are vehicle and driver at your disposal at all times. All of our guides are trained in programs conducted by the Tourism Authority of Bhutan (TAB) and licensed by the Government. Our trekking staff are armed with additional mountain guide training, including safety and first aid instruction, also offered by TAB.

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