DRUK YUL
Land of
Thunder Dragon
Contact us:
Golden Vacations
Thimpu- Bhutan P.O Box NU-952
Call us :
+91 9933445000
TOURS AND PACKAGES
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CULTURAL PACKAGES
Cater yourself with a comprehensive exploration of the different hues of Indian culture.
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TREKKING PACKAGES
Grab great trekking opportunities filled with a lot of natural beauty, sprinkled all around.
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ADVENTURE PACKAGES
From barren desert to steep terrain, dense forests and sparkling beaches, choose your adventure.
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LUXURY PACKAGES
Enjoy a wonderful chance to enjoy a luxurious vacation along with near and dear ones.
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Travel Info
Travel Tips
Buddhism
It is possible to receive instruction on Buddhist practice at any monastery, though for discussions on Buddhist philosophy it is better to consult with teachers at Buddhist colleges such as Lhodrak Kharchhu Monastery in Jakar, Tango Monastery near Thimphu, or Chokyi Gyatso Institute in Samdrup Jongkhar.
Shopping & credit cards
The most popular tourist purchases include traditional Bhutanese arts and handicrafts, Buddhist paintings (thangka), textiles, and wood carvings. Bhutanese hand-woven textile is prized around the world. You can buy them in most handicraft boutiques. Yathra is another brightly colored woven material made from wool and dyed with natural colors. It is sold in pieces or sewn into jackets, bags, rugs and wall hangings. Wood and bamboo products include dappa (handmade wooden bowls) and bangchung (small bamboo woven baskets) with two tightly fitting halves.
Credit cards (MasterCard, Visa & American Express) are accepted only by a handful of shops and hotels in bigger towns. Therefore, we suggest you carry sufficient traveler’s checks and cash. Please remember that buying and selling of antiques is strictly forbidden in Bhutan.
Food & accommodation
A typical Bhutanese staple is rice, ema datsi (chili and cheese curry), and suja (butter tea). So, expect this fare, if you visit or stay in a farmhouse. Most hotels also serve Indian, Chinese, and Continental dishes. You can also try out momos, the Tibetan dumplings.
Although star-rated recently, the standard of accommodation in most tourist hotels, lodges, and guesthouses, remains relatively basic. The more frequented districts in western parts of the country generally offer better standards of accommodation than the less frequented eastern and southern parts. However, since the Tourism Council of Bhutan approves all the hotels, you can expect at least a decent standard.
We can also arrange farmhouses with the most basic of amenities where you will be able to experience the typical Bhutanese lifestyle. Bhutan’s famed hot stone bath can be arranged in a farmhouse.
Health risks
Main health risks include diarrhea and respiratory problems because of the change in climate and seasons. For some, altitude change could also cause minor palpitations, shortness of breath or headaches, especially if on a trek. You are advised not to drink water from indiscriminate sources.
However, hospitals and clinics are located in almost every part of the country, even in the remotest areas. Indigenous medical facilities are also located in all district capitals.
The World Health Organization recommends the following vaccinations for travelers to Bhutan: Adult Diphtheria and Tetanus, Hepatitis A & B, Polio, Typhoid, Cholera, Rubella, Japanese B Encephalitis, and Rabies.
You might also want to carry a little first aid kit of the following important medicines: antifungal and antibacterial cream, antibiotic for skin infections, indigestion medication, laxative, paracetamol, sunscreen, and throat lozenges.
Transportation & communication
Until recently, the only mode of transportation within Bhutan was by road. Today, you may catch domestic flights to Bumthang and Trashigang or charter a flight if you are visiting in a big group.
The national lateral highway runs from west to east covering some 550 kilometers. Roads have reached all major towns and villages in the country. However, during monsoons, roads may be blocked by landslides and flash floods, disrupting travel.
All district headquarters and major towns have communication facilities like Internet Cafes, Post Offices, and Telephone Kiosks with international dialing facilities. You can send home beautiful post cards from all corners of Bhutan.
Most of Bhutan has mobile phone coverage, and as B-Mobile has agreements with some Asian and European countries on mobile roaming, cellular phones from these countries can be operated in Bhutan.
Time
Bhutan Standard Time is 6 hours ahead of GMT and there is only one time zone throughout the country.
Office Hours
Office hours in Bhutan are divided into two timings – the summer timing and the winter timing. The summer timing begins at 9 am Bhutan Standard Time and goes on till 5 pm in the evening. The summer timing is followed from March till the end of October. The winter timing that lasts for the months of November till the end of February begins at 9 am in the morning till 4 pm in the evening. However, these timings are followed only in Thimphu and few other districts by the civil servants. For those employed in corporations and the private sector, the timings are usually from 9 am till 5 pm irrespective of the season.
Smoking
Buying and selling of tobacco products is banned in Bhutan. It is prohibited to smoke in public places. It is also sacrilegious to smoke near temples and any other religious sites.
Safety
Bhutan remains one of the safest countries in the world. However, we advise you not to venture out after 9 pm. If you really need to go out, be sure you are accompanied by a guide. Always ensure that your belongings, especially your passports, route permits, cameras, wallets and purses are secured. There have been stray incidents of theft in the past.
Electricity
All major towns are well connected with electricity that runs on 220/240 volts with round hole two-pin and three-pin power outlets.
Clothing
Given Bhutan’s varied climate and seasons, you are advised to carry a variety of clothes. Make sure you bring a hardy pair of boots and a rain gear. We recommend warm clothes in the evenings and mornings. When visiting temples, remove shoes and head gear and wear clothing that expresses respect for the sacred nature of the site. You will need to wear pants and long shirts for a little formality.
Weights and measures
Bhutan has a standard system of weights and measurements in place and most weights are measured in gram (g) and kilogram (kg). With better and efficient measurement systems readily available, most shopkeepers in the capital city make use of electronic weighing scale. However, as you travel further east, you will find the ordinary weighing scale being used.
Climate
Bhutan experiences four distinct seasons, similar in their divisions to those of Western Europe: spring, monsoon, autumn, and winter. Most tourists visit Bhutan in spring and autumn.
Spring is the time when Bhutan’s rich flora is at its best as hundreds of varieties of flowers bloom. And during this time around, the skies are clear and you can see towering snow-covered mountains of the Himalayas.
Even in spring Bhutan’s fierce winter, especially in high altitudes, isn’t over. Tourists who intend to visit during this time are advised to bring along some winter clothes. Spring season starts from March and ends roughly in June.
Another good time of the year – autumn – begins from September and lasts till the end of November. Monsoon brings heavy downpours and occurs between June and August when the temperature is normally between 8° and 21°C (46°-70°F).
Winter in Bhutan is cold and dry with most high lying places snow-covered. Winter lasts from December to February. Summer is humid and the country experiences heavy rains and frequent roadblocks. However, Bhutan’s climatic conditions are different at different places and locations because of country’s geography. Some places in Bhutan are as low as 100m, while others are more than 7,000m above sea level. The mountains in the north of Bhutan on the borders with Tibet are perennially covered with snow.
Bhutan has three different climatic zones: subtropical in the south, temperate in the central region, and alpine in the north.
Embassies & Consulates
Bhutan has a number of embassies and consulates, including those listed below:
India: Royal Bhutanese Embassy – Chandragupta Marg, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi 110 021. Tel: 609217/ 609218, Fax: 6876710
U.S.: Consulate General of Bhutan – 2 UN Plaza, 27th Floor, New York NY 10017. Tel: (212) 826-1919, Fax: (212) 826-2998.
Canada: Honorary Consul of Bhutan – 150 Isabella Street, Ottawa, Ontario K1S 1V7. Tel: (613) 232-1222 Fax: (613)569-4667
Hong Kong: Honorary Consul of Bhutan – 32/F, New World Tower, 16-18 Queen’s Road, Central, Hong Kong, China. Tel: (852) 28443117, 2844-3111, Fax: (852) 25247652 Email: joycecheung@nwd.com.hk
Thailand: The Royal Bhutanese Embassy in Bangkok – Jewelry Trade Center Building, Rm. 1907, 19th Floor, 919/1 Silom Road, Bangkok 10500. Tel: 2671722, 630119 – Fax: 6301193.
Bhutan Festival Dates
Experience the Ancient Living Culture of Bhutan Tshechu (Festival)
Tshechu is a Buddhist festival in honour of Buddhist Saint Padmasambhava, popularly known as ‘Guru Rimpoche’, the saint who introduced Buddhism to Bhutan. A Tshechu draws hundreds of Bhutanese people in a spirit of reverence, blessing, festivity and celebration, and is one of the best ways to discover the rich cultural heritage of Bhutan. The sacred celebration comes to life with colour, music, dance and drama as villagers and townspeople gather to witness the masked and sword dances and other sacred rituals. These events, most of which are performed by monks in colourful and elaborate costumes, bring blessings to the onlookers, while also instructing them about Buddhist Dharma.
There are various Tsechus held all year around at temples, Dzongs and monasteries throughout Bhutan.
FESTIVAL DATES FOR 2017
| Name | Place | Start Date | End Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Punakha Drubchen | Punakha | Mar 02, 2017 | Mar 06, 2017 |
| Punakha Tshechu | Punakha | Mar 07, 2017 | Mar 09, 2017 |
| GOMPHUKORA | Trashi Yangtse | Apr 04, 2017 | Apr 06, 2017 |
| Paro Tshechu | Paro | Apr 07, 2017 | Apr 11, 2017 |
| Chhorten Kora | Trashi Yangtse | Apr 11, 2017 | Apr 26, 2017 |
| Rhododendron Festival | Thimphu | Apr 18, 2017 | Apr 20, 2017 |
| Ura Yakchoe | Bumthang | May 07, 2017 | May 10, 2017 |
| Nimalung Tshechu | Bumthang | Jul 01, 2017 | Jul 03, 2017 |
| Kurjey Tshechu | Bumthang | Jul 03, 2017 | |
| Thimphu Drubchen | Thimphu | Sep 25, 2017 | Sep 29, 2017 |
| Wangdue Tshechu | Wangdue Phodrang | Sep 28, 2017 | Sep 30, 2017 |
| Tamshing Phala Chhoepa | Bumthang | Sep 30, 2017 | Oct 02, 2017 |
| Thimphu Tshechu | Thimphu | Sep 30, 2017 | Oct 02, 2017 |
| Thangbi Mani | Bumthang | Oct 04, 2017 | Oct 06, 2017 |
| Pemagatshel Tshechu | Pemagatshel | Nov 01, 2017 | Nov 03, 2017 |
| Jambay Lhakhang Drup | Bumthang | Nov 03, 2017 | Nov 06, 2017 |
| Prakhar Duchhoed | Bumthang | Nov 04, 2017 | Nov 06, 2017 |
| Black Necked Crane Festival | Wangdue Phodrang | Nov 11, 2017 | |
| Mongar Tshechu | Mongar | Nov 25, 2017 | Nov 28, 2017 |
| Trashigang Tshechu | Trashigang | Nov 26, 2017 | Nov 29, 2017 |
| Jambay Lakhang Singye Cham | Bumthang | Dec 03, 2017 | |
| Nalakhar Tshechu | Bumthang | Dec 03, 2017 | Dec 05, 2017 |
| Druk Wangyel Tshechu | Thimphu | Dec 13, 2017 | |
| Trongsa Tshechu | Trongsa | Dec 25, 2017 | Dec 28, 2017 |
| Lhuentse Tshechu | Lhuentse | Dec 25, 2017 | Dec 28, 2017 |
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Where is Bhutan?
Bhutan is a small, landlocked nation located in the eastern Himalayas between India in the south and China in the north. Its landscape ranges from subtropical plains and forests in the South to sub-alpine forests and snowy mountains in the North. Bhutan is a predominantly Buddhist country and is known as the last stronghold of Mahayana Buddhism.
2. Do I need to use a tour operator to book my travel?
It is a government regulation that you must use a licensed Bhutanese Tour Operator to book your travel to Bhutan or one of their international partners.
3. Do I need a visa to enter Bhutan?
All International tourists wishing to enter Bhutan require a visa which must be pre-arranged through a licensed Bhutanese Tour Operator or one of their international partners. Visa clearance must be obtained through your tour operator prior to travel. Indian passport or (VIC) holders, Bangladeshi nationals and persons from the Maldives may obtain a visa on entry.
4. How much does the visa cost?
International tourists will pay USD $40 on arrival, or this can be paid in advance to your tour operator or travel agent. For Indian passport or (VIC) holders, Bangladeshi nationals and persons from the Maldives, this cost is not incurred.
5. How do I get to Bhutan?
There are a number of airports where you can fly into Bhutan from (Bangkok,Delhi, Kolkata, Bagdogra, Bodh Gaya, Dhaka, Kathmandu, Guwahati, Singapore and Mumbai.). At present two carriers operate to Bhutan, Drukair and Bhutan Airlines. Also, there are three land border crossings which you can travel into the kingdom overland. All crossings are along the Indian border only – Phuentsholing, Gelephu and Samdrup Jongkhar. All travel arrangements to Bhutan must be made through a local tour operator. A list of tour companies operating in Bhutan is available on this website. Your selected tour operator will make all the necessary arrangements.
6. What does the $250 per day minimum daily package include?
The $200 per day (low season) and $250 per day (high season) package includes a minimum of 3 star accommodation, meals, an experienced guide and transportation (with driver) within the country. Also included in the price is a $65 per day royalty that goes towards free education, free healthcare and poverty alleviation. All of these services will be arranged by your tour operator.
7. What currency is used in Bhutan?
Bhutanese currency is known as the Ngultrum. Its value is tied to the Indian Rupee which is also accepted as legal tender. However Indian notes in 500 and 1000 denominations are not acceptable.
8. Is there a limit on the number of tourists that can enter Bhutan each year?
There is no limit on the number of tourists admitted into the country each year. In order to protect our culture, traditions and natural environment the government has adopted a strict policy of “High Value, Low Impact Tourism”. This policy is aimed at attracting discerning tourists that will respect the unique culture and values of the Bhutanese people while also providing the visitors with an unforgettable one of a kind experience.
9. What’s the food like in Bhutan?
The most distinctive characteristic of Bhutanese cuisine is its spiciness. Chillies are an essential part of nearly every dish and are considered so important that most Bhutanese people would not enjoy a meal that was not spicy.
Rice forms the main body of most Bhutanese meals. It is accompanied by one or two side dishes consisting of meat or vegetables. Pork, beef and chicken are the meats that are eaten most often. A wide selection of western and Indian food is also available in many of the restaurants around the country.
Getting into Bhutan
There are flights to destinations that include Bangkok, Delhi, Kolkata, Bagdogra, Bodh Gaya, Dhaka, Kathmandu, Guwahati, Singapore and Mumbai.
Paro is situated at a height of 2,225 m (7300 ft) above sea level and is surrounded by mountains as high as 4,876 m (16,000 ft). At present two carriers operate to Bhutan, Drukair and Bhutan Airlines. And there are domestic airports in Yonphula in eastern Bhutan, Bumthang in central Bhutan, and Gelephu in south-central Bhutan. A second international airport is currently under construction in Gelephu along the southern border to India.
Flying into Bhutan’s Paro International Aiport is typically an exciting experience as the descent into Paro valley brings you closer to the mountain tops than most other flights in the world. The flight between Paro and Kathmandu is one of the most exciting ones as the aircraft passes over four of the five highest mountains in the world. In fine weather, as you soar higher up, you can enjoy the spectacular view of Mt. Everest, Lhotse, Makalu and Kangchenjunga at their best.
Visit www.drukair.com.bt and www.bhutanairlines.bt for more information.
Geting to Bhutan Via Road
If you wish to travel overland, you can enter and exit Bhutan through its southern gateway of Phuentsholing into the Indian state of West Bengal. It is approximately a five hour drive from Thimphu. The nearest airport is at Bagdogra, located approximately four hours by road from Phuentsholing. This border point is an ideal junction for those wishing to combine their exploration of Bhutan with the Indian states of Sikkim and West Bengal.
For those who would like to journey across Bhutan, there is an exit only border crossing at Sumdrup Jongkhar in southeast Bhutan to India. The closest airport is 110 km away in Guwahati. From here there are a number of destinations you can fly on to including Delhi, Bombay, Kolkata and Bangkok. This is convenient for those flying into Paro in the west and touring across Bhutan without back tracking.
How to Plan a Trip?
Decide an itinerary.
Apart from our pre-designed package trips. Our priority is to designed tailor-made tour to meet our guest’s requirement. So please mention your distinctive interest and requirements, and we will present you an itinerary based on your interest.
I have decided on the Itinerary, what should I do next?
Your Drukair flight is very important in planning a trip to Bhutan as there is only one airline in the country. Drukair fly into Bhutan from Bangkok, Delhi, Dhaka, Calcutta and Katmandu. Please let us know your flight sectors and exact date of travel. Then send us your FULL passport name. We will book your seats on the Drukair and forward you the booking details.
When should I send Drukair and tour payments?
After the Itinerary has been chosen and the Drukair reservation has been made by us, you will be advised to send the full advance payment. Government of Bhutan requires sending full payment to sanction your visas.
I have sent the payment. What is the Bhutan visa procedure and when should I expect my Drukair e-tickets?
After we receive payments from you, we will purchase your Drukair ticket and email your e-tickets. We will also then process your visa and send you the Visa Clearance Letter in about three working days. Based on this Clearance Letter, your actual Bhutan visa will be stamped on your passport on arrival at Paro airport.
Are there any pre-departure advices that I should seek before I travel to Bhutan?
We have a Comprehensive Information Pack (CIP). This contains detail pre-departure advices. We will send you the CIP.
Minimum Dialy Package
The minimum daily package covers the following services.
• A minimum of 3 star accommodation (4 & 5 star may require an additional premium).
• All meals
• A licensed Bhutanese tour guide for the extent of your stay
• All internal transport (excluding internal flights)
• Camping equipment and haulage for trekking tours
It also includes:
• All internal taxes and charges
• A sustainable tourism Royalty of $65. This Royalty goes towards free education, free healthcare, poverty alleviation, along with the building of infrastructure.
The minimum daily package for tourists travelling in a group of 3 persons or more is as follows:
USD $200 per person per night for the months of January, February, June, July, August, and December.
USD $250 per person per night for the months of March, April, May, September, October, and November.
These rates are applicable per tourist per night halt in Bhutan.
On the day of departure, the ‘local agents’ host obligation shall be limited to providing breakfast only and any extra requirements shall be payable on usage basis.
The list of hotels and lodges approved to provide accommodations all listed on this website. If you accommodation is not listed on this website then it is not licensed cater for international tourists.
The Royal Government of Bhutan sets minimum selling prices for packages to Bhutan. These must be paid in US dollars prior to arrival in Bhutan.
Tour Cancellation Policy
Our judicious cancellation policy protects both the parties. We are only one of very few tour companies in Bhutan who has friendly cancellatipn policy.
After you confirm your trip we will assume that you have read thoroughly, understood it and abide by it:
Tour cancellation & refund policy
- Full refund will be made for the tour cancelled 30 days or more prior to arrival date.
- 20% penalty on the total tour cost for the tour cancelled less than 30 days prior to arrival date. This is because by this time hotels would be already booked and company is subject tcancellation charges for rooms cancelled in less than 30 days.
- Duration lost or trip shortened due to unforeseen reasons after arrival in Bhutan, no refund will be made – because we will already have had paid for the hotels and other logistics.
Drukair cancellation & refund policy
- 100% refund permitted for tickets cancelled more than 30 days from the date of travel.
- 50% refund permitted for tickets cancelled between 30 days – last 15 days from the date of travel.
- No refund will be made for missed connections or “no show” at the airports.
- Additional fee of US $10 is levied for every date change once the tickets have been issued.
- For every cancelled ticket, an administrative fee of US $50 is levied.
Visa Information
With the exception of visitors from India, Bangladesh and Maldives, all other visitors to Bhutan need a visa.
Indian, Bangladeshis and Maldivian nationals can obtain a visa at the port of entry on producing a valid passport with a minimum of 6 month validity (Indian nationals may also use their Voters Identity Card (VIC)).
All other tourists must obtain a visa clearance prior to travel to Bhutan. Visas are processed through an online system by your licensed Bhutanese tour operator, directly or through a foreign travel agent.
You are required to send the photo-page of your passport to your tour operator who will then apply for your visa. The visa will be processed by the Tourism Council of Bhutan (TCB) once the full payment of your holiday (including a USD $40 visa fee) has been wire transferred and received in the TCB bank account. Once received the visa clearance will be processed within 72 working hours.
At your point of entry you will be required to show your visa clearance letter, the visa will then be stamped into your passport.