PRACTICAL INFORMATION ON BHUTAN

The Royal Government of Bhutan recognizes that tourism is an important means of promoting socio-economic development particularly for developing country like Bhutan. Tourism helps promote understanding among peoples and builds closer ties and friendship beyond Frontier. Tourism promotes oneness among people across different culture, race, and religion.

There are, however problems associated with tourism which, if not controlled, can have devastating and irreversible impact on the local environment, culture and identity of the people. Realizing these problems and the fact that the resources on which tourism is based are limited, the Royal Government of Bhutan recognizes the need to develop the Bhutanese tourism industry based on the principles of sustainability, which means it must be environmentally and economically friendly, socially and culturally acceptable and economically viable. With this objective the government has adopted a very cautious approach to growth and development of tourism industry in Bhutan.

VISITING BHUTAN

- Visa Clearance must be obtained before your departure for Bhutan. Visa Clearance is also required by visitors at the time of obtaining Druk Air ticket from their local agents.

- Actual visa is stamped on the visitors' passport upon arrival at the port of entry. Visa fee is US$ 20 for per person for 14-days visa. Extension of visa, for a period not exceeding 6 months, can be obtained in Thimphu on payment of Nu.510 (US$ 13).

- Visitors can enter Bhutan either by road through the Indian territories at the border town of Phuentsholing in the south of the Kingdom or by air at Paro, In order to ensure the maximum utilization of  Druk Air, the Royal carrier, either entry or exit has to be by Druk Air in accordance with the government's tourism guideline. Royal Bhutan Airlines operates a fleet of two BAe 146-100 jet planes with 72 seats each including 10 business class. Druk Air flies to Calcutta, Delhi, Katmandu, Dhaka and Bangkok.

- Tours to Bhutan can be arranged through travel agents abroad, or directly contacting one of the local tour operators in Bhutan who are responsible for making all local tour arrangements (visa, flight reservation, tour program, etc. ) for visitors.

BAGGAGE

All visitors are required to complete the customs form upon arrival at Paro. The following items are exempted from customs duty:
personal effects for day to day use
2 liters of alcohol, 400 cigarettes; 150 gms of pipe tobacco
instruments, apparatus or appliances for professional use
photographic equipment, video cameras and other electronic goods
 

RESTRICTED AREAS

For security reasons and view of the fact that many temples and monasteries in Bhutan are living institutions, visitors are not permitted to visit/enter certain places and religious establishment.

FILMING IN BHUTAN

The rules and rates for filming in Bhutan differ from that of normal treks and tours. Tourists or professionals intent on filming in Bhutan must abide by the Bhutanese Filing Regulations, 1995, available with the implementing agency, the Department of Tourism. (the regulation does not apply to feature or cinematographic films). Applications for a filming permit must be submitted to the Department of Tourism at least 30 days in advance. The application must be accompanied by:
synopsis of the film ~ theme/background/objective/purpose/
specific locations/objects/activities
composition of the team and list of equipment, accessories/ consumables (members of the team will have to pay the full daily tourist tariff)
letter of recommendation from sponsoring agency (application forms can be obtained from the DOT on payment of Nu 300.)
 

FILMING ROYALTY
 

First 30 Minutes or part thereof ~ US$10,000

Next 30 Minutes or part thereof ~ US$6,000

Every additional 30 Minutes or part thereof US$3,000

In addition a security deposit of US$5,000 must be deposited with the DOT (Department of Tourism). This deposit will be refunded upon completion of the film to the satisfaction of the DOT.

HOW TO PLAN YOUR TRIPS AND NOTES

Port of Entry
The easiest way to enter Bhutan is by a Druk Air flight into Paro. Paro bound flights can be boarded on the national carrier at Bangkok, Dhaka, Calcutta, Katmandu and Delhi. For the latest flight schedule of Druk Air , Please refer the Druk Air website, or we could even fax or email to you where ever you are!

Visas
Visas are essential for entry into the kingdom, and this can be prearranged by Bae-Yul. Visa confirmations are communicated by Bae-Yul to the Druk Air office to enable the visitor to board the flight to Bhutan. Upon arrival in Paro, the visas are issued and a fee of $20 is charged to all nationalities.

Daily rate
In line with the royal government's policy of cautious modernization the number of visitors allowed into Bhutan is limited for any given year. The government regulations provide for a fixed daily rate which covers such expenses as hotels, meals, transport, guides etc.

Accommodation and transportation
Visitors are put up in comfortable hotels and lodges which are available in almost all the places of visit covered in our programmed. On the trekking routes purpose-built huts or tents generally form the mode of accommodation. Transportation is safe and comfortable in the form of buses and cars, imported from Japan and for the trekking equipment imported some from Nepal and most from U.S.A and Japan.

How to book your trip
Please make your booking three months before (at the latest) your arrival.
Please book online or email or Fax (+975-2-323728) to let us know:

Number of your group
Port of Entry
Arrival date and duration
Places you would like to visit
Special interest
We will get back to you with the itinerary and more details.
The Bae-Yul team, with all its years and experience, awaits to serve you.