Travel Tips

General Pre-Departure Information

Please take time to read through this information; it is designed to prepare you for your adventure in the Himalayan Kingdom of Bhutan.

Travel to Bhutan

Bhutan Wilderness Travel handles the whole booking process on behalf of its guest, including flights and visa applications but it is advisable to book well in advance to secure accommodation and seats on Druk Air.

Druk Air
Bhutan’s national airline, Druk Air, (the only airline flying to Bhutan) flies from Bangkok to Bhutan (Via Kolkata, Dhaka or Bodhgaya) or from Delhi to Bhutan (via Kathmandu)

Druk Air Tickets
Druk Air is the only airline that flies out of Bhutan. Please note that although Bhutan wilderness Travel is authorized to purchase tickets on behalf of our guest, Druk air has no refund policy and that Druk air fares are subject to change. Also note that Druk Air tickets are non refundable and none transferable. You may re-schedule air travel on Druk Air for up to one year from date of tickets issuance if necessary. Bhutan Wilderness Travel is happy to assist in the purchase of Druk Air tickets as a service; however Druk Air’s policies are applied to this service and Bhutan Wilderness Travel cannot refund tickets purchased on behalf of its guests.
On receipt of payment for the full fare and tickets issuance, guests will be sent a copy of their e-ticket via mail.

Passport and Visa
In order to arrange a visit to Bhutan (under Bhutanese Laws) all arrangements must be made through a local tour operator. All foreign travelers are required to apply for a visa before entering Bhutan. Bhutan wilderness Travel is authorized to organize visa applications. We require a scanned copy of the photo page of each guest’s passport (This must be valid for 6 months beyond the intended length of stay). It normally takes two to three weeks to process the visa but some circumstances, we can accelerate the process but a minimum of 10 working days is required.
The Kingdom of Bhutan requires that every foreign national (Except Indian nationals) to pay a daily government fixed tariff of US $ 200 per person per day and FIT surcharge (FIT means free Independent traveler) of US $ 30 per person per day (for single traveler it is US $ 40 per day, for parties of 3 (or more) this fee is waive. (Please note that these are DAILY fees)
Additionally, foreign nationals are required to pay a visa fee (non refundable) of US $ 20 per application (one name per application), and US $ 10 tourism Development Fund fee (which is used to aids Bhutan’s infrastructure) of US $ 10 per person.

Tips for passengers
As Paro Airport is daylight restricted and totally dependent on weather, flights are occasionally delayed. Passengers should keep at least 24 hours transit time for connecting flights in or out of Paro.
Flights in to Paro are sometimes disrupted by the weather. To be prepared for such an event, it is advised to carry essential personal items like medicine, toiletries, minimum change etc.

Hand Baggage Allowance
Druk Air request that passengers limit their hand baggage to one piece, the size not exceeding 45+35+20 cm ( 17 + 13 + 8 inches) and the weight not exceeding 5 kg (11lbs)

Check Baggage Allowance
Economy Class: 20 kg (44 lbs)
Business class: 30 kg (66 lbs)

Customs
Please note: Bhutan has become the first nation in the world to ban the sale and consumption (in public) of tobacco. While visitor can still bring for their own use the item will attract a duty of 200%.
Visitors are advised to be cautious in purchasing old and used items. Custom authorities will not allow any old/ used items to be taken out of the country if they have not certified as a non-antique. (A wax seal tied to the item will indicate approval to take the article out from the kingdom of Bhutan.

Vaccinations, Health and fitness
There are no statutory requirements unless you are arriving from an area designated as infected by cholera or yellow fever. Please consult your doctor or vaccination centre for up to date information and if you are on any prescribed medication that you bring a sufficient supply with you.

Travel Insurance
It is strongly recommended that you be insured against medical and personal accident risk (including repatriation costs, air ambulance and helicopter rescue services) and that you also take out cancellation insurance for travel. You should be aware that some policies restrict overage or do not cover travel to Bhutan and many not cover activities such as trekking and mountain biking. Please ensure that your policy provides a sufficient level of protection and covers you for the activities involved.
It is strongly advised that you carry proof of insurance (e.g. your insurance certificate) with you to Bhutan, in case of any emergency which would require repatriation.

Walking Condition
Our walks are and treks are mostly on established trails, and there are no particularly difficult sections. Although some of the trails are steep and rocky and can be muddy and slippery after rain. Boots with ankle support and a trekking pole are recommended.

Biking Conditions
Bhutan Wilderness Travel offers a range of both on-off-road biking trips to suit all interests and abilities. Visit Our Biking Site http://www.bhutanbiking.com

Transport
For all our tours we use small private minibuses and 4×4 vehicles such as land cruisers depending on the size of group.

Suggested Reading List
Lonely planet Bhutan 3rd edition (April 2007)
A recently updated general travel guide to Bhutan including trekking, information, about Bhutan’s ancient Buddhist culture, and special feature on national parks and the environment.
Raven crown: origins of Buddhist monarchy in Bhutan by Michael Aris
Beyond the sky and Earth: a journey in to Bhutan: by Jamie Zeppa
Zeppa’s fascinating accounts of her time as a volunteer school teacher in Bhutan.
Heart of Bhutan by Elsie Sze. Elsie’s new novel “The Heart of the Buddha,” published in the U.S. in October, 2009, is set in Bhutan

Other Media:
www.kuenselonline.com the website for one of the three national newspapers.
Travelers and Magician: a wonderfully evocative Bhutanese made film.
Little Buddha: some of the scenes for this Hollywood film were shot in and around Paro.
Contact Details
Bhutan Wilderness Travel
Post Box # 100
Thimphu Bhutan
Email: bhutanwilderness@gmail.com
Telephone: 00 975 2 351395 | 00 975 17111937 cell 24/7
Fax: 00975 2 351236
To dial out of Bhutan: 00 + country code + number
Most foreign cell or mobile will work in the kingdom; however PDAs such as blackberry do not receive a signal as yet.

Important note:
The information in these notes is given in good faith, and covers the average range of conditions likely to be found on this trip. In remote destinations abnormal condition can prevail at any time, and adventurous holidays can therefore be subject to unexpected changes; in order to enjoy them we request that you be prepared to be flexible where necessary.
For more information on Bhutan Wilderness Travel, including the full range of itineraries and services (including Tailor- made itineraries, group and the hosting of special events.

What to bring list

• Duffel bag size XL (7000 cu. in., non-rolling trekking duffel)
• Duffel bag for non-trek items left behind in Paro
• Daypack to carry your camera, water bottles, extra clothing
• Luggage tags and locks

Camping Gear

• Sleeping bag with stuff sack, rated to 10 degrees F

City Clothing

• Bring a few lightweight, easily washable items for travel and daily wear

Outerwear

• Rain jacket and pants, roomy and waterproof
• Insulated parka/ski jacket (required), down or synthetic, able to fit over sweater layers

Footwear

• Hiking boots, sturdy, water-resistant, broken in
• Camp shoes: trail shoes or sneakers

Clothing

• Midweight fleece or wool sweater
• Fleece pants or tights (see optional)
• Midweight thermal underwear tops and bottom, synthetic or wool
• Expedition-weight thermal tops/bottoms
• Hiking pants/skirt
• Long-sleeve synthetic shirts
• T-shirts, quick drying fabrics
• Underwear
• Hiking socks, wool or synthetic
• Liner socks

Clothing Accessories

• Sun hat
• Wool or fleece hat
• Wool or fleece gloves
• Thin liner gloves
• Snow gaiters (late Fall trip)

Travel Accessories

• Two 1-quart water bottles or hydration system
• Flashlight / headlamp and extra batteries
• Ear plugs
• Small quantity of favorite energy snacks
• Sunblock and lip balm with high SPF
• Sunglasses with strap (side-shields or glacier glasses recommended)
• Toiletry kit (small travel-size items)
• Small quick-dry towel
• Personal first aid kit
• Hand sanitizer gel and Handi-wipes
• Several Ziploc plastic bags for wet items.
• Two large plastic garbage can sacks (inside your duffel if rain is likely)

Optional Field Gear

• Camera, film and spare batteries
• Down or synthetic-fill pants (recommended for the Fall trek)
• Down booties (recommended for the Fall trek around camp)
• Trekking poles (highly recommended)
• Knee supports
• Spare contact lenses or glasses
• Games and toys: Frisbee, cards, etc.
• Reading and writing materials
• Passport pouch or money pouch
• Motion sickness remedies