The Royal Government of Bhutan adheres strongly to a policy of ‘High Value, Low Impact’ tourism which serves the purpose of creating an image of exclusivity and high-yield for Bhutan. That is, the regulation is done to preserve our rich cultural heritage, unique national identity and pristine environment. Through its restricted tourism policy, Bhutan has emerged as one of the few unexplored tourist destinations and least traveled countries in the world.

Thus the tourism industry in Bhutan is founded on the principle of sustainability, meaning that tourism must be environmentally and ecologically friendly, socially and culturally acceptable and economically viable. The Royal Government of Bhutan recognizes that tourism is a world-wide phenomenon and an important means of achieving socioeconomic development particularly for a developing country like Bhutan. It believes that tourism, in affording the opportunity to travel, can help to promote a deeper understanding among people and to strengthen ties of friendship based on a deeper appreciation and respect for different cultures and lifestyles.

Towards achieving this objective, the Royal Government, has adopted a very cautious approach to growth and development of the tourism industry in Bhutan. Its tremendous potential as a truly indigenous industry and the clear comparative advantages Bhutan enjoys, are compelling reasons to promote Bhutan as a high-end tourist destination in a manner which accords with the tenets of Gross National Happiness (GNH), which Bhutan sees as more important to it than the Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

Arranging your travel to Bhutan is not difficult as you assume. Once you get in touch with any of the local tour operators, you will be advised to produce documents necessary to process your visas and your travel can be arranged within few days including your visas, Drukair flights, hotels, guides, transport and other logistics.

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)).

Bhutan visas should be arranged through any of the tour operators in Bhutan (all the tour operators in Bhutan are registered by the government of Bhutan). No foreign missions or embassies abroad sanction tourist’s visas. As per the government regulations, you are required to make full tour payment in advance and upon receipt of full payment, your tour operators will process visas with the government. It normally takes 2-3 working days to clear your visas. The Bhutan visa confirmation letter will be sent to you in advance and your actual Bhutan visas will be stamped in your passports on the strength of this confirmation letter on arrival at Paro airport. You will have to carry this copy along with you always. Some airports do not allow you to board Drukair flights if you do not have this copy.

For the visa application process, you will have to send scanned copies of your passport. Visa fee US $ 40 per person is payable extra and it can paid along with tour payment.

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.

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.

1. All internal taxes and charges
2. All meals
3. A licensed Bhutanese tour guide (English Speaking) for the extent of your stay
4. All internal transport (excluding internal flights)
5. Camping equipment and haulage for trekking tours
6. A minimum of 3 star accommodation (4 & 5 star may require an additional premium)

A sustainable tourism Royalty of $65. This Royalty goes towards free education, free healthcare, poverty alleviation, along with the building of infrastructure.

These rates are applicable per tourist per night halt in Bhutan. On the day of departure, the ‘local agent’ host obligation shall be limited to providing breakfast only and any extra requirements shall be payable on usage basis.

Surrage

Tourists travelling in a group of two (2) persons or less shall be subject to a surcharge, in addition to the minimum daily package rates.

1. Single individual – US$ 40 per night
2. Group of 2 persons only – US$ 30 per person per night
3. The 10% agency commission payable to agents abroad shall not be deductible from the surcharge.

The surcharge will not be applicable to representatives of foreign travel agents on business study or promotional visit duly approved and cleared by TCB.

Discounts

There shall be no charge for CHILDREN up to the age of 5 years. However, those between the ages of 6-12 years accompanied by elders/ guardians shall be given 50% discount on daily rates and 100% discount on Royalty. This Royalty is currently set at $65 per day. Full time STUDENTS below the age of 25 years, holding valid identity cards from their academic institutions, shall also be given a 25% discount on the Royalty.

A discount of 50% on minimum daily package shall be given to one person in a group of 11 people. 100% discount shall be given to one member in a group exceeding 16 persons. A 50%discount on Royalty shall be provided after the 8th night and 100% discount on Royalty shall be provided after the 14th night

Delayed Arrival and Departure

There shall be no charge for the number of days of delays in arrival of visitors due to weather conditions, Druk Air problems or road blocks.

There shall be no charge for the number of days of delay in departure of visitors due to weather conditions, Druk Air problems or road blocks. They will be charged only the actual expenses on accommodation, food, transport and any other services required.