Tours Info

Tourism in Bhutan was first open in 1974 with commemoration and coinciding with the year of official enthronement of His Majesty The Fourth King Jigme Singye Wangchuck. Since then, tourism was controlled and organized by government till 1991 when tourism was privatized.

Dhey Wang Tours & Ttreks offers a various tours which will bring our visitors to the knowledge of Cultures and Tradition in Bhutan, as well as deep access to Buddhism, the official religion of the country. We have for you, Cultural tours of various duration (minimum of 3 nights), festival tours, and other subjection tours which will be of your own interest.

We will provide you with the information and also arrange your itinerary but you have the pleasure of customizing the itinerary or send us your own prepared itinerary because it is your tour.

Travel Tips – Where is Bhutan?

Bhutan is located in between Tibet, China in the north and India in the east, west and south.

Getting into Bhutan

By Air: The best and quick way to get into Bhutan is by flight. Druk air the only national carrier fly into Paro, from Thaliland (Bangkok), India (New Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Bagdogra and Guwahati), Nepal (Kathmandu), Singapore and Bangladesh (Dhaka).

NO Service charge, we will be happy to reserve your seats and do airline ticketing for you.

By Land: Phuentsholing, Bhutan’s largest commercial town, bordered with Jaigoan, west Bangel is the entry and exit point for those who wish to extend their tour in Sikkim, Kalimpong and Darjeeling. The nearest airport , Bagdogra, in the state of West Bengal is approximately 4 hours drive from Phuentsholing. Samdrup Jongkhar is another entry/exit point in the east. It take about 3 hours drive from Guwahati, Indian State of Assam. Gelephu in the central south is also entry/exit point which takes about 7 hours drive from Guwahati, Assam.

Bhutan as Tourist Destination

Bhutan has beautiful landscape, located in the foothills of great Himalayas, with 72.5% of forest coverage, having wonderful people, peaceful country, great place for hikes, walks, trekking, biking, river rafting, cultural heritage, arts and architecture, unique custom and tradition, rich flora and fauna, colorful festivals makes one of the best place in the world to visit for family holidays, honeymoon and for various outdoor activities in the Himalayas.

Bhutan visa

Full Board Package Tour includes organizing tourist visa, royalty, all taxes, ground services like all meals, hotels and transportation, guide & museum fees. This policy is strictly monitored by Tourism Council of Bhutan. Tourist visa is issued through licensed tour operators like Heavenly Bhutan Travels. A clear valid passport scanned copy is good enough to obtain tourist visa. We do not take more than a week to get your visa for your prescribed duration.

How to book the Trip to Bhutan

We sincerely advise you to book your trip as early as possible as we have limited good hotels with very few rooms and druk air, the only airline operating in Bhutan has 114 setter air bus which gets packed so quickly. Therefore sending your detail information like duration of your visit, places you would like to include if any, interest on Bhutan, flight sector that you wish to fly in/out and stating the number of people in a group will help our travel experts to provide you best customized itinerary and cost in single mail without having to write emails to/from. Book Your Trip.

Tour Tariff/Cost

We charge our visitors as per the costs fixed by Royal Government of Bhutan. Tourism Council of Bhutan has different rate for both High Season and Low Season, in which, months of  March, April, May, September, October and November  falls under High Season and January,February,June,July, August and December falls under Low Season.

Followed under is the daily tariff depending on the numbers of visitors visiting in a group of:

Three persons and above:
During High Season is US$ 200 per person per night.
During Low Season is US$ 180 per person per night.

For individual & small groups (Less then 3) (FITs)
Individual tourist or groups of less than three persons shall be subject to surcharges, as follows:

Single Individual: US$ 40/ Per Person Per Night
Group of 02: US$ 30/ Per Person Per Night
All tourists are required to pay US$ 10 per visit as Tourism Development Fund.

Visa Fee: 40$ per person per visit.

The above tour tariff/cost includes the following services:
1: Accommodation ( 3 star Hotel)
2: 3 Meals (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)
3: Land transport within Bhutan
4: Services of an English Speaking Guide
5: Supply of pack ponies, yak, trekking crews and porters (If trekking)
6. All entrance fees

Services not included in the above rates are:
Air fair, Drinks, Laundry, phone calls,

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 (DoT) once the full payment of your holiday (including a USD $40 visa fee) has been wire transferred and received in the DoT 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.

Minimum Daily 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 $200. 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 $180 PER PERSON PER NIGHT  for the months of January, February, June, July, August, and December.
USD $200 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.

Delayed Arrivals

There is no charge for delays in arrival and departure because of weather conditions disrupting flights or road blocks. The tourist must however bear the cost of food, accommodation, transportation, and other services required.

It is highly recommended that you PURCHASE travel insurance prior to travel.

Surcharges

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.

These are as follows:

Single individual – US$ 40 per night

Group of 2 persons only – US$ 30 PER PERSON PER NIGHT

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 DoT.

How Much is the SDF/( sustainable Development Fee)

For all visitors except those from India,the SDF is US$200 per person,per night.For guests from India (who have an Indian passport or voter  ID card),the SDF is 1,200 ngultrum,or the equivalent amount in Indian rupees,per person,per night. Without an Indian passport or indian voter ID card,the full SDF of US$ 200 will be levied.

Children aged 6 to 12 at the time of travel receive 50% concessionary discount on their SDF. Those children who have not yet turned 6 are exempt from paying any SDF.

Day visitors to the Bhutanese towns bordering India are also exempt from paying the SDF until they reach point designated by the Bhutanese Government

Top 10 must do/See list

Dos & Don’t While in Bhutan

1. Taking pictures inside the alters of the dzongs (fortress), temples and monasteries is strictly prohibited.
2. Take off your hats in front of the dzongs, temples and national flags.
3. Visitors should be properly dressed with long sleeves shirts and pants to visit dzongs, temples, monasteries, schools and any government institutions.
4. Always walk clockwise well crossing the dzongs, temples, monasteries, prayer flags or religious artifacts.
5. Get permission before you take the pictures of the people and religious items.
6. Do not give sweets, money, pencils, pens etc, to the children.
7. Although Bhutan is safe, we advise you to keep your valuable items like wallets, cameras, passport etc in safe place.
8. Be careful with street dogs and domestic dogs, do not tease or play with them as they are not friendly in Bhutan. Sometime dogs are nuisance at night too.
9. Please do not forget to check your arrival/departure dates, time, sector and email one day prior to your arrival in Bhutan.
10. Public displays of affection between men and women, men and men and women and women are not common. Please refrain from doing this in public places.
11. Smoking in public places is not allowed in Bhutan.
12. Buying of antiques from Bhutan is strictly monitored by the custom at the check points. Please always buy goods with cash memo or original bills/invoices.

Gear List Cultural

• International Passport (More than 6 months validity)
• Druk Air tickets copy
• Visa approved letter copy
• Tour Itinerary sent by BFTT
• Please read final check list properly

Gear List Outdoor

• International Passport (More than 6 months validity)
• Druk Air tickets copy
• Visa approved letter copy
• Tour Itinerary sent by BFTT
• Please read final check list properly

Weather Information of Bhutan

Seasons in Bhutan

Spring is a botanist’s delight as rhododendrons, wild azaleas, and masses of wildflowers including the edelweiss cover the meadows like carpet. Pear and apple blossoms add a dainty touch to the valleys as their pink and white blooms add a sense of new wonder to the land that is about to burst with abundant growth again.

Summer is an abundant time of the year as flowers are in bloom and the valleys are covered in green, weeping willows sweep the banks of many of the rivers and the pine cones glisten in the sun, so full with resin they are ready to plummet to the ground.

Autumn casts a bright golden glow on the vast landscape and is one of the more crowded times of the year for tourism to Bhutan. In fall, rice fields ripen to a golden brown under crisp blue skies. The merry pink and white of cosmos flowers dot the countryside.

Winter has its moments. The days are full of sunshine while evenings can turn chilly. The winter landscape lays bare the majesty of the mountains and the sweeping valleys. Soft tufts of cloud drape lazily over mountain tops as if waiting for new life to blow it across the landscape.

Final Checklist 

• Printed copy of visa approved letter
• Printed copy of e-tickets
• Passport (More than 6 months validity)
• Final itinerary from DWTT with service voucher
• Check properly and reconfirm your flight timing, sector and dates
• Check email 24 hrs prior to your arrival, in case if there is any changes DWTT will email you
• Provide emergency contact numbers

Meeting at the Airport

• Dhey Wang Tours & Treks representative will be holding placard written as “Dhey Wang Tours & Treks” with the logo in front of arrival gate at Paro international airport with welcome scarf “khaddar”. He/she will escort you to your assigned hotel.

Reading List

• Lonely Planet Bhutan by Lonely Planet.
• So Close to Heaven by Barbara Crossette.
• Beyond the Sky and the Earth by Jamie Zeppa.
• The Raven Crown by Michael Aris.
• Facts on Bhutan by Lili Wangchuk.
• Married to Bhutan by Linda Leaming.

Reading List Druk Air & Bhutan Airline

Dhey Wang Tours & Treks is associated with Druk Air and Bhutan Airline (Tashi Air), therefore we offer best flight fares for both the flights. We do ticketing for all our clients for two reasons, -best fares, -to make your hassle free trip as we take care of reconfirmation,inform you if there is time change, flight delayed, cancelled, refund and payment. Druk Air currently flies to/from Bangkok, Singapore, Delhi, Kolkata, Dhaka, Kathmandu, Guwahati and planning for Mumbai soon.For updated information about druk air please logon to www.drukair.com.bt

Bhutan Airline (Tashi Air) the only 2nd airline operating in Bhutan after druk air which is private airline, flies from Bangkok at present and possibly it will extend its route to Kolkata, Kathmandu and Delhi in coming days.For more information about Bhutan Airlines, visit www.bhutanairlines.bt

Festivals in Bhutan

About Tshechu/Festivals in Bhutan

Tshechu…Tshe Meaning date and Chu meaning the tenth is an annual religious festival conducted annually coinciding on the 10th day of the Bhutanese calendar. The festival commemorates the birth of Guru Rimpoche who born from a lotus flower came to Bhutan around 8th century, bringing Buddhism to the country.

Tshechus are the biggest festival in the country (lasting from 3 to 5 days) It is here that Bhutanese drowned themselves in their best outfits and flock the celebration with home cooked picnic lunch and witness various mask dances which signifies themselves from ground purification, victory over the evil spirits, conduction of one’s Karma and 8 forms of manifestation Guru took to overcome various deities propagating Buddhism.

Tshechu usually ends with unfurling a giant Thanka (a huge embodied cloth piece depicting a religious figure predominantly that of Guru. This is popularly known to Bhutanese as thongdrul…thong meaning to witness or see and durl meaning to free or release. Bhutanese believe that a look at the giant Thanka blesses them and releases them from the chain of cyclic sins.

Altitude & Distance

Terms & Conditions

Tour Cancellation Policy

• 90% refund for the tour cancelled before 45 days of arrival date, payment transfer charges will be charged.
• 75% refund for the tour cancelled between 30 to 45 days of arrival date.
• No refund for the tour cancelled less than 30 days of arrival date and for the change of itinerary.
• However you can choose to travel with us within 6 months under same payment. If incase your new date falls under peak months, we collect peak month surcharge of USD 50/person/night.

Payment: (NO credit card facility)

• 25% payment required while confirming the tour for land part.
• 100% payment required for the flight tickets before the purchase of ticket.
• Balance payment for the land must be paid one month prior to the arrival date.
• Bhutan visa will be approved by the government only after we deposit full payment received from the guests.
• Bank details will be provided by HBT (Heavenly Bhutan Travels).

Flight Cancellation Policy : (Documentation charge USD 25/ticket)

• 70% refund for cancellation made before 30 days of travel date (Documentation charge applicable).
• 30% refund for cancellation made between 15 to 30 days of travel date.
• NO refund for cancellation made less than 15 days of travel date.
• Documentation charge applicable for the change of dates, sectors etc (issued tickets only, Nu 1,500/ticket).

Conditions of Booking the Trip with Dhey Wang Tours & Treks (BFTT):

• Itinerary is subject to change depending on the availability of the hotels and guests interest. The amendment will be made only after guest accepts the change based on hotel availability.
• Heavenly Bhutan is very flexible for day wise sightseeing,you can choose to do anything you like while in Bhutan. However changing overnight stay is difficult once the hotels are confirmed, hotels follow very strict cancellation policy since there are very limited good hotels.
• For trekking, if the group finishes the trek or incomplete the trek before the scheduled date, guests must pay directly for the extra expenses.
• Change of hotels/itinerary after guests arrival is payable by guests themselves for any extra expenses.
• Trekking insurance is must for trekking groups. Most provide insurance details while confirming the trip.
• Any other outdoor activities taken from Heavenly Bhutan is subject to service agreement prior to taking the activities on arrival for your safety and security.

Conditions on Treks

Hotels & Equipment

For the cultural portion we use three to four star hotels mentioned under cultural packages, but whereas on the trek, we only use A-Shape two men sleeping tents or dome tents which are water, wind and snow proof. All the equipments used will be in good conditions.

Staffs & Services

Trekking tours are accompanied by trekking licensed chef, trained waiter and ponies for luggage. Trekkers get to walk freely with just your day pack/back pack, which includes light rain gear, cameras, light jacket and other necessary items. All your luggage, tents, kitchen utensils, grocery and vegetable items will be carried by ponies.

Riding ponies on Trek

Riding ponies on treks are not easily available, therefore we advise our trekkers to build good walking stamina, if you need, please inform us at least a week before the trek or during the time of booking.

Food on Trek

Energy giving snacks/chocolates along with teas will be served whenever needed or twice in a day. We serve high quality foods, at least three to four item meals and hot lunch most of the time. Trekkers may put on request if you practice special diet.

Equipment List (Regular Trekking)

• A-Shape/Dome Shape sleeping tents
• Dinning tent
• Kitchen tent
• Toilet tent
• Thin water proof mattress
• Dinning & kitchen utensils

Deluxe Trekking

All the treks can be upgraded into deluxe trekking on supplement cost basis. Most of the people don’t mind to pay extra and upgrade into deluxe trekking. The only difference between deluxe trekking and regular trekking is distinguished by equipments and facility provided to trekkers.

Equipment List (Deluxe Trekking)

• Cottage sleeping tent
• Sleeping bed
• Sleeping bag
• Bed sheets, pillow, head lights, towel, tent light
• Minimum 1 inch thick portable mattress
• Gas heater
• Dinning tent
• Kitchen tent
• Toilet tent
• Dinner & kitchen utensils

Emergency on Trek

While on trek, all our staffs will be vigilant, helpful and will take good care of your health and diet. We may ask you to sign outdoor agreement before taking any outdoor programs.

5 Places You Should Visit 

1) Tiger’s Nest Monastery

The Tiger’s Nest Monastery hangs on a cliff and stands above an enchanting forest of blue pines and rhododendrons. As this beautiful and very exceptional monastery is a sheer climb the hill (900 meters), a pony can be arranged for the ride up, but only until the cafeteria. From then on, it is another steep walk and some narrow stairs towards the monastery itself. The trail crosses a chapel of butter lamps and descends to a waterfall by the Snow Lion Cave. The view of the Paro valley from here on is breathtaking, and the atmosphere very holy, a place where every Bhutanese will want to come at least once in his/her life. The place where Guru Rinpoche brought Buddhism into Bhutan, arriving on the back of a tigress.

2) Punakha Dzong

Being the second oldest and second largest dzong in Bhutan, Punakha Dzong, or some call it Pungthang Dewachen Phodrang (Palace of Great Happiness), is also the country’s most gorgeous and majestic dzong. Punakha is accessible from a 3 hours drive east of the capital Thimpu, and after crossing a pass in the mountains, the place is a breathtaking and glorious sight on the first glimpse from the road. It is placed strategically in between two rivers, Pho Chu (male) and Mo Chu (females) that has noticeable color differences between the rivers water. Punakha Dzong joined to the mainland by an arched wooden bridge and contains many precious relics from the days when successive kings reigned the kingdom over this valley. Furthermore, it is blessed with a temperate climate, and lovely lilac colored jacaranda trees grow around the dzong during the spring season.

3) Zuri Dzong Hike

The peak of the Zuri Dzong Trek is probably the perfect spot to have a bird-eye view of the entire Paro valley. The Zuri Dzong is the oldest Dzong in Bhutan, and in there lies a cave where Buddha came to meditate in, in the 8th century. This peaceful place allows both Bhutanese and tourists to soak in the tranquil that radiates from the extraordinary view, something one can stare at for hours in wonder and awe. The total journey time to get there will take approximately 30 minutes if one starts from the museum watchtower, and an additional 1 hour to exit out towards Uma. Tourists can expect to sit and relax there, and also remember to catch the amazing side view as you hike through Trek.

4) Uma Paro Hotel

Just a 10 minutes scenic drive from Paro airport, Uma Paro Hotel perches proudly on a Himalayan mountain, flanked by thick pine forests with views that overlay the Paro district. One of the remote kingdom’s only boutique hotels, it offers elegant interiors, exquisite food, a pampering Como Shambhala spa, and a cool pool amid the mind-bending ravishing scenery. You could lose hours just mesmerizing at the magical Himalayan landscape. The rooms available specialize in different sceneries and needs for every individual’s preference, such as:

• Forest view rooms, overlooking the surrounding pine forests.
• Valley view rooms, offering panoramic views of the Paro Valley.
• Como suites, with 180-degree views of the Paro Valley in the bedroom, a kitchenette, a sitting, dining and study area.
• One-bedroom villas, which are spacious freestanding villas that include a sitting area with a traditional Bukhari wood burning stove, as well as a private spa treatment area. (Both villas offer personal butler services)
• Two-bedroom villas come with a living area with panoramic views of the Paro Valley with an open-air courtyard with a fire pit. The villas provide an outdoor hot-stone bathtub, a private spa treatment and offer Personal butler services.

5) Gangtey Valley in winter

The valley of Gangtey is one of the most stunning valleys in the Himalayas, and many call it the Shangri-La of Bhutan, just as how Bhutan is well known for being “one of the world’s happiest nations”, and “the last Shangri-La on Earth”.The surprise of finding such a wide, flat valley without any trees after the hard climb through dense forests is augmented by an impression of vast space, which is an extremely rare experience in Bhutan as most of the valleys are tightly enclosed. This moderate trek visits the villages of Gogona and Khotokha, passing through meadows and fields, then forests of juniper, magnolia and rhododendrons, which will be in full bloom in April. Besides the attractive scenic valley and mountain trails passing through the magnificent forest with its undergrowth changing from rhododendron and magnolia to ferns and dwarf bamboo, we can also visit the historical Gangtey monastery and the blacked necked crane information centre. Additionally, there will be a special treat for those visiting the Gangtey during the winter season, as they will be able to catch the graceful Black-necked Cranes in action as they head to the roost.