About Hotels

  • The standards of hotels in Bhutan should be not be compared to standards of similar category of hotels in other developed destinations. The hotels have been selected, combined & graded in such a manner so that the Guests gets similar kind of experience at every place.
  • Further due to a smaller number of hotels in 4 star and 5-star category at Bhutan we have provided combination of hotels at times we have clubbed lower category of hotels with higher category of hotels.
  • Please note that most of the hotels except selected 5-star hotels in Bhutan do not have air-conditioned facility in the rooms. On request they can provide table fans based on their availability.
  • Please further note that again most of the hotels do not have lift. In case you have any health-related issues due to which you cannot climb higher floors, please inform us immediately at the time of confirmations so that we can take necessary actions.
  • Most of the rooms in all hotels at Bhutan are twin bedded rooms. Very limited rooms have king size bed. King size bedded rooms will be provided subject to availability only. If the same is unavailable the hotel shall provide twin bedded rooms only.
  • Categories of Rooms in the packages are based on base category of rooms, unless specified.
  • Hotels in other cities do not match the standards of hotels in Thimphu, Paro and Punakha as the places are remote areas. Please do not expect luxury facilities while travelling to these areas. If the guests are unable to compromise on comfort than such places of travel should not be a part of the itinerary.
  • Normal check-in time at hotel is 1400 Hrs & Check-out time is 1100 Hrs. All requests for early check in / late checkout / extending of stay, will be solely at the discretion of the hotels and shall be subjected to the room’s availability. A valid photo ID proof for all guests staying at the hotel is mandatory.
  • Most of the hotels in Bhutan serve both vegetarian and non-vegetarian foods. The quality of the foods will not match the quality of the foods as available in India. No regional specific foods will be available.
  • For Extra Person Sharing the Room & Child with Extra Bed, almost all the hotels provide MATTRESS and ROLL AWAY BEDS as a supplement to Extra Bed.
  • In case of group or incentive travels, all the rooms provided may not be of same size and category.
  • In the hills, scarcity of water & power-cut is a natural phenomenon. In case of power-cut, the hotels provide power backup to emergency & common areas. Under such situation, hot water will be provided to the guest in bucket. Request you to kindly bear with such situation. We strongly regret for such inconvenience.
  • We reserve the right to re-arrange itinerary to suit hotel availability without changing the total number of days in each destination and without compromising with any services.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT THE VEHICLES PROVIDED & THE GUIDES ALLOTTED:

  • Vehicles in Bhutan are not on disposal basis. The vehicle and guide are generally with the guests from 0900 Hrs till 1700 Hrs. To make the full use of the day and to complete the itinerary within the scheduled time, the guests must follow the timings as given by the guide. Supplemental charges shall be applicable for usage of vehicles and guide beyond the normal scheduled time as follows:
    • INR 500 per hrs per Hiace / H1 / High Roof Hiace
    • INR 800 per hrs per Coaster Bus
    • INR 250 per hrs per SUV
    • INR 200 per hrs for Guide’s service after normal time
  • In case of any operational or mechanical problems, we reserve the right to change the vehicle or the guide in between the tour.
  • In case any sightseeing is closed on any particular day, we shall make arrangements to provide alternate sightseeing on the same day.
  • It is requested that the guests are soft and gentle with the drivers. The driver is from remote places and some of them do not know how to speak as they are not educated in tourism etiquette.
  • Cancellation – Since the Vehicles are limited in number, cancellation rules will be applicable on the complete tour package including the transport cost.
  • We provide exclusive Indian Vehicle in India Part and Bhutan vehicle in Bhutan part for all our packages.
  • Generally, in Bhutan because of its location & Altitude, AC are not required hence for the vehicles we write NAC. In the guests insists on AC, Supplement cost as per vehicle selection could be taken. The AC will be on when the Vehicle is on move only. In case of uphill drive, AC shall be switched off. The supplemental charges for AC shall be as follows:
    • INR 1000 per day per Hiace
    • INR 1500 per day per Coaster Bus.
    • INR 500 per day per SUV

Other Travel Information

  1. Alcohol – Alcoholic beverage up to 1 litter for personal consumption. Also Tuesdays is a dry day in Bhutan and no alcohol is served. Please refrain from drinking in religious or public places.
  2. Camping Facilities – Camping facilities in Bhutan are very basic with simple Bhutanese food. Please do not expect international quality of camps in Bhutan.
  3. Cancellation Policy – Read the cancellation policy of the hotels as well as of the tour operator.
  4. Cigarettes and Tobacco – Tobacco & Tobacco products are banned in Bhutan. However, travellers may carry limited quantity for their personal consumption in payment of taxes as may be applicable the entry points. Import of cigarettes and any other tobacco related products up to 200 (ten packets) cigarettes on payment of 200 percent duty is permitted. Please refrain from smoking in public places. A fine of Nu 500 is applicable if you are caught smoking in public place. Also, you will have to produce proof of payment of import duty and tax.
  5. Clothes – Remember to carry clothing as per the season and temperature in Bhutan during the time of travel. Also remember to carry hiking shoes.
  6. Credit Cards – There are no facilities for Credit cards although only few handicrafts stores & very few hotels accept VISA card with 5% common charge. Further it is also recommended that you speak with your service provider to find out about the acceptability of credit card in Bhutan.
  7. Currency – Indian travellers can carry Indian Currency in INR 100 denominations or smaller notes into Bhutan. Denominations of Rs 500 and above are legally banned in Bhutan. Please note that Ngultrum (Nu) is at par with Indian Rupee. Indian Rupee is widely accepted in Bhutan.
  8. Documents – All guests must carry original valid identity proof. Adults must carry original & valid Passport or original Voter ID card. Children must carry original & valid Passport or original birth certificate & school photo ID card.  It is seen that guests very often instead of carrying original documents either carry the scanned copy of the document or photocopy of the original. Please remember that Bhutan is a foreign country. Anyone not carrying original valid passport or voter I card shall be deported back by the immigrations and not allowed to enter the country.
  9. Dress Code – Please take off your hats while visiting Dzongs, monasteries and in front of the National Flag. Also ensure that you are properly dressed (such as long sleeves shirts and T Shirts, full pants) while visiting Dzongs, temples and other government offices. Shorts & half pants are not permitted while entering Dzongs, temples and other government offices.
  10. Electrical Plugs – All major towns are well connected with electricity that runs on 220/240 volts with round hole two-pin and three-pin power outlets. It is recommended that you bring flat-to-round pin converters for your electronics if necessary, however, most hotels offer multi plug sockets.
  11. Gifts – Do not hand gifts, sweets or money to strangers and children. If you want to present, please consult your local guide
  12. Guides – All guests must follow the instructions of guides. The guides provided are trained and certified by the Tourism Council of Bhutan. Taking pictures of some parts and items in the Temples and Dzongs are prohibited. Please follow the instructions from your guide.
  13. Landslides – Landslides are common occurrence in hilly areas. Any expenses incurred for the modification in the tour shall be directly collected from the guest as per actual expenses.
  14. Language – Dzongkha is national language of Bhutan. However, English and Hindi are very widely spoken.
  15. Permits – The holder of the online / tourist permit is not allowed to seek any employment in Bhutan. Misuse of permit is a penal offence and a fine of Nu 3300 along with deportation as per IRR 2015 is applicable.
  16. Personal belongings – Bhutan is a very safe place. Your belongings are safe in hotel/car but on a BAD day, anything could go wrong so we always suggest you to carry your camera, wallet, passport and your valuable goods with you all the time
  17. Phuentsholing Entry Gate – The Entry Gate at Phuentsholing closes by 2130 AM (IST) and opens at 0730 AM (IST). In the arrival is late in the evening or departure in early in the morning than it is mandatory for the gusts to spend a night in Siliguri. If the guests have not made any arrangements for their stay in Siliguri, then they will have to wait at the Waiting / Retiring Room of the station.
  18. Public display of affection – Public displays of affection between opposite sex or similar sex are frowned upon. Please refrain from doing that in public places
  19. Road Conditions – Please be informed that the condition beyond Punakha is bad as widening works are going on and takes lot more than standard time to reach the destination. If there are any bookings for any place beyond Punakha, please inform the travellers beforehand on mandatory basis about the same so that the travellers come prepared.
  20. Shopping – If you buy handicrafts from Bhutan, please ensure that you have valid bills and cash memo for the same. Bhutan has strict regulations for the same. It is illegal to take any plant or agricultural product out of Bhutan. Do not purchase any old household items, antiques, textiles and ritual objects from local people not selling through local shops. Please remember that buying and selling of antiques is strictly forbidden in Bhutan.
  21. Telephone Connections – International Roaming in Bhutan is very expensive. Please check with your mobile service provider for charges related to Bhutan. If you need, its best to use a local sim. Tourists can easily get the tourists sim in Bhutan. In order to get the connection, they have to submit the copy of the voter I card or the passport together with 2 passport size photographs to the vendor. The guide shall assist in getting the sim.
  22. Timing Difference – Bhutan is half an hour ahead of Indian Standard Time.
  23. Traffic Rules – Bhutan has strict traffic rules. Only cross the road on zebra crossing.
  24. Travel in Peak Season – Bhutan has limited infrastructure. The inventory of the hotels is limited. The months of Mar-May and September to November are busiest month in Bhutan. Indian travel during this period coincides with the foreigner travelling. Considering the rush and limited infrastructure it is important that the guests remain calm and follow the instructions of the guide to have a memorable stay.
  25. Twin Bedded Rooms – Most of the hotels in Bhutan have twin beds. We will try to give King/Queen beds in case of availability. If the hotels are unable to provide King/Queen beds, then the guests will have to stay in twin bedded rooms only.
  26. Misc –
    1. Urinating along the road side and sacred places are strictly prohibited. Fine of Nu 1000/- is applicable for such act as per Wastes Prevention and Management Regulation Act, 2012.
    2. In case you are travelling between June – Sept please carry Mosquito and insect repellent

 

Some Bhutanese Etiquette:

  • Always walk in clockwise direction while visiting religious places.
  • Please remember not to point with a single finger but use an upturned flat extended hand specially to indicate a sacred object or place.
  • Please throw rubbish only in designated areas and do not litter.
  • Please refrain from touching any ritual objects or mural paintings.
  • Please do not walk over any clothes, books, hearth or materials left open in religious sites.
  • Please do not be too close to the lake or river if you wish to avoid any accidents.
  • Please ask permission before entering a scared place, homes or private land.
  • Please take permission before taking photographs or videos of any person.
  • Please maintain silence near monasteries, dzongs and near offices.
  • Please note Urinating along the road side and sacred places are strictly prohibited
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