Your Bhutan Tour

Bhutanese law requires that all foreigners book a packaged tour through a local tour operator in Bhutan. The Tourism Council of Bhutan has set a fixed tariff for Bhutan Travel / Travel to Bhutan, which all tour operators must adhere to.

All tour packages for your Bhutan Travel / Travel to Bhutan are all-inclusive. Flights reservations for Druk Air and Bhutan visa applications will be processed through Bhutan Greenland Expeditions after a Bhutan tour package is booked.

If you are traveling to Bhutan during a festival season it is important to book your Bhutan tour at least two months prior to departure, specially the Paro, Thimphu and the Bumthang festival seasons. This is because there are more travelers during this time and the Druk Air and the Hotels in the area are packed. Please find the tentative festival dates for 2010 in Festival Tours Page.

A Bhutan Greenland Expeditions tour guide and personal driver will meet you at the Paro airport or the Phuentsholing Gate upon your arrival in Bhutan.

Bhutan Tour Guides

Bhutan Greenland Expeditions tours and treks are led by knowledgeable Bhutanese guides who are trained and certified by the Tourism Council of Bhutan. All Bhutan Greenland Expeditions guides speak English. Japanese, German and French speaking guides can be provided upon request at an additional cost.

Photography in Bhutan

Whether you are on a tour or a trek, there will be many opportunities for stunning photography. You will be advised to follow your guide's instructions while visiting Dzongs, monasteries, and other monuments in Bhutan. Occasionally, photography inside the Dzongs and monasteries will not be permitted. If you wish to photograph local Bhutanese people, it is asked that you obtain permission through gestures or by asking your guide for translation assistance.

Food

Bhutanese cuisine mainly consists of chilies and cheeses. Tourist hotels and restaurants in Bhutan serve both continental and local dishes. While on a trek in Bhutan, cooks trained by the Tourism Council of Bhutan will prepare dishes suitable to your individual taste.

Money

Bhutanese currency is known as Ngultrum. 1 Ngultrum is equivalent to 1 Indian Rupee. 1 Ngultrum is equal to 100 chhetrum.

Credit cards, visa cards, travelers cheque and exchange of foreign currency

Credit cards are not widely accepted in Bhutan. Bhutan Greenland Expeditions advises travelers to use local currency in Bhutan. Travelers cheques and foreign currency can be exchanged at all banks. Bhutan Greenland Expeditions can assist you with any currency exchanges or questions.

Custom Declarations

All travelers to Bhutan are required to fill out a custom declaration form at the Paro airport. All items must be declared on the form. Travelers must give the custom declaration form to the custom authorities at the time of departure.

Free Baggage Allowance:
*  Personal belongings of the traveler either carried in hand or checked with a carrier excluding motor vehicle and merchandise.
*  A person below the age of 15 shall not be eligible for a free baggage allowance.
* 1 bottle not larger than 1 litre of alcohol.
* 1 carton of cigarettes may be brought after paying 100% customs duty and 100% sales tax.

Driving Distance

Average Temperature of Major towns during different months:

Clothing and other Packing for a Bhutan Tour

It is advisable to bring warm cloths during January, February, March, April, September, October, November and December. It is suggested to pack wool tights and a warm jacket during these months. Other items to consider are: sunglasses, contact lenses, comfortable shoes for hiking and trekking, bathing products, sanitary products, towels, hats, umbrellas, camera accessories, insect repellent, sunscreen, flash lights, extra batteries, and any necessary medication.

Time and electricity

Bhutan's standard time is +6 Hours GMT. Bhutan uses 220/240 volts system. Electricity supply is usually available in Bhutan, but may be less stable in smaller towns. The sockets used in Bhutan are Indian round pin sockets. Adapters can be found in shops throughout Thimphu.

Battery

In Bhutan, you can find batteries imported from Japan, China and India. It is suggested to bring your own supply of batteries.