The Royal Government of Bhutan recognizes that tourism is one of the important means of achieving socio economic development. It also recognizes that tourism, in affording the opportunity to travel, can help promoting understanding among peoples and building closer ties of friendship based on appreciation and respect for different cultures and lifestyles.

Towards achieving this objective, the Royal Government has created toursim regulations on the principle of sustainability, meaning that tourism has to be environmentally and ecologically friendly. Since inception of tourism in the year 1974, the country has adopted a very cautious approach to growth and development of the tourism industry in Bhutan. In order to minimize issues, the number of tourists has been maintain at a manageable level and this control on number is exercised through a policy of Government regulated tourist tariff which encourages "high value and low volume".

Visitors may experience Bhutan only on all-inclusive package tours for which a fixed daily tariff is set by the Royal Government of Bhutan. This tariff covers the following services: accommodation & all meals, transport, guide, entrances fees to museums, monuments and cultural sites, and a cultural program for visitors traveling in a group of three or above.

The tour package includes: airport transfers, accommodation on a twin sharing basis, all meals, land transport within Bhutan, sightseeing, tour guides, museum fees. Pack and riding ponies are also covered where applicable.

VISAS & PASSPORTS

Valid passports and an entry visa are essential. Travelers to Bhutan are permitted only as a member of a commercially organized tour group established via a travel agent. Visa clearances are issued by the Ministry of Home and Cultural Affairs in Thimphu and must be obtained before departing for Bhutan. Druk Air tickets cannot be purchased without visa clearance. At your port of entry your visa will be stamped in your passport. The following information shouldbe forwarded to us at least three weeks prior to date of travel in order for proper processing of your visa with the governmental authorities

* Full Name
* Permanent Address
* Place of Birth
* Date of Birth
* Nationality
* Profession
* Nature of Passport: Diplomatic / Official / Ordinary / UN Laissez Passer
* Passport Number, Date of Issue, Place of Issue, Date of Expiration
* Date & Duration of Visit

Through your visa is stamped on arrival in Bhutan it is necessary to have your visa cleared in advance so a visa clearance number can be issued.For travelers entering the country by land from India, through the southern border town of Phuentsholing, your visa is again stamped on arrival as per your visa clearance number. Travelers without a visa clearance number on record will not be permitted to enter the country.

NOTE: Visas cannot be obtained at Bhutanese embassies.

BOOKING A BHUTAN TRIP

How to make bookings?

We suggest all tours be booked through a recognized Bhutanese Tour Operator such as Himalayan Dragon Tours & Treks, with entire land arrangements provided by the same operator. We will work out an ideal tour itinerary with your desiganted trip organizer. When it finally meets your satisfaction we will book your trip. Here are some easy steps to book a tour with Himalayan Dragon Tours & Treks:

1. Email us your agreed tour itinerary
2. We will arrange for you to buy non refundable Druk Air ticket two months in an advance on your arrival.
3. Reservations will be made on your behalf and payments will be coordinate with you

We suggest you book your Bhutan tour at least 6 weeks before your arrival date, especially for the peak months of March, April, May, September, October and November.

TARIFF FOR INTERNATIONAL TOURISTS

Minimum Tourist Tariffs

(a) The minimum tariff for tourists visiting in a group of 3 persons or more is US$250/person per day from 1st Jan. 2012 for the peak months(March, April, May, September, October and November. The minimum tariff for tourist visiiting in a group of 3 person or more for the lean season will be US$200/day/person. The lean months are Jan., Feb.,June, July, August and Dec.
(b) The minimum daily package rates shall be inclusive of the following:

1. charges for accommodation
2. three meals a day as per the "minimum meal entitlements"
3. English speaking guide
4. transportation within Bhutan
5. Horses and Mules for carrying luggages while on treks
6. royalties and taxes,visa fees, entry fees to the musuem, restricted areas,sightseeings, mineral water in the car and bus.

(c) The rates given above are applicable per tourist per day in Bhutan. On the day of departure, the local agents host obligation shall be limited to breakfast and any extra requirements shall be payable in addition to the daily rate.

(d) The rates shall apply uniformly irrespective of locations and the type of accommodation provided/asked for. Lists of hotels and lodges approved for international tourist accommodation are updated from time to time and are issued by the Tourism Council of Bhutan(TCB)

TARIFF FOR INDIVIDUALS AND SMALL GROUPS (FITs)

(a) Individual tourists and smaller groups of less than three persons shall be subject to surcharge, over and above the minimum daily rates applicable, as follows:-

* Single individual - US$ 40 addtional per day
* Group of 2 - US$ 30 additional per day per person

(b) The surcharge will not apply to representatives of foreign travel agents on business or promotional visits approved and cleared by the TCB.

DISCOUNTS ON TOURIST TARIFF

The following discounts on daily rates shall be allowed:-

(a) DIPLOMATS from foreign embassies/missions accredited to Bhutan shall be given a 25% discount on the daily rates.

(b) There shall be no charge for CHILDREN up to the age of 5 years. However, those between the ages of 6 to 12 years accompanied by elders/guardians shall be given a 25% discount on daily rates.

(c) 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 daily rates.

(d) A discount of 50% on daily rates shall be given to one person in a group of 11 to 15 persons. A 100% discount shall he given to one member in a group exceeding 16 persons.

(e) Visitors availing discounts under sections a, b & c shall not be eligible for discount under section d.

Supplemental Charge:

If a single room is desired a supplemental charged of US$ 35 / person / night.

Tourism Development Fund (TDF) US$ 10 / person.

Visa fees US$ 20 / person.

Delayed Arrival/Departure:

Note: Due to weather conditions and reasons beyond our control, changes to itinerary may occur, for which Himalayan Dragon Tours & Treks accepts no responsibility. We would suggest that you keep one day open to ensure you reach your connecting flight.

There will be no charge for the number of days of delay in arrival/departure of visitor due to weather conditions, Druk Air issues or road blockage.

Cancellation and Refunding

You may cancel your confirmed booking in writing. However, if cancellation after your after your tour has been finalized and arranged or if you fail to pay the full cost of the tour within the specified time, you will be liable to pay cancellation charges. Cancellation charges are as follows:

* If you cancel your tour more than 30 days before the start of your tour with us you forfeit 20% from the deposit you paid. We will refund the remainder of the deposit back to you in 30 days. (Other travel agencies require the full deposit.)
* If you cancel your tour within 21days you forfeit 40% of the cost of your tour.
* If you cancel your tour within 14 days you forfeit 50% of the cost of your tour.
* If you cancel your tour within 7 days of the start of your tour you forfeit 100% of the cost of your tour.
* If you fail to show up at your scheduled arrival time without prior notice, you forfeit 100% of the cost of your tour.
* If you cancel the tour programs due to your own reasons when touring in Bhutan, there is no refund of any expense you have already paid.

Once purchased DrukAir tickets are non-refundabel but are valid for one year.

**The effective date of notification regarding cancellation will begin when the notification is received at our premises in writing (email is acceptable).

Insurance

There is no personal insurance of any kind included in the tour price, so travel insurance should you choose to obtain insurance you must procure it in advance of your trip. Travel agents in Bhutan will not hold any liability for illness, injury or death sustained during your trip.

Payment Procedure

All the tour payments must be made in advance of departure. Payment should be deposited through the Bhutan National Bank account abroad payable in favor of the Travel Agent in Bhutan. Once your travel is confirmed the agent in Bhutan will provide you with the account number in order to expedite payment.

Bills/Tips

Bar bills, laundry bills, gratuities for the guides, supported personnel and drivers are not included. It is customary to tip.