Becoming
one of our guests isn't hard; it is a very special thing.
Just follow these steps.
1.
The first
step in traveling to Bhutan is to decide which
of the above tour you would like to take. (You
may also choose a custom or alternative excursion
by contacting us.)
2.
Once you
decide on the excursion, choose the dates you
wish to travel and for how long. (Your tour dates
will depend on available openings with Druk Air,
but our itineraries may be used for any dates
you can be in Bhutan.) Decide from which city
you will fly from on Druk Air (Kathmandu, Bangkok,
Calcutta, Delhi, or Bombay). Pleasen visit: http://www.drukair.com.bt.
To update the flight schedule.
3.
Contact us via email to notifying
us of your intended excursion plans. This pre-booking
procedure is to help ensure that all requirements
get met.
Then all you have to do is
meet your tour guide at the airport. Druk Air
Information Druk Air operates flights to Paro
with connections from Calcutta,Delhi, Bangkok
and Kathmandu. Please visit http://www.drukair.com.bt
Visa Information/Formalities
1.
Visa is required
for traveling to Bhutan and it is processed &
arranged by Karnali Excursions. No foreign mission
grants Bhutan tourist Visa.
2.
All Passport
details should be forwarded at least 3 weeks prior
to the date of arrival and can be mailed or faxed.
Actual visa is stamped on arrival in Bhutan while
it is cleared in advance and a visa clearance
number is issued. For all travelers entering Bhutan
by Druk Air, the Visa clearance number is forwarded
to the concerned overseas Druk Air stations and
without Clearance number passengers are not allowed
to board the flight.
3.
Visa clearance
number is also required while issuing Druk Air
tickets.
4.
For travelers entering into the
country by surface through Phuntsholing (Border
in South Bhutan) the visa clearance number is forwarded
to Foreign Ministry's office in Phuntsholing for
reference.
5.
Three copies of original passport
size photographs are required on arrival.
Visa fee of US $ 20 for 14 days visa, which can
be further extended with an additional fee of US
$ 15 and US $ 10 as Tourism development must be
paid on arrival.
Clothing
In the winter months warm clothing is required. However,
a warm pullover and a jacket are always required in
case of Unpredictable weather conditions. More detailed
information on Clothing and related matters will be
provided upon booking your tour. (Please visit preparations
for more information on Clothing, gear and essentials.)
Health
All major towns in Bhutan have fully-equipped hospitals
with all medical facilities, including specialists and
ambulance services for emergencies. Certificates of
inoculation against cholera and Smallpox is required
for entry, although Bhutan is free from these Diseases.
For trekking, you are recommended to consult doctor
before booking the trip.
Festivals
Festivals (Tshechus) are held in Bhutan throughout the
year at different locations. These festivals are celebrations
of faith, legends, myths and history of Bhutan in ancient
rituals of colorful dance and music. The most popular
for tourists are those held in Thimphu, Paro and Bumthang.
They mark the busiest time of the year for tourism and
reservation are difficult to come by. Festival time
is one of the only periods during a year when tourists
are permitted inside the courtyard of the dzongs. The
dzongs come to life with colour, music and dancing as
valley dwellers and townsfolk dress in their best clothes
and join together to exorcise evil spirits and rejoice
in a new harvest. Rare masked and sword dances and other
rituals are performed in the dzong's courtyards and
temples. Each dance has its own significance and can
be performed by monks or lay village leaders dressed
in bright costumes. Certain festivals end with the unveiling
and worship of huge religious appliques or thongdrels.
The moment of the unveiling is shrouded in secrecy and
creates great excitement amongst all the participants.
