Visting Bhutan

Whether you are looking for an adventure in an unexplored land, or simply want to experience a unique culture and an unspoilt environment, Bhutan is the place to visit. The Royal Govt. of Bhutan, wanting to keep Bhutan's unique culture and its virgin environment the way it is now for the generations to come, has fixed 'daily tourist tariff' to keep away the harmful effects of unbridled tourism. However, anybody wanting to a make a visit to Bhutan is welcome and can do so by following the THREE SIMPLE STEPS below:

Step 1: Decide on the dates to visit Bhutan and choose the type of visit you would like to make. We offer cultural tours and trekking. Bhutan has four seasons and the best seasons to visit Bhutan are spring and autumn. These seasons not only coincide with the best weather, but there are also many tsechu (festivals) taking place at this time.

Step 2: Contact us by email about any enquiry you might have on deciding your tour. We can process your visa for Bhutan as well as make bookings for your flight in and out of Bhutan.

Step 3: Confirm your payments and formalities. The tourist tariff as fixed by the Department of Tourism, and visa formalities are explained below:

The minimum tariff fixed by the Tourism Authority of Bhutan for tourists visiting Bhutan in-groups of 3 or more persons are as follows:

Season
Month
Per night halt

Peak Season
January, February, March, April, May, June,
September, October, November & December
US$ 200.00

Off Season
July & August
US$ 165.00

The minimum daily package rates shall be inclusive of the following:
Royalty
Charges for accommodation
Food and beverages (excluding alcohol) as per the "Minimum Meal Entitlements"
Service of guides
Transport within Bhutan
Riding ponies and pack animals on treks
Trekking staff and equipment

Not included in the package are the following;
Cost of air ticket
Alcohol; international truck calls
Medical expenses
Personal shopping
Visa Fee of US$ 20.00 per entry payable at the time making advance payment for the tour/trek

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Tariff for Individuals (FITS)

Individuals travelling single or in a group of two shall be subject to a surcharge as follows:

Single Individual :
US$ 40 per person/night halt

Group of 2 :
US$ 30 per person/night halt

The 10% agency commission payable to agents abroad shall not be deductible from the surcharge.
The surcharge will not apply to representatives of foreign travel agents on business study or promotional visit duly approved by the TAB.
NOTE: Please note that any rates quoted besides the above given rates is illegal and against the Government policy. Rates quoted below the above given rates could lead to poor services such as guides, hotels, travel comfort within Bhutan, etc.
The rates given above are applicable per tourist per night halt in Bhutan. On the day of departure, the local agents' host obligation shall be limited to breakfast only and any extra requirements shall be payable on actual basis.

The rates shall apply uniformly irrespective of locations and the type of accommodation provided/asked for. List of hotels and lodges approved for international tourist accommodation, shall be issued by the Tourism Authority of Bhutan and updated from time to time.

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PAYMENTS (FITS)

100% payment shall be made in advance and in US dollars. The payment shall be remitted by Telegraphic/Electronic transfer to the Account of:

Bhutan National Bank
Account No. 36023474
CITI BANK N.A,
111 WALL STREET,
19th FLOOR,
NEW YORK,
N.Y.10043

For account of:

TOURISM AUTHORITY OF BHUTAN : Beneficiary : Atlas Tours & Travels.

A copy of the remittance of the transfer must be sent to us by fax in order that we can process the visa and ticketing.
NOTE:
Please note that the payment for Druk-Air is a must to secure confirmation with the Airways.

The Tourism Authority of Bhutan (TAB) will not process visa if the payment is being delayed.

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DISCOUNTS ON TOURIST TARRIFF

The following discounts shall be allowed:

Diplomats from foreign embassies/missions accredited to Bhutan shall be given a 25% discount on the daily rates.
There shall be no charge for Children up to the age of five years. However, those between the age of six to twelve years accompanied by elders shall be given a 25% discount on the daily rates.
Full time Students below the age of twenty-five holding valid identity cards from their respective academic institutions shall be given 25% discounts on the daily rates.
A discount of 50% on daily rates shall be given to one member in a group exceeding eleven persons.
A 100% discount shall be given to one member in a group exceeding sixteen persons.
A discount of 10% on the daily rates shall be provided for halts between eleven to twenty nights and a 20% discount on halts beyond twenty-one nights.

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Visa Formalities

Visa Application will be made by us to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on you behalf. Visa processing will take a minimum of five working days. It is mandatory for a tourist to get his/her visa clearance before departing for Bhutan. Without proof of payment, Druk-Air, the only airline flying in and out of Bhutan, will not issue tickets. TAB will not issue clearance and the Ministry of Foreign affairs will not issue visa.

Visa will be stamped on your Passport at the airport upon payment of visa fee of US$20.00. You will be required to produce two pass port size photographs for the visa. Visa can be extended at Thimphu up to six months after the payment of Nu. 510.00.

For Tourist entering through Bagdogra (India) and exiting from either Guwahati or Bagdogra, Indian visa can be arranged but prior information has to be given as it takes time to process.

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Cancellations

Tour programmes booked and subsequently cancelled shall be subject to CANCELLATION FEE as follows:

a. Within 30 days of start of tour programme - NO CHARGE
b. Within 21 days - 10 % of costs
c. Within 14 days - 15 % of costs
d. Within 7 days - 30 % of costs
e Less than 7 days or cancellation without notice - 50 % of costs
f. After arrival in Bhutan - 100 % of costs