F&Q
Q. What’s the difference between booking a trip directly through Bhutan Alpine and travel agents abroad?
Bhutan Alpine is a local operator in Bhutan. You save a good deal of money by booking your trip directly through us. The agents abroad are commission agents and you will have to pay commission on top of daily tariff so your cost escalates. Even if you book your trip through travel agents abroad, they ultimately need to deal with local operators in Bhutan because tourist visas can be arranged only by local operators.
Can I travel single or must I join a group in Bhutan?
You can travel single in Bhutan. You will get an independent guide and driver throughout your tour. Usually we don’t combine groups as we respect the privacy of each individual.
When is the best time to travel in Bhutan?
Two seasons, March to May and September to November, are the best times to travel in Bhutan. The climate is good then and there are many festivals in these seasons. You can travel during the rest of the year too but June, July and August are slightly humid because of the onset of the monsoon while December, January and February are the cold winter months.
What does it cost to visit Bhutan?
The international tourist tariff is set by the Royal Government of Bhutan and is termed as the Minimum Daily Tariff.
For groups of three persons or more, the rates are as follows:
High season tariff: US $250/- per person per day in March, April, May, June and September, October and November.
Low Season Tariff: US$ 200 per person per day in December, January, February and June, July and August.
For a group of less than three persons, there is a surcharge on top of the daily tariff:
One person: US $40 per person per day.
Two persons: US $30 per person per day.
Three persons and more: No surcharge applicable.
What is covered by the Minimum Daily Tariff?
The Tourism Council of Bhutan imposes minimum spending per traveler per day. Within this limit the following are included:
1. Visas for Bhutan
2. A qualified & licensed English-speaking guide
3. An experienced driver
4. A good vehicle (4WD for travelling couples or mini bus or bus for bigger groups)
5. All meals inclusive
6. Accommodation (3-star rated hotels minimum)
7. Mineral water each day
8. Taxes, surcharges, government contribution
The following are not included:
1. Travel Insurance
2. Meals at 5-star restaurants. Breakfast at 5-star restaurants is included if you have booked a night at the hotel
3. Tips for the guide and driver
5. Air ticketing cost, which fluctuates as per foreign exchange rates.
How do I book my flights into Bhutan?
Breathe Bhutan can arrange your airline tickets on both Druk Air and Bhutan Airlines. There is no commission fee for this service. However, you can also buy directly from their websites www.drukair.com.bt and www.bhutanairlines.bt using your credit cards.
Would we need travel insurance?
All visitors are advised to get their insurance coverage from their own country.
What currency should I carry?
Most currencies are exchanged by banks here. The most commonly accepted currencies are US dollars, Australian Dollars, Singapore dollars, Euro, Pounds, Japanese Yen, Swiss Franc, Canadian Dollars and Indian Rupees. Most handicraft shops accept US dollar, Australian Dollar, Euro and Pounds. You can even exchange these currencies in some local shops. They give you a better exchange rate than the banks.
Can I use credit cards in Bhutan?
The major banks now have ATMs and you can withdraw local currency via Visa & MasterCard credit & debit cards & Cirrus/Maestro endorsed bank debit cards. The ATM’s don’t always work and usually you’ll only be able to draw small amounts in any single transaction, so back up cash in USD on Indian Rupees is advisable.
What kind of travel guides can I expect?
Licensed Bhutanese travel guides will introduce you to the many facets of Bhutan and its culture. The English-speaking guides undergo regular training.