Travel Information

 

GETTING INTO BHUTAN

The most easiest and convenient way for visitors to get into Bhutan is by Druk Air, the only national air carrier operating in Bhutan. Druk Air's fleet consists of two British Aerospace jets, BAe 146s and two Airbus 310s. Druk Air operates from Paro, Bhutan to India : Delhi & Calcutta, Nepal : Kathmandu, Thailand : Bangkok and Bangladesh : Dhaka. For the latest Druk Air schedule [Check Here]

On clear days, Druk Air on its way to Paro from Kathmandu flies over eight of the ten tallest peaks of the world. Mt. Everest (Chomo Lungma), Mt. Kanchenjunga (Kangchen dzonga), Mt. Lhotse, Mt.Makalu, Mt.Cho Oyu, Mt.Dhaulagiri, Mt.Manaslu and Mt.Annapurna. 

You can also notice the dense forest of the kingdom which covers 72.5% which is internationally recognized for it's pristine environment and rich biodiversity ( One of the highest in the world ) when the flight enters Bhutan's airspace.

From the moment you enter Bhutan, you are an honored guest of Boonserm Tours & Travels and you will enjoy the traditional hospitality and friendship of our staff. 

For the convenience of our guests we can book your Druk Air tickets in advance, especially during the peak season when there could be difficulty in getting air tickets.   Druk Air tickets will be issued in Bhutan and sent to you,  but the tickets will not be issued until your visa is approved by the government.  To expedite this procedure, it is essential that you download the Visa application form, fill it up correctly and fax it ( 00-975-2-323731 ) or e-mail us back immediately.  The entire process usually takes about two weeks.

You would also prefer to enter or exit Bhutan by car from the border towns of Phuentsholing and Samdrup Jongkhar if you want to combine your trip to Bhutan with a visit to nearby States of West Bengal, Sikkim, and other northeastern states of India.

FOOD :

Bhutanese Traditional delicacies are hot and spicy. Chilies are taken as vegetables in Bhutan, but for our valued guests we serve delicious Chinese, Continental, Bhutanese and Indian Cuisine. Even while our guest are on trek, our trained cooks prepare dishes suitable to western Taste ranging from Continental to Chinese and Bhutanese to Indian. In the hotels meals are normally served in buffet style. 
                                                                         
Accommodation:

Boonserm Tours will ensure that our guest are provided with the best available accommodations within Bhutan. In the major cities like Thimphu, Paro and Phuentsholing there are comfortable hotels, lodges and guesthouses at tourist destinations, While in the smaller towns, Hotel establishments are modest and simple but still comfortable and offer minimum facilities. 

CUSTOMS

All visitors are required to complete the Customs Form and hand it over to the Customs authorities on arrival. The following articles are exempted from customs duty :
   A) Personal effects and articles for day to day use by the visitor.
   B) 2 Litres of alcohol; 400 cigarettes; 150 gms of pipe tobacco.
   C) Instruments, apparatus or appliances for professional use.
   D) Photographic equiptment, video cameras and other electronic goods for personal use. 

Those articles described in section C and D must be declared on the Custom Form. If such items are disposed of in Bhutan by sale or gift they become liable for customs duty.

Import and Export of the following goods are strictly prohibited :
   A) Arms, ammunition, explosives and military stores.
   B) All narcotics and drugs, medically prescribed drugs are exempt.
   c) Wildlife products, especially those of endangered species.
   D) Antiques.

NOTE : Visitors are adviced to be cautious in purchasing old and used items. Customs authorities will not allow any old/used items to be taken out of the country if they have not been certified as non-antique. Import of plants, soils etc. are subject to quarantine regulations. These items must be declared on arrival.

Tour Escorts:

Throughout your tour in Bhutan, you will be accompanied by a well trained guide who are certified by the Tourism Authority of Bhutan. There will also be a vehicle and driver at your disposal all times. We have guides who are trained in both tour & Treks by TAB with assistance from the Austrian Government in the form of training instructor and funds to establish the training program.

What to Bring :

It is advisable to bring appropriate clothing as per the climate in which you choose to visit Bhutan. Casual clothes are fine, but If you have scheduled your trip around a festival, you definitely should carry a set of dressy clothing. We would advise women to wear skirts or loose trousers, men should not wear sing lets During visit of monasteries, Dzong and other religious institutions. you should not wear shorts & hats. 

 Things to pack for your trip :

Time:

Bhutan time is 6 hours ahead of GMT and there is only one time zone throughout the country.

Shopping:

Handicraft are the main items purchased by the travelers in Bhutan. The beautiful handwoven fabrics, Wooden boxes which are used as plates, the country's exquisite postage stamps, carved masks, woven baskets, handmade papers, finely crafted metal objects and thangkas are the items they purchase. The widest selection can probably be found at Choki Handicrafts. The store is also one of the few to accept the American Express, VISA card and Travelers cheques. And for the guests visiting Bhutan through Boonserm Tours & Travels will be given 20% discount on all the items on shopping from Choki handicrafts which is one of the pioneer handicraft shop well known for its quality & variety of products.