VISITOR INFORMATION

Climate

The climate in Bhutan comprises of all four seasons ad varies widely depending on the elevation. Southern Bhutan is warmer compared to other parts of Bhutan. The central valleys, Punakha, Wangdue Phodrang, Mongar, Trashigang, Trongsa, and Lhuentse have a semi-tropical climate with cool winters. Whereas, places like Haa, Paro, Thimphu, Gasa, Tashi Yangtse, and Bumthang, have colder climatic conditions with some of these places covered with light snow. Only in the high Himalayan region (northern part of the country) does the snow remain year round. During the monsoon, heavy showers are a part of daily life so a raincoat or an umbrella is highly recommended.

Accommodation

There are numerous hotels (from five stars to three stars) approved by the Tourism Council of Bhutan. We, at Druk Executive, ensure that you only stay in Tourism Council of Bhutan registered accommodations. During peak tourist seasons we recommend you make your bookings in advance.

 Transportation

Given the demanding and breathtaking network of motor-able roads in the country, which is the chief mode of surface transport, the cars and buses that Druk Executive uses are of reputed international makes such as Toyota and Hyundai. We give utmost priority to safety and comfort of our guests as far as cars are concerned. We use only 4-wheel drive vehicles so that even in the most demanding road conditions, the drive is safe and comfortable.

Visa

Visitors must have their Visa approved prior to arriving in the Kingdom. All Visas need to be processed through a local Bhutanese tour operator. Individual tourist Visas cost US$ 20, which has to be paid in advance to your travel agent in Bhutan.

Tariff

The Tariff is set by the Bhutanese government and is applicable for all inclusive packages. The tariff is divided into two seasons – high and low.

For groups of three persons or more, the rates are as follows:

• High season tariff: US $250/- per person per night in March, April, May, June and September, October and November.
• Low Season Tariff: US$ 200 per person per night in December, January, February and June, July and August.

For a group of less than three persons, there is a surcharge to the daily tariff:

• One person:  US $40 per person per night.
• Two persons: US $30 per person per night.
• Three persons and more: No surcharge applicable.

Filming in Bhutan

Those wanting to film in Bhutan must abide by the Bhutanese Filming Regulations 1995, available with the Department of Tourism. However, the regulation does not apply to feature or cinematographic films. Applications for a filming permit must be submitted to the Department of Tourism at least 30 days in advance. The application must be accompanied by:

• synopsis of the film  (theme/background/objective/purpose/ )
• specific locations/objects/activities
• composition of the team and list of equipment, accessories/ consumables (members of the team will have to pay the full daily tourist tariff)
• Letter of recommendation from sponsoring agency (application forms can be obtained from the Department Of Tourism on payment of Nu 300.)

Filming Royalty

• First 30 Minutes or part thereof   (US$10,000)
• Next 30 Minutes or part thereof   (US$6,000)
• Every additional 30 Minutes or part thereof (US$3,000)

Please note: a security deposit of US$5,000 must be deposited with the Department Of Tourism. The deposit will be refunded upon completion of the film.