• All tours must be booked through a recognized Bhutanese Tour Operator such as Etho Metho, with entire land arrangements provided by one and the same operator.
• For Cultural Tours, booking arrangements must be completed 4 weeks in advance, but for Cultural Tours during festivals, arrangements must be completed 6 weeks in advance. The spring and autumn festivals are our peak times for tourism, and without early reservations it can be difficult to confirm flights and hotels.
• For Trekking groups, booking arrangements should be completed at least 8 weeks in advance, as this activity requires detailed forward planning. Etho Metho has built up impressive resources over the last 20 years, and can offer your clients a choice of the finest and best organized trekking experiences in the entire Himalayas

Visa

• Visas are required for traveling to Bhutan, and applications are processed through Etho Metho in conjunction with tour booking. The visa fee is US$20 for unlimited duration of stay, paid on arrival. No foreign mission abroad grants Bhutan tourist visas.
• All information as mentioned on the visa application form must be forwarded to us for processing with the concerned authorities at least three weeks prior to date of travel, but note that for all FITS / GITs traveling during festivals, details should be sent at least 6 weeks prior to date of travel, as this is the peak time for tourism.

Please submit the required information by fax or email. A Bhutan visa application data form is included at the end of this section. We do not require any additional photos or visa forms in advance.

• Whether entering Bhutan by land or by air, each client should bring two passport size photographs with name/ passport number printed clearly on the back, and US$20 (in cash) for the visa fee. Visa applications are cleared in advance, and visa clearance numbers issued, and clients’ passports are stamped on arrival at the port of entry.
• For travelers entering Bhutan by Druk Air, visa clearance is required for the issuing of Druk Air tickets. The visa clearance number is forwarded to the Druk Air station at which the flight originates. Travelers without a visa clearance number on record will not be permitted to board their flights.
• For travelers entering the country by land from India, through the southern border town of Phuentsholing, the visa is stamped on arrival, as per visa clearance number. Travelers without a visa clearance number on record will not be permitted to enter the country.

TARIFF AND TOUR PAYMENT EFFECTING FROM 01 JANUARY 2007

The INTERNATIONAL TOURIST TARIFF is set by the Royal Government of Bhutan and is valid for all-inclusive packages. The daily tariff is in the US$150-US$240 range, with US$200 per day charged for adults traveling in groups of three or more.

A daily surcharge is applied for groups of fewer than three people. Children under five years of age travel free, and those aged 6-12 travel at a much reduced daily rate. Discounts are available for students under the age of 25 and for diplomats from foreign embassies/missions accredited to Bhutan. Discounts are also provided for stays of more than 10 nights in the country.

Please contact Etho Metho for specific costing for your requirements.

Tour Payment

Advance payment in full for the entire tour must be sent to Etho Metho by Bank transfer, within the specified time frame. Services are confirmed subject to advance payment only. We will provide full information on remittance of tour payment when we cost your requirements.

For high season travel (January, February, March, April, May, Sept, Oct, Nov & Dec), it is advisable to remit payment for Druk Air flights 3 months in advance. This will help us to obtain confirmed seats on the requested flights.

Accessibility

The most convenient way of entering Bhutan is by Druk Air, the country’s national (and so far only) carrier. As flights can be delayed due to weather conditions (particularly during the summer months), it is advisable to allow 24 hours before any onward connection.

Bangladesh (Dhaka); Burma (Yangon); India (Kolkata, Delhi); Nepal (Kathmandu); Thailand (Bangkok)

Arrival/departure by land is also possible, through the southern border town of Phuentsholing. The nearest airport is at Bagdogra, West Bengal, about 4 hours drive away. Phuentsholing is a convenient entry/exit point for travelers wishing to visit the Indian states of Sikkim and West Bengal along with Bhutan.

It is sometimes possible to arrange land exit from Bhutan through the southeastern border town of Samdrup Jongkhar, which is approximately 3 hours drive from Guwahati, capital of the Indian state of Assam. Please check with Etho Metho if you are interested in this route out.

Flight Frequency & Airfares

Our national airline flies several times a week between most of its destinations, but flight timings and frequency vary according to season. Druk Air’s website www.drukair.com.bt includes details of current flight schedules and airfares. Please check the website or contact Etho Metho for the latest information when planning your travel arrangements. If you would like the current flight schedule sent to you, please let us know.

The spectacular mountain scenery en route is seen at its best in the winter months, when skies are generally very clear. The flight between Kathmandu and Paro gives the most extended view of the Himalayan massif, including the Everest region. Given suitable weather conditions, Mt. Kanchenjunga will be visible for some time on all routes. Flying in and out of Bhutan is an unforgettable experience, whatever route you take!

Customs

Visitors are required to complete a passenger declaration form for checking by concerned officers on arrival. The following articles are exempt from duty: -

• Personal effects and articles for day to day use by the visitor
• 2 liters of alcohol (spirits or wine)
• 400 cigarettes, 150 gms of pipe tobacco, 2 boxes of cigars (or 50 pieces)
• Instruments, apparatus or appliances for professional use
• Photographic equipment, video cameras and other electronic goods for personal use.

The articles mentioned under (d) & (e) must be declared on the declaration form. If any such items are disposed of in Bhutan by sale or gift, they are liable for customs duty. On departure, visitors are required to surrender their forms to the Customs authorities.

Import/export restrictions

Import/export of the following goods is strictly prohibited

• Arms, ammunitions and explosives
• All narcotics and drugs except medically prescribed drugs
• Wildlife products, especially those of endangered species
• Antiques.

Imports of plants, soils etc. are subject to quarantine regulations. These items must be cleared on arrival. Visitors are advised to be cautious in purchasing old and used items, especially of religious or cultural significance, as such items may not be exported without a clearance certificate. Etho Metho's advice should be sought before committing to such purchases.