The way to Bhutan
Until the early sixties, the Kingdom of Bhutan was accessible only by foot through the high passes of Tibet and the plains of India. The construction of a road in the late sixties from Phuntsholing on the Indian border to Thimphu and Paro made travel by car and bus possible. In1983, the first international airport was opened in Paro, 65 km from the capital of Bhutan, Thimphu.

Travel by Air

Bhutan’s only international airport is located in Paro, which is located in a deep valley at an elevation of 7300 ft above sea level. The Paro Valley is surrounded by hills as high as 16,000 feet, whereby making the approach of Druk Air into the Paro International airport entirely by visual flight rules.
The national air carrier – Druk Air, Royal Bhutan Airlines has two A319 and operates in seven cities in six different countries.  It operates several times a week to Bangkok, Delhi, Kolkata, and Kathmandu.  The national airline carries passengers through one of the most spectacular flight paths in the world. A particular highlight is the stretch between Kathmandu and Bhutan, where one passes 4 of the 5 highest mountains in the world. Weather permitting; passengers will be treated to intimate views of Mt. Everest, Lhotse, Makalu und Kangchenjunga.
Current flight schedules for Druk Air are available at www.drukair.com.bt
Flights are booked through Tour Operators who also arrange the visas.

Travel by Land
The town of Phuntsholing in south-western Bhutan is currently the only land border access open for international tourists. Phuntsholing lies approximately 170 km east of the Indian national airport Bagdogra and nearby Darjeeling. From here begins a mountain journey of almost unbelievable beauty. The road leads from the northern Indian tea plantations through endless turns, hair-pin bends and daring stretches carved into the mountain rock via Chhuka to Thimphu. The travel time for the 176 km stretch can be more than 6 hours.
A combination of overland and air travel is also possible. All overland travel requires an Indian visa.

Traveling within Bhutan
All major towns in the 20 districts of Bhutan are accessible by road. Despite high mountains, steep slopes, and the deepest of valleys, Bhutan has a relatively well developed network of roads. That said, rarely will one find a length of either straight or flat road. In some stretches one can encounter 6 to 7 bends per kilometre! Steep ascents and descents are characteristic of road travel in Bhutan and this can make travel much slower than one may be used to. Average speeds for road travel rarely exceed 40 km/h, with tourist buses making even slower progress. One is however handsomely rewarded for the long and sometimes tiring car journey, by the spectacular views of towering mountains, lush green jungle, ancient villages and majestic monasteries.
Majority of roads are sealed but can still be bumpy and are almost always single lane. Bhutan’s drivers know their land well and are cautious and careful drivers. The density of traffic is normally very low.

Tourist Buses

Tourists can travel in Bhutan with medium-sized buses (20-22 seats), small buses (8-12 seats) or hired cars. Road widths do not permit larger buses.

Travel Requirements

Tourists can book a package holiday to Bhutan through both International and Bhutanese local tour operators. Information is available from travel agencies.
The Royal Government of Bhutan sets minimum selling prices for packages to Bhutan and this must be paid in US dollars prior to arrival in Bhutan.

Tourism policy & International Tourist Tariff

Tourists can book a package holiday to Bhutan through both International and Bhutanese local tour operators. To make your dream come true, we, Gawaling Tours will assist or make all arrangement for your tours/trips to Bhutan.

The Royal Government of Bhutan sets minimum selling prices for packages to Bhutan and this must be paid in US dollars prior to arrival in Bhutan.

Sustainable Development Fee (SDF)	: US$ 100/ person per night
Visa Fee	: US$ 40/ person

For detail tour quotation, please contact us.

These Minimum Daily rates are inclusive of the following services :

– Hotels as per listed in tour itinerary and destination of stay.
– New Sustainable Development Fee (SDF-gov.taxes) 100 usd per day per person.
– One Time Visa Fee 40 usd per person.
– Accommodation based on the twin/Double sharing
-All the sightseeing tour and transfers as per the itinerary
– Lunch at selected local restaurants.
– Dinner at the hotel/tourist restaurants
– Private transfers as per the above program with comfortable air condition 4 X 4 Deluxe
car/hiace bus.
– Proficient English Speaking knowledgeable guide
– Bhutan visa fee, Government Royalty and Taxes
– bottle of mineral water per person/day in the vehicle.

Not included:

– Personal expenses, laundry, drinks etc
– Horse ride to Tiger’s nest
– Travel/Medical Insurance
– Tips to guide and driver
– Bank Transfer Charges
– hot stone bath
– Flight Fare

The rates given above are applicable per tourist per night halt in Bhutan. On the day of departure, the local agent’s obligation shall be limited breakfast only and any extra requirement shall be payable on actual basis. The above rates apply uniformly irrespective of locations and the type of accommodation provided/asked for. These accommodation establishments shall be approved by TCB.

𝐈𝐧𝐭𝐫𝐨𝐝𝐮𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐨𝐟 𝐈𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐓𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐢𝐬𝐦 𝐒𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐨𝐫: The Government announces additional incentives and policy measures to boost the tourism sector. This is in view of the important role of the tourism sector in generating employment; earning foreign exchange; realizing the potential for spillover benefits for ancillary industries; and in boosting overall economic growth. The incentives and measures shall consist of the following:

1. A fifty percent discount shall be granted on the prevailing SDF of USD 200 for US Dollar paying tourists visiting Bhutan. The effective SDF with the discount shall be USD 100 per person per day for US Dollar paying tourists.

2. In addition, fifty percent discount on the SDF shall be granted on the rates applied to children aged between 6 to 12 years for US Dollar paying children visiting as tourists.

3. The 24 hours SDF waiver for tourists staying in the border towns shall continue. The above incentives will come into effect from 1 September 2023 and shall remain effective for four years till 31 August 2027. The Royal Government shall conduct periodic assessments of the domestic and international tourism scenarios and may discontinue the above incentives to uphold and promote High Value Low Volume Tourism Policy of Bhutan after 31 August 2027.