Bhutan Travel

 Ura Yakchoe

 Thimphu Tshechu

 Tangbi Mani

Bhutan Travel Regulations

Tourism in Bhutan is a Bhutan Royal Government monopoly, an enterprise run by the Bhutan Ministry of Tourism.

It implies that only licensed Bhutanese tour operators can carry out tours in Bhutan, tourists can stay only in government approved hotels and guest houses, follow only along permitted routes and allowed to visit only certain open areas, all the while having to be accompanied by the licensed tour operator whose responsibility it is to procure the necessary travel permits for their clients, including entry permits to specific monuments.

The system thus operates along well-defined rules and regulations inclusive rates. The regulations also govern what is understood by High and Lean Travel Season to which a different Minimum Daily Tariff / Royalty applies.

Bhutan High and Low Travel Season & Tariffs

Bhutan Tour  Minimum Daily Package Rate

The Tariff / Royalty lowest rates are based on minimum three persons traveling together in a group. For less than three pax in a group, a Surcharge is added to the Minimum Daily Tariff. The minimum daily rate charged by operators, foreign or domestic,  includes a mandatory 35% Royalty & tax to the Government but per the regulations must further include accommodations and certain other minimum services. The rates apply uniformly irrespective of location and the type of accommodation establishment provided, all of which must be on the list of the Department of Tourism approved establishments. Based upon these regulations the local operators set their rates for their foreign counterparts, at an average of $200 per day minimum. Any operator is free to increase the rate based on extras and/or quality of services offered.

In summary the minimum daily tariff includes:

          1. 35% royalty & taxes to the Government

          2. accommodation on twin sharing basis

          3. all meals

          4. service of a guide

          5. all transfers/transport within Bhutan as per itinerary

          6. riding ponies & pack animals on treks

          7. fees to monasteries, temples and monuments

Excluded from minimum daily tariff are:

-Druk Air airfare & airport tax

-Tourism Development Fund (US$ 10 per visit)

-Bhutan Visa Fees (US$ 20 for two weeks)
-Personal expenses - laundry, room service, phone calls, etc.
-Medical, Evacuation and Trip Cancellation Insurance

Much has been written elsewhere about Bhutan minimum travel rates. In summary suffice to say that at any time, and for any type of basic services, whether cultural tours, treks or any other special interest tours, the minimum tariff for Western Tourists set by the Bhutanese government for visiting in a group of 3 or more members traveling together are set per person per night halt and these are base rates charged to us as Western Operators, and while we as Western Operators may on occasion receive a discount from our Bhutanese counterparts, we mark up from these rates. If there is any type of tour where any operators may provide additional or any other services it feels is above the norm or standards to which Government rates apply, the respective rates charged to clients will be above said rates. Above all it is necessary to understand that the fixed cost that you pay is not just a fee for travel in Bhutan. As stated above, the tariff covers lodging, food, tours, comfortable transportation in well-maintained mini-Vans or cars and professional guiding services, not to mention travel logistics and planning done by all parties involved in preparation of your itinerary. Above all the 35% of the daily cost contributes towards education and health in Bhutan as that's how the compulsory royalty is spent by the Bhutanese government.

In relationship to the minimum daily Tariff / Royalty, there shall be no charge for delays in departure because of weather conditions disrupting flights or roadblocks, however, the tourist must bear the cost of food, accommodation, transport and other services required. 

Bhutan Tour Mandatory Surcharges

Individual tourists and groups of less than three persons traveling together (01 or 02 pax only) are subject to a Surcharge over and above the minimum daily rate applicable as follows: