Bhutan FAQ

Traveling to Bhutan with Himalayan Wander Walkers (HWW) is probably a good decision that you had made. HWW was founded by three friends who are from the Himalayan background and deep knowledge of Buddhism culture to convey the pure culture of the Himalayas to our guests in-depth. Our intention is to support outdoor ethics by advocating sustainable tourism. We welcome discerning travelers to Bhutan and experience the vibrant land of Thunder Dragon. 

Being in Business, it is not surprising that our slogan says "Travel partner for a safe and rewarding trip" here to perfect your vacation. We wholeheartedly take your request as our own concern and assure you that your request is being held in highly dedicated and professional hands.  There is no waiting with Himalayan Wander Walkers Treks and Tours, be sure that you are having the best combination between the quality of service and expenses. We are delighted to serve you 24/7, including holidays.

If you are foreigners except for the citizens of India, Bangladesh and Maldives required a Tourist visa to Bhutan. An electronic visa is the most popular visa for a tourist visa in Bhutan.  You can also apply for a Bhutanese visa from India and Nepal which is the only country where there is a Bhutanese embassy. Read in detail here: Apply for a Tourist visa
 

You need at least 4 days and 3 nights in Bhutan to visit the most popular landmarks of Paro and Thimphu.  The most preferred tours are within 6 Nights and 7days tour which covers most of the cities of Bhutan. If you are going to do some trekking in Bhutan then we suggest you keep at least 12 days. Other than that we do also had guests who have to spend month-long tours in Bhutan.

There are two ways you can book a Bhutan tour package with HWW: 
a) Book the available tours online via our website.
b) Customize your trip to Bhutan by contacting our travel Advisors.
Read in detail for Booking Bhutan Tours.


 

Getting to Bhutan can be possible by both air and Land. But Taking a flight to Bhutan is more popular as compared to land transportation from India. Read in Detail for How to Get Bhutan?
 

The best times to travel to Bhutan are March, April, May, September, October, and November. But even during the low season  couples of treks and cultural tours are possible.

Bhutan government doesn’t allow individual travelers to visit freely. It is mandatory to take organized tours from travel agencies. If you are a single traveler then HWW will arrange your tour to Bhutan but a single supplementary is charged US$ 40 per night. Most of the tours are private tours.

Yes, it may be possible during the low season. But during the high season if you find rates below the minimum tariff set by the government are illegal and you would be taking a serious risk. The tourism bureau of Bhutan strictly monitors any kind of unfair rates and will be against the law if anyone found. There is a severe penalty, can seize business license, and even deportation of visitors who use these agents. Besides that, the cheaper prices lead to poor customer services. 

The government of Bhutan has set the minimum price which is known as the “Minimum Daily Package" to protect and conserve the environment which is fixed. The cost that you pay is not just a fee for entry to Bhutan but also includes your all transportation, meals, accommodations, guides and porters, and cultural programs. The Price depends on the season in which you are traveling. In the case of trekking, it includes all the camping equipment, crew member wages, trekking permits, and transportation expenses.

An advance deposit according to the request in Payment info, Himalayan Wander Walkers ask for 30% of total trip cost must be deposited at the time of booking the trip to uphold the reservation and cover any initial expenses. 100% of domestic flight fee as a deposit when you book the tour, we sometimes ask for more than 30% if you book the trip urgently or your trip is considered as an unusual case. The due amount of the trip must be cleared at the time of arrival day. After signing the contract, you will have a free opportunity to modify the contract. Payment for your trip can be done in two ways.
1. Online payment
2. Bank Transfer
Bank Details: (Only for a dollar)
Beneficiary Name: Himalayan Wander Walkers PVT.LTD.
Account No: 01907193850037
Beneficiary Bank's Name: Himalayan Bank Ltd.
Bank's Address: Tridevi Marg, Thamel, Kathmandu, Nepal.
SWIFT CODE: HIMANPKA
If you feel unsafe bank transferring to a distant account you have two options: a) you may ask us for client references from your country who have traveled with us recently and or b) you can also decide to bank transfer 30% of all payments upon confirming the tour and the rest to be paid upon arrival in Bhutan in US$.

 

Yes, we are glad to extend you the following maximum discounts allowed on daily rates:

1. There will be no charge for children up to the age of 5 years except flights (if you take), while those between the ages of 6 and 12 years, accompanied by elders/guardians, will be given a 50% discount on daily rates.
2. b) Full-time students below the age of 25 years, holding valid identity cards from academic institutions, may be eligible for upto20% discount on daily rates.
3. c) Discounts are also available depending on the size of the group and the duration of stay in Bhutan. Contact us for details.

Tour guides are mostly English speaking. But Chinese, German or Japanese speaking guides are also available with an extra fee.

Normally HWW arranges the best available ‘A’ class accommodation in each valley for our guests. These may not be comparable with multi-star hotels in developed countries but will be clean and comfortable, with proper bathroom facilities and a good range of food. They are selected for their character and accessibility to interesting experiences. Bhutan's tourism infrastructure is in its infancy, which is one of the country's greatest draws, but it doesn't make for the most luxurious accommodation. Expect traditional Bhutanese style lodges with a private bath, but without air conditioning or central heating. As an HWW guest, you will also get to stay in a tented camp during trekking in the Himalayas. Of course, upon extra payment above the minimum tariff, you also have an option to stay in the few boutique hotels/luxury resorts in Bhutan. Please indicate your interest while communicating with us.

For individual travelers and a group of fewer than three persons, we use Japanese Toyota- cars, 4WD land cruisers, Hilux and Prado, Hyundai and Honda cars, and SUVs. For groups of 4-6 persons, we have Toyota Hiace buses. For larger groups, we use Deluxe Toyota Coaster buses.

There shall be no charge for the number of days of delay in the departure of visitors due to bad weather conditions, Drukair problems, or roadblocks. However, you will be charged any actual expenses for accommodation, food, transportation, and any other services required.

Cancellation of a trip should be notified in writing directly to Himalayan Wander Walkers.
Tour programs booked and subsequently canceled shall be subject to cancellation charges as follows:
a) 45 days or more prior to start of the tour - Full refund
b) 30-45 days or more prior to the start of the tour - 20% of the rate
c) 22-29 days prior to the start of the tour - 30% of the rate
d) 15-21 days prior to the start of the tour - 50% of the rate
e) Less than 15 days prior to the start of the tour- 100%
f) After arrival in Bhutan, or cancellation without notice - 100%
A separate administration fee of $75 will be applicable for all canceled tours.
Your flight tickets, if bought, are governed by a separate Drukair or Bhutan airline cancellation policy. Drukair tickets are valid for one year from the date of issue. Please go through Drukair or Bhutan Airline for details regarding the cancelation policy.

 

AlthoughTraveler's cheques are a safe way to carry your funds but no one is using them these days. So, we recommend the MasterCard/ Credit card which is now acceptable in selected ATMs and POS terminals. It is a good idea to always have a back-up of cash. We, therefore, recommend that you bring as much cash as you feel comfortable carrying. You may want the extra cash for incidental costs like shopping, drinking, tipping, etc.

There are fewer chances to have altitude sickness in Bhutan except trekking in the higher altitudes like the Jomolhari trek.
There are two reasons for less chance of altitude sickness in Bhutan Tours.
Firstly, most of the tourist sites are below 3000 meters and the altitudes problem happen normally over 3000 meters.
Secondly, Bhutan covered forest by 72 % and listed Bhutan underworld carbon-neutral nations. So, the amount of oxygen is more in major areas.  

 

HWW recommends you insure yourself against sickness, emergency rescue, accident, Hospitalization, cancellation, etc., as we accept no responsibility or expenses which may arise from mishaps to persons or their belongings during these tours.

Like China and India, beef, pork, vegetable, and rice are the most-eaten food in Bhutan. There almost no polluted crops in Bhutan, because local people almost use no pesticides. Milk or red tea and wine brewed with highland barley, wheat, or corn are the major beverage in Bhutan.
Both western and local cuisines are available in Bhutan. Local people like pepper, but they seldom use pepper to cook for tourists. If you also like pepper, please feel free to let your tour guides know. They will ask the restaurants to prepare spicy food for you.
 

Tipping to your crew is suggested but not mandatory. Even though gratitude is not compulsory but we recommend your crew members especially those who work for you at high altitudes such as cook, guide, and porters.