General Information on Bhutan
It is advised to plan your trip well in advance in order to take care of all details. Confirmation of travel during the popular festival seasons must be made at least three months in advance in order to ensure seats on Druk Air as well as hotel accommodation. In addition, it is advisable to keep extra days to allow for acclimatization and unpredictable weather conditions.
| TRAVEL FORMALITIES | ENTERING BHUTAN | CUSTOMS REGULATIONS |
| CURRENCY | ACCOMMODATION | FOOD |
| CLOTHING & TEMPERATURE | PHOTOGRAPHY & FILMING | TIME |
| TOUR COSTS & PACKAGES |
All visitors to Bhutan are required to obtain visa approval prior to arrival, which will be processed by us. Visitors are required to fill in the visa application form and send it to us at least one month in advance. Once visa clearance is obtained the visa will be stamped upon arrival at the port of entry for a fee of US $20 for a stay of two weeks. The visa can be extended should the visitor wish to remain for a longer period. An airport tax of US $10 is levied on departure.
Druk Air operates three flights a week from Bangkok (Thailand), Calcutta (India) and Dhaka (Bangladesh) and two flights a week from Kathmandu (Nepal) and New Delhi (India). There are different flight schedules for the summer and the winter seasons. For more information on Druk Air schedules and reservations please contact us at lhayul@druknet.bt or you can also visit Druk Air web site at www.drukair.com.btConfirmation of travel especially during the popular festival seasons in spring and autumn must be made at least three months in advance to ensure seats on Druk Air as well as hotel accommodation.
Bagdogra Airport, Silguri (WB), India is the nearest airport outside Bhutan. It has regular flights from Delhi (twice daily). It is about 4 hrs drive from Phuentsholing, Bhutan's border town. 
The Bhutanese authorities strictly prohibit the export of any religious antiquity or antiques of any type. Cameras, video camera, computers and personal electronic equipment may be brought into the country but they must be listed on the customs form provided on arrival at Paro and will be checked at departure. Two liters of alcohol, 400 cigarettes and 150 grams of pipe tobacco may be brought into the country without any duty.
Bhutan's unit of currency is the Ngultrum (Nu), which is at par to the Indian Rupee (100 Chetrums = 1 Ngultrum). One US dollar is equivalent to approximately 46 Ngultrums*. Most major foreign currencies are accepted. Travellers cheques, American Express cards and Visa cards are also accepted in certain establishments.
* Exchange rate pertains to October, 2008
Hotels vary in style and quality. All government approved hotels are clean and well maintained with hot and cold water facilities. All hotels are equipped with telephones, fax machines and international dialing.
Bhutanese food is a tantalizing blend of hot Himalayan flavors. The Bhutanese diet is rich in meat, diary, grain (particularly red rice) and vegetables. Emadatse (chilli and cheese stew) is a very popular dish. Most dishes whether vegetarian or non-vegetarian is lavishly spiced with chilli. Salted butter tea (suja) is served on all occasions. Chang, a local beer and Ara, a spirit distilled from rice, maize, wheat or barley is widely favored. Doma or betel nut is offered as a customary gesture of greeting. Besides hotels also offer Continental, Chinese & Indian cuisine.
