Travel Trips

RESERVATION/ HOW TO BOOK YOUR TOURS TO BHUTAN

How to book your tour to Bhutan

Our obligation is that we want you to enjoy a completely successful vacation. For that, please read the following terms & conditions clear fully. Upon agreeing the following terms & conditions, you can fill the required field below and email to us:

Fill the required Field & Email us: (We need following information on the first email).

Name of the Trip ………………………………………………………………………………………..
Trip start dated (mm/dd/yy)……………………………………………………………………..
Trip end date (mm/dd/yy)…………………………………………………………………………
Total numbers of passengers/pack ………………………………………………………..
Contact No…………………………………………………………………………………………………..
Email Address……………………………………………………………………………………………..

Designing Program: We will design Bhutan private itinerary, suggest you overnight stay and places to be visited within your time frame. We need your feedback on places to be visited and interests on Bhutan to be executed in the final itinerary and fine the tune of your Bhutan program.

Flight Ticketing: Once the private program and tentative dates are fixed, we will give you the options of available flights. Else you need to let us know from where you would like to fly in-out of Bhutan. We will get your tickets done at any conditions, always. We are authorized ticketing agent for Druk Air and Bhutan Airlines.

Hotel Booking: Once the flight tickets are done, you can choose the hotels you prefer to stay while in Bhutan. We provide best options for 3 star stay, however if you wish to take 4 star and 5 star, we provide on supplement cost. Let us know, which are the hotels, you choose to stay in Bhutan. We confirm your choice of hotels always.

Payment Process: We require payment as an advance payment to confirm the trip. Once the payment is received, if flight tickets included, we will issue the tickets and send you e-copy. If only tour included, we will share the tour confirmation.

Credibility of Pekar Drangtsi: Booking your Bhutan trip.
Pekar Drangtsi Tours & Trek is authorized tour operator for organizing Bhutan Visa for tourists visiting Bhutan and Permits for visiting municipal areas, monuments, parks and trekking permits for Bhutan. There is no limit for issuing tourist visa for Bhutan. Pekar Drangtsi Tour & Trek is well established, local travel company, office based in Thimphu capital city of Bhutan.
Pekar Drangtsi Tours & Trek is licensed by Tourism Council of Bhutan, click on the link and check our registration with them available here.
Pekar Drangtsi Tours & Treks is also active member of Association of Bhutanese Tour Operator.

TERMS & CONDITIONS

The following terms and conditions apply in undertaking your travel with our company. Please read it and understand the rights and obligations between us:

1. TOUR RESERVATIONS

Booking and reservations will be received for all dates at any time of the year. It is highly recommended that your tour reservation be made well in advance so that we will have enough time to make all the necessary arrangements for your visit to Bhutan. For the festival bookings, at least 3 months (90) days prior to the actual travelling dates as mostly festival time it is difficult to get hotels and flights. However we will try and accept for your last minute bookings also.

Once all are confirmed, we will send you the confirmation letter containing all the necessary information like flight information, hotels details, and tour itinerary.

2. MINIMUM TOUR TARIFF

Tourism Council of Bhutan sets the minimum selling tour prices for packages to Bhutan and this must be paid in US dollars prior to arrival in Bhutan. The minimum tour tariff or tour price, for tourist visiting Bhutan in a group of 3 persons or more are as follows:

High Season Tariff – US$ 250 per person per night halt (March, April, May, September, October, and November).

Low Season Tariff – US$200 per person per night halt (December, January, February, June, July & August).

The minimum daily price includes:

All Internal Taxes and Charges (including the royalty)
Visa, trekking permit & Permit arrangement for your stay in Bhutan
Government Royalty.
A minimum of 3 star accommodation (4 & 5 star may require an additional premium All Meals
All travel with a licensed Bhutanese Tour Guide (English Speaking)
All Internal Land Transport ( excluding internal flights)
Meals ( Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner), optional available
Camping Equipment and Haulage for Trekking Tours
Trekking facilities ( trekking chef, trekking guide, Helper)
Museums and parks fees indicated in the itinerary
Experiencing Bhutanese cultural life styles like: wearing Bhutanese traditional dress and etc and playing archery and other Bhutanese traditional sports.
Farm House visit/meals with local families can be organized for your experiencing Bhutanese local culture & life styles.
Bottled drinking water throughout the journey
All city tour with permits and entrance fees for museums and monuments.
All government taxes
All airport pickups and dropping OR if by land pick up & dropping at entry and exist point.

Visa fee

The rates given above are applicable per tourist per night halt in Bhutan. On the day of departure, the ‘local agents’ host obligation shall be limited to breakfast only and any extra requirements shall be payable on actual basis.

The minimum daily packages rates shall not include the following:

Airfare available from Singapore, Bangkok, Delhi, Kathmandu, Kolkata and Dhaka (Tickets are arranged upon request).
Airport Taxes
Visa fee US $ 40/visit/person is payable extra and it can be paid along with tour payment.
Medical Expenses
Drinks
Tourism Development Fund
Insurance coverage
Sleeping bags (-30 degree needed for comfortable sleep evening during summer as you will be sleeping in very high elevation)
Gratitude /Tipping
Personal expenses
Single room supplement. The Government set package rates are valid for accommodation on twin sharing basis and in case of using single rooms, following supplements will be applicable:

a). For Festival season = US$ 45/ per single room per night

b). For other season = US$ 25/ per single room per night

Luxury hotels/resorts available on supplement cost
Specialized guides available on supplement cost (Language, Photography etc.)
Travel Insurance must for any trekking groups and must provide the details to our offer before the trek
Outdoor Activities (Mountain Biking, White river rafting, Tiger Nest Horse Ride, Hot stone bath and etc.)
For single person traveling alone we charge USD 40/night extra
For two persons traveling together we charge USD 30/person/night extra
Cancellation policy, please refer TERMS & CONDITIONS and TREKKING CONDITIONS
Trip cancellation and Medical/Evacuation Insurance.
Some sightseeing spots or monuments may charge fees to allow you to enter with your camera or Camcorder.
Any additional costs involved in changing an itinerary either due to your own choice or due to force major (acts of God, war, labor strikes, earthquake, flooding, etc.).
Travel Insurance and international flights are available on request only.
Internal flight cost, international flight cost, transportation cost and expenses.
IMPORTANT NOTE: Cost includes & excludes sections might give you better idea on how the trips is organized. Once you let us know the number of interested traveler and departure date, we would get back to you with actual cost for the trip.

Surcharges

Individual tourists and smaller groups of less than three persons shall be subject to surcharge, over and above the minimum daily rates applicable, as follows:

a). Single individual US$ 40 per night
b). Group of 2 persons US$ 30 per person per night

The 10% agency commission payable to agents abroad shall not be deductible from the surcharge. The surcharge will not be applicable to representatives of foreign travel agents on business study or promotional visit duly approved and cleared by TCB. In case the number of persons travelling together is 3pax or more then there is no surcharge.

Agency Commission.

As per international norms, 10% of the tour payment (Land cost) shall be payable to the principal agents abroad as commission and shall be deducted by these agents at source. Further, this commission shall be calculated from the net amount after deducting the discounts wherever applicable.

3.PRICE & VALIDITY:

Prices are based in US Dollars. Listed prices are based on airfares, exchange rates and costs in effect. Pekar Drangtsi Tours & Trek reserve the right to alter prices if these exchanges rates, local taxes and other prices increase extensively. One other advantage of early booking and payment is that we absorb smaller hikes and price increases.
Dates and itineraries are valid for current year. Beyond current year, prices, and itineraries are indicative only.

4.CHECKLIST

The following information acts as a guide when traveling to Bhutan. This practical advice is not a comprehensive list but should provide some useful information for you as you plan your travelling.

5.TRAVEL/MEDICAL INSURANCE

You should not travel internationally without travel insurance.

The Royal Insurance Corporation of Bhutan has initiated a travel and medical plan solely for our visitors. Travel insurance can be provided through your Bhutanese tour operator or international partner. You may also visit the Royal Insurance Corporation of Bhutan website at www.ricb.com.bt for more information.

6.MONEY

Bhutan’s currency is the Ngultrum (Nu.) It is at par with the Indian rupee which is accepted as legal tender in the country.

Note: INR (Indian Rupees) denominations of 500 and 1000 are not accepted in Bhutan.

ATMs are located within all main towns throughout Bhutan, where money can be withdrawn using a Visa or MasterCard. For concerned travelers a list of ATM locations throughout Bhutan is found here: http://www.bob.bt/contact-us/atm-locator/.

In addition, POS (Point of Sale) services are available nationwide, meaning visitors can pay by credit card at most hotels and handicrafts stores.

7.BANKING

Financial institutions in Bhutan have been greatly enhanced and today we have a number of banks that cater to the needs of the people.

Some of the banks that you can avail of while in Bhutan are the Bank of Bhutan Limited, the Bhutan National Bank, the Druk PNB and the Tashi Bank. Traveller’s cheque can be easily withdrawn and exchanged for local currency. Many of these banks provide internet banking facilities.

TMs are located within all main towns throughout Bhutan, where money can be withdrawn using a Visa or MasterCard. For concerned travelers a list of ATM locations throughout Bhutan is found here: http://www.bob.bt/contact-us/atm-locator/.

In addition, POS (Point of Sale) services are available nationwide, meaning visitors can pay by credit card at most hotels and handicrafts stores.

8.ELECTRICITY

All major towns are well connected with electricity that runs on 220/240 volts with round hole two-pin and three-pin power outlets.

It is recommended that you bring flat-to-round pin converters for your electronics if necessary, however, most hotels offer multi plug sockets. Bhutan is a carbon neutral destination. Our energy is clean and green generated by hydro power.

9.TRAVELLING KITS

Bhutan experiences great variations in its climate. In general summers are warm with average daily temperature ranging from 20 to 25 degrees Celsius, while winter temperatures are usually below 15 degrees Celsius.

The northern regions of the country are colder than the more tropical south and it is recommended you pack accordingly. Trekkers will need to bring appropriate warm clothes and comfortable hiking boots (well broken in) preferably with ankle support and weather-proof to complement the weather and rugged terrain.

Others suggested items to pack:

• A pair of sunglasses	• Travel sickness tablets
• Sunscreen lotion	• Antiseptic cream
• Hat	• Anti-histamine cream
• Umbrella	• Anti-diarrhoea pills
• Camera	• Altitude sickness medication it trekking above 3000m
• Spare camera batteries	• Insect repellent
• Flash light (with spare batteries)

10.PHOTOGRAPHY

Bhutan offers immense opportunities for photography especially during outdoor sightseeing trips.

However you should check with your guide before taking pictures or filming inside Dzongs, temples, monasteries and religious institutions as in some area photograph/filming is not permitted.

You are free to capture images of the landscape, the panoramic views of the mountain ranges, rural life, flora and fauna, distinctive Bhutanese architecture and the exterior of Dzongs and Chortens in particular.

11.SHOPPING

Some popular handicraft items available for purchase are hand-woven textiles of raw silk or silk, carved masks of various animals, woven baskets of cane and bamboo, wooden bowls known as Dapas, handmade paper products or finely crafted gods of silver. Other items you may be interested in are the exquisite Buddhist thangka paintings or Bhutan’s wide array of colorful and creative postage stamps. You can come across these items in the many handicraft shops in and around Thimphu and in other major towns. Please remember that buying and selling of antiques is strictly forbidden in Bhutan.

12.GRATUITIES

Tipping is a purely personal matter. We leave it up to you as to whether you want to give a gratuity to your guides and drivers. However, if doing so, we recommend that you place the gratuity in an envelope.

13.CUSTOMS

The following articles are exempt from duty:

(a) Personal effects and articles for day to day use by the visitor
(b) 1 litre of alcohol (spirits or wine)
(c) 200 cigarettes, on payment of import duty of 200%
(d) Instruments, apparatus or appliances for professional use
(e) Photographic equipment, video cameras and other electronic goods for personal use

You have to complete the passenger declaration form at your port of entry.

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.

If importing any items to Bhutan which are for sale or gift, they may be liable for customs duty. On departure, visitors are required to fill out a departure form, which will be asked for by Customs authorities.

Import/export of the following goods is strictly prohibited:

(a) Arms, ammunitions and explosives
(b) All narcotics and drugs except medically prescribed drugs
(c) Wildlife products, especially those of endangered species
(d) Antiques

Imports of plants, soils etc. are subject to quarantine regulations. These items must be cleared on arrival.

14.COMMUNICATIONS

The country has a good network of telecommunication facilities. Most hotels and cafe’s offer Wi-Fi internet access. Bhutan has a comprehensive mobile (cell) phone network with global roaming also assessable.

15.Language
Bhutanese speak a variety of languages with Dzongkha being the national language and one of the most widely spoken. English is also spoken by the majority of Bhutanese making communication very easy. It is encouraged to speak with the local Bhutanese, especially in the urban areas and towns,as it will enhance your knowledge on Bhutan.

16.Guides and Interpreters
Bhutan has a good team of interpreters and licensed guides that are well versed in local history and possess good communication skills. All guides are tested and certified by the Tourism Council of Bhutan. Guides are available who are fluent in Japanese, Thai, Spanish and other European languages.

17.CLOTHES AND OTHER PARAPHERNALIA

With great altitudinal variations, weather is quite mixed in Bhutan. So be prepared to face the unforeseen weather conditions.

We expect visitors to dress modestly and respectfully especially if you are planning a visit to the monasteries, Dzongs and other religious institutions. Long pants and long sleeved tops should be worn when visiting such places. As a mark of respect, be kind enough to remove your hats, caps etc. as you enter religious and administrative premises, institutions and in any other place that you come across with the national flag being raised.

18.MEASURES, WEIGHTS & TIME

Bhutan ascribes to the metric system and most weights are measured in gram (g) and kilogram (kg). The standard time is 6 hours ahead of GMT.

19.HEALTH INOCULATIONS

Before embarking on a trip to Bhutan, please seek advice from your doctor with regard to vaccinations and appropriate medication you should have prior to your travels. As a minimum you should have tetanus, typhoid and hepatitis A inoculations.

20.PRECAUTIONS

Bhutan is one of the safest countries in the world however you should still exercise caution when visiting. Please ensure that your belongings especially your passports, cameras, wallets and purses are properly secured. Please refrain from leaving such items within sight in locked vehicles while sightseeing.

Avoid drinking tap water which has not been boiled or ice cubes in drinks at all times as most water sources in Bhutan are untreated. One can easily acquire affordable treated and bottled water.

Also, Bhutan has a duty to protect its citizens from drugs and tobacco products. To do this we need your help and cooperation. Please co-operate if stopped and asked about your baggage. Please do not carry tobacco goods in excess of the set limit. For more information please see following link. Tobacco Control Act

21.PUBLIC HOLIDAYS

Public holidays that are observed throughout the nation. However, each Dzongkhag has its own list of regional holidays that are observed especially while conducting annual tshechus (Religious festivals). For such a list please contact your service provider or travel agent.

22. Undercutting

Undercutting (paying below the minimum tariff), is strictly prohibited by law and if you are found Tourism Council of Bhutan will penalize your tour operator in Bhutan and there are chances that you may deport from the country. It is also going to compromise with your services. Your visa is issued only upon receiving of your full payment. Your payment is deposited to Tourism Council of Bhutan’s account in favor of the company you are travelling. TCB will withheld the payment until your trip is successfully completed. Therefore, it grantees safety of your payments, the agreed services with integrity, experiences and quality

23. Bhutan Tour Payment Deposit (No Credit Cards Payments)

Once you have confirmed your travel to Bhutan you are required to transfer the payments in advance to our company. This in turn is deposited to the Tourism Council of Bhutan to secure your visa approval prior to your arrival.
100% payment required for the flight tickets before the purchase of tickets
Balance payment for the land must be paid forty (40) days prior to the arrival date
Bhutan visa will be approved by the government only after the full payment is received
We do not accept cash on arrival
Prices are quoted in US dollars and all payments must be made in US dollars or its equivalent

24. Booking: Terms and Conditions

Itinerary is subject to change depending on the availability of the hotels and your interest
Change of hotels stay can be accepted within seven days from the date of tour confirmation is released
Flexible for day programs, you can choose to do anything you like within the valley
Changing hotels is not possible once confirmed and paid, hotels follow very strict cancellation policy
Trekking, if you finish the trek early or incomplete the trek before scheduled dates, you must pay directly for the extra expenses (transport, food & stay)
Change of hotel stay after your arrival is on your own expenses
Trekking insurance is must for trekker, we need insurance details once the trip is confirmed
Outdoor activities taken from Pekar Drangtsi Tours & Trek (Cycling, Motor Biking, River Rafting, Archery etc) is subject to service agreement prior to the activities
Your safety and security is our responsibility, however we advise you to keep your belongs in safe place
Emergency evacuation by Helicopter is on your own expenses
Emergency services like additional use of vehicles, people engaged and other ground services other than medication are borne by Pekar Drangtsi Tours & Trek
Incase of visiting doctors and treatment in government hospitals in Bhutan are free of cost
Change Fee: For changes you make after the booking has been made, you will be charged a fee of $100 plus actual fees imposed by the suppliers such as hotels, airlines etc.
Travel Insurance: It is highly recommend that all clients are individually insured. Travel insurance with emergency medical evacuation, medical expense, and adequate coverage for death, repatriation, trip interruptions, Cancellation, Baggage loss, damage etc is very important part of any trip. We emphasize that Insurance is very important.

25. CANCELLATION & REFUND POLICY

90% refund for the tour cancelled 45 days prior to arrival date, payment transfer charges will be charged
75% refund for the tour cancelled between 30 to 45 days prior to arrival date
No refund for the tour cancelled less than 30 days of arrival date and for the change of itinerary
Voluntary non-usage of hotel accommodations, tour features and services are nonrefundable or exchangeable for other accommodations, tour features and services.
Travel insurance, visa fee, and visa handling fee are nonrefundable.
An administration fee of USD 50/- will be applicable for all cancelled tours, once we issue the VISA.
Further, for any refunds the bank transfer charges will be deducted from the total refund.

26. Flight Cancellation Policy: (Documentation charge USD 25/ticket)

70% refund for cancellation made before 30 days prior to arrival date (Documentation charge USD 25 applicable)
30% refund for cancellation made between 15 to 30 days of travel date
No refund for cancellation made less than 15 days of travel date
Documentation charge applicable for the change of dates, sectors etc (issued tickets only, Nu 1,500/ticket)

Note: We need the real names of our guest at the time of reservation and the money before the ticketing time limit- We will inform you the ticketing time limit as soon as we booked the airline tickets. Once the ticket is issued, we cannot change the name.

27. Delayed Arrival or Departure

There is no charge for delays in arrival and departure because of weather conditions disrupting flights or roadblocks. The tourist must however bear the cost of food, accommodation, transportation, and other services required.

28. Client’s Privacy

We genuinely respect, all your private information and we pledge that it will keep them as confidential. Your private information will be used only for the official requirements like: applying the visas and other permits for your visit to Bhutan. Pekar Drangtsi Tours & Treks takes the full accountability to protect our client’s privacy as topmost importance.

29. WIRE TRANSFER

Prior to your trip to Bhutan you will be asked to wire the full payment for your holiday to the Tourism Council of Bhutan.You must wire the tour payment calculated by your tour operator as well as USD 40 (one time visa fee) to the Bhutan National Bank through one of their certified international partners with the Bhutanese tour operator specified as the ultimate beneficiary. Please email the bank wire receipt copy to the local Bhutanese tour operator.

30. Acceptance of risk

Your participation in the tours could involve a degree of personal risks. We are fully concerned over your personal safety you bear the responsibility. Therefore you acknowledge that your decision to travel with our company is made in light of consideration of this information and you accept that you assume the personal risks attendant upon such travel.