Beloved King of Bhutan

The Pride of our Nation

Where is Bhutan?

Many people across the world are not aware of existance of a country called Bhutan. It can be for many reasons. Bhutan was isolated until 1960s, Bhutan is very small, Bhutan is sandwiched between two giant countries.

Trekking In Bhutan

Spring, March to April and autumn, September to November are the best times for trekking in Bhutan. The day temperature is warm while the night temperature can go between 20 degree Celsius to minus 10 degree Celsius in high altitude areas.

Druk Wangyal Chorten

Dochula Pass sits right along the road on the way to Punakha from Thimpu. It was built to honor the casualties of a recent war resulting from a conflict with rebels from the South who wanted to secede. The King himself personally led an army of about 7,000 volunteers to drive out tens of thousands of rebels. Not one to glorify war nor their victory, the King had this monument built instead to honor both the dead soldiers and dead rebels from the conflict.

Festivals In Bhutan

Bhutan is one of the most religious countries in the Tibetan Buddhist world. And like in all Buddhist nations, festivals have a special place in the hearts of its residents. Most of the Bhutanese festivals commemorate the deeds of the Buddha, or those of the great masters of the past associated with one Buddhist tradition or another.

Rafting in Bhutan

The clean and clear rivers of Bhutan are one of the kingdom’s best kept open secrets. Fed by the Eastern Himalayas, the six rivers (Wang Chhu, Sunkosh, Puna Tsang Chhu, Mangde Chhu, Kuri Chhu and Dangme Chhu and their tributaries) have been scouted for kayaking and rafting.

Monday, February 25, 2013

Paro Tsechu


Source: Tourism Council of Bhutan

Paro Tsechu: 25th March - 2nd April, 2013


The Paro tsechu in spring is a major attraction in Paro district. People come from neighbouring districts to participate in the festivity. On the final day, the best time to go is early in the morning as the monks of the Paro Dzong prepare to display a giant appliqué thangkha, the Guru Throngdel, inside the dzong.





Day 1: (inside the dzong)

Dance of the Lord of Death and his Consort (Shinje Yab Yum)

Bodhisattva Manjusri – representing the wisdom of all Buddhas – takes on the appearance of the terrifying Lord of Death (Shinje). His wrathful buffalo face guards the four continents.

Dance of the Lords of the Cremation Grounds (Durdag)

A dance that takes place in cremation grounds. The dancers wear skull masks and represent protectors of the religion who live in the eight cremation grounds on the periphery of the symbolic Mt. Sumeru.

The Black Hat Dance (Shanag)

The black hat dancers assume the role of yogis with the power to subdue and create life. The dancers wear brocade robes, wide brimmed black hats and aprons with the face of a protective deity. This is an important dance that is also used in purification ceremonies during the construction of dzongs, temples, chortens.

Dance of the Drum from Dramitse (Dramitse Ngacham)

A dance inspired in meditation. The dance is a vision of Guru Rinpoche and his celestial palace, Zangdopelri. Here, Guru’s attendants are transformed into hundreds of peaceful and terrifying deities. The dance originated in Dramitse Monastery in eastern Bhutan and is considered a Bhutanese heritage.

Dance of the Eight Kinds of Spirits (Degye)

A dance of the gods of the three worlds (sky, earth, underground). The gods protect the doctrines of the Buddha and subdue the spirits who make the world unhappy. Endless happiness is recovered. The dance is performed by the gods (believed to be incarnated in the dancers themselves) to renew faith and wisdom.

Religious song (Chhoeshay)

This commemorates the opening of the gateway to the pilgrimage site of Tsari in eastern Tibet by the founder of the Drukpa School of Buddhism, Tsangpa Jarey.

Day 2: (outside the dzong)

Dance of the Lord of Death and his Consort (Shinje Yab Yum)

Bodhisattva Manjusri – representing the wisdom of all Buddhas – takes on the appearance of the terrifying Lord of Death (Shinje). His wrathful buffalo face guards the four continents.

Dance of the Black Hats with drums (Shanag Nga Cham)

A dance to signify the victory of religion over enemies. The sound of the drum represents religion itself.

Dance of the Three Kinds of Ging with sticks (Gingsum)

A dance signifying the subjugation of demons that are obstacles to religions. It takes place in Zangtopelri, the heavenly palace of Guru Rinpoche.

Dance of the Lords of the Cremation Grounds (Durdag)

A dance that takes place in cremation grounds. The dancers wear skull masks and represent protectors of the religion who live in the eight cremation grounds on the periphery of the symbolic Mt. Sumeru.

Dance of the Three Kinds of Ging with drums (Driging)

After the demons are vanquished, the gings with the drums dance with happiness. They beat the drums of religion and the dance is performed to bring good luck to all beings and to wish them happiness. This dance brings blessings to all who watch it.

Dance of the Stag and the Hounds (Shawa Shachi) – 1st part

The dance tells a favourite tale of Milerepa who converts a hunter to Buddhism.



Day 3: Dance of the Lords of the Cremation Grounds (Durdag)

A dance that takes place in cremation grounds. The dancers wear skull masks and represent protectors of the religion who live in the eight cremation grounds on the periphery of the symbolic Mt. Sumeru.

Dance of the Terrifying Deities (Tungam)

Dressed in beautiful brocade and terrifying masks, this is a deeply symbolic dance where a sacrificial murder is performed. Guru Rinpoche appears in a wrathful manifestation to save the world. The dance is meant to show all beings the way to salvation.

Dance of the Heroes with six kinds of ornaments (Guan Drug Pawo)

The heroes hold six ornaments – five rings of bone ornaments and a small drum and bell in their hands. By their gestures and the sound of their melodies, the heroes lead sentient beings from the wheel of reincarnation along the path of liberation.

Kyecham is an accompanying dance to the next dance. The kyecham dancers wear knee-length yellow skirts, and animal masks.

Dance of the Noblemen and Ladies (Pholeg Moleg)

A comical play that depicts the life of King Norzang. The play is full of bawdy and rustic humour as two princes and two princesses, and old couple and clowns enact a story of misbehaviour, deceit, and mistrust. The story ends happily with the princes marrying the princesses and reconciliation takes place as a lesson to life.

Dance of the Stag and the Hounds – 2nd part

This is a conclusion of the dance began on the second day. The saint Milarepa appears in a long white dress and converts the dogs, stag and the hunter with a song. The conversion is symbolised by the hunter and his dogs jumping a rope.



Day 4:

Dance of the Lord of Death and his Consort (Shinje Yab Yum)

Bodhisattva Manjusri – representing the wisdom of all Buddhas – takes on the appearance of the terrifying Lord of Death (Shinje). His wrathful buffalo face guards the four continents.

Dance of the Four Stags (Sha Tsam)

A dance that depicts Guru Rinpoche subduing the God of Wind who is believed to have created unhappiness on earth. Dancers dress as stags in yellow knee length dress and masks of the deer. The stag represents the mount of the God.

Dance of the Judgement of the Dead (Raksha Mangcham)

This dance is based on the Bardo (Book of the Dead). When beings die they wander in an intermediate state known as the bardo. They cross the bardo to meet their judgement by the Lord of Death. Also present is the white god and black demon who have been with every being from birth. The dance is like a play which depicts the judgement of a sinner and a virtuous man who goes to heaven. The rakshas are the helpers of the Lord of Death.

Dance of the Drums from Dramitse (Dramitse Nga Cham)

A dance inspired in meditation. The dance is a vision of Guru Rinpoche and his celestial palace, Zangdopelri. Here, Guru’s attendants are transformed into hundreds of peaceful and terrifying deities. The dance originated in Dramitse Monastery in eastern Bhutan and is considered a Bhutanese heritage.

Day 5:

The great thangkha (thongdrel) is shown early in the morning followed by the Shugdrel ceremony.

Dance of the Heroes (Pacham)

A dance to lead believers in the human world into the presence of Guru Rinpoche.

Dance of the Ging and Tsholing

Guru Rinpoche initiated this dance during the consecration of the ancient Samye Monastery in Tibet. The dance is a purification ceremony. People whistle to chase away bad spirits. The ging, dressed in orange skirts and a terrifying mask, use their drumsticks to hit everyone on the head to drive out impurity. The tsolingrepresent protectors of the religion and are dressed in long colourful dresses and terrifying masks.

Dance of the Eight Manifestations of Guru Rinpoche (Guru Tshen Gye)

This dance is one of the highlights for Buddhist practitioners. The Guru appears in eight different forms in a dance that is also a play.

Dance of the Sixteen Fairies

After all eight manifestations appear, 16 fairies sing and perform two dances in front of the Guru. The fairies are Goddesses of Offerings who perform a dance to bring happiness. They are dressed in brocade dresses with carved bone ornaments. After these final songs, the manifestations go out in a long procession.

Religious Song (Chhoeshay)

This commemorates the opening of the gateway to the pilgrimage site of Tsari in eastern Tibet by the founder of the Drukpa School of Buddhism, Tsangpa Jarey.

Saturday, February 23, 2013

The national animal’s festival

Source: Kuensel

The national animal’s festival

JDNP recorded 164 Takins last year

Dressed as Lam Drukpa Kuenley, 18-year-old Jigme Thinley acted out the saint’s power by turning a goat’s head and a cow’s carcass into a Takin during the third annual Takin festival in Damji, Gasa on February 21.



Lam Drukpa Kuenley (1455-1529) is believed to have created the national animal by his magical powers, when a group of devotees requested him to perform a miracle.

This belief was replayed by a group of Bjishong middle secondary school students at the Takin festival, which was organised together by the Jigme Dorji National Park (JDNP) and the Tourism Council of Bhutan (TCB).

The play on how Takin originated in Bhutan attempted to create awareness of the animal in remote Gasa, the national animal’s biggest habitat. Besides, the locals also have a close link with the animal and the annual festival would further help in promoting the animal, JDNP’s manager Lhendrup Tharchen said.

The festival also aims to develop eco-tourism by encouraging more tourists in places like Gasa where tourist arrivals are less at this time of the year.

From 146 in 2001, the number of Takins in the park has increased to 164 last year. The park’s ranger, Phuntshok who has an experience of 13 years in dealing with the animal said it was difficult to get the exact number of Takins, which is mobile by nature.



Strong conservation policy and locals’ respect to the animal are cited as reasons for the increasing number of the mammal, park officials said.

People from as far as Laya and Lunana came to witness the festival that was held at Bijshong school ground, which is surrounded by snow-capped mountains.

TCB’s assistant tourism officer, Karma Jigme said once the locals are ready to take over the festival, TCB would only provide technical support. The council this time supported with Nu 300,000. “Our target is to develop the capacity of the locals,” he said.

Tenzin Namgyel, Gasa

TCBS considering taking over licensing of travel agencies

Source: Kuensel.
           Feb 23rd 2013

TCBS considering taking over licensing of travel agencies


The Tourism Council of Bhutan Secretariat (TCBS), which issues licenses for tourist hotels and guides, is considering taking over licensing of local travel agencies from the regional trade and industry office (RTIO).
This is mainly to closely monitor tour operators. “The tourism industry being service oriented, is a fragile industry,” TCBS’s officiating joint director Thuji N Dorji said. “People who don’t land up anywhere land up as tour operators.”
As of January 31, more than 350 tour operators had not renewed their licenses records with RTIO show. The RTIO had issued licenses to 1,068 tour operators but only 961 of the total are registered with the secretariat.
To avail a travel agency license, a person first submits an application to the secretariat with the desired company name. The secretariat issues a recommendation letter or clearance if the name is available. The letter is then taken to the RTIO to process the license.
Once the tour operator gets his license, he has to open a bank account and register with TCBS to set up an account for the online visa application.
RTIO officials said they imposed a penalty of Nu 20 a day and the license gets cancelled if it’s still not renewed after six months. After cancellation, the tour operators have to reapply.
As of January 31, TCBS had issued 1063 recommendation letters for setting up of travel agencies.
Tourism officials said while RTIO renewed the licenses, it was the department of revenue and customs who were supposed to monitor those operating without renewing their licenses.
“Everybody’s assuming that the other is doing the monitoring,” Thuji N Dorji said. “But anyone who operates without renewing their license is illegal.”
While no discussions on the travel agency licensing has taken place regional trade officials said it was good if TCBS does it. TCBS officials said it would help them closely monitor tour operators if the secretariat issues licenses.
Meanwhile, the secretariat is closely monitoring tour operators who have been operating without a proper office set up.
Last year, the secretariat inspected 441offices of which 105 were found attached with residence but with proper demarcation while five were found without proper demarcation.
Tourism officials said offices without proper demarcation were set up in altars and living rooms. “Such tour operators were asked to set up proper offices and the inspection is being continued,” the secretariat’s media spokesperson said.
Another 11 tour operators had sought time extension for setting up of proper offices. “TCBS proposed visa suspension and cancellation of licenses in case of non-compliance to repeated reminders for travel agents who do not cooperate,” the media spokesperson said.
Kinga Dema

Monday, February 11, 2013

Bhutan Festival Dates 2013


SL#
FESTIVAL
PLACE
DATES
1
PUNAKHA DRUBCHHEN
Punakha Dzong, PUNAKHA
15th – 19th February
2
PUNAKHA TSHECHU
Punakha Dzong, PUNAKHA
20th – 22nd February
3
CHHORTEN KORA
Chorten Kora, TRASHI YANGTSE
25th February & 11th March
4
GOMPHUKORA
Gom Kora Lhakhang, TRASHIGANG
20th – 22nd March
5
PARO TSHECHU
Rinpung Dzong, PARO
23rd – 27th March
6
CHHUKHA TSHECHU
Chhukha Dzong, CHHUKHA
25th – 27th March
7
URA YAKCHOE
Ura Lhakhang, BUMTHANG
21st – 25th April
8
NIMALUNG TSHECHU
Nimalung Dratshang, Chummi, BUMTHANG
16th – 18th June
9
KURJEY TSHECHU
Kurjey Lhakhang, Choekhor, BUMTHANG
18th June
10
THIMPHU DRUBCHEN
Tashichho Dzong, THIMPHU
9th – 13th September
11
WANGDUE TSHECHU
Wangdi Dzong, WANGDUEPHODRANG
12th – 14th September
12
TAMSHING PHALA CHHOEPA
Tamshing Lhakhang, Choekhor, BUMTHANG
13th – 15th September
13
THIMPHU TSHECHU
Tashichho Dzong, THIMPHU
14th – 16th September
14
THANGBI MANI
Tangbi Lhakhang, Choekor, BUMTHANG
18th – 20th September
15
JAMBAY LHAKHANG DRUP
Jambay Lhakhang, Choekhor, BUMTHANG
18th – 22nd October
16
PRAKHAR DUCHHOED
Prakar Lhakhang, Chummi, BUMTHANG
19th – 21st October
17
CRANE FESTIVAL
Gangtey Gonpa, Phobjikha, WANGDUEPHODRANG
11th November
18
MONGAR TSHECHU
Mongar Dzong, MONGAR
9th – 12th November
19
PEMAGATSHEL TSHECHU
Pemagatshel Dzong, PEMAGATSHEL
9th – 12th November
20
TRASHIGANG TSHECHU
Trashigang Dzong, TRSASHIGANG
10th – 13th November
21
NALAKHAR TSHECHU
Nga Lhakhang, Choekhor, BUMTHANG
17th – 19th November
22
TRONGSA TSHECHU
Trongsa Dzong, TRONGSA
9th – 11th January 2014
23
LHUENTSE TSHECHU
Lhuentse Dzong, LHUENTSE
9th – 11th January 2014


































\



Monday, January 28, 2013

Bhutan Makes Top Three in Tourist Destinations

Really not a bad start to the year for the country and especially the tourism sector, given that Bhutan has only been selected as one of the three finalists in the “Destination Stewardship.”
The Destination Stewardship Award goes to a destination which successfully demonstrates a program of sustainable tourism, while incorporating social, cultural, environmental and economic benefits.
The award is categorized for the Tourism for Tomorrow Awards and it is hosted by the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC).
This year’s awards panel received 133 applications from more than 46 countries on six continents, with Bhutan shortlisted to top three of this pool.
The Tourism Council of Bhutan (TCB) has already started to come up with new activities to be warm and hospitable hosts to the tourists.
But before that, said the Joint Director of Marketing and Promotion Department, TCB Chhimmy Pem, “couple of challenges needs to be addressed”.
She said the regional spread of tourist sites and introduction of more products are the main challenges for the TCB. Therefore from 2013, TCB have already done a thorough research and a proper study to have regional balance, in consultant with the Dzongkhag Administration.
“At the moment the tourist site is mostly concentrated in the western regions and in eastern regions we have limited hotels,” she added.
The TCB has plans to encourage more home-stays in the rural regions and some of the rural houses in Trashiyangtse have already been selected as venues for the tourists. Henceforth, tour operators and tourist should not face problems of not having proper hotels or lodging facilities.
Phobjikha the best roosting place for the Black-necked Cranes have identified 20 houses as home stay locations for tourists.
“It will be started by this year as villagers are being trained on hospitality in order to host the guests positively,” said Gewog Gup Jamtsho.
Joint Director Chhimmy Pem said “Butterfly tour in east and Community Based tourism is being planned.”
She added that Merak and Sakteng in Trashigang and Nabji-Korphu in Trongsa are some of the sites selected for community-based tourism. This is mainly to have regionally balanced visits for tourists.
“Tourism is not a substitute for the livelihood but it’s a supplement for people’s livelihood,” she stressed.
Tourism Officer Phuntsho Gyeltshen said the TCB had worked to come-up with new trekking routes. The study is meant to introduce old trade routes as trekking routes for tourists.
Trashigang to Samdrup Jongkhar and Bumthang to Zhemgang are some of the routes selected for trekking routes.
Feasibility studies in consultation with respective dzongkhag administrations and local leaders were undertaken to identify the routes. “We have asked them to come up with their prioritized sites too,” said Phuntsho Gyeltshen.
A substantial increase in terms of employment opportunities is a real possibility since Bhutan is listed as one of the top tourist destinations for 2013 in popular magazines such as Travelers Magazines of National Geographic, New York Times travel magazines and Forbes magazine.
The officiating Director of corporate performance Department under TCB, Kinley Wangdi said as there is more number of tourist visits, the services should be good and consequently the employment opportunities will never decrease.
In 2011 there were 23,095 employment opportunities under the tourism industry and in 2012 it increased to 25,987.
“We cannot have an immediate benefit but within these 5 years we will have a good development from the tourism industry,” he added. The TCB expects more tour operators from Trashigang, Gelephu and other southern regions.
In 2011, the total tourist visitors were 100,833 and in 2012 it increased to 105,414. And it’s obvious that this year tourist visitors will be more than that.
The TCB to this end has decentralized the tourism development in Zhemgang and Haa regions. It has even come up with a circuit approach whereby 6 eastern dzongkhags are merged into two circuits with a specific theme. Similar approach has been taken with other three regions also.
“For the southern regions TCB will mainly focus on Manas as eco-tourism and community based tourism,” said Kinley Wangdi.
Community-based tourism will mainly promote culture, local festivals and natural tourism. Similarly other regions are also chosen with a specific theme and would promote tourism in a balanced manner.
The Gross Domestic Product (GDP) contribution from tourism sector in 2011 was US$ 152mn and 89% of tourists were satisfied with their visit to Bhutan.

By Thinley Wangmo | 25 January 2013 in The Bhutanese

Saturday, January 26, 2013

FAQs By Tourist Visiting Bhutan


1. Do I need a visa for Bhutan and how to obtain it?

Except travellers from India, Bangladesh, Maldives and all visitors to Bhutan require visa. Visas are issued only when a confirmed booking through a Bhutanese operator like (Bhutan Landlocked Adventures) is made. Air tickets to Bhutan can only be issued once the visa is confirmed. Your visa will be processed by the travel agent that you choose to travel with. A Bhutanese visa is issued only by the Department of Immigration after receiving the full tour payment in the account of Tourism Council of Bhutan, Thimphu. Passport: You are required to have a valid passport with at least six months validity from the date of your departure.


2. Where do I enter Bhutan?

Druk Air, the national carrier is the only airline that operates flights into Paro international airport. Druk Air operates a fleet of two Airbus 119 planes and flies to Kathmandu (Nepal); Delhi, Calcutta, Bagdora (West Bengal), Guwahati (Assam) India; Dhaka, Bengal Dash Bangkok (Thailand)and Singapore. Visitors can also enter or exit Bhutan by road through the neighboring Indian states of Assam and West Bengal in south. You can enter or exit through road from Phuntsholing, a border town to India in the south- western part of the country which is about seven hour drive from Paro or Thimphu. The nearest airport from Phuntsholing is Bagdogra in India at the base of the foothills of Darjeeling and Sikkim between which you can drive overland taking about 05 hours approximately. The Eastern Bhutan which is not that explored till now could be entered by road through south- eastern town of Samdrupjongkhar which is about an hour drive from Guwahati Airport in Assam. There are so many places of historical importance in east and not to forget its rich flora and fauna.

3. How can I purchase Druk Air tickets?

We will purchase the E- tickets and forward them to your email address. You can also buy your drukair ticket online from Druk-air : website www.drukair.com.bt but there won't be discount on the ticket.

4.I want to travel, but none of the dates/trips you run coincide with my holiday dates.

Don’t despair! We offer a tailor-make service for all of the destinations featured on our website - and a few more besides. Alternatively, if you can get your own group together (3+ persons) then it will be less expensive for you. Otherwise we have Single supplementary charges applicable for sin. We are happy to lay on a private trip for you, either on one of our existing itineraries or if you prefer, we can help you devise your own.

5. What kind of season do you have in Bhutan?

Spring is a botanist delight as rhododendrons, wild azaleas, and masses of wildflowers including the edelweiss cover the meadows like carpet. Pear and apple blossoms add a dainty touch to the valleys as their pink and white blooms add a sense of new wonder to the land that is about to burst with abundant growth again. Summer is an abundant time of the year as flowers are in bloom and the valleys are covered in green, weeping willows sweep the banks of many of the rivers and the pine cones glisten in sun, so full with resin they are ready to plummet to the ground. Autumn casts a bright golden glow on the vast landscape and is one of the more crowded times of the year for tourism to Bhutan. In fall, rice fields ripen to a golden brown under crisp blue skies. The merry pink and white of cosmos flowers dot the countryside. Winter has its moments. The days are full of sunshine while evenings can turn chilly. The winter landscape lays bare the majesty of the mountains and the sweeping valleys. Soft tufts of cloud drape lazily over mountain tops as if waiting for new life to blow it across the landscape.

6. Who is Bhutan Landlocked Adventures?

Bhutan Landlocked Adventures is a Government Licensed Tour Operator who organizes a wide range of tours, Cultural, Textile, Festival, Flora & Fauna, Bird watching, Religious, Photography, Hiking, Trekking, Honeymoon vacations and other adventures.

7. Is Bhutan Landlocked Adventures, a secure site?

Yes, it is licensed by the Royal Government of Bhutan with the consultation of the Tourism Council of Bhutan (TCB) and is a member of the Association of Bhutan Tour Operators (ABTO).(Click on the home page logo of Government)

8. Why should I travel with Bhutan Landlocked Adventures?

The billion dollar question… Whilst there is plenty of general competition, we feel that Bhutan Locked Adventures is truly unique in the Bhutanese travel market and the high percentage of clients who travel with us again and again isn’t down to chance. Bhutan Landlocked Adventures is a company that has been set up by travellers for travellers and the company ethos is to help travellers souls get to incredible places that would otherwise remain inaccessible. Our office is manned by experienced tour leaders and it is their knowledge and passion (along with that of our experienced guides) that is evident in all aspects of the trips, from planning through to implementation. In short, we run the kind of trips that we like to do! By keeping the group sizes small we can allow for a greater degree of flexibility and cater to individual needs and this unobtrusive ‘low impact’ tourism gives travellers a chance to get off the beaten track without damaging the places they visit. In addition, a percentage of the trip profits are used to fund various charities for monks & Nuns in the country – travellers and locals alike – benefit from the experience.

9. How much will my package cost?

The policy of value tourism is best supported by a system of a daily minimum price of US $ 250 per person per night for visits to Bhutan. The price also in a way limits the volume of visitors allowing exclusivity and care.

Do you have extra charges for 1 or 2 people?

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: Single individual : US$ 40 per night Group of 2 persons : US$ 30 per person per night Single Room Supplementary : US$ 25 per night.

10. Do you offer discounts for children & students?

We offer 50% discount for children from ages 6 to 12 accompanied by parents/guardians and 25% discount for students below 25 years of age with proper ID.

11. What is included in my trip package?

The fee in fact covers a package that include all internal taxes and charges including royalty, accommodation, all meals, services of licensed guides, internal transport and camping equipment and haulage for trekking tours.

12. How do I contact Bhutan Landlocked Adventures?

Email or fax us to discuss your travel plans with one of our specialists, be it to create your Tailor Made tour or to find out further information on one of our Inspirational Journeys. Email: bhutancrownadventures@gmail.com or call us at +975 17606090

13. Tell me more about the tour & trek itinerary?

The entire itinerary is not fixed. It depends on one’s interest, whether cultural, festivals, trekking or a combination.

14. How do I pay for bookings with Bhutan Landlocked Adventures?

All the tour payments must be made in advance. Payment should be deposited through the Bhutan National Bank account abroad, payable in favour of the travel Agent in Bhutan whose names and addresses will be provided by us after the confirmation of your trip.

15. When will I get my trip confirmation?

Within 8 hours of your booking unless it is Saturday or Sunday or a government holiday in Bhutan, as they are closed on those days.

17. What if I need to cancel my trip at the last moment?

The tour programmes booked and subsequently cancelled are subjected to cancellation charges as follows: * Season - Full refund will be made for the tour cancelled 30 days or more prior to arrival date (December, January, February, June, July and till Mid-August) * Peak Season - Full refund will be made for the tour cancelled 60 days or more prior to arrival date (March, April, May, Mid-August, September, October and November) * 30% penalty on the total tour cost for the tour cancelled less than 30 days prior to arrival date. This is because by this time hotels would be already booked and company is subject to cancellation charges for rooms cancelled in less than 30 days. * Duration lost or trip shortened due to unforeseen reasons after arrival in Bhutan, no refund will be made – because we will already have had paid for the hotels and other logistics.

Is it Secure to send payment before the trip?

It is very safe, the Tourism council of Bhutan will continue to hold the money you have sent for your tour until your trip has taken place. It will not be released to Bhutan Landlocked Adventures until you have left the country on your return flight. This provides you with the security of knowing that your money is safe until your holiday takes place. If for any reason the trip doesn't go ahead then the government will not give your money to Bhutan Landlocked Adventures  but will return it to you (subject to any cancellation charges which apply if you have cancelled the trip). So in the unlikely event that we do not run your trip for you, you would not be out of pocket.

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