Here are some of the most frequently asked questions concerning travel to Bhutan. If you still have questions, please reach out to your Druk Experience travel specialist.
Q. What’s the difference between booking a trip directly through Druk Experience and booking through a travel agent at home?
Druk Experience is a local tour operator in Bhutan. By booking directly with Druk Experience, you save a good deal of money because you do not have to pay for the “middleman.” All travel to Bhutan must go through a local tour operator, so even if you are working directly with a travel agent in your home country, they are working with a tour operator in Bhutan.
Q. Can I travel single or must I join a group in Bhutan?
We welcome solo travelers. You can choose a male or female guide depending on your comfort level. All of our guides are professional and extremely knowledgeable. You will pay a little more for a solo trip, but it is a safe, enjoyable way to experience Bhutan.
Q. When is the best time to travel to Bhutan?
March to May and September to November, are the best times to travel to Bhutan. This time of the year the climate is good and there are many festivals during these seasons. Travel can occur during any month in Bhutan. Just know that June, July, and August are slightly humid because of the onset of monsoon season while December, January, and February are our cold winter months.
You can visit western Bhutan (Thimphu, Paro, Punakha, and Wangduephodrang) any time of the year. For Central and Eastern Bhutan, during the monsoon months of July and August, the weather is sometimes a little too wet and clouded for sightseeing and road conditions can be challenging.
Q. What does it cost to visit Bhutan?
It is not as expensive as you think. There is a daily tourist tariff called sustainable development fees of US $ 200 per person per night (SDF) to visit Bhutan that is set by the Royal Government of Bhutan. However, this does not include payment for your visa fees (US $40 Per Person) guide, driver, hotel, and all meals.
However, the government has initiated long-stay incentives to encourage visitors to stay longer duration. Kindly refer to Bhutan visa policy for details>>>>>>>
Q. What is covered by the daily package offered?
The Druk Experience has crafted a daily package in order to make it convenient and hassle-free for travelers. Within this limit, the following are included:
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Bhutan sustainable development fees
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Visas for Bhutan
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A qualified & licensed English-speaking guide
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An experienced driver
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A good vehicle (4WD for traveling couples or minibus or bus for bigger groups)
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All meals are included (breakfast, lunch, and dinner)
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Accommodation (3-star rated hotels minimum)
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Mineral water each day
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Taxes and surcharges
The following are not included:
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Travel Insurance
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Meals at 5-star restaurants. Breakfast at 5-star restaurants is included if you have booked a night at the hotel
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Tips for the guide and driver
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Air ticketing cost fluctuates as per foreign exchange rates.
Q. How do I book my flights into Bhutan?
Druk Experience can arrange your airline tickets on both Druk Air and Bhutan Airlines. There is no commission fee for this service. However, you can also buy directly from their websites www.drukair.com.bt and www.bhutanairlines.bt.
Q. Would we need travel insurance?
A. All visitors are advised to get their insurance coverage from their own country.
Q. What currency should I carry?
Most currencies are exchanged by banks here. The most commonly accepted currencies are US dollars, Australian Dollars, Singapore dollars, euros, Pounds, Japanese Yen, Swiss Francs, Canadian Dollars, and Indian Rupees. Most handicraft shops accept US dollars, Australian Dollars, euros, and Pounds. You can even exchange these currencies in some local shops.
Q. Can I use credit cards in Bhutan?
The major banks now have ATMs and you can withdraw local currency via Visa & MasterCard credit & debit cards & Cirrus/Maestro endorsed bank debit cards. Do not expect that the ATMs will be operational and when they do, you will only be able to withdraw small amounts per transaction. We suggest you bring extra cash with you.
Q. What kind of travel guides can I expect?
Our guides are the best Bhutan has to offer. We handpick tour guides who are professional, knowledgeable, and experienced. Our English-speaking guides undergo regular training and, where required, we have guides that specialize in trekking, adventure travel, yoga, meditation, and other special tours. You can request a male or female guide based on your comfort level.
Q. What is Bhutan’s electricity supply like? Can I use electrical appliances in the hotels?
Bhutan uses a 240 v system.
Q: Do you offer refunds?
A: Yes, refunds are available. Please refer to the refund policy:>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>.
Q: Are single rooms available?
A: Yes, you can request a single room. There is an additional room supplement of $30 for 3* hotels and more depending on the 4 & 5-star hotel we choose.
Q: Do trip schedules or activities ever change after my booking?
A: There is always a remote possibility that there might be some slight changes in the itinerary due to changes in weather or other local factors. However, this is a rarity. Typically, we stay on schedule based on your chosen tour.
Q: Do I need a visa for your trip?
Yes. A visa is necessary to enter Bhutan and Druk Experience will arrange the visa for you. The fee for the visa is included in your trip. You can expect to receive your visa approximately 10 days before you start travel, and make sure you keep a copy with you.