Classic Bhutan Tour

Essential Information for Bhutan Tour

A. Must-Bring Documents
• Valid passport (with at least 6 months validity from the date of arrival)
• Three original passport-size color photographs
• Photocopies of your valid passport
• Bhutan Visa Clearance Letter (issued upon pre-approval; processed by Karnali Excursions)
• Cashless travel and medical insurance policy (mandatory)
• Any required health or inoculation certificates (cholera and smallpox, as mandated)

B. Hotel and Power-Related Matters
While Bhutan maintains a good tourism infrastructure, facilities in some regions may be basic compared to major international destinations.
• Expect occasional water or electricity shortages, especially in rural areas.
• Some hotels may not have generators; candles will be provided during power cuts.
• Heating systems in winter may vary; carrying warm clothing is highly recommended.

C. Flight Details
Bhutan’s flight operations are primarily served by Druk Air (Royal Bhutan Airlines) and Bhutan Airlines.
• After booking your tour, kindly send us your confirmed flight details.
• Please note that entry dates depend on Druk Air flight availability, and itineraries can be adjusted to match your preferred dates.
• Any changes in flight plans should be communicated to us promptly via email.
• Upon arrival in Paro, look for your Karnali Excursions guide holding a placard.

D. Passport and Visa-Related Information
• A visa is compulsory for all travelers to Bhutan.
• Visas are not issued by Bhutanese embassies abroad; they are processed exclusively through licensed tour operators like Karnali Excursions.
• Please send us a clear copy of your passport at least 6 months prior to your arrival.
• Once approved, a visa clearance number will be issued.
• This clearance is essential for:
o Boarding Druk Air flights
o Entering Bhutan upon arrival
• Bring three passport-size photographs for immigration procedures.

E. Remaining Balance
• The remaining tour balance must be paid in USD or GBP (cash) upon arrival in Kathmandu (if your tour begins there) or through the designated payment channels advised during booking.
• Personal cheques are not accepted.

F. Additional Funds
• We recommend bringing approximately USD 1000 or GBP 800 per person for personal expenses such as:
o Souvenirs
o Bottled water
o Phone calls
o Tips
o Personal snacks
o Additional services not covered by the package

G. Travel Insurance – Mandatory
All participants must possess comprehensive, cashless travel insurance that covers:
• Emergency medical treatment
• Air and ground evacuation
• Trip cancellation and interruption
• Repatriation
• Loss of baggage or personal items
Please bring at least two hard copies of your insurance policy with emergency contact details.

H. Health and Medical Preparation
• Bhutan has well-equipped hospitals in major towns with trained medical specialists and ambulance services.
• Although Bhutan is free from cholera and smallpox, certificates of inoculation are required for entry.
• If you are joining trekking extensions, consult your physician beforehand.
• Once your Bhutan tour is confirmed, we will email you a detailed clothing and equipment checklist.
• Stay hydrated and maintain light physical fitness to maximize comfort during sightseeing and optional hikes.

I. Karnali Staff
Karnali Excursions employs only trained, experienced, and professional staff:
• Each group is assigned a Bhutanese government-licensed guide.
• All guides are fluent in English (and often Hindi or other languages).
• Our guides are experienced in cultural tours, festivals, monasteries, and trekking routes, ensuring a well-informed and smooth journey.

J. Risk and Liabilities
While Karnali Excursions strives to make every journey seamless, travelers should understand that:
• All travel in Bhutan is governed by national policies and regulations.
• We are not liable for delays or alterations caused by:
o Weather conditions
o Flight schedule changes
o Road blockages or landslides
o Government restrictions
o Political disturbances
o Accidents or unforeseen circumstances
• Any extra costs resulting from such situations must be borne by the participants.

K. Travel Logistics
• Airport Pickup/Drop-off: You will be warmly received by your Bhutan guide at the Paro International Airport.
• Luggage: Travel light; pack essential items in a daypack during sightseeing or hikes.
• Power Supply: Bhutan uses 220–240V with Type D/G plugs—please carry appropriate adapters.
• Communication:
o Wi-Fi is available at most hotels and restaurants.
o Local SIM cards can be purchased in Paro or Thimphu.
• Clothing:
o Warm layers are recommended year-round.
o Winter visitors must carry jackets, thermals, and gloves.

L. Important Preparation Tips for a Successful Bhutan Tour
• Engage in light exercise and short hikes before departure.
• Maintain hydration during your journey.
• Respect local customs, dress codes, and religious etiquette.
• Travel during festival seasons (Tshechu) only with early booking, as these periods are in high demand.
• Approach your journey with cultural sensitivity and an open heart—Bhutan’s spiritual environment rewards the mindful traveller.

Trip Preparation Guide
Nature & Culture Journeys in Bhutan

Curated by Karnali Excursions

1. Welcome to Nepal

Nepal is a land of extraordinary diversity, where sacred heritage sites, subtropical forests, wetlands, grasslands, and Himalayan foothills coexist within a compact geographical space. Karnali Excursions designs nature and culture itineraries that are immersive, ethical, and thoughtfully paced, allowing travelers to experience Nepal’s wildlife, spiritual landmarks, and living traditions with comfort and insight.

This guide provides essential pre-departure and on-arrival information to help you prepare for a smooth, safe, and enriching journey.

2. Nepal Visa Information

Most international travelers can obtain a Tourist Visa on Arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu.

Visa Requirements

• Passport valid for at least 6 months
• At least one blank page
• Passport-size photograph
• Visa fee (USD cash preferred)

Visa Options

• 15 Days
• 30 Days
• 90 Days

Travelers may also apply online in advance through Nepal’s official immigration portal to speed up airport procedures. Entry regulations may change, so we advise checking official government updates shortly before departure.

You can obtain this from your nearest Nepal Embassy or Consulate, or upon arrival at Kathmandu Airport. For more details, visit Nepal Immigration.

1. Department of Immigration, Government of Nepal – main portal for visa information & online services
https://www.immigration.gov.np/

2. Online Visa Application Portal (official)
https://nepaliport.immigration.gov.np/
(used for pre-arrival visa forms like tourist visa form)

3. Entry & Arrival in Nepal

• Arrival airport: Tribhuvan International Airport (KTM)
• Karnali Excursions representatives will meet guests for pre-arranged airport transfers.
• Most tours begin in Kathmandu Valley, unless otherwise specified.

4. Welcome to the Kingdom of Bhutan

Bhutan, the Land of the Thunder Dragon, is a Himalayan kingdom where culture, nature, spirituality, and governance are harmonized through the philosophy of Gross National Happiness (GNH). Travel in Bhutan is not mass tourism, it is intentional, regulated, and deeply immersive.

Karnali Excursions designs Bhutan itineraries that respect this ethos, offering meaningful encounters with monasteries, dzongs, pristine forests, wildlife sanctuaries, sacred landscapes, and living traditions.

This guide will help you prepare thoroughly for a smooth, respectful, and enriching journey.

5. Bhutan Visa & Entry Requirements

Important: Bhutan Does NOT offer Visa on Arrival

All travelers (except Indian nationals) must obtain a Bhutan visa in advance, processed only through a licensed Bhutanese tour operator, facilitated by Karnali Excursions.

Visa Process Overview

• Visa is issued electronically
• Travelers receive a Visa Clearance Letter before departure
• Visa is stamped upon arrival in Bhutan (Paro Airport or land borders)

Documents Required

• Passport valid for minimum 6 months
• Passport-size photograph (digital)
• Completed personal details form
• Travel insurance (mandatory)

6. Bhutan Visa via Nepal (Kathmandu Route)

Many travelers enter Bhutan via Nepal, especially on combined Nepal–Bhutan itineraries.

Kathmandu to Paro Route

• Direct flights available from Kathmandu to Paro
• Karnali Excursions coordinates:
  • Bhutan visa clearance
  • Flight bookings
  • Airport transfers in both countries

7. Sustainable Development Fee (SDF)

Bhutan requires international visitors to pay a Sustainable Development Fee, which supports:

• Environmental conservation
• Cultural preservation
• Free healthcare and education

The SDF is included in your Bhutan tour cost arranged by Karnali Excursions.

8. Physical Fitness & Activity Levels

Bhutan nature and culture tours are non-technical and accessible to most travelers.

Typical Activities Include

• Cultural sightseeing and monastery visits
• Gentle hikes and nature walks
• Dzong and village explorations
• Festival participation
• Optional hikes such as Tiger’s Nest (Taktsang)

Tiger’s Nest involves a moderate uphill hike (3–4 hours round trip). Pony options are available partway.

9. Accommodation in Bhutan

Accommodation standards in Bhutan are comfortable, clean, and culturally styled.

Categories

• Boutique heritage hotels
• Eco-lodges and nature resorts
• Government-certified 3–5 star hotels
• Farm stays (on select itineraries)

Rooms are generally twin-sharing, with single supplements available.

10. Transportation & Road Travel

• Private tourist vehicles with licensed drivers
• Scenic mountain roads with winding passes
• Comfortable but slower-paced journeys due to terrain
• Domestic flights are limited; road travel is common and scenic

Travel times may appear short in distance but longer in duration, this is normal in Bhutan.

11. Food & Dining Experience

Bhutanese cuisine is flavorful and hearty.

Common Features

• Rice, vegetables, cheese, chilies
• Ema Datshi (chili-cheese dish)
• International meals available at hotels
• Vegetarian and special diets accommodated with advance notice

Drinking water is provided in hotels; bottled or purified water is recommended during travel.

12. Climate & Best Travel Seasons

• Spring (Mar–May): Flowers, festivals, clear skies
• Autumn (Sep–Nov): Best weather, major festivals
• Winter (Dec–Feb): Clear views, colder evenings
• Monsoon (Jun–Aug): Lush landscapes, fewer travelers

Weather varies by altitude layered clothing is essential.

13. Packing Essentials

Recommended Items

• Comfortable walking shoes
• Warm jacket and fleece
• Rain jacket (especially summer)
• Modest clothing for monasteries
• Sun protection (hat, sunscreen)
• Camera and binoculars
• Small daypack
• Personal medication
• Universal power adapter

14. Cultural Etiquette in Bhutan

Respect for culture is essential.

Important Practices

• Dress modestly in temples and dzongs
• Remove shoes before entering religious sites
• Walk clockwise around stupas
• Avoid touching sacred objects
• Ask permission before photography
• No smoking in public places (strictly regulated)

15. Nature, Wildlife & Environmental Responsibility

Bhutan is a global leader in conservation.

• Do not disturb wildlife
• No littering, carry waste back
• Follow park and guide instructions
• Photography without flash in sensitive areas

16. Health, Safety & Insurance

Travel insurance is mandatory and must cover:

• Medical emergencies
• Emergency evacuation
• Trip interruption

Bhutan has clean environments and low health risks, but travelers should carry:

• Personal medication
• Basic first-aid supplies

17. Currency & Practical Information

• Currency: Bhutanese Ngultrum (BTN)
• Indian Rupees widely accepted
• ATMs limited outside major towns
• Credit cards accepted mainly in hotels
• Internet and mobile coverage available but may be slow in remote areas

18. Responsible Travel Philosophy

Traveling in Bhutan is a privilege. Your journey supports:

• Cultural preservation
• Environmental protection
• Community livelihoods

Karnali Excursions ensures ethical travel aligned with Bhutanese values.

Final Reflection

A journey through Bhutan is not merely sightseeing, it is a passage through sacred landscapes, mindful living, and timeless wisdom. With thoughtful preparation and the guidance of Karnali Excursions, your Bhutan experience will be serene, enriching, and unforgettable.

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Fixed Departure Dates