Amitabha Tours in Bhutan

What should I bring?

Your clothing needs depend on the season. Druk Air, the national carrier, limits baggage to just 20 kilos in economy class and 30 kilos in first class, so you must pack carefully. We can help you with suggestions when you book your trip. Bhutan is a developing country, so many things are not available. If you have any special medications, you need to bring all your medication with you. The same is true for specialty items like contact lenses and a backup pair of glasses. A flashlight is always helpful as well. In addition, it's nice to bring things that help enhance your relaxing times - an i-pod, a good book and your favorite herbal tea. Comfy slippers are nice to wear around your room at night. Cigarettes and any others tobacco related products are forbidden in the kingdom. For personal consumption passenger are permitted to bring in 200 cigarettes (10 packets) on payments of 200 percent duty.

What do Bhutanese wear?

In Bhutan, the traditional clothing is the gho for men, a long robe that is gathered and tied at the waist. This is accompanied by knee-high socks and dress shoes. Women wear the kira, a beautiful woven garment that covers nearly the whole body, from shoulder to ankle. A colorful silk jacket completes the outfit. Traditional clothing is still worn daily throughout the country today. If you're interested, we can help you purchase your own gho or kira when you arrive. However, you don't have to wear our traditional clothing unless you want too. Western clothing is perfectly acceptable. We do ask that you respect the cultural norms and bring clothing that compliments the country. Shorts, short skirts and sleeveless tops are not usually worn in Bhutan. When we visit temples and monasteries, you will also need to wear a long-sleeve top and long pants to enter. You will want to bring a selection of clothing that is comfortable and easy to care for. Good walking shoes are a must, as is a raincoat. A light jacket is good to have year-round and winter visitors will want to bring a proper coat.

Where do we stay?

Hotels and tourist lodge in Bhutan are comfortable but not luxurious. Although recently a few luxury hotels have been established in Bhutan, visitors in general can expect a unique combination of traditional Bhutanese style together with modern services, but not international five-star luxuries all over Bhutan. Clean and well maintained, most of the hotels are equipped with telephones, fax machines and internet services. Hotels and lodges are categorized by Tourism Council of Bhutan. International visitors will be accommodated in hotels only which fulfill the standard set by the government. Five-star accommodations are available in Bhutan. If you desire, we can book your group in these hotels, but there will be significant surcharges.

What about transportation?

All major towns in the 20 districts of Bhutan are accessible by road. The majorities of roads are single lane and is blacktop but can still be bumpy with pothole. The average speeds rarely exceed 30 km/h. Driving in the Himalayan mountain roads is long and sometimes tiring car journey, but compensate a lot with stunning views of towering mountains, lush green jungle, different landscape, ancient villages and majestic monasteries. The highest pass that road crosses is just less than 4000m. For this reason, we place a lot of emphasis on well-maintained, high-quality vehicles and experienced mountain drivers. We use Toyota Prado (SUV) 4WD and Toyota Hi-ace (minivan) and Toyota Coaster buses for larger group.

What about the altitude?

Our journeys in Bhutan lead us through the mid-mountain belt of the Himalayas, which ranges from 900 to 3,354 meters or 3,000 to 11,000 feet altitude. Most of our time is spent around 2,300m/7,544 feet or lower, but we do travel over high passes. If you have any altitude problems, please let us know and we can work additional acclimatization time into your itinerary. You will also want to consult your physician before traveling so he/she can give you suggestions as well.

When is High Season?

High season in Bhutan is March-May, and September-November. Because of limited accommodations and flights in Bhutan, you must plan your travel well ahead of time. We recommend at least three months in advance during these busy times. See our cancellation policy for more details.

Will I see the mountains?

Of course - you will be in the mountains your entire journey. Most seasons you’ll get great views of the huge peaks along Bhutan's northern border with Tibet.

There are many excellent viewpoints along our route and we’ll stop as often as you like to get good photographs.

How do I get to Bhutan?

There are two ways to get to Bhutan, either by air or overland through India. Most people will want to fly into Bhutan and our national airline, Druk Air, operates several flights per week from Bangkok (Thailand), Delhi & Kolkatta (India) and Kathmandu (Nepal) to Paro (Bhutan). The flight from Kathmandu is perhaps the most amazing flight that offers spectacular views of Everest, Makalu and Kanchenjunga on its way to Bhutan. Flight schedule and other information are available on www.drukair.com.bt. If you want to come into Bhutan by land, the only entry point is the town of Phuntsholing in southwest Bhutan. It approximately 5 hours drive from the Indian domestic Airport Bagdogra, West Bengal. The scenic drive from Phuntsholing to Thimphu takes about 7 hours. As per government rules, it is mandatory to travel at least one way by Druk Air. It can be either entry or exit. However, if Druk Air seats are not available, both entry and exit by road is also permitted. The mode of transport within Bhutan is by motor vehicle only. There are no domestic airlines or trains.

Where do I get a visa?

All visitors, other than Indian nationals, need a visa to visit Bhutan and these are only issued to people who have booked with a local licensed tour operator directly, or with a foreign travel agent. The visas are issued in Thimphu, and Amitabha submits the visa application for you. A visa must be granted before you can purchase airline tickets. It takes at least ten days to get a visa. When you arrive in Bhutan, the visa will be stamped in your passport. You will need to pay US$20 and have two passport photos ready. The visa is good for 15 days, but can be extended for longer visits.

Is Bhutan Safe?

Buddhists are respectful of others, and very hospitable. You will find that Bhutan is a very safe country, with helpful and friendly locals. Most young people speak excellent English, and even older people know enough English to help you find your way, or make purchases.