Bhutan Part 2

 

Travelling to Bhutan isn't the most straight forward activity. You can't just obtain a visa at the border; you can't pop in from Nepal on a whim during your unplanned backpacking trip around Asia. Tourism is restricted to ensure the Bhutanese culture is preserved, which has done wonders for the Bhutanese history, traditions and way of life. Unlike most Asian cities nowadays, Bhutan would still exist completely as is, if tourism never became a part of the country.

Planning a trip is quite an arduous process, but not as complicated as it sounds. You just need to ensure you follow the steps and cross check everything has been covered.

 Before you apply for a visa, you need to make a decision as to whether you want to arrive by land or air. Druk Air is the only Bhutanese airline, and must be used to either enter or exit the kingdom.

For travellers entering Bhutan by Druk Air, visa clearance is required for the issuing of Druk Air tickets. The visa clearance number is forwarded to the Druk Air station at which the flight originates, without which you will not be permitted to board their flights.http://www.bhutanethometho.com/

For those entering the country by land from India, through the southern border town of Phuentsholing, the visa is stamped on arrival, as per visa clearance number. Again, travellers without a visa clearance number on record will not be permitted to enter the country.

The visa application must be cleared before any tickets are issued.

The simplest way to go about this process is via a recognised tour company. Independent travel is not permitted in Bhutan so joining a tour is essential. Travel in Bhutan is all inclusive, and will cost around US$200/day. This includes accommodation, meals, the driver and guides. It does not include the flight.

We travelled with EthoMeto Tours & Treks and I have not one complaint. Obviously I have no other companies to compare them to, but I can guarentee you will not worry about any aspect of your trip. Everything you need to know about visiting Bhutan is on their website:

 The one negative about a Bhutanese holiday that I found is the amount of driving involved. Because of the high cost of travel per day, you really want to see a lot of places in a short amount of time. Anyone that suffers from travel sickness should be careful, as they aren't the most smooth, straight roads I have ever encountered! Hopefully the scenery will be distracting enough :)