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FAQ - General
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Can I travel to Bhutan on my own and save some money?
You can visit Bhutan only through all-inclusive package tours and treks for which the tarrif is fixed by the government. All trips must be booked directly through a government-licensed tour operator like Insiders' Bhutan or through travel agents abroad who will ultimately contact a Bhutanese agency.
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What kind of tourism policy you have in Bhutan? What about EcoTourism?
Bhutan follows a tourism policy based on middle path - sustainable development with “low volume, high value". The government is well aware that rapid growth in tourism can produce detrimental impacts on our unique environment and culture. By carefully regulating growth in tourism, Bhutan has been able to preserve its rich natural environment, vibrant Buddhist culture, traditional values, ancient monasteries and Dzongs (fortresses), and prestine water and air.
Under the above policy, the tourist tarrif is fixed by the government, and all tour companies must charge the fixed rate.
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What is Insiders' Bhutan? How can we trust you?
Insiders' Bhutan is an officially recognized and licensed travel company in Bhutan. We are an inbound tour operating company of Bhutanese people dedicated to creating extraordinary travel experiences that go beyond the basic sightseeing tours. We know that you travel half way around the world to visit our country, and it is our goal to make it an unforgettable travel experience for you. On our trips, you'll feel like you've seen Bhutan through the eyes of a native, and you will be left with a deep respect for our unique culture and environment.
Insiders' Bhutan is owned and managed by Sonam Jatso, a young responsible Bhutanese entrepreneur based in Thimphu, Bhutan’s capital. Having been in the service of the Royal Government of Bhutan, Sonam has traveled and studied in many parts of the world, including the USA, Europe, Japan, Taiwan, Singapore and Vietnam. He has visited every corner of Bhutan and has extensive knowledge of our history, culture and religion. He also plays an active role in Bhutan’s business community as a technical advisory committee member of the Bhutan Chamber of Commerce and Industry. In year 2000, he was one of the few selected members of the Bhutanese business community to visit USA under USIA (State Govt.) sponsored business visitors’ exchange program. In the same year, he also attended the 7th World Summit of Young Entreprenuers organized by the UN and other international organizations at World Trade Center in New York, as the only participant from Bhutan.
If you compare our tours with others being offered, you may see certain similarities - after all, there are only so many government approved trekking routes and only one national highway connecting different parts of the country. However, if you dig a little deeper you will see the advantages we offer.
If you would like to know more about us, our services and how we travel, click here to find out what people say about us.
You may also contact our US Representative for private group trip planning and partnership program assistance.
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How can I be sure I'll get what's promised in the intinerary by buying a package tour online? What kind of Guarantee do you provide, especially as we have to pay for the entire trip in advance?
We are an officially recognized in-bound tour company. As a government licensed operator, we are governed by the tourism rules and regulations of Bhutan. You are very safe dealing with us. If you have a genuine problem with any government licensed Bhutanese tour operator, you can file a complaint with the Government's Department of Tourism (DoT). One of the main functions of DoT is to ensure compliance with the Government's guidelines pertaining to performance and quality of services by the Bhutanese tour operators. It will be possible for you to get a refund of the amount paid to the tour operator. Contact address: The Director, Department of Tourism , Ministry of Trade and Industry, Government of Bhutan, Thimphu, Bhutan. Tel: +975-2-323251 or 2-323252.
You can also check out Trip Journal and Reviews, and our Guestbook on this website to see what the past participants say about us and our trips.
We may also have someone, in your area, who has traveled with us earlier. Contact us and we'll try to refer to a guest who has been on a trip with us.
If you still have doubts, book the trip through one of our partner travel agents in your area. For more information email us.
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Why choose Insiders' Bhutan?
Click on the following links:
Reasons to choose Insiders' Bhutan
Insiders' Bhutan Difference
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I would like to plan a trip as a family reunion. Can you do that?
Yes. You can choose to take over one of our pre-designed trips from our trip index page or add a date to your liking, or custom design a trip from our custom trip planning page on this website. We are here every step of the way to help you plan, prepare for and enjoy an unforettable travel experience in Bhutan.
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Do you have special rates for groups?
For any of our trips, sign up 15 of your friends or family and the 16th guest travels FREE! Or sign up 11 of your friends or family and the 12th guest gets a 50% discount. This applies only to groups who jointly confirm reservations for the same trip. Also check the following links:
Insiders' Bhutan Associate Program
Pre-Trip Co-ordinator
Lead a Trip Offers (Contact us by email)
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How do I pay for my trip?
Transfering the trip payment to a Citi Bank branch or an international bank in your country is the most convenient mode of payment for us. Click on this link to check out the bank addresses and account details.
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Do I need a visa and a passport to visit Bhutan?
Visitors can travel to Bhutan only through all-inclusive package for which the tarrif is set by the royal government of Bhutan. Applications for tourist visa has to be submitted through a government-licensed local tour operator like Insiders' Bhutan, or through travel agents abroad who will ultimately contact a Bhutanese agency. "Visa Clearance" from Thimphu must be obtained before departing for Bhutan. Druk Air will not allow you to check in without a visa clearance. Upon arrival at Paro airport your visa will be stamped in your passport on payment of Visa Fees (US $20).
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Will Insiders' Bhutan arrange my visa?
Yes. Once we receive your completed visa applicaiton form, we will process your visa, for no additional charge, based on the information provided there.
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How do I get to Bhutan?
The best way to enter Bhutan is by Druk Air, the national air carrier, which links Bhutan’s only airport at Paro Valley with flights to Bangkok (four times/week), Delhi (twice/week), Katmandhu (twice/week), Dhaka (once/week), and Calcutta (twice/week). The travelers can also enter the country by road at Phuntsholing on the southern boarder of the country.
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Will Insiders' Bhutan handle all my airline ticketing?
As soon as we confirm your reservation on one of our trips, we book Druk Air seats for you. You can buy Druk Air tickets from their agents abroad, from the Thai International Airways office in your city, or we can buy here and send them to you by express mail. For more details on Druk Air, check their website - www.drukair.com.bt
You will need to arrange international air tickets to and from whatever place you choose to connect to Druk Air. Bangkok is the best place to connect if you are coming from North America, Australia or Asia. Thai Airways International has direct flights from the West Coast of the United States and from London, and also flies daily to Hong Kong, Singapore, Taiwan, and Japan. East-coast travelers departing from New York or Washington, DC, may consider using Virgin Atlantic/Thai Airways via London for 19-hour flights to Bangkok. British Airways flies nonstop to Bangkok from London. Delhi is the best place to connect if you are coming from Europe or the Middle East. A connection via Kathmandhu will give you an opportunity to visit Nepal and/or Tibet before flying to Bhutan. Other connections from Dhaka (Bangladesh) and Calcutta (India) are possible, but these are off the routes of direct flights for major airlines, and few discounted airfares are available for these places.
As most travelers like to use frequent flyer awards, or book air tickets through their preferred agents or internet sites, we leave International air ticketing up to the guests to arrange on their own. You will find a lot of information and tips on international flight and enroute stopover hotel bookings, and other pre-trip arrangements if you visit our Trip Planning and Preparation page on this website.
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What about Druk Air flight delays?
As Druk Air operates from an airport that is "daylight restricted" and totally dependent on weather, flights can be sometimes delayed. It is suggested that you keep at least 20 - 24 hours transit time for connecting flights out of Paro. It is also advisable to travel on non-restricted tickets so that if a connection is missed, it can be re-routed or endorsed onto another carrier on the first available flight.
Flights into Paro can also at times be disrupted due to unfavourable weather conditions. Under such circumtances, the flight halts for the night at transit stations. In order to be prepared for such an event, it is advised to carry essential personal items like medicines, toiletries, minimium change, etc. in the hand baggage at the transit station.
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Can I travel overland from India?
Yes, you can enter Bhutan overland from Indian cities of Sikkim, Kalimpong, Darjeeling or Siliguri, and from few places in Nepal.
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Are all places and religious establishments open to tourists?
Not all areas or religious establishments are open to tourists. This is to ensure that monastic life can continue unhindered and for environmental and safety concerns. Contact us for a full list of places and festivals that are open to tourists.
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When is the best time to visit Bhutan?
The best time to visit Bhutan are: March through May in Spring, and September through November in Fall. The climate is best in fall, from late September to late November, when skies are clear and the high mountain peaks are visible. This is the ideal time for trekking and for travelling throughout the country. You may arrange your trip surrounding an annual Tsechu (relegious dance festival). Punakha and Paro Tsechus in Spring and Thimphu, Wangdi and Bumthang Jambay Lhakhang Tsechus in Fall are the most popular ones. There are also many other less known regional Tsechus that are equally fascinating.
 Tips:
During the peak tourist season and major Tsechu festivals hotel and Druk Air reservations are difficult to obtain. The farther in advance that you book, the more likely it is that we can confirm the resrvation you choose. The rule of thumb is: Book as far in advance as possible, but don't hesitate to contact us at the last minute if free time suddenly comes your way. Also check our special offer page for last minute availability and special discounts.
Click here to have a look at our Climate & Seasons, and Monthly Temperatures page
Click here to check the Trekking Season page
Click here to check the Tsechus (Festival) dates
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Other companies say they offer the best customer service too. What sets Insiders' Bhutan apart?
You can depend on us. All our trips are carefully designed. We have hiked all the trails, visited every corner of the country, and scouted out the gems.We work hard to make sure that all our trips include the three important elements that are the foundation of an enriching and memorable travel experience: Flexibility, Value, and Discovery.
Many people have already enjoyed extraordinary travel experiences with us. Click the following links to learn more about us:
Why Choose Insiders' Bhutan
Insiders' Bhutan Difference
What our guests say about us
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