Tourism inBhutanwas first introduced in the year 1974; it was privatized by the Government ofBhutanin 1991. Today it is vibrant business with around 500 plus tour operators. Even though the potential for the tourism development is huge,Bhutanhas taken a very careful approach and recognizing the problems associated with tourism. The tourism industry inBhutanis based on the principle of sustainability, indicating that tourism must be environmentally and ecologically friendly, socially and culturally acceptable and economically feasible. Bhutantourism policy is adapted mainly to the number of visitor of foreign citizens to our country and we are honored to have your presence in our country. Therefore it strongly adhere to the policy of “High Value and Low Impact”, the number of tourists visitingBhutanregulate to manageable levels through a policy of government regulated tourists tariff.
Minimum Tariff (With effect from 1st Jan, 2012):The policy of high value tourism is strongly supported by system of daily minimum tariff of US $200.00 per person per night is fixed by government ofBhutan without exception. The rate is flexible depending upon the nature of services desired beyond the claim for the minimum tariff. As per the present situation the minimum tariff with effects from 2012 is US$ 250 per person per night sanctioned by The Royal Government of Bhutan.The minimum price charges to groups three or more, for independent traveler’s daily surcharges in addition to minimum price apply at US$40 each for single traveler and US$30 for two person and children less than five years is free to travel. Most often minimum price is misinterpreted as extremely high, so to clear the misinterpretation of price, here is factual information given below:
The fee covers packages that include all internal taxes including: Royalty,Accommodation,All meals,Services of licensed guide,Internal transport, camping equipments and haulage for trekking tours.
The royalty portion goes to government exchequer, which in return mainly support free medical care, free education and other welfare schemes. The amount earned from this business or all visitors in a way makes valuable contribution to welfare of the country.
Filming in Bhutan:Foreign film maker and foreign company having interested in making films, documentaries movies, and advertisement in Bhutanare required to obtain the approval particularly “Filming Permits” from the Bhutan Infocomm and Media Authority (BICMA) and must follow the Bhutanfilm regulation, 2007 which is available on website www.bicma.gov.bt. The application for film permit should submit to BICMA before days in advance. The contents of application are given below:
Synopsis or outline of the film-theme/background/objective/purpose.
Specific location/objectives/activities.
Duration of the film activity in the country
Composition of team and list of equipment, accessories/consumables
Letter of recommendation from the sponsoring agency, company profile and resume. Any other additional information as authority may required
Filming Royalty: Filming royalty depends on the following categories in the table
| Documentary | Nu 150,00 |
| Films | Nu 500,000 |
| Advertisement | Nu 250,000 |
| Music video | Nu 150,000 |
| TV series (per episode) | Nu 150,000 |
| News Coverage | No royalty levied |
In addition to above information, a security deposit of Nu 100,000 will need to deposit with BICMA which is refundable after submission of copy of final edited version of the film and after being reviewed by the authority.
General information on visiting Bhutan:The formalities of entrance inBhutanthat is obtaining visa through Bhutanese tour operator after full payment has been made. Air tickets toBhutancan be issued after the issue of visa. All visitors from foreign people toBhutanrequired a visa that allows traveling across theBhutan, viewing different environment and enjoying nature beauty of theBhutan. Make comfortable on visiting toBhutan, the country likeBhutanis one of the Unique around the globe in terms of cultural, tradition and small country with silence, peace and prosperity. The presence of visitor from different areas or foreigners has brought lots of changes in the country like, in terms of economic development, good relation among the countries, getting ideas about unknown countries, better international link, dealing with new faces through interaction and knowing better to each other, and Bhutan gets an opportunity to expose world wide.
Wonderful moments to spend during the stay in Bhutan.
Best time to Travel to Bhutan. Winter season in Bhutan.(Mid November- Feb):Especially the winter (November-January) is the focused is season or best time of the year for bird watching, Trekking in the lower altitudes or bicycle trips around the mountain roads. The amazing part during this period is that the trekking routes in the mountain are covered in deep snow and are impassable at this time of year and also endangered black-necked Crane spends the winter in high valley of Bomdeling(in eastern Bhutan) and Phobjikha (in western Bhutan)Spring season in Bhutan. (March –April):The spring season is real good for kayaking, rafting and trekking in the moderate altitude. One of the most important, interesting part and also most popular religious dance festival held once a year, we called as Paro Tshechu conducted in Paro during this season.( for the best memory of foreign visitor that is popular religious dance festival )
Summer season in Bhutan. (May-August):Summer season is the season where you may experience rain falls for short period of time but manageable with adequate planning and equipments. The particular season have pleasant temperature without much heat or humidity can be found in central and westernBhutan. It is booming period of agriculture product (verities of vegetable) for the farmer and they earn high income for better life during the summer season. Even sometimes export their agricultural product to foreign country likeIndia(especially like Potato and Apple). Treks inHighMountainareas are characterized by gentle temperature and exciting flora.
Autumn season in Bhutan. (September- October):This season is said to be traditional high season inBhutansince these two month have higher performance traditional acts and highest number of Tshechu. It is one of the golden opportunities to view the festival of theBhutanthat is religious Mask Dance held once a year. Trekkers particularly enjoy the clear view of the mountain in the October and the low rain fall. This season can be called as dry season because everything can harvested, all green leaves hanging on the tree are dry and fallen on the ground. This period is relaxed period for the farmer because under this season there is no plantation of agriculture products. http://www.tashinyendaadventure.com or http://www.bhutantoursandtravel.com
