Flora and Fauna

Bhutan is blessed with rich flora and fauna and Bhutanese people value it a lot. It has been tactically preserved that you can even see endangered and rare species which are at the verge of extinction. The flora and fauna of Bhutan supports in defining the beauty of nature. Therefore, the National Forest Policy of Bhutan recognizes national parks and wildlife sanctuaries as a long-term strategy to protect the flora and fauna as forests in Bhutan occupy a large part of the country; they are the dominant land cover. Thus, they are vital for both ecology and economics. High altitude in Bhutan is home to animals like Snow leopard, blue sheep, red panda, tiger, takin, marmot and musk deer. Temperate zone fauna include Tiger, leopard, goral, gray langur, Himalayan black beer, red panda, sambur, wild pig, and barking deer. The tropical forests in the south have tiger, clouded leopard, elephants, one horned Rhinoceros, water buffalo, golden langur, gaur, swamp deer, hog deer horn bills etc. Black necked crane, Green-backed tit, Plumbeous water Redstart and Oriental Turtle Dove are some of the famous birds found in Bhutan. The national bird of Bhutan is Raven. Indo Malayan and pale arctic elements are among those that have been recorded. Approximately 73 percent are resident. In Bhutan, there are four national parks, one nature reserve and four wildlife sanctuaries provide habitats to some 170 species of mammals, over 770 bird species and at least 5,600 species of vascular plants. Bhutan is putting its maximum effort to minimize the risk of local extinction amongst populations of plants and animals. Bhutan is blessed with almost 60 percent of the endemic plant species of the eastern Himalayas. Of these 5500 known species of vascular plants, 50 or more are endemic to Bhutan itself. It is a known fact to the Bhutanese government that several species are highly valuable for our conservation properties. These include some for Alkaloids and gene pools for crop research, and those that are potential horticultural crops. Bhutanese forests are of three ecological units or zones. The Alpine zone (4,000 and above) has no forest cover. The Temperate zone falls between 2,000m to 4,000m with conifer/broad leaf forests. The Sub-tropical zone has tropical/sub tropical vegetation from an elevation of 1,500m to 2,000m.Forest types include Fir forests, mixed conifer forest blue pine, Chirpine forest, and broad leaf mixed with conifer, upland hardwood forest, lowland hardwood and tropical lowland forests. Three ecological units may be distinguished within Bhutan: High altitude, temperate, and tropical.

Traveling Information

We would firstly like to make sure about the Tourism regulations in Bhutan, we are sure you are aware that Tourism in Bhutan is fully regulated by the Govt. and they had set fixed daily tariffs per person on night halt basis for two different seasons which are classified as

follows:

Peak Season Rates till 31st December 2008:

For The Months Of January, February, March, April, May, June - September, October, November, December.
US$200 per person per day for 3 or more in a group
US$230 per person per day for 2 in a group
US$240 per day for a single individual

Off Season Rates till 31st December 2008:

For The Months Of July and August.
US$165 per person per day for 3 or more in a group
US$195 per person per day for 2 in a group
US$205 per day for a single individual

These rates include government mandated surcharge of US$40 per day for one person and US$30 per day per person for a group of two.

For Indian Tourist Its (INR) Rs. 3500 per person per day for peak season and Rs. 3000 per person per day for off season.

You get a lot more for your money in Bhutan!

Cancellation Policy

Tour Payment:

100% Refund if tour canceled within 90 Days from the start of the tour.

50% Refund if tour canceled within 60 Days from the start of the tour.

25% Refund if tour canceled within 45 Days from the start of the tour.

No Refund if tour canceled less than 30 Days from the start of the tour.

Airfare:

100% Refund if Air Ticket canceled within 90 Days from the start of the tour.

50% Refund Air Fare canceled within 60 Days from the start of the tour.

25% Refund Air Fare canceled within 30 Days from the start of the tour.

No Refund for Tickets canceled less than 30 Days from the start of the tour.

The above price does not include round trip airfare on National Airline Druk-Air.

Here’s what’s Included!

While on Cultural Tour:

* Imported Japanese Car with Driver
* Fluent English Speaking Cultural Guide
* All Accommodations in Twin Sharing basis
* All Three Meals with evening tea
* Museum Fees
* Road Permit / Special Permits to enter old monasteries While on Trekking Tour:

· The North Face Sleeping Bag (Minus) -30 Degree Celsius
· The Thermarest Air Mattress
· The 2 men sleeping Tent
· Dining Tent
· Kitchen Tent
· Shower Tent
· Toilet Tent
· Handy Shower
· Comfort Chair
· Table
· Geographic Positioning System (GPS)
· Satellite Phone
· Portable Altitude Chamber (PAC)
· Walkie Talkie
· Leki Poles
· Ice Axe
· Hot Water Bag
· Drinking Water Bottle
· Trekking Cook & Waiter
· Trekking Horses to carry trek goods and luggage

Here’s what’s NOT Included!

USD 20 as Visa Fee
Laundry
Alcohol / Beverages
International Telephone Calls / Internet
Souvenirs/ Gifts
Tips for Guide / Driver / Trekking Team
Round trip Air fare Bhutan Rock Climbing

The rates quoted above are set by the Royal Government of Bhutan. Any other rates seen advertised is illegal. Many tour operators think they have to “undercut” prices that the government has set in order to compete. This inevitably leads to poor customer service as tour operators herd as many guests as they can in large groups, and put their guests in sub-standard hotels to cut expenses and hire unqualified guides to haul you around.

Accommodations:
The costs of all accommodations are included in tour costs. In the major towns of Thimphu, Paro, and Phuentsholing, comfortable hotels are available for the visitor. In smaller towns, modest, but adequate, hotels, lodges and guest houses are readily available. We will ensure that the best available accommodations are arranged for you. The Department of Tourism (formerly known as Tourism Authority of Bhutan: TAB) regulates hotel standards and all travel regulations in Bhutan.

Food and Drink:
Traditional Bhutanese food is hot and spicy. For our visitors, however, Chinese, Indian, and Continental fares are served. The more adventurous can try the local delicacies like the tasty and fiery the national dish of Bhutan, Emma Datshi which is made with chilies and Local Bhutanese cheese. Meals are normally served buffet style in the hotels. On trekking tours a trained cook will accompany your group to provide simple but nutritious dishes. All meals while you trek or visit in Bhutan are also included in the daily tour cost. Other services include trekking arrangements. Your only extra expenses will be, liquor, laundry, souvenirs and tips if you choose.

Ground Transport:
Again, all ground transportation is already included in your daily tariff. We use only clean, comfortable and well maintained cars, vans and coaches to transport our guests. Our experienced drivers are trained and licensed by the DOT and the Road Safety and Transport Authority. You will be at ease riding in the mountains of Bhutan unlike the experiences you will have had in Nepal and India. Sanity on the road prevails, and drivers are courteous to each other.

Guides:
Guests of the kingdom are required to have guide accompaniment throughout their stay in Bhutan. You will have a very fluent English speaking guide and driver at your disposal at all times. This is not to say you have to have your hand held everywhere you go. We are very accommodating and we can be flexible. Our guides have all been trained and licensed by the DOT (Department of Tourism). Our trekking guides and cooks undergo additional mountain training, including safety and first aid. None of our guests have ever needed a rescue, but we have helped lost trekkers from other tour agencies get out of the high passes safely. We have been successfully leading groups through the Bhutan highlands ever since tourism was privatized.

Tourist Seasons:
A visit to Bhutan can be planned anytime of the year but the best period is from mid September to November and March to June. There are many festivals during these months, and visitors should take advantage of trekking and the Tsechu. Most hotels sell out during this time and it is important for us to plan in advance if you want to attend.

Contact us if you have any questions regarding the tour costs. The daily rate may sound high at first, but remember that this includes all your accommodations, meals, guided tours, and all ground transportation in Bhutan, museums fees.

Travel Visa Application:

Tourist Visas: Your visa has to be approved prior to air ticketing and your arrival in Bhutan. Once you are ready to confirm your tour arrangements we will apply for your visas. We will need all of the following details.

01: Your full name (EXACTLY as it appears in your passport)
02: Permanent address
03: Occupation
04: Nationality
05: Passport number
06: Date of issue and expiration of passport
07: Date and place of birth
08: Telephone Nos
Download Bhutan Visa Application Form

Your Bhutan visa will be stamped in your passport only when you arrive in Bhutan. Bhutan Visa Fees of US$ 20 which you need to wire together with your Airline and Tour Payment to Bhutan Majestic Travel in advance to process your Bhutan Visa and purchase Druk Air tickets.

Time Difference

Bhutan has one time zone for the entire country. It is six hours ahead of GMT so when it is 12 noon in London . It is 6pm in Bhutan . Bhutan is 30 minutes ahead of India , one hour behind Thailand , and 15 minutes ahead of Nepal.

Entry to Bhutan

By Air

Bhutan's National Carrier, Druk Air the only national airline in the country operates regular flights from Delhi, Bagdogra, Kolkatta, Kathmandu, Bangkok, Yangon and Dhaka to Paro, Bhutan. For more information about the airline, Schedules, terms and Conditions please refer to Druk Air website: www.drukair.com.bt .

By Land

Entry/Exit to Bhutan is also possible through Phuentsholing, the southern Bhutan border town. Bagdogra Airport in the state of West Bengal (India) is the nearest airport, about five (5) to six (6) hours drive from Phuentsholing. Badrapur (about six hours drive from Phuentsholing) and Birat Nagar (about seven hours drive from Phuentsholing) are the two other airports in Nepal, connected by regular flights from kathmandu.

2. Paro

Paro

Paro is one of the most historic valleys in Bhutan with the population of 20,000. Both trade goods and invading Tibetans came over the past at the head of the valley, giving Paro the closest cultural connection with Tibet of any Bhutanese district. Rinpung Dzong, also known as Paro Dzong, the massive fortress/monastery which is also the administrative center of the dzonkhag. Scenes from the movie Little Buddha were filmed in and around this Dzong.

3. Punakha

Punakha

Punakha is one of the 20 districts of Kingdom of Bhutan. The Punakha Dzong is one of the most historic Dzongs in the whole country. Built by Zhabdrung Ngwang Namgyal in the 17th century, it is located between the confluence of two rivers: Pho(male) chhu and Mo(female) chhu. Punakha Dzong, the administrative and religious centre of the district, is the winter home of Bhutan’s Central Monk Body. Since the 1680’s the Dzong has also been the site of a continuous vigil over the earthly body of Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, the founder of the country, which lies in a special chamber in the Dzong. Punakha was the formal capital of Bhutan during the time of Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal.

4. Wangdue Phodrang

Wangdue Phodrang

Wangdue Phodrang is district of Bhutan. Wangdue is the second largest district in Bhutan, comprising of 15 vast and diverse geogs. They are Athang, Bjena , Daga, Dangchu, Gangtey, Gasetshog Gom, Gasetshog Wom, Kazhi, Nahi, Nyisho, Phangyul, Phobjikha, Rubeisa, Sephu & Thedtsho. Food security and rural access is the most obtainable in Thedtsho geog (were the present town and the developing Bajo town are located). They are the least accessible and found lacking in Athang (the most remote geog). This is also the name of the Dzong, which was built in 1638. The name is said to have been given by the Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal who was searching for the best location to build the Dzong to prevent incursions from the south. At the chosen spot the Shabdrung encountered a boy named Wangdi playing beside the river and hence named the Dzong “Wangdi’s Palace”. It is located on top of a high ridge between the Puna Tsang Chu and the Dangchu, offering a spectacular view.