FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Why should I choose Medieval Bhutan Tours?
a) Medieval Bhutan Tours are more concerned with customer care and personalized services than with handling a large volume of tourists.
b) Most of our tours are education-oriented as it also cover spiritual and cultural aspects of Bhutan.
d) Our visitors are accommodated in comfortable hotels/guest houses. MedievalBhutan Tours has good quality trekking equipment, backed by knowledgeableBhutan Travel guides and cooks, who can create various Indian, Chinese, Continental and Bhutanese cuisine.
Medieval Bhutan Tours provide range of facilities as follows:
c) Offers quality special rate, if you book the tour directly with us with the same quality service.
d) Guides you to customize your trip based on your interest and area of specialization
e) Offers 100% money refund, if you cancel the trip before one month of your travel dates
f) Arrange your Druk-Air tickets to and from Bhutan on free of commission
How can I process my VISA for Bhutan?
Fill out our visa application form, and submit it to us. Medieval Bhutan Tours will apply on your behalf, and after approval, your visa number will be faxed to you. This process confirms your visa for Bhutan. Upon arrival at Paro Airport, you will be requested to pay a visa fee of US$ 20.00 per person. You should bring 2 passport-sized photos to be used upon arrival by Bhutan immigration officers.
Can I travel as a free individual in Bhutan?
Tourists are not permitted to travel freely without a guide in Bhutan.
Tours to most parts of Bhutan can be arranged for an individual tourist and small groups of less than three persons in accordance with the travelers' interests and desires. Such tours are subject to a surcharge, over and above the minimum daily rates applicable, as follows:
Single individual - US$ 40.00 per night.
Group of two - US $30.00 per person per night.
Are there any discounts?
Yes, the following discounts on daily rates are allowed:
a) DIPLOMATS from foreign embassies/missions accredited to Bhutan will be given 25% discount on the daily rates.
b) There will be no charge for CHILDREN up to the age of 5 years, while those between the ages of 6 and 12 years, accompanied by elders/guardians, will be given 50% discount on daily rates.
c) Full time STUDENTS below the age of 25 years, holding valid identity cards from academic institutions, will also be given a 25 % discount on daily rates.
How do I book the package tour to Bhutan?
If the tour itinerary given in the website suits you, you can book online, e-mail, call or fax us. Also if you want to customize your trip, we can start the dialogue and together we can develop an itinerary that really suit your utmost interests and travel dates. To help you in customizing the trip, decide the duration that you wish to spend in Bhutan, destinations and check the Druk Air flight schedules to make your entry and departure dates. The duration of stay in Bhutan will determine your package costs.
Why is there a fixed cost for travel to Bhutan? And why is it relatively more expensive than neighboring destinations?
The fixed cost that you pay is not just a fee for entry to Bhutan. This cost is a package that covers all your accommodation, meals, land transportation, guides, sightseeing, inland permits and fees. If you are trekking, this sum covers all expenses for the treks, such as the cost of transport animals carrying your equipment and material, camping equipment, meals and transport. The fixed tourist tariff is set by the government and is applicable to all tour operators in Bhutan.
Why the Royal Government of Bhutan adopts strong pricing policy by keeping the tariff relatively higher?
The Royal Government has always been aware that an unrestricted flow of tourists can have negative impacts on Bhutan’s pristine environment and its rich and unique culture.
Therefore, the Royal Government of Bhutan adheres strongly to a policy of low volume and high value tourism, based on the principle of sustainability, meaning thattourism must be environmentally and ecologically friendly, socially and culturally acceptable and economically viable.
Also the volume of tourists visiting Bhutan is regulated to a manageable level because of the constraints of the tourism infrastructure.
What is not included in the Package?
Airfares, airport taxes, visa fees, excess baggage, insurance, emergency evacuation, medical and all other personal expenses such as laundry, phone calls, beverages, etc.
Do we need to cover travel insurance?
Yes, we advise you to get your insurance cover from your respective country.
Can I find cheaper rates for travel to Bhutan?
Yes, but any other rates, other than the tariffs set by the government, are illegal and you would be taking a serious risk. Bhutan Tourism Authority strictly checks any kind of undercutting, and will impose severe sanctions on anyone found guilty, such as revocation of business license, disruption of tours, and even deportation of visitors who use these agents. In any case, cheaper rates would inevitably lead to poorer customer service, as tour operators or touts would herd as many guests as possible in large groups, put them up in sub-standard hotels to cut expenses, and hire unqualified guides to haul their visitors around.
When do I make the tour payment?
Tour payments must be made at least one month before the start of a tour. The visa process will begin only after receipt of the full tour payment.
How do I cancel my trip?
Tour programs booked and subsequently canceled shall be subject to cancellation
charges as follows:
a) 30 days or more prior to start of the tour - No charge
b) 30-21 days prior to start of tour - 10% of the rate
c) 14-21 days prior to start of tour - 15% of the rate
d) 7-4 days prior to start of tour - 30% of the rate
e) Less than 7 days prior to start of tour, or
cancellation without notice - 50% of the rate
f) After arrival in Bhutan - 100%
Cancellation should be notified in writing directly to the tour company.
What happens in the case of delayed arrival/departure?
There shall be no charge for the number of days of delay in the departure of
visitors due to bad weather conditions, Druk Air problems or road blocks. However, you will be charged any actual expenses for accommodation, food, transportation and any other services required.
What kind of vehicles are used for tours?
For individual travelers and a group of less than four persons, we use Japanese Toyota 4WD land cruisers. For groups of 5-9 persons, we have Toyota Hiace buses. For larger groups of 10-22 persons, we use Deluxe Toyota Coaster buses.
What kind of hotels will we stay in?
We normally put our visitors in the best hotels available in each valley. These may not be comparable with multi-star hotels in developed countries, but will be clean and comfortable, with proper bathroom facilities and a good range of food.
