The TAB (Tourism Authority of Bhutan) regulates all tourism activities and the daily tariff in Bhutan. All tour operators must be registered with the TAB. Thirty-five percent of the daily tariff goes directly to the TAB. These funds are used by the government for the socio-economic development of Bhutan. Hospitals, schools, and roads are built and maintained with that income. TAB release a travel information booklet detailing their role and the regulations by which all tour operators are governed.
The daily tariff for tourist visiting in a group of 3 or more persons is dependent on the season. The visiting months of March, April, May, September, October and November is US$200 per person per night. For the other six months, it is US$165 per person per night.
Surcharges:
Groups of less than three people shall be subjected to an additional charge as:
Single individual US$40 per night
Group of 2 person US$30 per night
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Services included in the rate are:
1. Accommodation
The cost of all accommodations is included in tour costs. In the major towns of Thimphu, Paro, and Phuntsholing, comfortable hotels are available for the visitor. In smaller towns, modest, but adequate, hotels, lodges, and guesthouses are readily available. We will ensure that the best available accommodations are arranged for you. The Tourism of Bhutan (TAB) regulates hotel standards and all travel regulations in Bhutan.
2. Meals
Traditional Bhutanese food is hot and spicy. For our visitors, however, Chinese, Indian, and Continental foods are served. The more adventurous can try the local delicacies like the tasty and fiery national dish of Bhutan, Ema 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 on your trek or visit in Bhutan are also included in the daily tour cost. Your only extra expenses will be liquor, laundry, souvenirs, and tips, if you choose.
3. Guided Tours
4. Ground Transportation
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 TAB and the department of motor vehicles in safety and mountain driving in Bhutan. You will be at ease riding in the mountains of Bhutan, unlike the experiences you may have had in Nepal and/or India. Sanity on the road prevails and drivers are courteous to each other.
Services not included in the rates are:
Visa fee: US$20 to be paid in cash to the visa officer at the airport.
Airport departure tax: included in your airline ticket cost.
Tour Payment
For transferring a payment, please use our account at Bhutan National Bank, PO Box 439, Thimphu, Bhutan. The details required for wire transfers are as follows:
Beneficiary Bank: Bhutan National Bank
Account No.: 36023474
Bank Address: Citibank N.A. 111 Wall Street, 19th floor, New York, NY10043
Swift Code: Citius 33
ABA No.: 0210-0008-9
Chips Routing No.: 008
Ultimate Beneficiary: Account No. 0000036390012 of Khorlotours maintained with Bhutan National
Bank, Thimphu, BHUTAN.