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by the mantra ‘high value, low impact’. There is no restriction on visitor numbers; however, there is a minimum daily tariff fixed by the government. Also your visit must be arranged through an officially approved tour operator (Click here), either directly or through an overseas agent. By dealing through an overseas agent you will avoid complicated payment procedures and also have a home-based contact in case of queries or special needs. On the other hand, if you deal directly with a Bhutanese tour operator you will have more scope to individualise your itinerary, though you’ll spend considerable time sending emails and faxes, and learn more than you want to about international bank transfers. For information on visas Click here.

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HOW MUCH?

Cup of espresso coffee Nu 25

Bowl of ema datse Nu 30

Half-hour of internet access Nu 30

Chocolate bar Nu 20

Prayer wheel Nu 300-500

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The daily tariff for tourists visiting in a group of three people or more is US$200 per day (US$165 per day in the low season of July to August, whether you stay in hotels (a ‘cultural tour’) or go trekking.

To encourage trekkers to make longer treks, the Department of Tourism (DOT) allows a 10% discount on days 11 to 20 and 20% from day 21 on.

The daily tariff includes all of your accommodation, food, land transport within Bhutan, services of guides and porters, supply of pack animals on treks, and cultural programs as appropriate. It also includes a US$65 tax, which is used by the government to fund infrastructure, education, health and other programs.

The tour rate applies uniformly irrespective of location or the type of accommodation asked for or provided (with the exception of several premium hotels; see below). This clause means that if things get busy you may get bumped from a better hotel to one of lesser quality, and you have no recourse.

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LONELY PLANET INDEX

1L of petrol Nu 60

1L of bottled water Nu 15

Bottle of Red Panda beer Nu 80

Souvenir T-shirt Nu 350

Snack of momos (dumplings) Nu 25

See Climate Charts for more information

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Individual tourists and couples are subject to a surcharge, over and above the daily rate. The surcharge may also be applied if a member of a group arrives or departs on a separate flight from the rest of the party. The surcharge is US$40 per night for one person and US$30 per night per person for a group of two people. Visitors qualifying for any kind of discount still have to pay this small-group surcharge.

Most tour operators expect you to pay separately for all drinks, including liquor, beer, mineral water and bottled soft drinks. You’ll also have to pay extra for laundry, riding horses, and cultural splurges such as a Bhutanese hot-stone bath. There are endless potential options that cost extra but provide a means to individualise your itinerary: expert guides, special permits, luxury vehicles, cultural shows and courses, special food and premium accommodation. The availability of these extras will depend on the tour operator and will involve investigating several operators and negotiating prices.

Premium Hotels

A number of premium hotels have been established in Thimphu, Paro and in a few other locations. These four- to five-star hotels charge accommodation and dining rates in addition to the daily tariff. Details can be found in the relevant Sleeping sections in the destination chapters.

Discounts & Special Categories

The following categories of visitors are eligible for discounts on the daily rate.

Children Up to the age of six, children are free. Kids from seven to 12 accompanied by parents or guardians receive a 50% discount on the daily rates.

Diplomats A 25% discount on the rates applies to diplomats from foreign embassies or missions accredited to Bhutan.

Group Leaders A discount of 50% on the rates is given to one person in a group of 11 to 15 people. A free trip is allowed for one member per group exceeding 15 people.

Indian Nationals Because of Bhutan’s special relationship with India, Indian tourists are categorised