Good to Know
Altitude during the Majestic Bhutan Tour: A Seven days Bhutan Tour
During the Majestic Bhutan Tour: A Seven Days Bhutan Tour, travelers will experience a range of altitudes, showcasing the diverse landscapes and climates of Bhutan. Understanding these elevations is crucial for preparing adequately, especially for those sensitive to altitude changes. Here’s a breakdown of the altitude levels you'll encounter throughout the tour:
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Paro: Your journey begins and ends in Paro, located at an altitude of 2,280 meters above sea level. Paro is nestled in a beautiful valley, surrounded by lush rice fields and a serene river, providing a picturesque start to your adventure.
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Thimphu: After arriving in Paro, you will travel to Thimphu, the capital city situated at an altitude of 2,320 meters. Thimphu combines the charm of a small town with the dynamic atmosphere of a capital city.
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Punakha: From Thimphu, the tour takes you to Punakha, which is significantly lower, at an altitude of 1,200 meters. The lower altitude offers a milder climate and is famous for the majestic Punakha Dzong that stands at the confluence of two rivers.
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Tiger’s Nest Monastery Hike: The highlight for many on this tour is the hike to the iconic Tiger’s Nest Monastery, which is perched at an altitude of approximately 3,120 meters. This hike is both spiritually and physically rewarding, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.
Each location on the Majestic Bhutan Tour offers its unique set of attractions and challenges related to its altitude. It is advisable to acclimatize to the higher altitudes, especially before undertaking the hike to Tiger’s Nest. Adequate hydration, gradual acclimatization, and moderate physical preparation are essential to enjoy the tour fully and safely.
Permits for the Majestic Bhutan Tour: A Seven days Bhutan Tour
When planning your Majestic Bhutan Tour: A Seven Days Bhutan Tour, it’s important to understand the permit requirements that are necessary to ensure a seamless travel experience in Bhutan. Bhutan has specific entry procedures designed to preserve its cultural heritage and natural environment. Here’s a guide to the essential permits you will need:
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Bhutan Tourist Visa: All international tourists, except for citizens of India, Bangladesh, and the Maldives, need a tourist visa to enter Bhutan. The visa is typically arranged by your tour operator—like Relax Getaways, who will handle the application process on your behalf. This visa must be obtained before arriving in Bhutan, and you are required to pay a daily tariff which covers services like accommodation, transportation, and a licensed guide.
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Route Permits: Besides the visa, if your itinerary includes traveling beyond Thimphu and Paro, you will require a route permit. This is particularly relevant for the Majestic Bhutan Tour as it includes destinations like Punakha. Your tour operator will arrange these permits, which are checked and stamped at various checkpoints.
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Special Area Permits: Some areas in Bhutan, especially religious and historically significant sites like the Tiger’s Nest Monastery, might require special area permits due to their sacred or protected nature. These permits are also arranged by your tour operator and are included in the tour package.
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Photography Permits: While personal photography is generally allowed across most public areas in Bhutan, specific sites such as dzongs, temples, and museums may require a photography permit. There might also be restrictions on the type of photography equipment used. It’s advisable to confirm these details with your tour operator and respect local regulations regarding photography.
To ensure a smooth and hassle-free journey on your Majestic Bhutan Tour, make sure your tour package includes the management of all necessary permits. This not only saves you from the administrative hassle but also allows you to fully immerse yourself in the beauty and spirituality of Bhutan without any concerns.
Preparation for the Majestic Bhutan Tour: A Seven days Bhutan Tour
Preparing for the Majestic Bhutan Tour: A Seven Days Bhutan Tour requires thoughtful planning to ensure a comfortable and enriching experience. Here are some essential tips on how to prepare effectively:
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Travel Documentation: Ensure all your travel documents are in order. This includes having a valid passport, obtaining a Bhutan Tourist Visa, and ensuring that all necessary permits are arranged through your tour operator.
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Health and Insurance: It’s crucial to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and lost luggage. Also, visit a travel clinic or your healthcare provider to discuss vaccinations and health precautions, particularly for altitude sickness.
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Physical Fitness: Some parts of the tour, especially the hike to the Tiger’s Nest Monastery, involve strenuous physical activity. It’s beneficial to engage in moderate exercise leading up to your trip to improve your stamina and overall fitness.
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Packing Essentials: The weather in Bhutan can vary significantly between regions and seasons. Pack layers of clothing to accommodate warm days and chilly evenings. Include a sturdy pair of walking shoes or boots, especially for the hikes. Don’t forget essentials like sunscreen, a hat, and a reusable water bottle.
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Cultural Sensitivity: Bhutan is deeply traditional. Dress conservatively, especially when visiting religious sites; shoulders and knees should be covered. Learn a few basic phrases in Dzongkha (the national language) to show respect and enhance your interactions with locals.
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Financial Preparation: While your tour may cover most expenses, it’s wise to carry some local currency (Bhutanese Ngultrum) for small purchases, tips, and personal expenses. Inform your bank of your travel plans to avoid any issues with your cards abroad.
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Electronic Essentials: Bring extra batteries and memory cards for your camera. Although Bhutan is picturesque, some areas might require photography permits, so be aware of restrictions. Also, a power adapter is necessary for charging electronic devices, as Bhutan uses the Type D, F, G, or M plug.
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Itinerary Review: Familiarize yourself with the itinerary to know what to expect each day. This helps in mentally preparing for the tour and ensures you don’t miss out on any experiences.
By following these preparation tips, you’ll be well-equipped for a successful and memorable experience on your Majestic Bhutan Tour. This thoughtful preparation will allow you to immerse fully in the spectacular natural beauty and rich culture of Bhutan.
Bhutan Visa for the Majestic Bhutan Tour: A Seven days Bhutan Tour
Securing a Bhutan Visa for the Majestic Bhutan Tour: A Seven Days Bhutan Tour is a straightforward process, but it does require some planning and understanding of the unique entry regulations of Bhutan. Unlike many countries, Bhutan controls tourism to preserve its cultural integrity and natural environment through regulated entry.
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Tourist Visa Requirement: All international tourists (except for citizens of India, Bangladesh, and the Maldives) must obtain a tourist visa before entering Bhutan.
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Arranging Your Visa: The visa can only be processed and issued through a registered Bhutanese tour operator or one of their international partners. You cannot apply for a visa independently. Your tour operator, such as the agency organizing the Majestic Bhutan Tour, will handle all visa arrangements after you have booked your tour.
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Visa Fee and Daily Tariff: The visa fee for Bhutan is typically USD $40, but this is usually included in the tour package price. Additionally, all tourists must pay a daily tariff set by the Bhutanese government, which covers accommodation, transportation, a licensed Bhutanese tour guide, all meals, and entry fees. This tariff also contributes to Bhutan's sustainable development efforts.
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Documents Required: To apply for the visa, you will need to provide a scanned copy of your passport and, occasionally, additional details such as your occupation. Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your planned date of exit from Bhutan.
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Visa Approval Process: Once your tour is booked and your visa application submitted by the tour operator, it typically takes no more than 72 hours for approval. The visa will then be issued, and you’ll receive a visa clearance letter, which must be shown on arrival in Bhutan (usually at Paro Airport).
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Entry Points: The main international gateway to Bhutan is through Paro Airport. There are also overland entry points from India that you may use if your travel plans include neighboring regions.
By ensuring you understand the Bhutan Visa process and coordinating with your tour operator to handle the necessary paperwork, you can look forward to a hassle-free entry into Bhutan, ready to explore its majestic landscapes and rich cultural heritage on your seven-day tour.
Safety on the Majestic Bhutan Tour: A Seven days Bhutan Tour
Ensuring safety during the Majestic Bhutan Tour: A Seven Days Bhutan Tour is paramount for both the enjoyment and well-being of travelers. Bhutan is known for its welcoming nature and is generally considered a very safe destination for tourists. However, like any travel experience, taking certain precautions can enhance your safety. Here are some key safety tips to consider for your tour:
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Travel Insurance: Obtaining comprehensive travel insurance is essential. Make sure it covers medical emergencies, evacuation, and trip cancellation, as these can be costly and complicated to arrange at the last minute.
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Local Laws and Customs: Familiarize yourself with the local laws and customs of Bhutan. Respecting these can greatly reduce the risk of inadvertently offending the locals or violating regulations, especially in religious and traditional settings.
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Health Precautions: Consult with a travel health specialist prior to departure to receive any necessary vaccinations and health advice. Given the varying altitudes and the physical nature of some activities, particularly the hike to Tiger’s Nest Monastery, consider preparing for altitude sickness and physical exertion.
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Emergency Contacts: Keep a list of emergency contacts, including local emergency services, your embassy, and contacts at your tour operator. Bhutan has reliable emergency services, but having these contacts readily available is prudent.
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Guide and Group Safety: Always stay with your guide and group, especially during excursions and hikes. Bhutanese guides are well-trained to handle various situations and are knowledgeable about local conditions and customs.
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Weather Awareness: Be aware of the weather conditions, especially when trekking or visiting remote areas. Weather in the mountains can change rapidly, affecting visibility and trail conditions. Your guide will be equipped to make necessary adjustments to the itinerary based on weather conditions.
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Personal Belongings: While Bhutan is known for its low crime rate, it’s always wise to safeguard your personal belongings. Use hotel safes where available and keep valuables like passports and electronics secure.
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Cultural Sensitivity: Engaging with the culture respectfully includes dressing modestly, particularly at religious sites, and asking permission before taking photos of people or private property.
By following these safety tips, you can help ensure that your experience on the Majestic Bhutan Tour is not only memorable but also secure. Enjoy the peace of mind that comes from well-prepared travel, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the stunning landscapes and rich cultural heritage of Bhutan.
Trip Extensions with Majestic Bhutan Tour: A Seven days Bhutan Tour
Exploring Bhutan through the Majestic Bhutan Tour: A Seven Days Bhutan Tour is a fulfilling experience on its own, but for those who wish to extend their journey, there are several compelling trip extensions that can enrich your exploration of the Himalayan region. Here are some popular options to consider if you want to deepen your adventure:
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Nepal: Extend your Himalayan adventure by visiting Nepal, another jewel in the region known for its rich culture and stunning landscapes. From the bustling streets of Kathmandu to the tranquil heights of the Annapurna Range, Nepal offers a contrast to Bhutan's serene environments. Key activities include trekking in the Himalayas, exploring historical sites, and experiencing the vibrant local culture.
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India - Sikkim & Darjeeling: Just over the border from Bhutan, the Indian states of Sikkim and Darjeeling provide wonderful options for extending your trip. Discover the lush tea gardens of Darjeeling, the breathtaking views of the Kanchenjunga Range, and the rich Buddhist heritage of Sikkim. These regions are accessible and offer a seamless cultural transition from Bhutan.
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Tibet: For those interested in exploring more of the Buddhist culture and high-altitude landscapes, an extension to Tibet can be arranged. Visit iconic sites like Potala Palace in Lhasa and experience the vast Tibetan Plateau. Note that traveling to Tibet requires additional permits and careful planning due to political sensitivities.
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Thailand: If you're looking to blend your Himalayan experience with some tropical relaxation, Thailand is a popular destination post-tour. With direct flights from major regional hubs, you can easily transition from the mountains of Bhutan to the beaches of Thailand, enjoying a completely different landscape and cultural vibe.
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Wildlife Safari in India or Nepal: Extend your trip with a wildlife safari in the national parks of India or Nepal. These safaris offer the chance to see exotic wildlife such as tigers, elephants, and rhinos in their natural habitats—a thrilling addition to your Himalayan tour.
Each of these trip extensions offers a unique way to complement your Majestic Bhutan Tour by either deepening your engagement with Himalayan cultures, exploring diverse natural landscapes or simply unwinding in a new environment. Tailoring your trip to include these extensions will provide a broader perspective of the region and enrich your overall travel experience.
Terms and Conditions
Price Changes
Dates, schedules and itinerary, costs, and trip details are given in good faith, based on the information available and in the effect at the time. They are subject to changes and Relax Getaways can revise the events of the changes of circumstances. As per the effect of the changes, Relax Getaways reserves the right to revise the fees and prices of the trip without any notice. No retrospective effects are made in the price for the booked trip.
Travelers Insurance
Insurance is subject to the responsibility of the trekkers. For any medical emergencies, emergency evacuation, and/ or repatriation, incurred costs are subject to the trekker's expenses, and Relax Getaways don’t bear any. Relax Getaways don’t compulsory the Insurance but suggest to get for the trekker's safety.
Visa and Legal Entrance
Obtaining visa(s), and legal entrance to Bhutan is the service provider’s responsibility. Relax Getaway is a merchant selling the product on behalf of the service providers and doesn’t do any visa work for you. Check with the respective consulate or embassy for the latest visa requirements. Refunds are not made if you are unable to join the trip because of visa issues.
Flights and Transportations
This tour doesn’t include international flights and airfares.
Transportation in Bhutan is made in a private luxury car. However, the means of transportation will be subject to change as the size of the group. Transportation is arranged as comfortably as to make an easy transfer.
Single Traveler Surcharge
The cost published in the package is calculated as a twin sharing basis. For the single booking not agreeing to share the accommodations and other facilities have to pay additional charges in the form of single supplementary cost or surcharge. The surcharge is not applicable if the trekkers agree to share the accommodations and other facilities with another trekker.
Cancellation/ Postpone and Refund
Cancellation or postpone by Relax Getaways
Relax Getaways reserves the right to cancel or postpone the trip with justifiable cause(s). If Relax Getaways is forced to cancel or modify/postpone your trip due to the factors beyond it or any other cases, Deposit(s) is subject to fully refundable.
Cancellation or postpone by the Trekker
To cancel the trip, the trekker must have to cancel at least 2 weeks before the trip starts to get the refund( applicable charges are applied). If the cancellation is done by the trekkers after the deadline, the deposit shall be subject to non-refundable. Some conditions like Novel Corona, Ebola, etc. are as per prescribed.
If the trekker wants to postpone the booked date and schedules, the trekker must have to inform at least 25 days before the trip starting date otherwise the trip will not postpone and deposits are not subject to refund. Additional charges are subject to applied for postponing.
Claiming for Refund
Anyone eligible to get a refund can apply for the refund within 30 days after the cancellation or postpone (postpone by Relax Getaways) through the Email. Any claims after the deadline are not actionable and claims are invalid for the refund.
Note: In Case of a trip postponed by Relax Getaways, if the postponement is for less than 35 days, the deadline for claims is as prescribed by Relax Getaways which will be sent to you through the email.
Optional Activities/ Add-on Things to Do
If you like to add other activities during the trip or after the trip, Relax Getaway can arrange for you. If the schedule is tight and making additional activities is not possible, no add-ons are done. The cost of the trip doesn’t include the cost of those optional activities and add-ons. If the optional activities are done by yourself, any damages incurred or issues are your sole responsibilities, no Relax Getaways participate in this.
Risks and Hazards
- Risks and hazards are not limited and we can’t ignore it at all. Due to any risks, hazards, or factors beyond the control of Relax Getaways, if the ongoing trip is postponed or modified, no refund is done.
- If an ongoing trip is canceled due to the negligence of service providers, the service provider is responsible for refund.
- A refund of ongoing trip cancellation due to the factors beyond the control is subject to the condition.
- Ongoing trip cancellation by the tourist is subject to non-refundable.
Local Laws
Everyone is assumed to have a general knowledge of the laws and rules of the country they are visiting and destination(s) they are approaching. If anything unethical and/ or illegal acts are done by the tourist(s), Relax Getaways doesn’t take any responsibilities.
Photography
Relax Getaways hold the right to take photos, images, and videos at any time during the trip for promotional purposes( no vulgar or any uncomfortable images/ videos are taken). By agreeing “Terms and Conditions”, you are automatically agreeing to this term as well.
Without the permission of the persons, their images are not used other than the Relax Getaways and its platforms.
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