Bhutan tourism policy

Tourism in Bhutan was privatised by the Royal Government of Bhutan in 1991. Today it is a vibrant business with80 private operators at the helm of affairs. The Royal Government of Bhutan adheres strongly to a policy of low volume, high value tourism.
There are, however, problems associated with tourism which, if not controlled, can have devastating and irreversible impact on the local environment, culture and identity of the people. Realizing these problems and the fact that the resources on which tourism is based are limited,...
The tourism industry in Bhutan is founded on the principle of sustainability, meaning that tourism must be environmentally and ecologically friendly, socially and culturally acceptable and economically viable. The number of tourists visiting Bhutan is regulated to a manageable level because of the lack of infrastructure.
The Royal Government of Bhutan recognizes that tourism is a world-wide phenomenon and an important means of achieving socioeconomic development particularly for developing countries like Bhutan. It also recognizes that tourism, in affording the opportunity to travel, can help in promoting understanding among peoples and building closer ties of friendship based on appreciation and respect for different cultures and lifestyles.
Towards achieving this objective, the Royal Government, since inception of tourism in the year 1974, has adopted a very cautious approach to growth and development of the tourism industry in Bhutan. In order to minimize the problems, the number of tourists has been maintained at a manageable level and this control on number is exercised through a policy of government regulated tourist tariff and a set of administrative requirements explained in the following Sections.

VISITING BHUTAN


Visitors must book their passage through one of the 80 registered tour operators in Bhutan. They can either approach the operator directly or contact their counterparts abroad.
The minimum daily tariff is set by the Department of Tourism, Bhutan and can not be negotiated. (these rates can be higher, depending on the nature of services desired beyond the set entitlement) The rate is the same for both cultural tours and treks."



Department of Tourism
Post Box 126
Thimphu, Bhutan
Phone (975) 2-323251, 2-323252 or Fax 2-323695.
tab@druknet.bt
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MOST SUITABLE MONTHS FOR TREKKING

Bumthang ~ March to May - August to October
Gangtey ~ January to June and September to December
Samteygang/Lingshi/Laya ~ January to June and October to December
Lunana Snowman ~ March to September
Gasa Hot Spring ~ January to May and October to December
Jhomolhari ~ March to June and September to October
Druk Path ~ March to June and September to October
Dagala ~ March to June and September to October
List of most suitable hotels, guest houses and lodges.


Hotels and lodges are limited in Bhutan, and vary in quality and standards. Since daily tariffs are linked to with the type of accommodation, visitors are advised to make timely reservations through their agents. In the list given below, hotels and lodges have been classified into categories (A), (B), and (C) according to the quality of Infrastructure facilities and services, as adjudged by the TAB.

Thimphu
Motithang Hotel (A)
Druk Hotel (A)
Hotel Riverview (A)
Jumolhari Hotel (B)
Yeedzin Guest House (B)
Druk Sherig Guest House (B)
Kelwang Hotel (C)
Taktshang Hotel (B)
Pinewood Hotel (B)
Paro
Olathang Hotel(A)
Hotel Druk (A)
Kyichu Resorts (A)
Gangtey Hotel (B)
Tiger's Nest Resorts (B)
Pegyel Hotel (B)
Dechen Cottages (C)
Hotel Samdenchholing (C)
Phuentsholing
Hotel Druk (A)
Namgey Hotel (A)
Hotel Sinchula (B)
Central Hotel (B)
Punakha
Zangtopelri Hotel (A)
Meri Punsum Resort (B)
Wangduephodrang
Dechen Cottages (B)
Gangtey Guest House (C)
Y.T.Hotel (B)
Orchard Hotel (C)
Kichu Resort (B)
Phuntshocholing Guest House(Phobjikha)(C)
Wangdue Guest House (C)
Dragon Nest (B)
Bumthang
Wangdicholing Guest House (A)
Tamshing Lodge (C)
Khursumbe Guest House (C)
Kaila Lodge (Jakar lhakhang)(C)
Mountain Lodge(C)
Udee Guest House (C)
Gomkhar Guest House (C)
River Lodge (C)
Trongsa
Sherubling Lodge (B)
Norling Hotel (C)
Samdrup Jongkhar
Jigten Hotel (B)
HIFI Lodge (B)
Peljorling Hotel (C)
Mongar
Shongar Lodge (C)
Trashigang
Kelling Motel (C)
Deothjung Hotel (C)

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