v illage - Bhutan Village Tour

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37 Pricing and Policies Bhutan Tourism Policy When Bhutan opened it’s borders to tourism in the 1970’s, the people recognized the negative impact unregulated tourism had on the culture and environment of neighboring countries. To combat this problem, the government imposed a policy of “Low Volume, High Value Tourism” which requires all visitors to travel with a licensed Bhutanese tour operator and to pay a daily tourism tax. Pricing The Bhutan Department of Tourism determines the price for all tours in Bhutan. This fixed price covers expenses for hotels, camping facilities, transportation, meals, entrance fees, guide services and the government royalty fees of $65 US per day. When you book directly with Village Tours and Treks you do not have to pay any additional commission to a non-Bhutanese travel agent. The fixed hotel price is for simple, clean and comfortable hotels based on double occupancy; all hotels have electricity and showers with hot water. Five-star luxury upgrades are available in Paro, Thimphu, and Punakha at an additional cost. The final tour price depends upon the number of people in a group and the season. You can visit Bhutan any time of the year. The peak season is from September through June. The summer months are warmer with some monsoon rains typically in the late afternoon and evening hours. Only the months of July and August are off season. Due to winter snows and summer rains, trekking is best during the spring and fall months. 2009 Peak Season Rates Per Person US $250 per day - Group of three or more people US $280 per day - Two people US $300 per day - One person 2009 Off-Season Rates Per Person - only July and August US $200 per day - Group of three or more people US $230 per day - Two people US $250 per day - One person The government does not charge a royalty fee for children under the age of six; expenses for food and bedding will be charged. Children from six through twelve accompanied by their parents or guardians receive a 50% discount on the daily rates. Tour Payment When booking any vacation in Bhutan, you deposit the payment directly to the Bhutan’s Department of Tourism in the name of your tour operator. The Department of Tourism distributes your funds only after your trip in Bhutan is completed, ensuring the financial safety of the money you deposited. Once you have selected your itinerary, we will send you detailed routing instructions for a wire transfer to Bhutan’s account in New York. Refunds The Department of Tourism fixes the following guidelines for refunds: Days Prior to Trip Refund Amount 30 100% 21 90% 14 85% 7 70% 0-6 50% in Bhutan 0% No charges occur for weather delays disrupting flights or creating road blocks if traveling from India. After the full payment deadline, it is extremely rare that a program will be cancelled. If that happens, you will be refunded the full amount you have paid. Visa Visas are not issued by international Bhutan embassies. Village Tours and Treks will arrange the visa for you. Getting to Bhutan Most tourists choose to fly into Bhutan’s only airport, located in Paro. Druk Air, the national airline, is the only airline offering service to Bhutan through Bangkok, Thailand; Delhi and Kolkata in India; Kathmandu in Nepal; Dhaka in Bangladesh. We will arrange and purchase your Druk Air ticket for you. We recommend flying through Bangkok, as Thailand does not require an advance visa from many countries including the US, and has very comfortable hotels located very close to the airport. The Druk Air flight and your connecting flights are not included in the daily tour cost. For a complete list of our policies, please visit our website at www.villagetandt.com.
Traveller Information Responsibility of Village Tours and Treks Village Tours and Treks (VT&T) is not responsible for the actions of any travel insurance company, the airlines, hotels, and other establishments offering services to participants. VT&T assumes no liability for accidents, illnesses, or their treatment. VT&T reserves the right to cancel programs either prior to departure or while in progress and to take action as needed on an individual or group basis, when in VT&T’s sole opinion, the health, safety, or well-being of participants requires such action. VT&T is not responsible for any purchases you make during your trip, whether or not the merchant is part of the scheduled itinerary. VT&T is not responsible for the actions of any tour, operator, guide or activity used by participant during free time. VT&T assumes no responsibility for the purchase of non-refundable airline tickets, baggage or other personal items brought on the programs. Every effort is made to adhere to the programs and arrangements covered in VT&T publications; however, unforeseen circumstances may occur. VT&T reserves the right to cancel or postpone programs, to limit registrations, and to modify the excursions and lodgings listed in this publication. We sincerely regret any errors in printing; however, we accept no liability for them. VT&T reserves the right to take photographs or videos during any program and to use the resulting photography for promotional purposes. By enrolling in an VT&T program, participants agree to all their images to be used in such photography; participants who prefer that their images not be used are asked to identify themselves to program staff at the start of a program. The granting or denial of any application for admission to a program is within the sole discretion of VT&T. VT&T may revoke admission to a program or terminate participation, if in the opinion of VT&T a participant’s behavior or physical condition might preclude full participation in the program’s activities or be a disruption to other participants. If such termination occurs, VT&T assumes no liability, financial or otherwise, and trip costs will be forfeited. VT&T shall not be liable for any injury, loss, damage, expense, delay, or inconvenience which may be caused to or sustained by any tour customer or any other person, or to or by the property of such customer or person from any cause whatsoever including but not limited to the acts of any agent, servant, or employee of any carrier, or hotel, or other establishment to furnish reservations or accommodations, the cancellation or delay in departure or arrival of any scheduled trip or flight, or accidents, collisions, thefts, strikes, weather conditions, disease, war, civil disturbances, or government restrictions. Airlines concerned are not to be held responsible for any act, omission, or event during the time the passengers are not on board their plane or conveyances. The passage contract when issued shall constitute the sole contract between the airlines and the purchaser of these tours and/or passengers. Occasionally, the land portion of your tour may be extended or curtailed because of unforeseen changes in the transportation schedules. There may also be other instances in which changes become necessary or advisable. Any savings realized by these changes will be passed on to the passengers upon their return; any resultant expenses shall be borne by the passengers. Registration Enrollments are limited, and registrations are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. Registration may be done by phone, mail, or on our website. To register by telephone, call us at 00975-020336384. Please have your passport number, if possible, and your credit card information in front of you when you call. When booking any vacation in Bhutan, you deposit the payment directly to the Bhutan’s Department of Tourism in the name of your tour operator. The Department of Tourism distributes your funds only after your trip in Bhutan is completed, ensuring the financial safety of the money you deposited. Once you have selected your itinerary, we will send you detailed routing instructions for a wire transfer to Bhutan’s account in New Jersey. At the time of registration, we require a $400 US per person deposit. Balance of payment will be due on the dates specified in your final payment notice. Early registration is encouraged since many programs fill rapidly. Program costs are firm until the specified date. Registrations are open until a program is full. What to Expect Our staff takes great care to ensure that your safety is our first priority. Although emergencies are extremely rare, you can be assured that we are prepared to deal with any eventuality. We have carefully selected government approved accommodations with the best location, service, ambience and cuisine. Our standard range of hotels are clean, comfortable, simply furnished and generally rated tourist class or about 3-star. Most of these hotels and lodges are built in Bhutan’s traditional architectural style. Some hotels offer internet access and all have hot water and private baths. Meals will be served in the hotel, dining facilities or in local restaurants. Tourist hotels generally present meals in a buffet selection and provide a choice of Bhutanese, Indian, Chinese, Japanese and Continental food. Most meals are served with rice, either white or the wholesome local red variety, and dal. Although traditional Bhutanese food is heavily seasoned with red chilies and can be quite hot, dishes at hotels are tempered to tourists tastes. On tours that include camping we make sure you enjoy plenty of comforts. Roomy waterproof tents are provided, although we ask that you bring your own sleeping bag. Food preparation is of the utmost importance to us. Each morning and night, you will be brought a hot beverage of your choice and a bowl of hot water for washing up. Drinking water will also be provided at these times. Breakfast offers a variety of options from cereal to pancakes. Lunch on the trail brings a hearty meal of rice, vegetables, juice, hot beverages and other options depending on the menu for the day. Evening meals offer a 3-course meal with soup, main dish and dessert. You are guaranteed to never go hungry with some of the tastiest foods the region has to offer. And you’ll be amazed what your cook can create in a modest, portable kitchen. What the Cost Includes Cost includes all listed activities, ground transportation for programmed events, lodging and meals. All itineraries are subject to change in the event of unforeseen occurrences such as weather related issues. Please note prices are subject to change due to increases in taxes, security fees, and fuel surcharges. Other Expenses Cost does not include personal excursions, airfare, alcoholic beverages, foods not listed in the prepared menu, optional or free time activities, passport fees, airport arrival and departure taxes, excess baggage charges, laundry, telephone, medical expenses, gratuities, or insurance. Although gratuities are not imposed on any of our programs, there are circumstances where a modest tip is both appropriate and appreciated. It is left up to you to decide whether or not to offer gratuities for special services rendered. Passports/Visas A passport with at least 6 months validity is required for travel to Bhutan. Participants are responsible for obtaining and paying the fees for their passports. Bhutan does require visitors to obtain a visa. We will take care of this for you and the cost is included in your selected tour. General Flight and Airfare Information Most tourists choose to fly into Bhutan’s only airport in Paro. Druk Air, the national airline, is the only airline offering service to Bhutan through Bangkok, Thailand; Delhi and Kolkata in India; Kathmandu in Nepal; Dhaka in Bangladesh. We will arrange and purchase your Druk Airline ticket for you. We recommend flying through Bangkok as Thailand does not require an advance visa from many countries including the US, and has very comfortable hotels located very close to the airport. The Druk Air flight and your connecting flights are not included in the daily tour cost. You will be greeted by our local guide when you land in Paro. Ground Transportation Village Tours and Treks provides ground transportation to and from Paro airport and to all locations listed in your itinerary. If you miss the your flight to Paro for any reason, or if you choose to fly on another flight and your flight does not arrive in time to make the group departure, Village Tours and Treks is NOT responsible for transporting you to the program site. Should this occur, information and instructions will be left for you, but you are responsible for transfer arrangements and any expenses incurred. phone/fax 00975-020336384 (Bhutan) I 603-978-7807 (U.S.) I email info@villagetandt.com I www.villagetandt.com 38
Page 1 and 2: V ILLAGE TOURS & TREKS ILLAGE TOURS
Page 3 and 4: About Bhutan The Country Bhutan is
Page 5 and 6: Festivals By far the most colorful
Page 7 and 8: Kurjey Tshechu Festival One of the
Page 9 and 10: Punakha Dromchoe Festival Punakha w
Page 11 and 12: Tangbi Mani Festival The Tangbi Man
Page 13 and 14: Ura Tshechu Festival Ura is located
Page 15 and 16: Cultural Pictures and itineraries j
Page 17 and 18: Classic Cultural Extended Tour Grea
Page 19 and 20: Kingdom Tour Enjoy interacting with
Page 21 and 22: Thimphu Tour You’ll have the oppo
Page 23 and 24: Treks Long or short, custom or plan
Page 25 and 26: Gasa Hot Springs Trek The hot sprin
Page 27 and 28: Druk Path Trek This is a short five
Page 29 and 30: Day 10 Dolam Kencho - Dodena - Thim
Page 31 and 32: Laya - Lingzhi - Gasa Trek Day 10 S
Page 33 and 34: Nabji Korphu Winter Trek The temple
Page 35 and 36: Custom Didn’t find what you were
Page 37: Custom Tours and Treks Sporting and

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