What does the program cost generally include

Cost includes all listed activities, ground transportation for programmed events, lodging and specified 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. 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.

What makes you different from other tour operators?

You won’t find mass-produced, cookie cutter tours with Flying to Happiness , We hand pick destinations that offer both entertainment and cultural value. Our guides have the background and expertise to provide unique and insightful excursions and presentations. Their knowledge of local people, culture, food, traditions and history is second to none and ensures a genuine cultural adventure. We at Flying to Happiness feel that travel is an important part of life. To us traveling is a quest to understand the world and our place in it. And it is not just about checking sites off a list. Exploring new ideas, examining diverse cultures, and meeting different people leads to a deeper education that enriches your life. Only through travel and exploring the unknown do we truly open our eyes, hearts, and minds to the beauty the world has to offer.

Do I need a visa to enter Bhutan?

A visa is needed to enter Bhutan but it is not issued abroad. Visas will be stamped in your passport upon arrival in Paro, cost $40 US and are included in your tour payment. Flying to Happiness will obtain your visa for you.

What time of year is best for traveling to Bhutan?

It is recommended that you consult a weather service immediately before you leave for your trip for precise information. In general, the best and most popular times of the year to visit Bhutan are March to May and September to November. The weather is mild during these months and many of the large festivals take place during these seasons. Spring can be cloudier and have more rain than autumn, but the wildlife and flowers are at their most vivid. If your tour dates overlap with a major festival, we recommend you book at least 3-6 months in advance as it can be difficult to confirm flights and hotels. Even though the summer monsoon season and winter are not highly recommended for travel to Bhutan, it doesn’t mean you can’t book a tour for this time. The winter months of December to February are recommended for those who want to get the most out of their trekking as the skies are at their clearest and offer the best views of the mountains with very few other tourists present. However, winter can be very cold and it can be difficult to access some areas due to snowfall.

What type of clothing should I bring?

Generally, cotton clothing is recommended for summer days, light woolen clothes for evenings and heavy woolens for winter. Keep in mind that even in the summer, evenings can be cool. Days can be quite warm, especially in the lowlands of Punakha and Phuntsholing. It is best to use the layering system, starting with thermal underwear and adding a shirt, jacket or parka as necessary. Good walking shoes, sunglasses and sunscreen are items you should also bring. Shorts for hiking and walking around town are fine. Out of respect, it is best to dress modestly meaning no tank tops, short skirts, shorts (except when hiking) or revealing clothing. Please don’t wear shorts in public buildings or monasteries. Have a pair of long pants or longer skirt for these locations. If your trip coincides with a festival, you may want to bring some semi-formal clothes (jacket and tie for men, dresses for women) as it is a social function.

What are the accommodations like?

We have carefully selected government-approved accommodations with the best location, service, ambience and cuisine. Our standard range of hotels is 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. See individual program descriptions for details. For a person applying alone, we will do its best to find a roommate, if you request one. However, if no roommate can be found, the participant will be subject to any supplemental room charges applicable. For those travelers who prefer to experience Bhutan in luxury we offer a boutique range of luxurious lodges and resorts such as Uma Paro, Zhiwa Ling Resort, Taj Tashi and the Aman Kora. Some of these include spa and yoga facilities. We can mix and match your accommodation to suit your itinerary and complement your style of travel. It is important to note that during festival time hotels/lodges are in high demand and can be difficult to secure. For treks, we will provide roomy waterproof tents, but you are asked to bring your own sleeping bag.

What will the food be like

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 dhal. Although traditional Bhutanese food is heavily seasoned with red chilies and can be quite hot, dishes at hotels are tempered to tourist’s tastes.

Will I be able to do laundry?

It is usually possible to have clothes washed and ironed in one day. Dry cleaning is possible with every lodge and hotel that has been approved by the Tourism Council of Bhutan.

Do I need a plug converter?

Officially 220 volts is supplied by the Department of Power. But the power supply can fluctuate. Some hotels and lodges don’t have American plug points or converters, so it is recommended that you bring a converter with you.

What is the time difference?

Bhutan is 6 hours ahead of G.M.T. and half an hour ahead of India.

Will my guide speak my language?

Our guides speak several local dialects in addition to English, German, Chinese, Spanish and French.

What is the transportation like?

We provide dependable imported cars for private tours of 1-3 individuals and large buses for bigger groups. For information about internal air travel, please write mail to us.

Is telephone and Internet service available?

Telephone and fax services are available in all towns in Bhutan. International connections are excellent. You can also buy a mobile phone kit (SIM card and phone number) from numerous outlets. Internet and e-mail facilities are widely available in most towns and in some case your hotel. You can also send postal mail reliably from hotels and post offices.

Do you have information about immunizations?

Because the required immunizations change over time, please consult your personal physician to get the most updated information.

Are medical facilities available?

Every district in Bhutan is equipped with a general hospital, but only in Thimphu will you find modern facilities and pharmacies. Come well prepared with all necessary medicines like sleeping pills (high altitude can hinder your sleeping), anti-nausea pills, anti-diarrhea pills, water purifying tablets (if you are trekking), oral dehydration packets, eye drops, antibiotic ointment and anti-histamine ointment. Every District has hospitals staffed with competent doctors and offer basic services.

How do I exchange money?

The national currency is the Ngultrum (Nu). 100 Chetrum = 1 Nu. Exchange rate is approximately $1US = 55-60 Nu (subject to change). You may view current exchange rates Indian Rupees circulate at par. If you plan to make a large purchase of items such as textiles or artwork, most outlets dealing in these goods accept US dollars as well as credit cards (other than limited Handicraft stores and large Thimphu hotels, credit card acceptance is very limited). Alternatively, you can change currency (preferably US dollars, UK Pounds and the Euro) or cash traveler’s cheques at most hotels, the currency exchange counter at Paro International Airport and the Thimphu branch of the Bhutan National Bank. As your trip to Bhutan is fully prepaid, you should not need much money other than to pay for drinks, laundry, souvenirs and tips.

All the Banks in Bhutan accept the following currency :

• US dollar
• Euro
• Pound Sterling
• Canadian dollar
• Hong Kong dollar
• Singaporean dollar
• Australian dollar
• Japanese Yen
• Swiss Francs
• Danish Kroner
• Norwegian Kroner
• Swedish Kroner
• Traveller’s cheques

Are credit cards accepted?

If you plan to make a large purchase of items such as textiles or artwork, most outlets dealing in these goods accept US dollars as well as credit cards (other than limited Handicraft stores and large Thimphu hotels, credit card acceptance is very limited). VISA is the credit card that is most widely accepted.

Are there rules about when you can take pictures?

You can take pictures just about anywhere and you’ll find that locals love to pose for pictures, but it is best to ask permission first. After you take a picture, many people will give you their address so that you can forward them a copy of the photo. To be safe, ask your guide before taking pictures in Museums or Public Buildings. There are some places that are off limits to photography for religious and security reasons. It is recommended that you bring plenty of film, memory cards and batteries as photo outlets in Bhutan do not sell equipment or accessories of high quality.

Should I bring candy or other items to hand out to children?

Please refrain from handing out candy or small trinkets to children as a gesture of thanks for photographing them. Bhutanese people are very proud of the fact that there are no beggars in Bhutan and do not wish to encourage this behavior. Small gifts to people you stay with and a tip for your guide are fine.

Should I be concerned about altitude sickness?

Acute mountain sickness is caused by a lack of oxygen when traveling to higher elevations. This usually occurs in individuals exposed to an altitude over 7,000 feet (2,100 m) who have not had a chance to acclimate to the altitude before engaging in physical activities. While individual tolerance varies, symptoms usually appear in several hours, with those in poor physical condition being most susceptible. Headache, fatigue, shortness of breath, nausea, and poor appetite occur initially. Inability to sleep is also frequently reported. In more severe cases thinking and judgment may become impaired. An uncommon but potentially fatal complication called high altitude pulmonary edema, caused by fluid build-up in the lungs, can also occur.

How do I prevent altitude sickness?

Avoid alcohol, sleeping pills or narcotics. They may decrease ventilation, intensify hypoxemia and make symptoms worse. Drink plenty of fluids. Avoid heavy exercise; mild exercise is okay. Your guides are well versed in how to help if you do feel the effects of high altitude. Be sure to let a staff member know as soon as you feel symptoms.