Bhutan Travel Blog

Abrupt announcement of the major overhaul of Bhutan tourism policy and pricing took us by total surprise. We expected tourism reopening and incentives to attract visitors, instead government gave us a slap and big kick. We fiercely disagree with the new policy, however once approved by the legal process of the country, we will duly follow. We will readjust and continue our mission to attract visitors to Bhutan and make their stay wonderful experience worth of the expenses. Here we would just like to summarize what might have change if His Majesty signs this bill into the act.

We got several inquiries from people who did pay for their tour to Bhutanese tour operators, often several thousands US dollars, and had to cancel due to COVID-19 pandemic. Now they are struggling to get their money back. Some tour operators stopped communicating, some did say that they only can provide voucher for tour in 2021 or gave other doubtful excuse. Given the long duration of the pandemic with no end in sight, most travelers want to get their money back now, and we are here to help with that!

Bhutanese people love their King unconditionally. However, with Covid-19 crisis, their embrace of the monarchy reached totally  new levels. His Majesty ordered the government to prevent even single death in Bhutan by novel coronavirus and toured around the country to oversee proper preventive measures implemented in it’s every corner. People’s responses on social media were overwhelming with hundreds of charming graphics being created and posted to express their respect and gratitude. We collected some of the most accomplished pictures, and we also explain why the King of Bhutan is so candidly and heartily loved.

Although Bhutan is located in the Himalayas, the main settlements like Paro, Thimphu or even Bumthang are in the elevations below 3000 meters which poses very little or no risk to health in regard of altitude sickness syndrome. Unless you are going for trekking above 3500 meters, you don’t need to worry at all. To read about the risk on Bhutanese treks, prevention and related topics, follow reading this post!