ABOUT US

Zamling Tours & Travel is a registered Travel Company, licensed by the Department of Tourism, Royal Government of Bhutan. The firm is managed by committed professionals thoroughly trained and experienced in the travel and hospitality industry.

Dipendra Giri who has undergone various specialized and intensive management courses related to the travel industry heads the firm. Apart from these qualifications he has been associated in the travel & hospitality industry for more than a decade working in senior managerial capacities for leading travel corporations in the country. Having an extensive idea and commendable knowledge on versatile aspects of client servicing in the tourism sector, he also enjoys a great deal of popularity among people involved in the industry, making him one of the most resourceful person involved in the tourism industry in Bhutan today.

Zamling Tours & Male Enhancement Treks employs highly trained and experienced guides, cooks and other miscellaneous staff. The guides are trained and certified by the D.O.T (Department of Tourism), which is an apex body that monitors the standards of service in the tourism industry in Bhutan. The cooks, who accompany guests on trek have been trained and certified by leading catering institutes in the country. They have considerable experience in concocting local recipes that is surprisingly palatable for westerners. Tour guides and cooks are fluent in English and are also able to communicate in other languages like German, Spanish, French and Japanese.

FAQs

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1. Do we need visa to travel to Bhutan?
Yes, a foreign national traveling to Bhutan needs visa. TOP

2. What is the procedure to apply visa?
Tour payment is to be remitted to the account of Department of Tourism (DOT) through wire transfer; we will require your passport details and subsequently visa will be applied by us on your behalf. We will need a minimum of 7 working days to process through the Department of Tourism and Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Upon approval of visa, we will forward you copy of clearance letter through email. You can board into Druk Air flight on the basis of this clearance letter; visa will be stamped on your passport upon arrival in Bhutan .TOP

3. Do we need to pay visa fee?
Yes, a visa fee of US$ 20 is payable as visa fee along with the tour payment.  

4. How can I be sure about confirmation of tour?  
Once payment is transferred into the account of DOT, we will subsequently confirm all services and the intimation of confirmation is sent to you through email. TOP

5. What would be the cost of the tour? 
Tourist Tariff is regulated and set by the Department of Tourism, Royal Government of Bhutan, which is set at the following rate: For groups of three persons or more, rates are as follows: High season tariff
  (Jan., Feb., March, April, May, June, Sept. October,  November & December): US $ 200/-
per person per night

Low Season Tariff
(July & August) US$ 165
per person per night 

For group of less than three persons, additional FIT surcharge applicable at the following rate: 1 person:  US $40
per night.  2 persons: US $30
per person per night.  TOP

6. Any other taxes applicable?
Tourism Development Fund (TDF) @ US$ 10 per person is further applicable

7. Will I get a refund on my tour payment if I cancel my trip after confirmed booking?   
We will refund your tour payment if you cancel your trip on a genuine ground. However, for general cancellation regulation of the DOT, please see cancellation policy in our website.

8. What are the services included in the tariff?
Hotel accommodation on twin sharing basis, all meals, airport transfers, land    transportation as per itinerary, English speaking guide(licensed), entrance fees in museums/monuments,  govt. royalty and  taxes  TOP

9. Do we need travel insurance?
All visitors are advised to get their insurance cover from their own insurance company in their respective countries.

10. What will be the quality of guides?
Guides are periodically trained by the Department of Tourism; upon completion of training courses, they have to sit for aptitude tests. If they qualify, they will be licensed to guiding. We are gradually upgrading our guides to specialize in special events like bird watching, botanical tours, adventures, etc. TOP

11. When is the best time to travel to Bhutan?
You can visit Bhutan anytime of the year. March, April, May, Sept. Oct. & Nov. has clear skies and pleasant weather. Visitors tend to stay away during the monsoon months of July and August; when the weather is generally expected to be wet.

12. What are the Entry/Exit Points to Bhutan?
Bhutan is accessible by both air and by road. Bhutan has regular flights to and from Bangkok (Thailand), Kolkata & Delhi (India), Kathmandu (Nepal) and Dacca (Bangladesh). If you are reaching overland, you can make an entry from Phuentsholing which is a border town to India in southern Bhutan. You can also make an exit only from Samdrup Jongkhar, a gateway town in the Eastern Bhutan which is 3 hrs. drive from the Indian city of Guwahati.   

13. What are the airlines that fly into Bhutan?
Bhutan’s national airline, Druk Air is the only operating airline in Bhutan. TOP

14. What is its Fare structure?
PARO-DELHI-PARO – US$ 760 (J Class) & US$ 630 (Y Class)
PARO-CCU-PARO – US$ 460 (J Class) & US$ 380 (Y Class)
PARO-BKK-PARO – US$ 880 (J Class) & US$ 720 (Y Class)
PARO-KTM-PARO – US$ 460 (J Class) & US$ 380 (Y Class)

14. How do I book my flights into Bhutan?
Since, you do not have an easy access to Druk Air reservation; we will assist you to make your reservation with Druk Air flights into Bhutan. We do not add any service charge on this service.

15. How will I get my Druk Air tickets?
We make your reservation and buy tickets; send it to you through the DHL courier or Express Mail Service (EMS) prior to your scheduled visit. If there is less time, we can make arrangement for you to   pick it up at the airline check-in counter of the airport from where you will be boarding your Druk Air flight into Bhutan. TOP

16. What about flight (Druk Air) delays?
Druk Air flights can be delayed for departure and arrival especially in the monsoon season.  It is advisable for passengers with onward connections after leaving Bhutan to keep at least one day’s gap before the next flight.

17. What is Druk Air’s cancellation policy?
You will get refund for the Druk Air tickets if you cancel 31 days before the commencement of the trip.  Lost tickets and “no show” are non-refundable.

18. What is Bhutan’s electricity supply like?
Can I use electrical appliances in the hotels?
Bhutan uses a 240 Volts system. Electrical supply is generally good, but could be less stable in the smaller towns other that Thimphu and Paro. If you are using computers and other sensitive equipment, be prepared for fluctuations and power surges. TOP

19. What type of electrical plug is used in Bhutan?
Bhutan uses the Indian round pin sockets. Flat pin converters are available and can find adaptors in many of the hardware shops in Thimphu.

20. Are there any internet cafes in Bhutan?
Yes, all most all the towns have internet cafes.

21. What kind of accommodation will we stay in?
In general, Bhutan offers modest but clean hotels. There are none of the chain hotels in Bhutan although a couple of high end resorts have been opened in few places.  We assure that we put you up in the best available hotels that are approved for tourists by the DOT, Royal Government. Visitors are advised not to expect luxury or five star services. Bhutan’s local hospitality is, however, an insight into a society where tourism may be a new venture, but where visitors are greeted with true warmth and friendship. TOP
 
22. Are standards of Male hotels the same through out Bhutan?
Generally, standard of hotels in central and western Bhutan is much better; however as you go further interior towards east, you will find the standard a little rudimentary. This is due to less traffic of tourist towards Eastern Bhutan.

23. What kinds of meals are available in Bhutan?
Meals available are most palatable to the taste of western tourists; a varieties of Continental, Indian, Chinese, and local cuisine are available in all hotels.

24. How about type of dishes?  
Both Vegetarian and Non- vegetarian dishes are available all over the places. Most popular being pork, beef, chicken, fish and local seasonal vegetables. Best advice could be to ask the hotel and restaurant to recommend what is fresh and seasonal. TOP

25. How about crime? How safe is it to travel in Bhutan?
Crime rate is very low in Bhutan travelers and solo travelers to tour the country. For in-depth and up-to-date information on travel to Bhutan, you can refer to the US State Department's Consular Information Sheet on Bhutan.  It will be advisable to consider purchasing travel insurance to cover emergency assistance, baggage loss, or injury of any kind.

26. Is it safe for women to travel alone in Bhutan?
As Bhutanese women enjoy a good standing status in society. Since all tours are guided tours and have a travel guide, there is little chance of coming across unpleasant occurrences. However, it will be advisable to take the same universal precautions when in crowded entertainment places at night, particularly when in night clubs, discos,   bars or if walking to hotel late in the evening. Sometimes, the stray dogs could pose a problem on the streets at night. TOP

27. Are there any immunizations I should have before visiting Bhutan?
There are no vaccination requirements for entering the country. You may, however, consult your doctor about receiving immunizations against certain preventable diseases. The US Center for Disease Control has up-to-date travel information about which diseases you may wish to immunize yourself against while traveling to Bhutan.  

28. Is altitude sickness a common problem?
Generally altitudes in Bhutan will be higher than most visitors are used to. While it is not a concern for a lot of visitors, it could be a problem for some. Symptoms of altitude sickness include headache, nausea, loss of appetite and fatigue. If you encounter these symptoms while in Bhutan, you should immediately consult your guide and take precautionary measures; most easy and effective one being to descend down immediately until you begin to feel better. You should also be informed that most of our cultural tours do not reach altitudes higher than 3,500 meters and do not encounter this problem. Chances are there only if you are trekking high altitudes that go as high as 5,000 meters. You can obtain more information on altitude sickness and prevention from the US Centers for Disease Control and from the International Society for Mountain Medicine. TOP

29. What kind of vehicles will we travel through Bhutan in?
We provide comfortable passenger coaster buses for bigger groups, cars for Free Individual Traveler and Luxury Mini Vans for smaller groups.  All our vehicles are clean, well maintained, comfortable and reliable.

30. Are cigarettes available in Bhutan?
There is a ban on the sale of cigarettes in Bhutan. Smoking in public places, hotels and in offices is prohibited.  

31. Can we buy antiques in Bhutan?
Export of antiques from Bhutan is prohibited by law. Tourists should buy only artifacts that have been certified for sale and for export. Government provides an official seal to certify that artifacts can be taken out of Bhutan. TOP

32. What is the dress code in Bhutan?
Visitors are advised to dress comfortably as Bhutan is generally a formal place. Shorts, skirts and revealing tight clothing are not advisable.

33. What is the dress code for a tourist to visit Monasteries and other religious institutions?
Visitors should wear long pants, shirts with full sleeves, and more formal skirts below the knees to these places. Slippers and sandals are discouraged. Sun caps are also not permitted inside Dzongs and Monasteries.  

34. What is the best way to greet people, and what are some basic etiquette that I should be aware
of?
We have a distinct way of greeting people, sometimes with a slight nodding of the head or bowing slightly if we meet older, senior people. Visitors are encouraged to observe the local etiquette and not to talk too loudly when meeting Bhutanese. A nod of the head is also appreciated when meeting people, particularly in villagers and towns outside Thimphu. Intimacy in public is generally not appreciated. TOP

35. When is the best season for trekking?
Spring and Autumn; hence, the months of March, April, May and Sept, October, November

36. What should I bring for my trek to Bhutan?
The following lists will be useful for all treks.

Two pairs of foot wear either trekking or running/ walking shoes
Camp shoes or thongs
Socks (polypropylene)
Down or fiber-filled jacket
Jumper or piled jacket
Hiking shorts
Waterproof jackets, poncho or umbrella
Hiking pants
T-shirts or blouses
Underwear
Sun hat
Other equipment
Rucksack
Light rain gears
Sleeping bag
Water bottle
Iodine (treatment tablets)
Torch, batteries and bulbs.
For high altitude trek
Footwear          
Mountain trekking boots
Socks or wool to wear with boots
Socks, light cotton for under wool socks
Insulated pants
Nylon windbreaker
Nylon wind pants
Long underwear
Woolen hat
Gloves
Long gaiters
Light rain gears
Water bottles
Iodine (treatment tablets)
Miscellaneous items
Toilet articles
Toilet paper and cigarette lighter
Small knife
Sun block
Towel
Laundry soap
Medical and first aid kit
Sewing kit
Bandana or scarf
Goggles or Sunglasses
Sun block and salve for lips TOP

37. Is there a limit to the baggage I can bring along if I am trekking in Bhutan?
Average carrying capacity of a pack pony is 30 Kilograms; entitlement is one pony two people. So trekkers are asked to keep their baggage to a maximum of 15 Kilograms each; please note that the baggage should contain only your personal belongings, as all food and other camping equipment are provided by us.

38. Where can I leave my belongings that are not required on trek?
After you have packed for your trek, you can leave the rest of your belongings with the representative of Zamling Tours & Travels who will be present at the trek starting point. TOP

39. Will I be carrying the entire luggage myself?
You will carry only your basic things in your back pack.  While heavier items will go into duffel bags which will be carried by pack ponies.

40. Who else will be there on trek?
Your trekking entourage will consist of a guide, camp chef, assistant, one or two horseman and horses.
 
41. Do I get sleeping bag for hire in Bhutan?
No, you will have to bring in from your own. TOP

42. What types of meals do I get on trek?
For breakfast:  Canned juice (orange, mango, pineapple, apple etc.) porridge / cornflakes / cereals, fresh fruits, sausages/bacon, toast, butter and Jam, eggs, and tea/coffee.
For pack lunch:  Vegetable cutlet/sandwich/boiled potato, chicken roast/beef roast, boiled eggs, choice of fresh fruits, canned juice (orange, pineapple, Pepsi /coke)/noodles. If it is a long walk, hot heavy lunch will be served. For evening tea: Tea/coffee, cookies/sandwich and biscuits. For dinner:  Soup, salad, rice, noodles, 2 non-vegetable items, 2 vegetable items, desert and tea/coffee.
 
43. Is tipping a standard practice?
It is not mandatory to tipping; a standard service charge is levied in all hotels and restaurants. However, if you are happy with the services and feel like tipping, it is all up to you.  TOP

44. Does Bhutan welcome gays and lesbians?
People’s sexual preferences are considered personal matters and do not bother most of them. Bhutanese people are, however, not used to open intimate behavior. Sometimes, you come across people of the same gender holding hands but they are not necessarily gay or lesbian. TOP