Live it up in the Clouds | Planning your trip
Planning your international flights
All our tours & treks are organized in such a way that you fly into and out of Bhutan through Bangkok, Thailand. From all the places from where you can fly into Bhutan, Bangkok offers the maximum flexibility. Bangkok has also better facilities and it is quite well organized for someone to get around without much hassle.
We recommend that you schedule at least 1 rest day in Bangkok before flying into Bhutan and another day before you fly home from Bangkok. This is to insure that there are no complications with your connecting flights in the event that there is a delay or other unforeseen changes in the schedule of the Druk Air flights. Flying into and out of Bhutan is heavily dependent on the weather conditions and please remember that the weather conditions in the mountains are very unpredictable.
Bhutan VISA
For us to process your visa, we need to have your visa application form at least 3 weeks before you enter Bhutan. Once we have your visa approved, we will send you a copy without which you will not be allowed to board Druk Air.
The actual visa is stamped on arrival in Bhutan. Please note that the visa fee is 20 USD (not included in your tour cost) per person for a duration of 2 weeks, and that you must have 4 recent passport size photographs.
> Download visa application form
Fitness (for trekkers)
The type of fitness is more important than the degree of fitness. Prepare yourself by going on hikes as much as possible, preferably under simulated conditions. While running helps to some degree, it does not fully prepare your muscles for a strenuous longer hike. Going for hikes, in addition to regular gym work in order to also stimulate some muscle development, has proven to be the most successful preparation. Try to do a one or two day local hiking trial in your area, which will not only be an excellent way of preparation, but also most enjoyable.
Your hike should include some uphill and down hills sections. Take your daypack with you and carry at least three litres of water or three kilograms with you. This will simulate the conditions you will encounter. As mentioned before, doing a one or two day local hiking trial in your area is not only an excellent way of preparation but also most enjoyable. If your local weather conditions do not always permit outdoor activities, you can do part of it on a treadmill and simulate the flat, uphill (inclined) and downhill (declined) sections. Terminate your hiking program at least 4 days before the start of your trip to ensure sufficient rest before the climb.
Consult your physician if you have questions concerning your underlying health. We can help answer questions for you or your physician concerning required levels of fitness and health conditions at altitude.
Insurance
To join one of our trips you MUST have a comprehensive travel insurance. We don't arrange or sell insurance.
For all our treks you will want emergency health insurance that includes trekking at higher altitudes (called different things, but usually high-risk activities or adventure holidays...) and helicopter evacuation.
Talk to your household insurer or your medical insurer (especially if you live in the USA or Canada). Ensure it covers the specific activities of your trip, such as trekking.
