The USD250 tariff was originally planned by the government starting 2011. However, it is postponed to an indefinite date. So far, it is still USD200 per day for 2011.
Now, on your questions:
1] How long did it take for your visa approval? --> We submitted our docs early but we were advised by the travel agency that the visa would come out only a week before departure. Not sure if this is really the case.
2] Did you book your trip package via an approved Bhutan-based travel agency or with DrukAsia? -> We did it through DrukAsia since they also provided us with discounted air tickets to Paro.
3] Did you manage to travel with your own companions or with others on the same travel package? -> The good thing about Bhutan is you go on a private tour. Our party had 3 people, and we didn't go with anyone else on the tour. It's roughly the same for other travel agencies. If you're solo and would like to save costs, you may join other people (provided they're willing) in order to avoid paying the surcharge.
Wow, didn’t know that. Thanks vogriphach
!
Your update prompted me to check up the
official Tourism Council of Bhutan website, which yielded the following information:
The minimum tariff for tourist visiting in a group of 3 persons or more are as follows:
High Season Tariff – US$ 200 per person per night halt ( February, March, April, May, August, September, October, November and December).
Low Season Tariff – US$165 per person per night halt (January, June, July).
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Note: The existing Low season discount for the months of January, June and July will be discontinued to promote Bhutan as an “All-year-round” destination. Also, the royalty for children below the age of 12 years will be waived off. These changes will be effective from 1st July 2011.
You’re lucky to be able to find friends to form your own travel group. No luck for me yet
The prices for
DrukAsia travel packages seem pretty competitive compared to others, for example
Keys To Bhutan, which has quite good reviews in Tripadvisor. It’s also possible to make all the travel arrangements with hotels such as
Uma Paro, if one has the budget.
The best time to go to Bhutan seems to be
Autumn (September to November), where the best possible unobstructed views can be had.
Did you go during the Autumn season to get those
nice shots ?