Faq’s

Money exchange counters are available in all terminals at the Indra Gandhi International  Airport and also in Paro airport in Bhutan.

Yes, you can extend your stay, even upon reaching Bhutan. All extension of itinerary means an extension of trip in Bhutan and in such cases; one pays the full tariff on the actual number of nights extended plus a Visa extension fee. The visa is then extended for the actual number of nights extended in Bhutan.  However this will be subject to available flights and rooms at that time.

Yes, all the expenses related to the vehicle; driver, fuels, repairs are in included in Bhutan tour costs.

All tourists (except Indian national with valid travel document) need visa to enter Bhutan. Tourists Visas are all processed in Thimphu via a local travel company such us Wind Horse Tours. No embassies abroad will issue Bhutan tourist Visa. In order to process your Visa, first your trip duration and itinerary must be confirmed. Then once you send the passport details, tour payment, your visa is then ready within a week. However, Department of Tourism (now Tourism Council), will only issue visa about 1 month prior to the start of the trip in Bhutan. It is possible to request an expedited visa, if your trip is coming up soon. The processed Visa paper is faxed/ scanned and emailed to you. This confirms your visa for your arrival to Bhutan. When you arrive at Paro airport or at the border in Phuentsholing (for those using the land option), you need to show this copy and then passport is stamped with visa for duration of your stay in Bhutan. Visa is pre-paid and so you do not need to pay for it. Earlier passport size photos were required but since beginning of 2008, this has also been waived.

Yes, you can travel independently, as individual, so long as you have booked tour along with a guide.

You can decide on what you want to see in Bhutan and how you want to see it. You do not have to follow a planned tour strictly unless you are part of a group tour with a fixed itinerary. You will be provided with a planned tour itinerary, but once you reach Bhutan you can have some flexibility with your guide.Guide & Itinerary – both are flexible, which denote that you will be able to exercise your interests and inclinations especially if it is a private trip.

Yes, first week of December is certainly good time to visit. It is generally marked with clear blue sky and warm sun. These offer a greater visibility of far off mountains’ peaks.

For detailed structure on weather, climate, temperature and altitude of Bhutan

Best time for travel to Bhutan

Yes, first week of December is certainly good time to visit. It is generally marked with clear blue sky and warm sun. These offer a greater visibility of far off mountains’ peaks.

For detailed structure on weather, climate, temperature and altitude of Bhutan

Best time for travel to Bhutan

Following information is provided in good faith as a guide. You must check with your health care provider, visit a travel clinic for specific advice on health related issues. There are no mandatory vaccinations required to enter Bhutan, but it is advised to be immunized against Rabies and Hepatitis A, as well as getting boosters for Tetanus and Polio if necessary. Be sure to check with your health care provider that you are up-to-date with routine vaccinations. Yellow fever is not a disease risk in Bhutan but the government requires travelers arriving from countries where yellow fever is present to produce a proof of yellow fever vaccination. If you will be traveling to one of these countries where yellow fever is present before arriving in Bhutan, you may be required to produce a certificate or proof that you have yellow fever vaccination. Cases of Malaria are reported in southern Bhutan, close to the Indian border, below 1400m altitude. The regular tourist routes that visit these areas are Phuntsholing and Samdrupjongkhar. Unless you are arriving or travelling via India to Bhutan, you generally do not need to worry about Malaria. Medicines you may need: You must bring your prescription medicines that you take every day. Make sure you have enough to last during your trip. Keep them in their original prescription bottles and always in your carry-on luggage. Be sure to follow security guidelines, if the medicines are liquids. Antimalarial drugs if traveling to a malaria-risk area. Medicine for diarrhea. Other items you may need are Iodine tablets/portable water filters to purify water, if you are trekking in Bhutan (when the bottled waters are available). Sunblock (at least 15 SPF) and sunglasses for protection from harmful effects of UV sun rays. Antibacterial hand wipes or alcohol-based hand sanitizer containing at least 60% alcohol. To prevent insect/mosquito bites, bring: Lightweight long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and a hat to wear outside, whenever possible. Flying-insect spray to help clear rooms of mosquitoes. The product should contain a pyrethroid insecticide; these insecticides quickly kill flying insects, including mosquitoes. Staying Healthy during Your Trip: Prevent insect bites by using insect repellent (bug spray) with 30%-50% DEET. Wear long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and a hat outdoors. Spray rooms with products effective against flying insects. Avoid direct contact with animals to prevent animal bites and scratches. If you are bitten, wash the wound well with soap and water and go to a doctor right away. Gastric diseases are common among tourists who are not accustomed to local food or who do not take precautions. Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially before eating. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand gel (with at least 60% alcohol). Drink only bottled or boiled water, or carbonated (bubbly) drinks in cans or bottles. Avoid tap water, fountain drinks, and ice cubes. Make sure food is fully cooked. Avoid dairy products, unless you know they have been pasteurized. Bring anti-diarrhea medication with you; you so that you can treat mild cases yourself. Prevent Sunburn by using sun-gears such as hats, sun-glasses and sunblock creams. To avoid infections such as HIV and viral hepatitis do not share needles for tattoos, body piercing, or injections. You should exercise normal precautions to avoid exposure to HIV/AIDS. To prevent fungal and parasitic infections, keep feet clean and dry, and do not go barefoot Altitude problems are generally not experienced by people who are doing cultural tours (travelling in the vehicle) in Bhutan. If you are hiking or trekking, ascend gradually to allow time for your body to adjust to the high altitude, which can cause insomnia, headaches, nausea, and altitude illness. If you experience these symptoms descend to a lower altitude and seek medical attention. Altitude illness can be fatal. Bhutanese hospitals provide only basic health care. The main hospital of Bhutan is in Thimphu and there is one hospital in the major town centers and basic health units in the villages. Jigme Dorji Wangchuck National Referral Hospital, located in Thimphu; phone + 975 2 324 817, fax + 975 2 325 384.website: w ww.jdwnrh.gov.bt we strongly recommend that you obtain comprehensive travel and medical insurance before travelling. Travel Insurance is available for purchase through Wind Horse for US and Canadian Residents. You should check any exclusion, and that your policy covers you for all the activities you want to undertake. Travel Resources /References: Also visit the following websites for health and medical advice Centers for Disease Control & Prevention, U.S.A (w ww.cdc.gov/travel) British government official travel advice & warnings (w ww.fco.gov.uk) Official travel advice & warnings New Zealand government. (w ww.safetravel.govt.nz) Canadian government’s official travel advice (w ww.voyage.gc.ca) US State Department Travel Advisories (w ww.travel.state.gov) Australia’s Foreign Affairs and Trade (w ww.smartraveller.gov.au)

Yes, you can extend your stay, even upon reaching Bhutan. All extension of itinerary means an extension of trip in Bhutan and in such cases; one pays the full tariff on the actual number of nights extended plus a Visa extension fee. The visa is then extended for the actual number of nights extended in Bhutan.  However this will be subject to available flights and rooms at that time.

Yes, all the expenses related to the vehicle; driver, fuels, repairs are in included in Bhutan tour costs.

All tourists (except Indian national with valid travel document) need visa to enter Bhutan. Tourists Visas are all processed in Thimphu via a local travel company such us Wind Horse Tours. No embassies abroad will issue Bhutan tourist Visa. In order to process your Visa, first your trip duration and itinerary must be confirmed. Then once you send the passport details, tour payment, your visa is then ready within a week. However, Department of Tourism (now Tourism Council), will only issue visa about 1 month prior to the start of the trip in Bhutan. It is possible to request an expedited visa, if your trip is coming up soon. The processed Visa paper is faxed/ scanned and emailed to you. This confirms your visa for your arrival to Bhutan. When you arrive at Paro airport or at the border in Phuentsholing (for those using the land option), you need to show this copy and then passport is stamped with visa for duration of your stay in Bhutan. Visa is pre-paid and so you do not need to pay for it. Earlier passport size photos were required but since beginning of 2008, this has also been waived.

Yes, you can travel independently, as individual, so long as you have booked tour along with a guide.

You can decide on what you want to see in Bhutan and how you want to see it. You do not have to follow a planned tour strictly unless you are part of a group tour with a fixed itinerary. You will be provided with a planned tour itinerary, but once you reach Bhutan you can have some flexibility with your guide.Guide & Itinerary – both are flexible, which denote that you will be able to exercise your interests and inclinations especially if it is a private trip.

Yes, first week of December is certainly good time to visit. It is generally marked with clear blue sky and warm sun. These offer a greater visibility of far off mountains’ peaks.

For detailed structure on weather, climate, temperature and altitude of Bhutan

Best time for travel to Bhutan

Yes, you can extend your stay, even upon reaching Bhutan. All extension of itinerary means an extension of trip in Bhutan and in such cases; one pays the full tariff on the actual number of nights extended plus a Visa extension fee. The visa is then extended for the actual number of nights extended in Bhutan.  However this will be subject to available flights and rooms at that time.

There are no  such definite answers and will depend upon travellers. Sometimes groups fill  up quickly as all our groups are kept small and at other times, signs up is slow or none. The trend since last 6 years is that it’s  been filling quite quickly. A group can consist of 2 – 8 or 9 members but not bigger than that. If there are more interested members, we will form different group. Smaller group allows us to tend to the guests in personalised manner. Bigger can be overwhelming and it is invariably at the expenses of services to some guests.

Yes, with 2 people we guarantee the journey and the cost above is for our group journey and for private tours cost will be little more. In most cases, even with single people we guarantee the trip, after paying the required amount.

It’s great to hear that you all are all set and raring to go, and there can’t be better way to prepare, train yourself than hiking as that’s what you will be doing bulk of the time in trek. Most of the treks in Bhutan are high altitude ones, except winter trek in lowland region. So physical training in any form  would stand in good stead in terms of enjoyment of trip.

For general information purpose in regards to your preparation, Please visit the link below.

Training and Preparation for Trek In Bhutan

There are certain monuments which remains closed on Monday i.e. Red Fort, Lotus Temple, Akshardham Temple, National Museum and Gandhi Smriti (Birla House or Birla Bhawan).

Easy Treks:
No previous Trek experience and any physical preparation are required to attempt this trek. An interest in walking will be enough to take up such treks. Such treks usually vary from 2 days hike to 5 days trekking and can reach up to an altitude of 3000 m. Treks usually on well-maintained paths and passes through ridges and involve walking up 3 to 5 hours per day.

Moderate Treks:
Moderate Treks will require at least 6-7 hours of walking every day, crossing 4000 m above high altitude passes, and long and exhausting walks through often rough trails, rocks and boulders. Therefore, you will require physical and mental fitness, positive attitude and interests and previous hiking or camping experience is preferred. You should prepare to face high altitude.

Difficult Treks:
Prior trekking experience and technical knowledge are essential in Difficult Treks. Besides walking through rough trails for 6-7 hours and crossing high passes as high as 5000 m, you will also be glacier crossings on snow/ice. You will be facing high altitude air with a low level of oxygen and continuous walking over a huge stretch of Himalayan valleys. Positive attitude and perseverance are required.

Strenuous Treks:
Strenuous Treks involve long days, long hours of challenging walks; high altitude passes above 5000 m, difficult terrains and glacier and snow walking. No doubt you need to be mentally and physically fit and in excellent health condition. As part of technical requirements, you will require having rock and ice climbing experience with the knowledge of the use of ice axe and crampons. You should consider joining one of the rock climbing and glacier walking classes before heading for Trek.

It is possible most of the lodges are electrified or they use solar panel , the specification of  Electric Plug that is commonly used is two or three round prongs, but not flat prongs as found in use in the United States or in other countries. If your electronic items use 110 Volt 60 MHZ electricity, you will need a voltage convert.

There are telephones in some villages along the trekking routes from which you can make international calls. All our guides are equipped with the local mobile phone. You may wish to pass the number of our guide to your family for the callback, or you can make a call from the guide’s mobile and pay him directly for the international call too.

A guide, a cook,, porters or horses/Yaks depending on the region will accompany you during the trek.

Whilst on the trek, our porter will take care of your luggage. Ensure not to cross the limit of 13 -15 kg. All you need to carry is your small day bag for your personal belongings like camera, water bottle, sun cream, etc. only.

There are ATMS in all the main major cities and towns and even in some of the villages along the trail to everest and Annapurna.  However you cannot be dependent on the ATMS in smaller areas as they are subject to power and internet outrages.  Cash is still a prefer mode in most places in Nepal.

In the cities and towns, major restaurants, and larger shops will accept credit card but not by small establishment. Once you are out of the cities, you  will need  cash almost always. There may be few places along the popular trail that may accept credit cards but it is rare.  However there are ATMS in many larger villages on the treks. It is best to change the currency in local Nepali Rupees before you go to the trekking in the mountain region, as ATMS are subject to network issues.

The dates of most festivals are fixed by famous astrologers after consulting the lunar calendar. The biggest and most popular festivals are: Dashain, a celebration of Goddess Bhagabati’s victory over evil Mahisashur; and Tihar, a celebration of lights dedicated to Goddess Lakshmi.

It is illegal to export anything older than 100 years. Please do not take any religious objects away from sacred sites. Remember to get endorsed bill to be verified by custom at the time of exit.

Most Nepalese don’t mind being photographed, but some do. Ask first, especially if photographing ceremonies or older people. Try instead to establish a friendly relationship with a few words or gestures e.g Namaste (Formal greeting in Nepali

Easy Treks:
No previous Trek experience and any physical preparation are required to attempt this trek. An interest in walking will be enough to take up such treks. Such treks usually vary from 2 days hike to 5 days trekking and can reach up to an altitude of 3000 m. Treks usually on well-maintained paths and passes through ridges and involve walking up 3 to 5 hours per day.

Moderate Treks:
Moderate Treks will require at least 6-7 hours of walking every day, crossing 4000 m above high altitude passes, and long and exhausting walks through often rough trails, rocks and boulders. Therefore, you will require physical and mental fitness, positive attitude and interests and previous hiking or camping experience is preferred. You should prepare to face high altitude.

Difficult Treks:
Prior trekking experience and technical knowledge are essential in Difficult Treks. Besides walking through rough trails for 6-7 hours and crossing high passes as high as 5000 m, you will also be glacier crossings on snow/ice. You will be facing high altitude air with a low level of oxygen and continuous walking over a huge stretch of Himalayan valleys. Positive attitude and perseverance are required.

Strenuous Treks:
Strenuous Treks involve long days, long hours of challenging walks; high altitude passes above 5000 m, difficult terrains and glacier and snow walking. No doubt you need to be mentally and physically fit and in excellent health condition. As part of technical requirements, you will require having rock and ice climbing experience with the knowledge of the use of ice axe and crampons. You should consider joining one of the rock climbing and glacier walking classes before heading for Trek.

It is possible most of the lodges are electrified or they use solar panel , the specification of  Electric Plug that is commonly used is two or three round prongs, but not flat prongs as found in use in the United States or in other countries. If your electronic items use 110 Volt 60 MHZ electricity, you will need a voltage convert.

There are telephones in some villages along the trekking routes from which you can make international calls. All our guides are equipped with the local mobile phone. You may wish to pass the number of our guide to your family for the callback, or you can make a call from the guide’s mobile and pay him directly for the international call too.

A guide, a cook,, porters or horses/Yaks depending on the region will accompany you during the trek.

Whilst on the trek, our porter will take care of your luggage. Ensure not to cross the limit of 13 -15 kg. All you need to carry is your small day bag for your personal belongings like camera, water bottle, sun cream, etc. only.

Sleeping bags are required and these are generally trips that involve camping & trekking. When we use home stays, blankets are provided but some travelers feel more comfortable with their own sleeping bag or sleeping sheet.

Existing guidelines require that nationals of Pakistan, Bangladesh, China and Myanmar can be given Inner Line Permits only after approval from the Ministry of Home Affairs in New Delhi. Further all Bhutan nationals are exempt from the requirement of obtaining ILPs. They do not require to obtain permits to enter Sikkim. Permits to foreign diplomats and members of United Nations and International Organisations holding diplomatic/official passports are issued only at Delhi by the Ministry of External Affairs.

Foreigners need a permit to enter Sikkim, however we take care of your all the permit when you travel with us. Indian Tourist traveling to North Sikkim and Tsangu lake need to avail permit which is taken care by our organization.

Existing guidelines require that nationals of Pakistan, Bangladesh, China and Myanmar can be given Inner Line Permits only after approval from the Ministry of Home Affairs in New Delhi. Further all Bhutan nationals are exempt from the requirement of obtaining ILPs. They do not require to obtain permits to enter Sikkim. Permits to foreign diplomats and members of United Nations and International Organisations holding diplomatic/official passports are issued only at Delhi by the Ministry of External Affairs.

Foreigners need a permit to enter Sikkim, however we take care of your all the permit when you travel with us. Indian Tourist traveling to North Sikkim and Tsangu lake need to avail permit which is taken care by our organization.

Its more than likely that it will remain open during the period unless the natural calamities. The main suspect is the landslide, which is prevalent during raining season. During this period, the chances of rain is slim.

For trek at Wind Horse Tour, luggage are carried by pack animals (in most case by mules/ponies) and sometimes in the higher regions by Yaks. Porters are rarely or never used. Before going on the trek, you can store non-trek items with our office or at hotel and bring only those that are necessary for the trek. So you need to consider bringing 2 luggage bag; one for trek and one that you can store non-trek items to be left behind, in addition to your daypack. The luggage bag for the trek must be duffel bag and not hard case. If you are using a suitcase and need to rent or purchase duffel locally for a trek, inform us in advance. Yes, it can also be a soft-sided duffel on wheels with a telescoping handle and recommended size for duffel bag should not exceed 17”X13”X34’. Although we do not impose weight or size limits strictly, you should note consider following points a) If the luggage bag is too long, the ponies or mules being short may drag it along. And if luggage bags are too wide, the animals may rub them against the walls and trees, especially where the path ways are narrow b) Our crews determine the number of pack-animals required based on the size and if you are bringing more than a usual trekker or traveler would, you must inform us in advance. c) For additional protection of your luggage, we put your luggage bag into our duffel bag but despite all of these efforts, sometimes your bags may still get wet and torn

Generally, we use standard size sleeping bags for trek, in exception case, like if he is taller than we normally consider standard height then we ask our guests to bring his own tent and we will provide ours too and decide which is best suited for him then.

We started this trek since 1998 and say about 2-4 groups we run in a year, excluding private trip.

All the departure dates mentioned in our website are best time. It coincides with local festivities and weather is at its best during this time around in Bhutan.

Spring is more renowned for blooming of wild flowers in technicolor. The valleys, trail on the course of trek are carpeted with spectrum of colorful array of different flowers and untamed vegetation, a visual feast for nature’s lover. As for autumn, the weather is clear and beautiful, the warmth that autumn bring forth is clarity in visibility of far off mountains and majestic peaks.

Finalised price will be known about a month before the departure date when we close the booking and the final price are based on number of participants for that particular group journey.This is for group journey. As for culture you will know immediately

In term of trekking gears we have recently upgrade our equipment. It’s state of art. Hotels are selected for cleanliness, comfort and in line with TCB (Tourism Council of Bhutan) guideline. They are 3* or class A type. Local transports are modern and comfortable. Yes, each tent can easily fit 2 people