Note to the Travel Agent

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Edmund Gibbs
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Note to the Travel Agent The Bhutanese tourism industry is founded on the principle of sustainability, meaning that tourism must be environmentally and ecologically friendly, socially and culturally

We are passionate about travel and are committed to making a trip to Bhutan as special as possible. We focus on luxury trips, where we see our role as being both guide and host.

1 Note to the Travel Agent The Bhutanese tourism industry is founded on the principle of sustainability, meaning that tourism must be environmentally and ecologically friendly, socially and culturally acceptable and economically viable. We at Keys To Bhutan are immensely proud of our country and take great pride in showing guests around. We are passionate about travel and are committed to making a trip to Bhutan as special as possible. We focus on luxury trips, where we see our role as being both guide and host. We work hard to combine our local knowledge and insight with the highest standards of service before, during, and after our trips. We make it our responsibility to ensure that our guests to Bhutan discover the country s many charms without being distracted by unnecessary hitches or avoidable discomforts. Maximise your travel experience with our innovative travel programs and expertise. Unlock the mysteries of the Himalayas with Keys To Bhutan! For more information, please contact us at: Contact: Anan Loza mail@keystobhutan.com Office Number: Fax Number: Website:

Mountain Flights Page 7 Specialty Tours Page 8-11 Immigration &

2 Content Bhutan Luxury Re-Defined Page 2 Luxury Cultural Tours Page 3-4 Luxury Camping and Trekking Page 5-6 Helicopter and Mountain Flights Page 7 Specialty Tours Page 8-11 Immigration & Entery Points Page Map of Bhutan Page 14 Tour Package Details Page 15

Bhutan Luxury Re-Defined Why Bhutan? Bhutan, once obscured from the rest of the world, has become the hippest destination on every discerning traveler s must-go list.

3 Bhutan Luxury Re-Defined Why Bhutan? Bhutan, once obscured from the rest of the world, has become the hippest destination on every discerning traveler s must-go list. Blessed with natural and unspoiled beauty, unique culture, astonishing architecture, affable citizens, abundant happiness and some of most exclusive hotels on the globe, Bhutan promises an extraordinary adventure-filled journey to every visitor. Discover some of the most exclusive and exotic luxury getaways at the properties of Amankora, Uma Resort, Taj, Zhiwa Ling, Terma Linca Resort, and Haven Resort. Keys To Bhutan works with all the luxury properties to provide a comfortable oasis at the end of the day with exceptional service, modern amenities and attention to detail. All five properties have in-house spas, in-room dining, and elegantly appointed rooms. Welcome to a new and luxurious Shangri-la that is Bhutan. Keys To Bhutan also offers luxury trips of all kinds including luxury outdoor camping, high-end adventure trekking, and helicopter and mountain flight services for breathtaking views of the Himalayas. For those who wish to stay at exclusive destination hotels, be pampered at top spas, wine and dine at popular local restaurants and pubs, shop at quaint boutiques for quality fashion and souvenirs, and visit some of the most amazing cultural sites - our luxury itineraries will let you discover the true Bhutanese way of life in style and comfort. 2

It is astounding that a country with a population of just over half a million speaks as many as nineteen different dialects

4 Luxury Cultural Tours Cultural Tours Duration: 3 Nights and above Season: All year round Bhutan is a rich mosaic of different cultures, traditions, ethnic groups, languages and belief systems. It is astounding that a country with a population of just over half a million speaks as many as nineteen different dialects and a few major languages. Diverse as it may seem, the Bhutanese socio-cultural fabric is well harmonized due to the common thread of simple Buddhist values that all the people share. 3

towns and villages of Bhutan. Visit dzongs from the 1600s, historic temples and monasteries - all architectural marvels in their own rights.

5 Our cultural tours are a great way to get a taste of Bhutan. With comfortable nights in tourist-standard hotels, and transportation during the day in your chauffeured private vehicle, we will guide you through all the major towns and villages of Bhutan. Visit dzongs from the 1600s, historic temples and monasteries - all architectural marvels in their own rights. Meet and speak to local Bhutanese in their pastoral environment. Join in the tsechu (Bhutan festival) celebrations as locals attend dressed in their multi-coloured best. Where possible, we will also organize cultural showcases of traditional song and dance to complete your cultural experience. 4

Only a handful of tourists trek each year so trails are not as developed as they are in other countries.

6 Luxury Camping and Trekking Camping and trekking in Bhutan is unlike anywhere else in the Himalayas. The walks are long and arduous but they are complemented by the pristine atmosphere and views that defy description. Only a handful of tourists trek each year so trails are not as developed as they are in other countries. However, what Bhutan may lack in infrastructural development, it makes up for in superb support facilities for trekkers. Trained guides with excellent support staff accompany all our treks. With horses and yaks carrying all the gear, you only have to carry a daypack with your camera and extra film. Luxury trekking and camping include comfortable sleeping beds with hot-water bottles in specially-appointed heated tents, dining tables and chairs, hot shower and toilet tents, and freshly prepared, hot meals and beverages to start and end your day. 5

Trekking Duration: 3 Nights and above Season: September to May The first road in Bhutan was only built in the mid 1960s. Until then, people traveled along trails that were hundreds of years old.

7 Trekking Duration: 3 Nights and above Season: September to May The first road in Bhutan was only built in the mid 1960s. Until then, people traveled along trails that were hundreds of years old. Even now, some villages in Bhutan are days away from the nearest road. Trekking in Bhutan takes you along these ancient trade routes, far away from the main towns. The routes take you through villages untouched by time and modernity, where villagers, cattle, and wildlife will be the only traffic you will meet occasionally on the trail. Keys To Bhutan offers a variety of treks from easy three-night treks to the Snowman Trek - one of the most challenging and rewarding treks in the world. This is the best way to experience the essence of our Himalayan kingdom. Camping Duration: 1 night and above Season: All year round For those of you who would like to go for some out door but doesn t have enough time or energy or not sure about spending many nights in the tents then you could treat yourself with atleast a night of luxury camping. Camping wouldn t be as bad if you still get to camp in style, sleep in comfortable beds and eat great food with the kind of 5 star service. The romance of getting back to nature, breathtaking countryside, songs around the campfire and yet far away from the crowd. On such short camps there s no such thing as bad weather.. 6

We can arrange helicopter pick-up and drop-off services at trekking points for five guests or less.

8 Helicopter and Mountain Flights Helicopter service and mountain flights: Duration: Minimum 4 Hrs Season: All year round Bhutan is defined by dramatic scenery and stunning Himalayan mountain range. Enhance your visit to Bhutan with an exciting helicopter ride over the great Himalayas. We can arrange helicopter pick-up and drop-off services at trekking points for five guests or less. Chartered helicopter services are also highly recommended for those interested in aerial photography. For larger groups, we also cater chartered flights. Please contact us for more details. 7

Specialty Tours Photography Trips Duration: 6 Nights and above Season: All year round Keys To Bhutan specialises in a variety of photography tours.

We will take you to the right place at the right light; ensuring that you will go home with mesmerizing shots of a picture-perfect country.

9 Specialty Tours Photography Trips Duration: 6 Nights and above Season: All year round Keys To Bhutan specialises in a variety of photography tours. As the only local tour company offering photography tours in Bhutan, you will be guided by some of the best Bhutanese photographers. We will take you to the right place at the right light; ensuring that you will go home with mesmerizing shots of a picture-perfect country. We guide photographers of all levels, from point and shooters to professionals. If you are a rookie, our guides will tutor you. If you are a pro, we will scout locations, research facts, and arrange necessary permits, so that you can do what you do best - shoot. Time your trip with one of our many festivals that take place all over Bhutan all year round. Bhutanese festivals are attended by hundreds of Bhutanese devotees, dressed in their beautiful traditional dress. This offers you a priceless opportunity to get some of the best shorts. 8

Biking Tours Duration: 3 Nights and above Season: September to May Bhutan is known for its essentially undisturbed ecology and traditional ways of life.

Our biking tours will bring out the country s natural beauty and cultural wealth, and help you appreciate the peace and nature around you.

10 Biking Tours Duration: 3 Nights and above Season: September to May Bhutan is known for its essentially undisturbed ecology and traditional ways of life. The serene atmosphere is a perfect setting for low-impact exploration by bicycle. Our biking tours will bring out the country s natural beauty and cultural wealth, and help you appreciate the peace and nature around you. Bhutan's mountainous terrain offers a fascinating adventure for mountain biking enthusiasts. The route along Bhutan's approximately 600 kilometres-long East-West highway is an exciting route with challenges of battling a new pass over 3000 meters every day. The highway winds up and down with drops of thousands of feet and dramatic scenery, keeping one too high on adrenaline to feel any monotony. 9

Fishing spots today range from large rivers to crystal clear spring-fed streams, with altitudes ranging from 1,200 metres up to 3,000 metres, where the most common varieties are the snow trout and

11 Fishing Trips Duration: 4 Nights and above Season: Mid March - Mid October Bhutan is one of the last unexplored fishing destinations in the world. For centuries, with its back turned to the outside world, Bhutan had remained a mystery. Fishing in Bhutan thus remains largely undiscovered. Fishing spots today range from large rivers to crystal clear spring-fed streams, with altitudes ranging from 1,200 metres up to 3,000 metres, where the most common varieties are the snow trout and the brown trout. Due to the lack of a comprehensive survey, the complete list of the species is not available. About forty species have been recorded, with new species discovered every year. Complement your trip to Bhutan with fishing in crystal-clear rivers set against breathtaking landscape - every angler s dream! Our fishing trips offer a creative combination of fishing in the best spots, and Bhutan s ancient culture, mystical religion, historic sites, and exotic festivals. You could also choose to trek and fish in the picturesque lakes that dot the mountains. Or fish during the day and camp along the rivers wherever possible, with sightseeing along the way; with your own off-road car, guide and cook, we can offer you an experience that will be hard to forget. 10

Bird Watching Duration: 8 Nights and above Season: March, April and September, October Despite Bhutan s small size, over 667 species of birds (many which are globally threatened) have been recorded

Within the country s borders is an extraordinary range of habitats - from some of the Himalaya s most extensive and least disturbed tropical forests, to cool broad-leaved and towering evergreen

12 Bird Watching Duration: 8 Nights and above Season: March, April and September, October Despite Bhutan s small size, over 667 species of birds (many which are globally threatened) have been recorded in the Himalayan kingdom, resulting in its recognition as one of the 221 global endemic bird areas. Within the country s borders is an extraordinary range of habitats - from some of the Himalaya s most extensive and least disturbed tropical forests, to cool broad-leaved and towering evergreen forests of fir, hemlock and spruce. The rich diversity of Bhutan s bird species is mainly due to its moist climate, wide altitude range from 200m in the south to over 7000m in the north, low population density, vast forest cover, and the government s strict conservation policy. This makes Bhutan one of the most beautiful and diverse natural regions anywhere in the world. While the recorded number of bird species in Bhutan is 667, the actual number is expected to be much more. Except for a few amateur field assessments, no serious survey and study on birds in Bhutan has been carried out so far. There are tremendous opportunities for bird watchers to discover more bird species. 11

Immigration and Entry Into Bhutan Visa Formalities Keys To Bhutan can make all visa arrangements for you and expedite the

Simply complete the visa application form that we will provide you, attach a passportsized photo and copy of the tourist s

Once we receive it, we will submit your visa application for processing, then send you the visa approval letter upon approval.

13 Immigration and Entry Into Bhutan Visa Formalities Keys To Bhutan can make all visa arrangements for you and expedite the issuance of the tourist visa within three working days. Simply complete the visa application form that we will provide you, attach a passportsized photo and copy of the tourist s passport, and it back to us. Once we receive it, we will submit your visa application for processing, then send you the visa approval letter upon approval. This letter will allow you to board the Druk Air flight to Bhutan. The actual visa is granted upon your arrival in Bhutan. We will send the visa approval letter one week prior to your arrival date in Bhutan. Upon your request, we can send you the visa approval letter earlier once it is approved. 12

four times a week - Dhaka, Bangladesh (45 min) twice a week - Bagdogra, India (25 min) twice a week Entry by Land You can enter Bhutan from three checkpoints: -PHUNTSHOLING - The nearest airport is

14 How to enter Bhutan: Entry by Air Bhutan s national airline Druk Air is the only airline that flies to Bhutan. The sectors are: - Bangkok, Thailand (3 ½ hrs) daily flights - New Delhi, India (2 ½ hrs) four times a week - Kolkatta, India (1 hr) three to four times a week - Kathmandu, Nepal (45 min) three to four times a week - Dhaka, Bangladesh (45 min) twice a week - Bagdogra, India (25 min) twice a week Entry by Land You can enter Bhutan from three checkpoints: -PHUNTSHOLING - The nearest airport is Bagdogra (West Bengal, India) southwest of Bhutan. From Bagdogra, Keys To Bhutan will arrange an airport pick-up to the Bhutanese border town of Phuntsholing. Approximately four hours. -SAMDRUP JONGKHAR - The nearest airport is Guwahati (Assam, India) southeast of Bhutan. From Guwahati, Keys To Bhutan will arrange an airport pick-up to the Bhutanese border town of Samdrup Jonkar. Approximately three hours. -GELEPHU - The nearest airport is Guwahati (Assam, India) southeast of Bhutan. From Guwahati, Keys To Bhutan will arrange an airport pick-up to the Bhutanese border town of Samdrup Jonkar. Approximately six hours. 13

Keys To Bhutan Tour Package Details All our trips are based on full board and include: - Visa arrangements, government royalties and taxes - Accommodations in Tourism Council of Bhutan-approved

16 Keys To Bhutan Tour Package Details All our trips are based on full board and include: - Visa arrangements, government royalties and taxes - Accommodations in Tourism Council of Bhutan-approved tourist standard hotels - Dedicated English-speaking guide and personal chauffeur - Private transportation for airport pick-up and drop-off, and all sightseeing - Entrance fees to events, historic sites, museums and parks as indicated in the itinerary - All trekking equipment is provided for guests who trek Our Transportation Our vehicles are well maintained, regularly serviced and less than five years old. 1 2 guests : SUVs (Toyota & Hyundai) 3 8 guests : luxury minivan (Toyota & Hyundai) 9 guests + : luxury coaster bus (Toyota) Meals Breakfast, lunch, and dinner will be served buffet-style, with Bhutanese, Indian, Continental and Chinese options. Keys To Bhutan Tariffs For our 2011 / 2012 rate sheet, please speak to our Keys To Bhutan representative for more information. Alternatively, you can contact: Contact: Anan Loza mail@keystobhutan.com Office Number: Fax Number:

18 About Keys To Bhutan Keys to Bhutan, is backed up by a team of young energetic professionals. All of us are immensely proud of our country and take great pride in showing our guests around. We are passionate about travel and are committed to making our guest s stay in Bhutan as special as possible. We see our role as being both guide and host, combining our local knowledge and insight with the highest standards of service, before, during and after your trip. We take it our responsibility to ensure that our guests can witness the country's many mysteries and charms without being distracted by unnecessary hitches or avoidable discomforts. We take great pride in being able to attend to small details. We have more than 50 years of collective experience in this industry and being with the guests. We have managed to build a network of invaluable friends and connections; we are a local every where we go. Be it on the road, trekking in the mountains or in the city we are personally with them guiding and with us it does not take anything for us to be flexible. We do not wait for the permission we are the mobile office too. With us handling your travel arrangements in Bhutan, you are assured of the finest service unrivaled in the country. Our services are personalized and do not believe in the standard tour itinerary. Rather we take every details, interests and particulars of our clients and tailor the program to each group or individual s taste accordingly. We put more smile on you than anyone else. Bhutan is one of the most beautiful places on earth, with some of the world's grandest mountains and the most breath-taking landscapes. Over the years, we have experimented and perfected unique itineraries to enhance your experience. Itineraries that offer insights into Bhutan and what Bhutan means to the outside world; a chance to see our world in a whole new way. Keys to Bhutan is registered with the Tourism Council of Bhutan, Royal Government of Bhutan, and is an active member of the Association of Bhutanese Tour Operators. Our head office is based in Thimphu, with an outlet in Paro (airport town).

BHUTAN. Discover a different world...

BHUTAN. Discover a different world... BHUTAN Discover a different world... www.alwaysbhutan.com Bhutan Bhutan, the small Himalayan Kingdom of Gross National Happiness is about splendid natural beauty, unspoiled environment, amazing landscape,