• > What type of accommodations can I expect on this trip?
• > What type of transportation do we use in India and Bhutan?
• > Can I witness the famous tsechus festival with Djoser?
• > Which meals are included as part of the meal charge of 200.00?
• > Why is the Bhutan trip more expensive compared to other trips?
• > Does the altitude of this trip play a factor?
• > Do I need a visa?
• > What is the guide situation in Bhutan?
• > What is the electric currency in India and Bhutan?
• > How can I stay in touch with the home front?
• > Will I be on my own to find places to eat?
• > Will I be on my own to find activities?
• > I will be joining a Dutch (International) group? Will I have problems with language?
• > Is it possible to extend this tour?

What type of accommodations can I expect on this trip?

Djoser uses good middle class hotels for this trip. All rooms have a private bath. The hotel in Calcutta has air-conditioning, the other hotels are situated at a higher altitude and air-conditioning is usually not necessary. The hotels in Bhutan are often in the local and traditional style hotels.

Click on the following link to view photographs of some of our typical accommodations for this tour: http://www.djoserusa.com/hotels

What type of transportation do we use in India and Bhutan?

In India as well as Bhutan we use our own private bus. Traveling with our own private bus has the advantage that we can make regular stops in tiny villages we pass through for example a visit to a local market or some unique sightseeing. The distance between Calcutta and Silliguri we travel by night train.

Click on the following link to view types of transportation we use for this tour: http://www.djoserusa.com/transportation

Can I witness the famous tsechus festival with Djoser?

During the departure date of October 9th you will be in Bhutan for one of the many colorful festivals. It is possible that the travel schedule might be slightly adjusted to witness one of the festivals.

Which meals are included as part of the meal charge of 200.00?

The meal charge of $200.00 includes all the meals during your stay in Bhutan: breakfast as well as lunch and dinner. The breakfast usually consists of toast, jam, eggs, thee and coffee. For lunch and dinner an extensive buffet is prepared consisting of rice, mie, different types of meat and vegetable dishes and the local delicacy “cheese with peppers. Sometimes a lunch pack is prepared when we are on the road.

Why is the Bhutan trip more expensive compared to other trips?

A trip to Bhutan is indeed more expensive in comparison to countries such as India and Nepal. Because of government policy a high price is being charged to visitors. The government (and the king) wants to minimize the negative effect of tourism in their country. With the high charge they try to keep the number of tourists low and still create enough income for the development of the country. The higher price tag does not mean that the accommodations and other arrangement are luxurious. The hotels are simple but equipped with private baths and are built and decorated in the local style. If you are willing to pay the price you will get an excellent impression of a country that is very careful with its original nature and culture.

Does the altitude of this trip play a factor?

During the trip we cross some passes that are almost 10,000 feet high. However since we only spend a short time and the altitude is not extreme. The change of getting altitude sickness is very small.

Do I need a visa?

For a visit to the Bhutan you indeed need a visa. Prior to the trip Djoser needs your passport information for the necessary official invitation. You have to pay for the visa upon arrival in Bhutan. For India you need a visa as well, you will receive the visa form together with your booking package.

What is the guide situation in Bhutan?

A Dutch tour leader who will translate all-important information in English accompanies the group for the whole trip. In Bhutan a local English-speaking guide who will do the guiding for the most important dzongs assists the Dutch tour leader.

What is the electric currency in India and Bhutan?

The electric currency in both countries is 220 volts so we recommend you bring a converter. It does happen from time to time that they electricity in India as well as Bhutan is temporarily disrupted. A flashlight comes in very handy especially during our overnight stays in the smaller towns.

How can I stay in touch with the home front?

In all the large cities in India and the capital of Bhutan, Thimphu you find call centers. Cell phone use strongly depends on your local cell phone provider so check with your cell phone provider regarding the cost and the available coverage. In the eastern part of Bhutan you are generally very hard to reach. In the larger towns in India and in Thimphu you find internet cafes.

Will I be on my own to find places to eat?

No. The group will usually have breakfast together at the hotels. The guide will suggest safe places to eat for other meals. You are free to join the guide and other group members at meals or you can explore on your own. He/she will give you safe recommendations. You will only pay for the meals that you eat so you have ultimate flexibility.

Will I be on my own to find activities?

The same applies as for meals. The guide will discuss suggested plans for the day with the group, first thing in the morning. Group members can either join the guide and other travelers for an activity, or they can explore on their own. Again, the guide will give fun suggestions for places to go on your own. Unless otherwise noted in the program, you will pay for your own entry fees for museums or sites, as you go. So you only pay for the things that you choose to do.

I will be joining a Dutch (International) group? Will I have problems with language?

It is possible that you could be one of a maximum of four North American travelers on this trip, made up of Dutch travelers from Djoser, Netherlands. Almost all travelers from the Netherlands have a wonderful command of English and are willing to socialize. Many fellow travelers are willing to help with translations. The Dutch tour leader (who is a trip coordinator, not a lecturer) will address the group, first in Dutch. He/she will then repeat the important information to you in English. There is a breakfast meeting with the group and tour leader each day, which is a good time to review materials and to go over plans for the day. At some stops we may also have the assistance of a local country guide will address the group in English. While the tour leader will help you to assimilate, you will not get a word-for-word repeat of all that is said or written in Dutch.

The overwhelming majority of people who book these trips enjoy the international blend but frankly, it is not for everyone. It is inevitable that there will be times when your fellow travelers are speaking Dutch. If you have a travel partner, it is much easier to blend in to conversation, or at least to have a buffer for an English conversation. A flexible and easy-going nature are essential when joining an international group. Single travelers may feel a little isolated at such times, particularly at the beginning of the trip. But as the group gets to know each other, socializing gets easier. Before booking, you can check with us to see if another North American traveler has booked. Singles who adapt well on these trips are typically experienced travelers, more independent type travelers or those who are comfortable with English being the second language on the trip.

Is it possible to extend this tour?

When you book your trip you can request a layover. The layover cost is $150 for the flight deviation. If you would like an extension you can request an extension when you book for $100 per extension (for flight deviation). Djoser will book these flights subject to availability. Please let us know when you book how many nights and where you wish to extend or layover. Neither hotels nor airport transfers are provided for layovers and extensions.