Bhutan Permit procedure

torquedos

torquedos

Hum Hum Hain...!
bondhutto said:
Thank you so much - but I just talked to couple of agents over there. They are flatly denying of getting me a permit because I'd be a solo traveler. And again after that they are saying like - "Aa jaaiye, we'll arrange".

not getting much confidence.
Click to expand...

The chances of getting a permit for a solo traveler are slim. Follow the link below to know what happened with me

https://www.bcmtouring.com/forums/threads/chronicles-of-a-lone-biker-the-big-one-bhutan-2017-dominar-400-adventures.71430/

To Save time, Ill put in a few pointers below:
1. Go with a mindset that you'll get your permit rejected. Apologies for demoralizing, but its better to prepare for the worst.
2. Be prepared to answer baseless questions about your religion, your family, your profession and what not.
3. NEVER EVER UTTER THE WORD "BUSINESS" IN PHUENTSOLING. All in all, they would assume that you're here for business, no matter what.
4. Have a confirmed booking with you. Take printouts. Email confirmation would not do. The best would be to request the hotel to send you a scanned copy of the reservation on their letterhead, stamped and signed.
5. Reach before 9:00 am BST. 8:30 IST.
6. NEVER EVER SAY YOU'RE A BIKER. Else, get your permit rejected straight away. Do not dress up like one. Better dump your luggage at the hotel and dress soberly.
7. Government are least helpful managing the most chaotic immigration office I've ever seen. Its crowded, haphazard, mis managed.
8. Government officials and some policemen are simly hostile against Indian tourists.
9. Polighteness and a smile is the key to get things done. Be ready to lose your self respect.
10. They won't give a f*** during their lunch hour. Hostility increased 2 folds. Be ready to face a cold shoulder at 1:00 pm BST.
11. RSTA and immigration office close at 3:00
12. Carry photocopies of all your documents in advance. A couple of passport size photographs too. And I say again, Do not forget the hotel booking printout.
13. Most important thing: IF THIMPHU-PARO IS WHAT YOU'RE LOOKING AT, DON'T GO. Its just not worth all the hassle. Better explore the North East.
14. Make sure while exiting you surrender your permit. No body will stop you, its your duty. I've heard stories of people being fined 20000 and the likes on the next visit just because they did not surrender the permit the last time.

If any further assistance is required, lemme know. Below is the link to my channel just in case you wish to know what's in store for you:

https://www.youtube.com/user/123karan321
 
bondhutto

bondhutto

Travel Dreamer
Thank you so much for the important points. Let me summarize my points.

1. Hotel booking is confirmed. I'll carry print out.
2. Will not mention that I'm a biker. But in case I am asked about it, what should I say? By public transport?
3. Yes, my destinations are Thimpu and Paro only. It is actually an extension of my Sikkim visit. Let me explore.
4. I have all documents in place.
 
torquedos

torquedos

Hum Hum Hain...!


2. Will not mention that I'm a biker. But in case I am asked about it, what should I say? By public transport?
Yes. Just tell them you'll hire a taxi tomorrow. Also print your itinerary, a couple of copies and have hotel reservations against the same.
 
bondhutto

bondhutto

Travel Dreamer
Forget it. Bhutanese enjoy plenty of National level and local level holidays and their immigration office remains closed in each and every occasion. I reached Phuentsholing on Sunday 29th October, and on 30th October morning when I walked down to the immi office, a police told me that it would be closed for that day as there was a "Chukha Festival" on that day - Bhutan was open only Phuentsholing was enjoying a holiday. And immi office, RSTA office, everything was closed that day - I lost the whole day spending in the dirty filthy Jaigaon.

Check this for holidays of Bhutan in 2017.

http://www.mfa.gov.bt/rbedelhi/?page_id=20
 
sourabh3ss

sourabh3ss

New Member
Hello Sir,

Many thanks for such detailed information.I have a problem here,I am planning for a bike ride to Bhutan and I am my RC with me but my bike also has NOC issued by RTO. Any idea if I can face any issue will applying for permit in Bhutan.
 
torquedos

torquedos

Hum Hum Hain...!
sourabh3ss said:
Hello Sir,

Many thanks for such detailed information.I have a problem here,I am planning for a bike ride to Bhutan and I am my RC with me but my bike also has NOC issued by RTO. Any idea if I can face any issue will applying for permit in Bhutan.
Click to expand...
Please be more specific with the query and I shall be more than happy to help.
 
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