News & Updates

Witness History: 108 Chortens Rise in Gelephu on November 1

108 Chorten Raising Day in Gelephu Mindfulness city

Nepal Update: Floods, Recovery and Autumn Travel

Many of you have asked how people in Nepal are doing. We’re happy to report that all our team members and their families are safe and well, and they are looking forward to the Dasain celebrations. Communities hit by this…

Noida International Airport opens near Delhi

Open since 26 March with limited flights. Cargo flights are likely to land here instead of Delhi (DEL), and some domestic flights may move here to ease congestion and cut costs.

Visa fees unchanged. Pre-fill your arrival form online

Tourist visas remain US$30, US$50 and US$125. Filling in the arrival form online before you fly shortens the queue at the airport.

5% GST added to tour services

From 1 January 2026, tour services in Bhutan carry a 5% GST. The Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) is not taxed.

50 Years of Bhutan Tourism

Starting this month until December 17, 2024, Bhutan is celebrating 50 years of tourism, marking a golden jubilee since opening to the world in 1974. This journey began with the coronation of His Majesty the Fourth Druk Gyalpo and the…

SDF stays at US$100 a night until August 2027

The reduced rate runs to 31 August 2027. Children aged 6–12 pay half, and children 5 and under pay nothing.

Reduced SDF (sustainable Development fees) for for longer stays in Bhutan

Bhutan introduces new travel incentive to encourage longer stays for tourists (other than Indian Nationals) for those travelling after June 1st 2023. Bhutan’s Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) is currently set at US$200 per person, per night for all guests (excluding…

Pokhara and Bhairahawa are now international airports

Both can take international flights. Bhairahawa is close to Lumbini. Most flights still arrive in Kathmandu.

Second International Airport in Nepal in Operation

Gautam Buddha International Airport, also known as the Bhairahawa Airport, is located in Siddharthanagar in Lumbini has become the second International airport in Nepal. The airport was officially opened with the arrival of the first international flight by Jazeera Airlines…

Recovery of Tourism sector in Nepal

The snowcapped mountains, rich cultural diversity, diverse landscape, rivers and lakes, flora and fauna, historical places, and hospitable and friendly people attract tourists to Nepal. The Pandemic hit hard on the tourism sector in Nepal. Tourism was at a standstill…

Nepal is open for international tourism

As per the notice issued by the Department of immigration dated 21 January 2022. No quarantine is required for fully vaccinated travelers. Fully vaccinated travelers are provided an arrival visa at the Tribhuvan International airport. Also, Foreign nationals entering the…

New International Airport near Delhi & NCR announced

Delhi-NCR is all set to have its second international airport, after the government granted in-principle approval for a greenfield airport at Jewar in Greater Noida. Making this announcement, P. Ashok Gajapathi Raju, Union Minister, Civil Aviation, said that the air…

Delhi-Washington non-stop flight by Air India from July 7

Air India will operate a non-stop flight from Delhi to Washington from July 7th, 2017, to connect the capitals of India and the USA. This will be the only direct flight connecting Delhi with Washington with a B777-200LR aircraft. Washington…

Revision in e-Visa Norms including e-Tourist Visa for INDIA

Revision in e-Visa Norms including e-Tourist Visa Necessary changes have been made on the official website of MHA and operative with effect from 1st April 2017.     Please visit website of Ministry of Home Affairs i.e. https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/evisa/tvoa.html The highlights/instructions as per…

INDIA FINALLY GETS ITS FIRST DIRECT FLIGHT TO INDONESIA

Garuda Indonesia, the national airline of the country is all set provide a non-stop maiden flight between the Indonesia’s capital city Jakarta and Mumbai via Bangkok. Indonesia and India have long had cultural and socio-political ties, but lacked direct connectivity…

IndiGo adds Port Blair as its 41st destination

IndiGo has announced the addition of Port Blair as its 41st overall and 36th domestic destination on its schedule. The new schedule sees the introduction of new daily non-stop flights to Port Blair from Kolkata and Chennai effective September 28…

AccorHotels launches the first ibis in Hyderabad

AccorHotels announced the opening of ibis Hyderabad HITEC City, taking the group’s presence to five hotels in the city. The group is now the largest hotel operator in Hyderabad with a room inventory of over a thousand rooms. The opening…

SpiceJet to run New Delhi – Jodhpur – New Delhi daily flight from 30th October 2016

SpiceJet under its winter schedule will start its direct flight on New Delhi – Jodhpur – New Delhi sector from October 30, 2016. In Rajasthan, SpiceJet is already operating daily flights to Jaipur and Udaipur. Jodhpur is a popular tourist…

Vistara starts flying to Andaman & Nicobar Islands from Delhi via Kolkata

Vistara, Singapore Airlines’ Indian carrier, has launched its first flights to the Andaman & Nicobar Islands. Vistara, inaugurated operations to Port Blair, as its flight UK 747 took off from Delhi for Port Blair via Kolkata, at 0720 hours. With…

Elephant Ride at Amber Fort Jaipur to remain non-functional from 30 September to 11 October 2016

As per the notice issued by Rajasthan Government, Superintendent, Government Museum and Palace, Amber on 27th September 2016, the Elephant ride at Amber Fort in Jaipur will remain closed from 30th September to 11th October 2016. This came in effect while keeping in…

Eastin Residences Vadodara announces its Opening on September 15

Vadodara witnesses the opening of Eastin Residences Vadodara on September 15, 2016. This Four Star Premium Apartment Hotel introduces, “Service Apartment and Residences”, for extended stays and for regular business and leisure travel. Room configurations include studio and one bedroom…

GoAir to start flying from Hyderabad

GoAir, the Mumbai-based low-cost carrier, will launch a series of new flights from Hyderabad next month. The airline said in a statement that it will start linking Telangana’s state capital with Chennai, Bengaluru, Bhubaneswar and Kolkata. It will also start…

Taj unveils royal ‘The Gateway Resort’ Pushkar bypass Ajmer

Taj Hotels Resorts and Palaces opens Gateway Resort Pushkar bypass Ajmer. The 81-room and suite resort hotel is built in the Rajasthani royal style, complete with beautiful gardens, and offers a tranquil oasis for leisure and business travelers in the…

Himachal Pradesh government to organise apple festival in Shimla, Chandigarh, Delhi

  Himachal Pradesh government has decided to organize ‘apple festival’ in Shimla, Chandigarh and Delhi to showcase Himachali apples and “other organic products of the state”. The decision was taken in a meeting chaired by Chief Secretary V C Pharka.…

Nubra Valley (Ladakh, India) thrown open for foreign tourists

Given the sensitivity of the area, foreign tourists were allowed to visit certain areas and not the entire Nubra valley in the past. Winds of peace have started blowing on the line of control (LoC) in cold desert of Ladakh…

Japan’s All Nippn Airways (ANA) to fly Dreamliner to Delhi

New aircraft to introduce premium economy seats to Tokyo-Delhi passengers. Japan’s All Nippon Airways (ANA) will start flying its Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft to Delhi this winter. Effective 30 October 2016, the airline will deploy its B787-8 Dreamliner on all…

Jet Airways expands seat selection

Bulkhead and extra legroom seats now available. Jet Airways has expanded its seat selection service to allow economy class passengers to reserve bulkhead and extra legroom seats. With immediate effect, bulkhead seats – the front row of the economy class…

New airport to be developed in Goa (India)

Mopa Airport (Goa) to handle more than 13m passengers per year. The company that runs Delhi and Hyderabad airports has won the right to develop a new airport in Goa. GMR Airports was selected to create and operate the new…

Foreign arrivals in India jump 17% in July

Bangladesh, US and UK lead the way as demand for travel surges. International visitor arrivals to Indian increased sharply in July 2016. According to the latest data from the country’s Ministry of Tourism, a total of 736,000 overseas travelers entered…

Air India launches Ahmedabad – New York flight service

Air India extends its Ahmedabad - London service across the Atlantic to Newark Liberty International Airport in New Jersey. Effective from 15th August 2016, the flights are now available for booking. The sector will be operated using Air India's two-class Boeing 787 Dreamliner…

More connectivity to Guwahati by Vistara Airlines

Vistara Airlines, a joint venture between Tata Sons and Singapore Airlines, will increase its Delhi-Guwahati route frequency this month. The new service flights will depart Delhi at 1340 Hrs. and arrive in Guwahati at 1600 hrs. The return service would be 1635/1900…

Gatimaan Express, India’s fastest train, to hit tracks next week between Delhi-Agra

The Indian Railways aims to beat its speed record after a gap of 28 years with the inaugural run of the Gatimaan Express on Tuesday. Gatimaan Express, India’s first semi high-speed train, will cover the 184 kilometer-distance from Hazrat Nizamuddin…

Mumbai-Leh direct Flight from 13th April 2016 by Go-Air

Go Air will become the first airline to offer non-stop daily flights connecting Mumbai – Leh effective April 13, 2016. As per its latest Summer Schedule 2016, the Go Air flight G8-386 will take off from Mumbai at 4:00hrs and…

Revised entry fee at Taj Mahal, Agra

Government of India has enhanced/revised entry fee at 116 monuments in India under Archaeological Survey of India. Under this hike, the revised entry fee for Taj Mahal, Agra would be:   Revised entry fee structure of ASI Monuments in India:…

Revised Entry fee at 116 Monuments in India

Government has enhanced/revised the entry fee at 116 Centrally protected monuments under Archaeological Survey of India. The enhancement comes after 15 years as the last increase took place in 2000. The revised rates shall be effective from 01st April 2016. This…

24×7 toll free Tourist Helpline in 12 international languages – India

Tourist Helpline toll free number : 1800-111-1363 or a short code 1363 in New Delhi. Dr Mahesh Sharma, the Minister of State (I/C) for Tourism & Culture and Minister of State for Civil Aviation launched the “24×7 Toll Free Tourist…

Bhutan Postal Museum

The Bhutan Postal Museum: Evolution of Communications Systems in Bhutan" was established  in 2015 to celebrate the 60th Birth Anniversary of Fourth Druk Gyalpo His Majesty King Jigme Singye Wangchuck.   The main objective of the museum is to tell the story of Bhutan’s…

AccorHotels open second ibis in Chennai in city centre

AccorHotels has opened its second ibis in Chennai. Located on Mount Road in the centre of the city, ibis Chennai City Centre offers 155 rooms, a restaurant, a lounge and bar area, two meeting rooms and free WiFi. “The brand…

New helicopter tours offer bird’s eye view of Mumbai

Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation (MTDC) launches new aerial sightseeing tours, Mumbai (Helicopter tours) Visitors to Mumbai will now be able to get a bird’s eye view of the city, following the launch of new helicopter tours. The new Heli-Tours were…

2016 India Republic Day Parade Tickets – Where to buy, Delhi

How to buy Republic Day Parade tickets 2016 - India? New Delhi: In order to facilitate the general public to witness the Republic Day Parade at Rajpath and Beating Retreat Ceremony at Vijay Chowk, the sale of tickets has commenced.…

Delhi to Gorakhpur (India) on Air India 6 times a week

Air India has announced that it will operate a new flight from New Delhi to Gorakhpur, six days a week, starting January 15, 2016. The flight will offer connection to flyers travelling to various domestic and international destinations from Gorakhpur.…

Goa Carnival from Feb 6-9, 2016 – India

The Goa Tourism Development Corporation (GTDC) is gearing up to celebrate its annual festival–the Goa Carnival 2016 from February 6-9, 2016–that draws a huge amount of international and domestic traffic. This year Goa Tourism is working on a European commission…

Radisson Udaipur opens with 56 rooms – India

Radisson Udaipur has opened its doors to welcome guests visiting the City of Lakes. The hotel is located in the heart of Udaipur, situated along the city centre at the Lake City Mall of Riddhi Siddhi Group. Raj Rana, Chief…

Hyatt opens third hotel in Goa – India

147-room Hyatt Place launches close to Candolim Beach Hyatt has expanded its portfolio in India with the opening a new Hyatt Place hotel in Goa. The new Hyatt Place Goa/Candolim is located in North Goa, close to Candolim Beach, Calangute…

Air India advises passengers to report 3 hrs before flight departure

Air India has issued an advisory to its passengers to report 3 hours prior their flight departure. "In view of the recent security alert in the country, passengers/baggage may have to undergo more stringent checks at airports," reads the advisory.…

Madras High Court Suspends Dress Code For Temple Visitors In Tamil Nadu

CHENNAI:  A ban on temple visitors in Tamil Nadu wearing jeans, skirts and shorts has been suspended by the Madras High Court till January 18. The dress code had been imposed from January 1 by the Madurai Bench of the…

Helicopter tours in Mumbai

The Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation (MTDC) has signed a MoU with Pawan Hans to start Helicopter tours in Mumbai for tourists from January 7, 2016. The helicopter flights will take off from Juhu airport and fly north, keeping to the…

Look alike Indian E-Tourist Visa Websites

We have been hearing about travellers / FTOs applying for e-visas through websites that look official but yet are actually websites of unauthorised processing agencies. They are private commercial Visa Assistant or facilitators and misguiding the applicants with some confusing…

Nepal to woo Chinese tourists with free visas

Nepal will grant free visas to visitors from neighbouring China as the Himalayan nation seeks to rebuild its tourist industry after two devastating earthquakes in April that killed nearly 9,000 people. The first of Nepal's tremors struck during the peak…

Strict adherence of dress code for temple visit in Tamil Naidu (India)

According to the circular, come January 1, all temples under the department’s purview puts in place the dress code conforming to the agamas, traditions and customs of each temple, effectively banning relatively modern garments. Pointing out that these rules are…

J&K flags off helicopter service from Srinagar airport

To boost the appetite for Kashmir’s exotic locales, J & K has started their helicopter service at INR 10,000 to-and-fro to resorts of Pahalgam and Gulmarg from Srinagar Airport. Referring to the fillip helicopter service will provide to golf, conference…

Transit hotel at Delhi Airport to be rebranded as Holiday Inn Express

InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) has signed a management agreement with Radius Developers to rebrand an existing 93-room hotel in Terminal 3 of India’s Indira Gandhi International Airport. Currently operating as Eaton Smart – New Delhi Airport Transit Hotel, this was…

Special New Year itinerary for Maharajas’ Express Train – India

Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation Ltd. (IRCTC) has announced that it will operate its premier luxury train, the Maharajas’ Express, for a Gems of India trip for travellers planning New Year festivities in style. Scheduled for December 30, the…

Helicopter Services in Bhutan

Thimphu: On 11 November, 2015, Royal Bhutan Helicopter services LTD launched the first helicopter services in Bhutan.It open up new chapter, boosting and diversifying tourism  in Bhutan. The service runs from Paro International Airport and offers a new unique transfer…

Taj opens new luxury hotel in Bengaluru near airport

Taj Hotels Resorts and Palaces opened Taj Bangalore, the latest addition to the group's luxury portfolio and the sixth Taj group hotel in the Garden City. The hotel is conveniently located minutes away from the Kempegowda International Airport, Bengaluru. With…

Air India launches fourth non-stop US route – Delhi to San Francisco

Air India has launched its fourth non-stop US route with the introduction of a new thrice-weekly (Wednesday, Friday and Sunday) service between Delhi (DEL) and San Francisco (SFO). It is the first Indian Carrier to directly connect the US' West…

Circular for North Bengal & Sikkim

Road Conditions and travel time: The roads that connect North Bengal & Sikkim specifically Bagdogra to Darjeeling – roads are fairly in good condition with a few patches under repair, the driving time by small vehicles (Innova/Tavera/Sumo) is 3 hours…

Partial lifting of ban on INR 500 & 1000 currency denomination

Bhutan:Commuters from India, Bhutan and Nepal are now allowed to carry INR denomination of Rs 500 and Rs 1000, subject to a limit of Rs 25,000. A press release from Reserve Bank of India stated that earlier, individuals travelling to…

Indian e-Tourist Visa (Single entry) Vs Regular Indian Visa

Indian e-Tourist Visa is a single entry, non-extendable , non-convertible & not valid for visiting Protected/Restricted and Cantonment Areas. It is valid for 30 days only from date of arrival in India. If guests have integrated their trip to India with…

Extension of e-Tourist Visa scheme to China, Hong Kong and Macau from tomorrow

The Government has finalised arrangements to extend and implement the e-Tourist Visa facility to the passport holders of People’s Republic of China, Hong Kong Administrative Region and Macau Special Administrative Region with effect from the July 30, 2015, as announced…

Charter Flight to Paro, Bhutan

Now you can charter small aircraft into Paro, Bhutan. Taj Air based in Mumbai spread its wings to 150 airports in 56 countries, which includes  Paro airport in Bhutan. Consequently, this comes as a great news for high flying guests …

Annual Art Festival (Thimphu: Bhutan)

Thimphu: Bhutan: This is to inform that Annual Art Festival 2014 will be held from 29th September to 5th October 2014. During the Festival there will be an Exhibition and Sale organised by SABAH (SAARC Business Association for Home Based…

Takin – National Animal of Bhutan

  The national animal figures in Bhutan history as an object of fascination to various English visitors  Thimphu: Bhutan: In 1905, a British political officer photographed a baby Takin in Bhutan, in its natural habitat.  In doing so, John Claude…

Prayer Flags

  WHY WE DO WHAT WE DO?  The concept of prayer flags partly originates from the culture of worshipping books, using scriptures in various forms. In ancient India, Buddhists treated books as an object of worship. They would write the…

3rd Haa summer festival draws 134 tourists

Tourism: Haa: Bhutan: The third Haa summer festival this year managed to draw 134 international tourists, the highest so far, since its initiation in 2011. The festival is a part of Tourism Council of Bhutan’s (TCB) effort in promoting Bhutan…

India’s Fastest Train Rolls Into Taj City

Agra: India: Touching a speed of 160 km an hour, a high-speed train from New Delhi to Agra completed its trial run on Thursday. Railway officials said this was the highest speed recorded by a train in the country. The…

SpiceJet to increase flight frequency to Bagdogra from Delhi

Bagdogra, West Bengal, India; This comes as a warm news for all those guests who wishes to visit Darjeeling, Sikkim, Bhutan and Nepal overland. Budget carrier SpiceJet Ltd will operate special flights from Delhi to tourist hotspots –Bagdogra – to…

Jet Airways starts daily flight on Delhi-Kathmandu route

Jet Airways Ltd has started a third daily flight from Delhi to Kathmandu from May 23. The new service, flight 9W 260 will depart Delhi at 1200 hrs and arrive in Kathmandu at 1400 hrs (local time). On the return…

India to implement e-visa system soon

The Indian government, under new Prime Minister Narendra Modi, will push ahead with the planned electronic visa authorization (e-visa) system, the country’s Tourism & Culture Minister has revealed. Shri Shripad Yesso Naik told an event organized by the Indian Association…

Proposed Bullet Train: Taj Mahal can be reached in 90 mins from Delhi.

Delhi; India: The distance to reach Taj Mahal city from Delhi is approx. 210 kms. It normally takes around 2 to 2 and1/2 hours even by express train. With the proposed bullet train the travelling time can be drastically reduce.…

Tango’s Murals may be saved.

Thimphu: Bhutan:Heritage: Experts from the United Kingdom said that the rare and precious mural painting on the walls of Tango monastery could be saved without much disturbance to the structure. David Michelmore, director of a consultancy for conservation and development, based…

JOMOLHARI MOUNTAIN FESTIVAL 2014

This year the Jumolhari Mountain Festival 2014 will be held on 8th and 9th of October 2014 at Dango Jong (School area), half an hour before Jangothang campsite (Jumolhari base camp). The festival celebrates the culture of the communities living in close…

Haa Summer Festival 2014: Show casing the rich alpine flowers, folklore and culture

Haa Summer Festival 2014 to be held on 5th and 6th July 2014 at Haa. This year the festival will be held only for two days i.e. 5th and 6th July 2014. Set among pristine lakes and high alpine valleys, the Haa summer…

Grand inauguration of Tara lhakhang at Pangrizampa (Thimphu) Bhutan.

The one-storied temple was constructed under the aegis of Her Majesty the Queen Mother Thimphu:Bhutan: His Majesty the King, His Majesty the Fourth Druk Gyalpo and members of the royal family will grace the consecration ceremony of the newly constructed Tara…

Cathay Pacific to start double daily non-stop flights from Delhi to Hong Kong from March 31

Cathay Pacific Airways announced that it will offer double daily non-stop flights from Delhi to Hong Kong from March 31, 2014. The first flight from Delhi will arrive at Hong Kong International Airport at 0700 hrs and the second flight…

Lakshadweep to open three uninhabited islands for tourists

Lakshadweep has decided to open three uninhabited islands exclusively for tourists after building beach resorts and water sports facilities. Each of these tiny islands occupy an area of about 40-50 hectares of land and is devoid of any human settlement…

The Leela Palace New Delhi named among India’s Best Hotels for Women Travellers

The Leela Palace New Delhi has been voted among the Best Hotels for Women Travellers in India by the readers of Travel + Leisure India and South Asia. The third edition of the India’s Best Awards 2013 by Travel +…

India to open 7 new visa centres in Malaysia

India will open seven new visa centres in Malaysia by the end of this month to support a recently implemented rule requiring travelers to apply for visas in person in order to capture their biometric data. New centres are expected…

Thailand situation normalizes… at least for tourists and visitors

BANGKOK, THAILAND - It seems that professionals of tourism have been heard. After five days of a rather strictly enforced curfew from 10 pm to 5 am, the National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO) decided on Wednesday morning to relax curfew hours to midnight…

The military stages coup d’état in Thailand

The  present Coup d'e'tat takes the tally to 12th times since 1932. History holds the testimony that most of the times it had been bloodless and the daily lives had gone by as normal and usual. May 22,2014: Thailand: Thai…

Taktsang Trail Clean Up campaign by Clean Bhutan

Taktsang trail in Paro is one of the most popular trails in Bhutan. It takes approx. 2 to 3 hours to reach the Taktsang monastery one way depending on individual physical fitness level, recently, the issue of littering on the…

Wind Horse USA become GSA for Bhutan Airlines

This week, Wind Horse USA office entered into an agreement with Bhutan Airlines, to be their General Sales Agent and representative in USA. Bhutan Airlines is the first private Airline, formed by Tashi Group of Companies, the largest business house…

Nepal; Multi Millon Dollar Industry is under threat.

The thrill of climbing Mount Everest is an experience that many tourists hope to achieve, from adrenaline junkies wanting to experience Nepal to advanced mountaineers looking for the ultimate challenge, and many pay tens of thousands of dollars for the…

Tashi Air acquires AirbusAviation Paro: Bhutan: 

Indicating its intention to continue competing in the international aviation sector, Tashi Air (Bhutan Airlines) received a 122-seater Airbus A319 aircraft, painted in the company’s own livery and flying the Tashi logo on its tail yesterday. The A319, named “Rimp”,…

Election tourism booming in Indian holy city

VARANASI, India - Foreigners keen on experiencing a slice of Indian elections are being treated to guided tours of this holy city and many of them have taken this opportunity to create awareness among voters urging them to exercise their…

China: You go to jail for eating Pandas or Monkeys

China has drafted a law under which people convicted of eating endangered animals face jail time as the country takes steps to halt illegal hunting, the official Xinhua News Agency reported. Chinese law currently bans hunting endangered species without clearly…

More options for Hotels around Delhi Airport

Those who need to stay close to Delhi airport now have two more great new options.The Holiday Inn and The Ibis hotels. The Holiday Inn is a full service, four star international hotel chain.The Ibis is a well- known economy hotel chain with…

Border Gate Closure due to Indian Election

Bhutan: Bureau of Law and Order has informed that due to general election in Jalpaiguri under the State Government of West Bengal the international border in Phuentsholing, Samtse and Lhamoizingkha shall remain sealed from 6.00 PM on 16th April to 6.00 PM…

Renovation of Paro Ta dzong beginsParo; Bhutan: Museum:

Works on renovating the national museum in Paro has begun exactly 365 years after it was first built by the half-brother of Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, La Ngonpa Tenzin Drukda.The museum hosted in the famous watchtower, Ta dzong, had suffered severe…

Sikkim launches chopper service to Kanchenjunga

Sikkim, India: A 15-minute helicopter service to witness breath-taking views of India's highest peak Kanchenjunga has been launched by the Sikkim government. The service, available from state capital Gangtok, will provide magnificent views of pristine peak, which assumes different colours…

Bangkok’s state of emergency lifted

The Thai Cabinet has decided to end the 60-day state of emergency that has been going on in Bangkok, Nonthaburi, Bang Phli district in Samut Prakan, and Lat Lum Kaeo district in Pathum Thani since January 22, 2014. The revocation…

The forbidden bridge in Gasa (Bhutan)

Belief: Gasa; Bhutan:  An iron bridge near the Gasa tshachu (river) leads to a dense forest where the local deity Dendup Norzang is believed to reside.The bridge, about 100m, opens only once in three years. It is for the natives…

Tashi Air plans second aircraft

Aviation: Thimphu: Bhutan:  Despite losses, Bhutan Airlines (Tashi Air) plans to expand its fleet to two aircraft in September.The move indicates the private airline’s commitment to its international services. Tashi Air CEO Phala Dorji said that “there’s no turning back”…

The Last Cranes leaves for Tibet

Phobjikha; Bhutan; On March, 13, two adults, probably a couple, and a juvenile, which flew from Phobjikha valley in Wangdue, were the last set of black-necked cranes to leave for their summer habitat in Tibet The winged visitors must have…

Biometric system for foreigners flying in

Thimphu: Bhutan: 12, March, 14: All foreigners flying into the country will be now registered through a biometric system. The application of the new system started today. The fingerprints of passengers and a photograph will be captured and recorded. The…

Nepal drops the price of Mount Everest climbing permits

KATHMANDU, Nepal - Nepalese authorities have lowered the price of the permit to climb Mount Everest in order to attract more tourists. The climbing permit will now cost $11,000 during the high season. Previously, climbers had to pay $25,000 for…

Ancient rock art of Bhutan

Archaeology, Thimphu: Bhutan: Located along a riverbed in the upper reaches of Thimphu are a series of open-air rock art. These rock art are set on a single, exposed rock face that stands along a tributary of the Thimchu.The contents…

India to extend visa-on-arrival facility to tourists from 180 nations

New Delhi: India will extend visa-on arrival to tourists of all nations barring eight, as it looks to boost tourism, Planning Minister Rajeev Shukla said on Wednesday. "We have decided to extend the visa-on-arrival facility to tourists from 180 nations.…

European Commission team to examine Nepalese airlines

KATHMANDU, Nepal  2014- A team from the European Commission (EC) will start conducting on-site inspection of six Nepalese airline companies from early next week, which will provide an opportunity to air carriers to remove their names from the EC’s blacklist.…

Nepal doubles tourism service fee to Rs 1,000

KATHMANDU, Nepal 2014- Nepal, a major destination for global travelers, has doubled its tourism service fee to Rs 1,000 from March 1, citing price rise in the international market and devaluation of local currency. "Over the last few years, the…

Five dzongs nominated for World Heritage list

Thimphu: Bhutan: The Wangduephodrang, Punakha, Paro, Trongsa and Dagana dzongs have been nominated for the first ever World Heritage tentative list of Bhutan, The culture department’s conservation of heritage sites division head, Nagtsho Dorji, said the UNESCO has encouraged the…

Visa Online facility a hit: 22,000 visas issued in a month

The government's initiative to provide online visas has started with a bang. The home ministry has issued 22,000 visas in just one month. This is comparable to visa on arrival issued by India in the last 11 months (January-November 2014)…

Online entry tickets to the Taj Mahal in Agra and Humayun’s Tomb in Delhi

Now tourist can book online entry tickets to the Taj Mahal in Agra and Humayun’s Tomb in Delhi The-ticketing facility is a collaboration between the Archaeological Survey of India and the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation. https://asi.irctc.co.in/

Road Closure Timing Between Thinleygang and Metsena

Thimphu: Bhutan: Kindly find below the new road opening and closing timing between Thinleygang and Metsena announced by Department of Roads under Lobeysa Region, Wangduephodrang to be implemented with immediate effect. Opening Timing: 5:30 PM to 7:00 AM 9:00 AM…

Annual Art Festival (Thimphu: Bhutan)

Thimphu: Bhutan: This is to inform that Annual Art Festival 2014 will be held from 29th September to 5th October 2014. During the Festival there will be an Exhibition and Sale organised by SABAH (SAARC Business Association for Home Based…

BKK(Bangkok) Day Return Flight

Due to the demand in traffic for Ex-Bangkok, scheduled flights KB206/207 effective 21Aug up to 31Aug (21Aug, 24Aug,28Aug and 31Aug) will be cancelled and replaced with day return flights to/from BKK as below: KB120/21AUG/PBHBKK/0800-1200HRS/A319/TIMES IN LOCAL (to confirm wait list…

Takin – National Animal of Bhutan

The national animal figures in Bhutan history as an object of fascination to various English visitors Thimphu: Bhutan: In 1905, a British political officer photographed a baby Takin in Bhutan, in its natural habitat. In doing so, John Claude White…

Introduction of new route from Bagdogra & Kolkata (West Bengal, India) to Kathmandu(Nepal) by Spice Jet

Come 13 August, 2014, it’s all set for launch of new route from Bagdogra & Kolkata to Kathmandu. With the introduction of this route it has thrown option open to the tourists at the same time in cutting down on…

3rd Haa summer festival draws 134 tourists

Tourism: Haa: Bhutan: The third Haa summer festival this year managed to draw 134 international tourists, the highest so far, since its initiation in 2011. The festival is a part of Tourism Council of Bhutan’s (TCB) effort in promoting Bhutan…

Increased Frequency for Kathmandu Sector

Paro: Bhutan; As per the revised MOU signed between Nepal and Bhutan, additional frequencies to/from Kathamandu with the ATR on Wednesday , Friday and Saturday have been added to the existing summer schedule for 2014 effective 1August 2014 up to…

Druk Air Charter Flight (Bhutan)

Charter Flights Kindly find below charter flight details for your kind information. KB402/13JUL/PBHKTM/1410-1515HRS/ATR/TIMES IN LOCAL (CHARTER) KB403/13JUL/KTMPBH/1545-1720HRS/ATR/TIMES IN LOCAL (CHARTER) KB208/24JUL/PBHDEL/1120-1310HRS/A319/TIMES IN LOCAL KB209/24JUL/DELPBH/1410-1700HRS/A319/TIMES IN LOCAL KB1001/12NOV/PBHBUT/1120-1155HRS/ATR/TIMES IN LOCAL(CHTR Tashi Travels) KB1002/12NOV/BUTPBH/1255-1330HRS/ATR/TIMES IN LOCAL(CHTR Tashi Travels)

Drukair Flight Update (Bhutan)

Paro. Bhutan: Flight Adjustment and Timing Changes Due to minimal load on KB210 and KB211 of 29July, the equipment type has been changed to ATR with revised timings as below: KB210/29JUL/PBHCCU/0720-0820HRS/ATR/TIMES IN LOCAL/arrival at CCU delayed by 20minutes KB211/29JUL/CCUPBH/0850-1050HRS/ATR/TIMES IN…

India’s Fastest Train Rolls Into Taj City

Agra: India: Touching a speed of 160 km an hour, a high-speed train from New Delhi to Agra completed its trial run on Thursday. Railway officials said this was the highest speed recorded by a train in the country. The…

SpiceJet to increase flight frequency to Bagdogra from Delhi

Bagdogra, West Bengal, India; This comes as a warm news for all those guests who wishes to visit Darjeeling, Sikkim, Bhutan and Nepal overland. Budget carrier SpiceJet Ltd will operate special flights from Delhi to tourist hotspots –Bagdogra – to…

Jet Airways starts daily flight on Delhi-Kathmandu route

Jet Airways Ltd has started a third daily flight from Delhi to Kathmandu from May 23. The new service, flight 9W 260 will depart Delhi at 1200 hrs and arrive in Kathmandu at 1400 hrs (local time). On the return…

India to implement e-visa system soon

The Indian government, under new Prime Minister Narendra Modi, will push ahead with the planned electronic visa authorization (e-visa) system, the country’s Tourism & Culture Minister has revealed. Shri Shripad Yesso Naik told an event organized by the Indian Association…

Proposed Bullet Train: Taj Mahal can be reached in 90 mins from Delhi.

Delhi; India: The distance to reach Taj Mahal city from Delhi is approx. 210 kms. It normally takes around 2 to 2 and1/2 hours even by express train. With the proposed bullet train the travelling time can be drastically reduce.…

Tango’s Murals may be saved.

Thimphu: Bhutan:Heritage: Experts from the United Kingdom said that the rare and precious mural painting on the walls of Tango monastery could be saved without much disturbance to the structure. David Michelmore, director of a consultancy for conservation and development,…

Flight Cancellation (Druk Air)

Paro: Bhutan: Kindly be informed that flights KB402 and KB403 of 1 July has been cancelled and the existing load for the said flight wills be re-accommodated on KB400 and KB401 of 1 July.

Additional Flight International (Druk Air)

Paro: Bhutan; An additional flights has been planned as follows: KB128/08JUL/PBHBKK/1130-1530HRS/A319/TIMES IN LOCAL KB129/09JUL/BKKPBH/0445-0645HRS/A319/TIMES IN LOCAL KB120/13JUL/PBHBKK/1620-2020HRS/A319/TIMES IN LOCAL KB121/14JUL/BKKPBH/0445-0645HRS/A319/TIMES IN LOCAL KB300/27JUL/PBHDAC/1510-1630HRS/ATR/TIMES IN LOCAL KB301/27JUL/DACPBH/1630-1820HRS/ATR/TIMES IN LOCAL KB302/30JUL/PBHDAC/1040-1140HRS/A319/TIMES IN LOCAL KB303/30JUL/DACPBH/1220-1320HRS/A319/TIMES IN LOCAL KB302/02AUG/PBHDAC/1040-1140HRS/A319/TIMES IN LOCAL KB303/02AUG/DACPBH/1220-1320HRS/A319/TIMES IN LOCAL

Revised Timing Domestic Flight( Druk Air)

Kindly note the revised timings for the below mentioned domestic flights due inclusion of additional flights. KB1001/11OCT/PBHBUT/ATR/0900-0935HRS/TIMES IN LOCAL (flight departure preponed by 2hrs 40minutes) KB1002/11OCT/BUTPBH/ATR/0955-1030HRS/TIME IN LOCAL(flight preponed by 2hrs 40minutes) KB1001/25OCT/PBHBUT/ATR/0900-0935HRS/TIMES IN LOCAL (flight departure preponed by 2hrs…

Additional Domestic Flight (Druk Air)

Paro: Bhutan: Due to demand in traffic, an additional flight to/from Bumthang has been inserted as follow: KB1003/04NOV/PBHBUT/1345-1420HRS/ATR/TIMES IN LOCAL (open for sale) KB1004/04NOV/BUTPBH/1445-1520HRS/ATR/TIMES IN LOCAL(to block seats as mentioned below) KB1003/11NOV/PBHBUT/1345-1420HRS/ATR/TIMES IN LOCAL (open for sale) KB1004/11NOV/BUTPBH/1445-1520HRS/ATR/TIMES IN LOCAL…

Druk Air Flight Timing Changes

Please be informed about the flight status for Kolkatta and Kathmandu for Druk Air PBH stand for Paro, CCUP for Kolkata in India, KTM for Kathmandu i) Due to minimal load for PBHCCUPBH/27June 2014, Drukair has changed the equipment type…

JOMOLHARI MOUNTAIN FESTIVAL 2014

This year the Jumolhari Mountain Festival 2014 will be held on 8th and 9th of October 2014 at Dango Jong (School area), half an hour before Jangothang campsite (Jumolhari base camp). The festival celebrates the culture of the communities living…

Haa Summer Festival 2014: Show casing the rich alpine flowers, folklore and culture

Haa Summer Festival 2014 to be held on 5th and 6th July 2014 at Haa. This year the festival will be held only for two days i.e. 5th and 6th July 2014. Set among pristine lakes and high alpine valleys,…

Closure of Paro Ta Dzong Museum.

This is to kindly inform that Paro Ta Dzong Museum will remain closed from 13th to 15th June 2014 due to maintenance of the visitors parking. The closure will be only on the above mentioned dates.

Grand inauguration of Tara lhakhang at Pangrizampa (Thimphu) Bhutan.

The one-storied temple was constructed under the aegis of Her Majesty the Queen Mother Thimphu:Bhutan: His Majesty the King, His Majesty the Fourth Druk Gyalpo and members of the royal family will grace the consecration ceremony of the newly constructed…

Lakshadweep to open three uninhabited islands for tourists

Lakshadweep has decided to open three uninhabited islands exclusively for tourists after building beach resorts and water sports facilities. Each of these tiny islands occupy an area of about 40-50 hectares of land and is devoid of any human settlement…

The Leela Palace New Delhi named among India’s Best Hotels for Women Travellers

The Leela Palace New Delhi has been voted among the Best Hotels for Women Travellers in India by the readers of Travel + Leisure India and South Asia. The third edition of the India’s Best Awards 2013 by Travel +…

India to open 7 new visa centres in Malaysia

India will open seven new visa centres in Malaysia by the end of this month to support a recently implemented rule requiring travelers to apply for visas in person in order to capture their biometric data. New centres are expected…

Cathay Pacific to start double daily non-stop flights from Delhi to Hong Kong from March 31

Cathay Pacific Airways announced that it will offer double daily non-stop flights from Delhi to Hong Kong from March 31, 2014. The first flight from Delhi will arrive at Hong Kong International Airport at 0700 hrs and the second flight…

Thailand situation normalizes… at least for tourists and visitors

BANGKOK, THAILAND – It seems that professionals of tourism have been heard. After five days of a rather strictly enforced curfew from 10 pm to 5 am, the National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO) decided on Wednesday morning to…

The military stages coup d’état in Thailand

The present Coup d’e’tat takes the tally to 12th times since 1932. History holds the testimony that most of the times it had been bloodless and the daily lives had gone by as normal and usual. May 22,2014: Thailand: Thai…

Calm in Thailand despite the imposition of Martial Law

Despite the fact that martial law has been imposed in Bangkok on Tuesday morning, there has been no sign of panic in Bangkok on Tuesday morning, As soldiers took up positions around the capital, people headed to work as usual.…

Bhutan Airlines’s Kathmandu flight deferred

Please be informed that Tashi Air’s proposed commercial flight to KTM from 15th May has been delayed and has been postponed to 1st June 2014. Inconvenience caused is regretted.

Druk Air Schedule of 15/ 19 May reinstated to original timing

Paro: Bhutan: Druk Air has changed the equipment type back to ATR for flights KB400/KB401 of 15 & 19 May 2014.With the change in equipment type, flight timings have been revised back to the original timings. Please note final timings…

Change in aircraft and timing on 15 and 19 May

Due to the demand in traffic for KTMPBHKTM, Druk Air requires to change the aircraft type to A319 on the following dates:KB400/15MAY/PBHKTM/1045-1130HRS/A319/ALL TIMES IN LOCAL/DEP PBH DELAYED BY 3HRS 45MINUTES KB401/15MAY/KTMPBH/1210-1325HRS/A319/ALL TIMES IN LOCAL/DEP KTM DELAYED BY 3HRS 25MINUTES KB400/19MAY/PBHKTM/1100-1145HRS/A319/ALL…

Taktsang Trail Clean Up campaign by Clean Bhutan

Taktsang trail in Paro is one of the most popular trails in Bhutan. It takes approx. 2 to 3 hours to reach the Taktsang monastery one way depending on individual physical fitness level, recently, the issue of littering on the…

Additional Flights ( Druk Air)

Paro: Bhutan: In order to meet the demand for BKKPBH sector, Druk Air requires to operate the following additional flights tentatively planned as below: KB128/10JUL/PBHBKK/1100-1500HRS/A319/ALL TIMES IN LOCAL KB129/10JUL/BKKPBH/1600-1800HRS/A319/ALL TIMES IN LOCAL KB128/14JUL/PBHBKK/0830-1230HRS/A319/ALL TIMES IN LOCAL KB129/14JUL/BKKPBH/1330/1530HRS/A319/ALL TIMES IN LOCAL…

Flight (Druk Air) Reschedule of 12 May 2014

Paro; Bhutan: Please be informed that the following flights of 12th May 2014 have been rescheduled: KB210/12MAY/PBUCCU/0615-0715HRS/ATR/ALL TIMES IN LOCAL/DEPARTURE PARO PREPONED BY 55MINS KB211/12MAY/CCUPBH/0745-0945HRS/ATR/ALL TIMES IN LOCAL/DEPARTURE KOLKATA PREPONED BY 1HR 5MINS KB1001/12MAY/PBHBUT/1015-1050HRS/ATR/ALL TIMES IN LOCAL/DEPARTURE PARO PREPONED BY…

Wind Horse USA become GSA for Bhutan Airlines

This week, Wind Horse USA office entered into an agreement with Bhutan Airlines, to be their General Sales Agent and representative in USA. Bhutan Airlines is the first private Airline, formed by Tashi Group of Companies, the largest business house…

Bhutan: Paro: Drukair Update

Due to the demand in traffic for Kathmandu-Paro sector on 1st June 2014, Drukair is required to change the equipment type for flight KB400/401 of 1st June from ATR to A319 with change in flight timings as below: KB400/01JUN/PBHKTM/0630-0715HRS/A319/ALL TIMINGS…

Nepal; Multi Millon Dollar Industry is under threat.

The thrill of climbing Mount Everest is an experience that many tourists hope to achieve, from adrenaline junkies wanting to experience Nepal to advanced mountaineers looking for the ultimate challenge, and many pay tens of thousands of dollars for the…

Tashi Air acquires Airbus

Aviation Paro: Bhutan: Indicating its intention to continue competing in the international aviation sector, Tashi Air (Bhutan Airlines) received a 122-seater Airbus A319 aircraft, painted in the company’s own livery and flying the Tashi logo on its tail yesterday. The…

Election tourism booming in Indian holy city

VARANASI, India – Foreigners keen on experiencing a slice of Indian elections are being treated to guided tours of this holy city and many of them have taken this opportunity to create awareness among voters urging them to exercise their…

Tibet Recorded Positive Tourism Numbers

Last year was a good year for Tibet’s tourism industry with a record number of tourists touring the nation’s sights. A report released by the tourism authorities revealed that an unprecedented 12.91 million visitors came to Tibet in 2013. Wang…

Border Gate closure (South eastern & south central Bhutan) due to Indian Election.

Thimphu; Bhutan: This is to kindly inform that due to Election in Kokrajhar in Assam on 24th April 2014, the international borders in Gelephu, Jomotshangkha, Samdrupjongkhar, Nganglam and Panbang shall remain sealed/ closed from 9.00 AM of 23rd April to…

Flight timing (Druk Air Domestic Flight)

Paro; Bhutan: Please be informed that flight timings for PBHBUTPBH (Paro – Bumthang – Paro) of 26April 2014 will revised as below: KB1001/26APR/PBHBUT/0600-0635HRS/ATR/ALL TIMINGS IN LOCAL KB1002/26APR/BUTPBH/0655-0730HRS/ATR/ALL TIMINGS IN LOCAL

Chartered Flight (Druk Air Domestic Flight)

Paro; Bhutan: Druk Air will operate a charter flight for BUTPBH (Bumthang – Paro) on 25April 2014. Flight timings will be as below: KB1000/PBHBUT/0545-0620HRS/ATR/ALL TIMES IN LOCAL/OPEN FOR SALE KB1001/BUTPBH/0640-0715HRS/ATR/ALL TIMES IN LOCAL/CHARTER FLIGHT In the event the departure for…

Additional Flight (Druk Air)

Thimphu: Bhutan: Due to the demand in traffic for KTMPBH, following additional flight on 19th May and 23rd May are being operated: KB400/19MAY/PBHKTM/1140-1245HRS/ATR/ALL TIMES IN LOCAL KB401/19MAY/KTMPBH/1315-1450HRS/ATR/ALL TIMES IN LOCAL KB400/23MAY/PBHKTM/0700-0805HRS/ATR/ALL TIMES IN LOCAL KB401/23MAY/KTMPBH/0835-1010HRS/ATR/ALL TIMES IN LOCAL

Kalchakara(Ladakh) 2014

More options for Hotels around Delhi Airport

Those who need to stay close to Delhi airport now have two more great new options.The Holiday Inn and The Ibis hotels. The Holiday Inn is a full service, four star international hotel chain.The Ibis is a well- known economy…

Border Gate Closure due to Indian Election

Bureau of Law and Order has informed that due to general election in Jalpaiguri under the State Government of West Bengal the international border in Phuentsholing, Samtse and Lhamoizingkha shall remain sealed from 6.00 PM on 16th April to 6.00…

Druk Air Schedule change for 24 April

Due to operational reasons (strong winds), Druk Air has reschedule the following flights: KB1001/24APR/PBHBUT/0630-0705HRS/ATR/ALL TIMINGS IN LOCAL(flight departure preponed by 4hrs 30minutes ) KB1002/24APR/BUTPBH/0725-0800HRS/ATR/ALL TIMINGS IN LOCAL (flight departure preponed by 8hrs 35minutes) KB402/24APR/PBHKTM/0830-0935HRS/ATR/ALL TIMINGS IN LOCAL (flight departure delayed…

Renovation of Paro Ta dzong begins

Paro; Bhutan: Museum: Works on renovating the national museum in Paro has begun exactly 365 years after it was first built by the half-brother of Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, La Ngonpa Tenzin Drukda.The museum hosted in the famous watchtower, Ta dzong,…

Druk Air Domestic Flight Timing Changes

Due to operational reasons (strong winds), flight timings for Paro-Bumthang and Bumthang-Paro have been revised for the following dates: KB1001/5APR/PBHBUT/0900-0935HRS/ATR/ALL TIMNGS IN LOCAL KB1002/5APR/BUTPBH/1000-1035HRS/ATR/ALL TIMINGS IN LOCAL KB1001/10APR/PBHBUT/0900-0935HRS/ATR/ALL TIMNGS IN LOCAL KB1002/10APR/BUTPBH/1000-1035HRS/ATR/ALL TIMINGS IN LOCAL KB1001/12APR/PBHBUT/0900-0935HRS/ATR/ALL TIMNGS IN LOCAL KB1002/12APR/BUTPBH/1000-1035HRS/ATR/ALL…

Bhutan-Thailand friendship offer

A visit to Bhutan, the Land of the Thunder Dragon, is a journey to times past and an uplifting vision of the future. Sparkling rivers cascade through primeval forests offset by the backdrop of snowcapped mountain peaks. Ancient temples improbably…

Druk Air announces winter schedule from Oct 26 , 14 till 31st Jan 2015

Druk Air, the main national carrier of Bhutan has announced Winter Schedule for 2014/2015, effective 26th October up to 31st January 2015 only. As per Druk Air, schedule for Febuary 2015 and onward will be available in a month’s time.…

Jet Airways to offer second daily flight on Mumbai-Kathmandu route from March 30

Jet Airways Ltd will introduce its second daily frequency from Mumbai to Kathmandu on March 30, 2014, as per a release. The airline will deploy its Boeing 737-800/900 Next Generation aircraft on this route, offering Premiere and Economy guests its…

Jet Airways to offer second daily flight on Mumbai-Kathmandu route from March 30

Jet Airways Ltd will introduce its second daily frequency from Mumbai to Kathmandu on March 30, 2014, as per a release. The airline will deploy its Boeing 737-800/900 Next Generation aircraft on this route, offering Premiere and Economy guests its…

Sikkim launches chopper service to Kanchenjunga

Sikkim, India: A 15-minute helicopter service to witness breath-taking views of India’s highest peak Kanchenjunga has been launched by the Sikkim government. The service, available from state capital Gangtok, will provide magnificent views of pristine peak, which assumes different colours…

Bangkok’s state of emergency lifted

The Thai Cabinet has decided to end the 60-day state of emergency that has been going on in Bangkok, Nonthaburi, Bang Phli district in Samut Prakan, and Lat Lum Kaeo district in Pathum Thani since January 22, 2014. The revocation…

The forbidden bridge in Gasa (Bhutan)

Belief: Gasa; Bhutan: An iron bridge near the Gasa tshachu (river) leads to a dense forest where the local deity Dendup Norzang is believed to reside.The bridge, about 100m, opens only once in three years. It is for the natives…

Tashi Air plans second aircraft

Aviation: Thimphu: Bhutan: Despite losses, Bhutan Airlines (Tashi Air) plans to expand its fleet to two aircraft in September.The move indicates the private airline’s commitment to its international services. Tashi Air CEO Phala Dorji said that “there’s no turning back”…

Drukair Additional Flight

Thimphu: Bhutan; As per Druk Air winter schedule 2013-2014, flight KB 204 of 29 March 2014 (last day of the winter schedule) night halts at Delhi. However, with the commencement of summer schedule for 2014 effective 30th March 2014, Druk…

The Last Cranes leaves for Tibet

Phobjikha; Bhutan; On March, 13, two adults, probably a couple, and a juvenile, which flew from Phobjikha valley in Wangdue, were the last set of black-necked cranes to leave for their summer habitat in Tibet The winged visitors must have…

Biometric system for foreigners flying in

Thimphu: Bhutan: 12, March, 14: All foreigners flying into the country will be now registered through a biometric system. The application of the new system started today. The fingerprints of passengers and a photograph will be captured and recorded. The…

Druk Air timing on 1st and 8th April

Thimphu: Bhutan: Kindly be informed that due to poor load, equipment type for the below mentioned flights/dates have been changed to ATR. Change in aircraft type has led to change in flight timing due to difference in block hours. Kindly…

Cancellation of Druk air Flights

Thimphu: Bhutan: The following flights for March & April 2014 have been cancelled due to poor load. KB130- 31MAR/7APR KB126-1APR/4APR/8APR/29APR KB129-1APR/2APR/5APR/8APR/9APR/30APR Passengers affected with the cancellation of the aforementioned flights have been re-accommodated as below: KB130 passengers to Bangkok have…

Road Closure/Opening Timing at Lamperi Area

Bhutan Dochula:The road widening work along Lamperi Area between Dochula and Thinleygang is currently underway. Following is opening and closing timing for your kind information and making decision on travel.This timming applies till further notice. Timing Status 8:00 AM to…

Drukair Update (Bhutan)

Bhutan: DrukAir: Kindly be informed that flight KB131 on 5th March will operate as per normal schedule/timings i.e. BKK-IXB-IXB-PBH at 0650-0835-0905-1000hrs respectively. However, please note the revised flight timing for KB131 on 6th March as follow: KB131/6 MAR/BKK-NYT-IXB-PBH DEP BKK…

Druk Air Schedule Update

Except for the below mentioned dates, flights KB 128/129 from 1st March to 29 March has been cancelled from the system. This is for your information. KB128/9Mar/16Mar/18Mar/21Mar/27Mar/28Mar KB129/10Mar/17Mar/19Mar/22Mar/28Mar/29Mar Due to the demand in traffic for PBHSIN sector on 16April, an…

Nepal drops the price of Mount Everest climbing permits

KATHMANDU, Nepal - Nepalese authorities have lowered the price of the permit to climb Mount Everest in order to attract more tourists. The climbing permit will now cost $11,000 during the high season. Previously, climbers had to pay $25,000 for…

China: You go to jail for eating Pandas or Monkeys

China has drafted a law under which people convicted of eating endangered animals face jail time as the country takes steps to halt illegal hunting, the official Xinhua News Agency reported. Chinese law currently bans hunting endangered species without clearly…

Bhutan: Dochula – Simtokha Road Widening timing

Kindly be informed that road widening work will be carried out from Dochula to Simtokha, Thimphu effective from Monday, 10th February 2014 until further notice. Therefore, concerned tour operators are kindly requested to note the opening timing while travelling between Thimphu to…

Private airline (Tashi Air) to resume domestic service in October

Bhutan;Tashi Air: The private airline, Tashi Air, will resume its domestic flight services in October this year, information and communications minister, DN Dhungyel, said at the national council’s question hour session yesterday. Trashiyangtse council representative, Tashi Phuntsho, had asked when…

Ancient rock art of Bhutan

Archaeology, Thimphu: Bhutan: Located along a riverbed in the upper reaches of Thimphu are a series of open-air rock art. These rock art are set on a single, exposed rock face that stands along a tributary of the Thimchu.The contents…

India to extend visa-on-arrival facility to tourists from 180 nations

New Delhi: India will extend visa-on arrival to tourists of all nations barring eight, as it looks to boost tourism, Planning Minister Rajeev Shukla said on Wednesday. “We have decided to extend the visa-on-arrival facility to tourists from 180 nations.…

Two weekly flights to Mumbai from May 1,2014

India’s commercial capital will be the sixth Indian city on the national airline’s network Thimphu: Bhutan: Drukair: Drukair will commence scheduled flights to the entertainment capital of India, Mumbai, from May 1, making it the sixth city in India that…

Thimchu venue for ‘Clean Bhutan’ launch on Feb. 6

The stream-and-river-cleaning component of the project is all set to take off Environment; Thimphu: Bhutan.The cleaning of streams and rivers in the country under the Clean Bhutan project kicks off on February 6 in Thimphu from the Thimchu, project officials…

European Commission team to examine Nepalese airlines

KATHMANDU, Nepal - A team from the European Commission (EC) will start conducting on-site inspection of six Nepalese airline companies from early next week, which will provide an opportunity to air carriers to remove their names from the EC’s blacklist.…

Nepal doubles tourism service fee to Rs 1,000

KATHMANDU, Nepal - Nepal, a major destination for global travelers, has doubled its tourism service fee to Rs 1,000 from March 1, citing price rise in the international market and devaluation of local currency. “Over the last few years, the…