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WHY SHOULD I CHOOSE THIS COMPANY? |
Our emphasis has always been on small groups led
by experienced guides to ensure personalized service.
Flexibility, reliability and security rate very
high on our priority list.
Our programs are designed to suit everyone - from the novice, to the
adventurous to the veteran traveler.
Handpicked professionally trained staffs who love their job and
are passionate about their culture, land and their roots.
Preservation of our unique environment is of
utter importance to us.
Camping and kitchen equipment of the highest quality is provided during the
treks.
All the Mila Adventure treks are tailor made keeping in mind every aspect.
We are a
versatile company. Trekking and mountaineering are our expertise, however we also operate specially
tailored guided city tours and rafting trips all over Bhutan.
We take care of all the needs of the clients
from hotel reservation, flight bookings and reconfirmation. |
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WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO BE IN BHUTAN? |
The best period to visit the country are the srping
months of March, April and May and the Autumn months of September, October and November. |
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WHAT ARE THE ENTRY RESTRICTIONS IN BHUTAN? |
Visitors to Bhutan must be either guest of
the government or guest of the Bhutanese family. All tourists must travel on a pre-planned, prepaid,
guided package tour. Independent travel is not permitted.
Phuntsoling, the economic center of the
country, situated on the southern fringes of the country adjoining the Indian border serves as the entry
point for one coming overland while Paro serves as the only airport in Bhutan. Druk Air, the national
carrier and the only airline operating in Bhutan, connects Bhutan to Calcutta, Bangkok, Kathmandu and
Delhi. Leaving Bhutan from the eastern border town of Samdrup Jongkhar is also possible although prior
notice is needed.
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WHAT CAN YOU TELL ABOUT THE VISA AND ENTRY FORMALITIES? |
It is obligatory for all
foreigners to acquire a visa to visit the country. Visa clearance from Thimphu must be obtained before
departing for Bhutan. Prior visa clearance is also mandatory for boarding Druk Air flights.
Mila
Adventures requires all passport details (as they appear in the passport) along with two photographs at
least six weeks prior to your arrival for the visa processing formalities. In case of time constraints the
details can be faxed directly to Mila Adventures and the photographs can be handed on arrival. Actual visa
is issued upon arrival at the entry points, either Paro airport or Phuntsholing. Visa fee of US $ 20 should be
paid directly. A visa is granted for a period of 15 days and can be extended at Thimpu.
(Since the
visa fees and the taxes of any nature are subject to change, please view our website
www.milaadventure.com for updates on the latest visa and immigration formalities). |
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WHAT ARE THE RESTRICTED AREAS IN BHUTAN? |
In order to ensure that monastic life is left
unhindered and protected from the glare of the tourists, some religious establishments are restricted to
tourists. Some of the areas in Bhutan are also closed to travelers due to environmental concerns |
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WHAT ABOUT THE CUSTOMS AND DUTIES? |
The Bhutanese custom authority advises all visitors
to complete the customs declaration Form upon arrival, which has to produced upon departure. Personal
videos, cameras, personal computers, portable telephones or any other electronic device should be
registered with the customs authorities on arrival at Paro and will be checked by the same on departure.
The main purpose is to ensure that anything brought into the country is taken back.
The following
articles are exempted from customs duty:
a) Personal effects and articles for day- to-day use by the
visitors.
b) Two litres of alcohol, cigarettes, pipe tobacco
c) Instruments, apparatus or appliances for
professional use.
d) Photographic equipments, video cameras and other electronic goods for personal
use.
Import and export of the following goods are strictly prohibited:
a) Arms, ammunition,
explosives and military stores.
b) All narcotics and drugs, medically prescribed drugs are exempt.
c)
Wild life products, especially those of endangered species antiques.
Visitors are advised to be
cautious in purchasing old and used items. Customs authorities will not allow items to be taken out of the
country if they have not been officially certified as non-antique. Import of plants, soils etc. are subject to
quarantine regulations. These items must be declared on arrival. |
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WHAT ARE THE TAXES AND PERMITS? |
Taxes & Permits
The airport tax on departure
from Paro is Nu. 300 (approx. US$8). You can expect to pay no other taxes during your stay. All areas
outside Thimphu and Paro valleys require travel permits. It is your tour operator's responsibility to make
the necessary arrangements. Tourist entrance to most dzong courtyards is allowed however the inner
temples are generally closed to tourists.
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DO I NEED TO HAVE TRAVEL INSURANCE OR VACCINATIONS OF ANY KIND? |
It is mandatory
that all clients have personal travel insurance covering theft, medical treatment and rescue evacuation.
Due to the highly difficult terrain, lack of proper medical facilities in the mountains, unpredictable weather
conditions and lack of roads, the chances of helicopter rescue cannot be ruled out
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WHAT IS AMS AND HOW CAN I PREVENT IT? |
AMS stands for "Acute Mountain Sickness" caused
by the lack of oxygen in the body. As we go higher the air gets thinner with less oxygen and our body is
deprived of the normal quantity of oxygen it is used to. The early symptoms are nausea, headache, loss of
appetite and fatigue.
Our body can adjust to the higher altitude if given enough time, which can be
done by acclimatizing. Therefore the best way to prevent AMS is to acclimatize as much as possible along
the route. Don't do sudden climbs too quickly. Climb slowly and if you catch symptoms of AMS then rule
number one is to descend to a lower elevation as quickly as possible. Your body demands a lot of liquid
so Liquid is very essential. Drink as much liquid as possible such as tea, water, soup etc. If you still fell the
same then a tablet of Daimox with a cup of warm water and try finding the nearest possible medical help.
Although our staff will be there to help you in any way possible, they may not be able to cure you
sickness. Only a qualified doctor or a medical attendant can be of help. |
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HOW ARE TREKS GRADED AND DO I NEED TO BE PHYSICALLY FIT OR PRIOR TREKKING
EXPERIE |
The treks are graded on basis of walking hours and altitude gained. We have graded the
treks in four different grades as easy, moderate and strenuous and challenging.
Easy
To
do an easy trek you do not have to be in great physical shape. A reasonably active person can undertake
this trek. These treks require easy walking of 3 - 4 hours and do not require ascending more than 300
meters per day.
Moderate
It is not necessary to have previous trekking experience. Even
a novice can do it however these trips require you to be in reasonably good physical shape. The average
walking hours per day for these treks are 5 -6 hours and the elevation could increase up to 500 meters per
day.
Strenuous
These courses offer some psychical challenge and require some
previous trekking experience with the ability to walk for a few hours. The changing elevation, long walking
hours (6-7 hours) and varying mountain terrain necessities good health.
Challenging
It is
imperative that you have some sort of previous trekking experience to undertake these treks. They are
physically demanding and technical climbing of some sort is desirable. Since these trek require walking in
rugged and sometimes extreme conditions it is advisable to start the trek on a positive note and
adventurous frame of mind. Walking hours may vary from 7 - 8 hours and you may be required to walk at
an elevation of 4000 - 5000 meters. |
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WHAT DO I NEED TO BRING FOR THE TREKS? |
You will need the following personal equipment
on the trek:
1. Flashlight
2. Warm clothes
3. Wide brimmed hats or caps
4. Good trekking
boots
5. Small backpack to carry personal belongings
6. Sun screen lotion
7. Sunglasses
8.
Duffel bag
9. Rain gear
10. Sleeping bag
11. Water bottle
12. Basic medical kit
13. Insect
repellant |
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