Not a Tour Type of Guy
July 11, 2009 11:29 AM Subscribe
Going to Bhutan in October. Want to find a tour company who will stay out of my way and essentially let me go where I want to, alone. Most sources tell me this impossible, but I don't believe it. Any MeFites been there?
The Lonely Planet front page for the country says
Visitors famously have to pay a minimum of US$200 per day, making it one of the world’s most expensive countries to visit, but this fee is all-inclusive, you don’t have to travel in a group and you can arrange your own itinerary.
So being on an itinerary could be an itinerary of one plus a guide, which would be really not like a group of 60 folks taking photos of the Eiffel Tower, then being herded onto a bus or something. I think that mass tourism in the sense you might be wanting to stay away from is still pretty rare there.
The LP practicalities page says that traveling by oneself is more expensive, though.
posted by mdonley at 11:54 AM on July 11, 2009
Visitors famously have to pay a minimum of US$200 per day, making it one of the world’s most expensive countries to visit, but this fee is all-inclusive, you don’t have to travel in a group and you can arrange your own itinerary.
So being on an itinerary could be an itinerary of one plus a guide, which would be really not like a group of 60 folks taking photos of the Eiffel Tower, then being herded onto a bus or something. I think that mass tourism in the sense you might be wanting to stay away from is still pretty rare there.
The LP practicalities page says that traveling by oneself is more expensive, though.
posted by mdonley at 11:54 AM on July 11, 2009
My mom went to Bhutan last year. She did this. It was a good compromise between trying to go on her own and getting stuck on a "tour group".
posted by dogmom at 1:47 PM on July 11, 2009
posted by dogmom at 1:47 PM on July 11, 2009
Let's just say I know people who go there who would prefer to go without a guide.
They always have to have one.
posted by St. Alia of the Bunnies at 5:31 PM on July 11, 2009
They always have to have one.
posted by St. Alia of the Bunnies at 5:31 PM on July 11, 2009
From a friend in Bhutan:
"Bhutanese law requires that anyone who comes into the country to come in with a tourist agency. The tour rates are expensive, but take into consideration that the $ 250 US per day VISA charges cover your hotel, meals, a guide and transportation to and where you want to go. Some tour agencies will work with you to create your own programs, while others also offer pre-package tour trips.
If you are interested in linking up with someone who would be willing to be flexible, I suggest Bhutan Expeditions
http://www.bhutan-expeditions.com.bt/"
Disclosure: my friend has family connections with Bhutan Expeditions.
posted by blue_wardrobe at 8:39 PM on July 11, 2009
"Bhutanese law requires that anyone who comes into the country to come in with a tourist agency. The tour rates are expensive, but take into consideration that the $ 250 US per day VISA charges cover your hotel, meals, a guide and transportation to and where you want to go. Some tour agencies will work with you to create your own programs, while others also offer pre-package tour trips.
If you are interested in linking up with someone who would be willing to be flexible, I suggest Bhutan Expeditions
http://www.bhutan-expeditions.com.bt/"
Disclosure: my friend has family connections with Bhutan Expeditions.
posted by blue_wardrobe at 8:39 PM on July 11, 2009
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posted by thewalrus at 11:42 AM on July 11, 2009