Hi,

I'm planning a 5-7 day tour in Bhutan in Nov. after visiting China & Tibet. Has anyone used Experience Bhutan as their tour group? Anyone strongly recommend another tour company?

Am I correct that no matter who you use, it's still $200 per night? How can you determine the quality of lodging if the tariff is the same?

Thanks

Maybe there's only one place? They only allow in a certain number of people at a time, so maybe one hotel and one room type fits all.

eagles, I haven't been to Bhutan yet, but I've done some research for a trip. Some of the places to stay are extra (like the Amans) and some are not. I read about the Uma, and it sounded great. I understood that it was extra, but someone here posted that it was not, you just had to request it. If you haven't done a search on this board, do so, as there have been several reports in the last year. And no matter who you use, it is at least $200 a night...

I made some inquiries with the Uma/Como hotel in Bhutan....their rates are definitely way more than $200 per night. You can book direct with the hotel, pay their rates (something around $500+ per night) and then also pay the required government tourism levy/daily charge.

I have researched Bhutan as well. You can request certain lodging but there's a chance you might not get it. Most places I have read about are pretty basic - research is tough - there are some reviews here and some on tripadvisor.com. You must pay a big premium over the $200 to stay at the Amans and the Uma. The $200 is per person by the way with an additional surcharge if you are not traveling in a group.

We are in Bhutan next week, then down to India after that. We'll be arriving there I think on the 1st or so, and leaving on the 8th. Will our paths cross?

The minimum of $200 per night is inclusive of tours, meals, etc and not just for the room and you'll need to book through a travel agent. The tariffs are all different and with most of the 4-5 star hotels you'll find that it will cost more than $200. Aman and the Como packages will be much much more. A percentage of that $200 (can't remember maybe 40%) goes to the government. Bhutan relies heavily on foreign aid. It's worth paying the premium, Bhutan is an amazing experience. We had a very good guide called Peldon and he worked for International Tours and Trekking http://www.intrekasia.com. They are one of the bigger tour operators. I think there are 2 bigger ones but can't recall the names. You ARE not allocated lodging. You can choose just like any other country you visit.

Dear Eagles06,
There are numerous tour operator which provides the same offers.Am myself into travel organising to Bhutan and am well versed.If you are travelling single or as a couple I would advise you to use smaller operator for they will give you more personalised services.
200$/night/person is a rate fixed by the Government and it implies to all operators in Bhutan.This is done to keep limited tourist inflow or else beautiful Bhutan would be like another Nepal.
Keeping in the policy Bhutan offers only packages which include Hotel (There are certian hotels in every place/town/city recognised by the government which has to meet standards for the operator to use for their clients),All operators must use these hotels.All meals included,with tea/coffee and evening snacks, sightseeing, guide,driver,transport, Airport pick up and drop.
I paid 55€ for a night in Rome for a room that was very small and stained just to get a sleep.Hotels used by operators for 200$ package are basic but clean and spacious.
Will be happy to give you infos.
Have a nice day!