New Trekking
We are very pleased to inform that we have updated a new trekking with a takin festival, which have four different routes with flexible and tailor made programs with detials of the routes including attractions for the likings of our guests,or contact us for more information.

Tariff Revision
As per the announcement of Tourism Council of Bhutan tariff would be revised to USD 250/- per night per person effective from 1st January 2012 with equivalent service provided (e.g. entrance to attractions, cultural shows etc) and with mandatory implementation of minimum standards especially minimum 3 star accommodation to be provided.

Bhutan MasterCard and Visa ATM Debit Cards
December 13th, 2010
Easing out access to funds
The system will facilitate all kinds of transactions in local currency
Bank of Bhutan 13 December, 2010 – Tourists carrying the MasterCard and Visa international credit and debit card will now be able to withdraw money from the Bank of Bhutan’s network of 23 automated teller machines all across the country.

“This will address one of the main complaints of tourists,” a bank official said. “They’ll be able to make payments for purchases through their cards, and also withdraw money in local currency.”

The initiative was in response to an executive order from the prime minister, directing the bank to make the use of credit cards possible in the country.

The initiative was expedited through advisory support from the Himalayan Bank of Nepal ltd (HBL). An agreement was signed in May this year between the two banks, wherein HBL would provide routing and consultancy services, as well as assistance in launching credit cards in the country.

The principle objective, according to the bank’s business development deputy CEO, is to enable tourists convenience ease in withdrawing and spending funds. Through this system, an international credit card holder need not convert his currency to dollars while visiting Bhutan. The system will facilitate all kinds of transactions in local currency.

In the first quarter of 2011, BoB will also be issuing MasterCard and Visa ATM/debit cards. This will enable a person holding a bank’s ATM card to withdraw funds from any MasterCard or Visa ATM in the local currency of any country they visit.

It can also be used online to make payments and through point of sale (POS) terminals.
The group country manager (India and South Asia), Uttam Nayak, said, the acceptance network will enable consumers within Bhutan and tourists coming into the country to enjoy various advantages and benefits of electronic payments.

“Visa will help support the overall economic growth in the country, as it has done in other parts of the world,” he said.

The Bhutan National Bank CEO, Kipchu Tshering, said the bank started accepting visa credit cards 10 years ago and started issuing it five years ago. However, withdrawal and payment transactions required the person to visit the bank, which was done manually through a manned counter.

At present, the bank is working on enabling withdrawal from its ATMs and also facilitating direct purchases through their cards. The bank is optimistic that the system will be in place within the next two months.

BoB has already set up card outlets in Hotel Taj Tashi and two other handicrafts shops in Thimphu, where the MasterCard can be used for purchases. The deputy CEO said, while the two handicrafts shops are skeptical about whether it will serve the intended purpose, Hotel Taj has shown confidence in it.

BoB will also be launching the Western Union money transfer, which is expected to improve convenience of easy remittance from any country into Bhutan, while also sending remittances to India.

Mastercards can be used to withdraw money from the Druk PNB’s ATMs in the country. The facility was formally launched last week. courtesy: (kuenselonline)