Elevate Destinations

Experts in socially responsible luxury travel. We design travel experiences that support conservation and local communities without skimping on comfort.

Dining for Women Journey to Bhutan: Trip 2

June 17th - 26th, 2019

Welcome to the Dining for Women trip to Bhutan! Below you will find some information that will be useful while planning your travels.

REGISTRATION FORM:

Please complete the following Guest Profile to register for the trip (click here). This allows us to easily record your vital travel information.

FLIGHTS FROM THE US:

Travelers fly independently to and from Paro, Bhutan. If you would like the contact information for a trusted independent travel agent we are happy to provide you with this information. Kindly forward your international flight information to Megan (megan@elevatedestinations.com) once you have booked your flights.

Here are our arrival and departure recommendations:

Main Program:

  • Arrive at Paro International Airport (PBH) before 4:30pm on June 17th, 2019*
  • Leave from Paro International Airport (PBH) anytime on June 26th, 2019

*While the trip officially begins on June 17th, we are happy to help make arrangements for you to arrive earlier, and encourage this for travelers who are sensitive to altitude sickness and would like extra time to adjust.

EXTENDING YOUR TRAVEL:

Elevate Destinations is happy to assist with your travel needs. Please let us know if you would like to arrange any pre- or post-travel plans in Bhutan, Thailand, or elsewhere in Asia.

TRAVEL INSURANCE:

Elevate Destinations strongly recommends that all travelers have travel insurance for any trip they wish to take with us. Please note that some insurance options require purchase within 24 hours of making payment for your trip. We encourage you to review your travel insurance options before making payment to Elevate Destinations.

Elevate Destinations is partnered with the Travel Insurance Center, a broker of travel protection products. For assistance, contact Alan Lightbody, Agent Representative, E-mail alightbody@travelinsurancecenter.com, Toll Free 1-866-979-6753 Ext. 3648, or Direct 402-343-3648.

Guests may acquire travel insurance through the Travel Insurance Center, or any other travel insurance company of their choosing. Elevate Destinations recommends that travelers evaluate the insurance options available for their needs, and inquire with providers about insurance that will provide coverage if the trip needs to be cancelled.

PASSPORT:

Travelers should ensure that the validity of their passports extends at least six months beyond the end of their intended stay, and should have at least two blank (unstamped) visa page in their passport to enter the country. The last two amendment pages are unacceptable for immigration stamps.

VISA:

All travelers will need a visa to enter and exit Bhutan. Please send us a scanned picture of your passport so we can provide you with a visa. For more important information regarding entry requirements please visit the State Department Website for Bhutan.

Please find the following requirements for entry below:

  • A passport valid for at least six months past the date of entry.
  • A return ticket to home country or onward destination.
  • Two passport-style photos to present at customs.
HEALTH CONCERNS

Due to the high elevations we are requesting a physician’s approval to participate in this trip. Please download the form here. You must return this form by December 17th, 2018.

Please consult with a travel clinic or your personal physician regarding the recommended immunizations for travel to Bhutan. You will need to do this well in advance of your trip as some vaccinations require time to take effect, and you may need to allow time between a series of shots. Comprehensive information can be found on the CDC website for Bhutan.

In addition to being up-to-date on routine vaccinations 4-6 weeks before travel, the CDC also recommends that most travelers be vaccinated for Hepatitis A and Typhoid. The CDC also recommends that some travelers be vaccinated for Hepatitis B, Japanese Encephalitis, Rabies, Yellow Fever*, and take prescription medication before, during, and after your trip to prevent Malaria**. Travelers may also wish to consult their doctor about altitude sickness***.

*Yellow Fever: According to the CDC there is no risk of yellow fever in Bhutan. The government of Bhutan requires proof of yellow fever vaccination only if you are arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever. This does not include the US. If you are traveling from a country other than the US, check this list to see if you may be required to get the yellow fever vaccine: Countries with risk of yellow fever virus (YFV) transmission.

**Malaria: When traveling in Bhutan, you should avoid mosquito bites to prevent malaria. You may need to take prescription medicine before, during, and after your trip to prevent malaria, depending on your travel plans, such as where you are going, when you are traveling, and if you are spending a lot of time outdoors or sleeping outside. Talk to your doctor about how you can prevent malaria while traveling. For more information on malaria in Bhutan, see malaria in Bhutan.

***Altitude: The altitude in Paro is 7,200 feet above sea level, and Thimphu is slightly higher, at 7,656 feet. Because these areas may be higher than travelers are used to, we encourage you to check with your doctor about altitude medication and other preparations. Everyone reacts differently to higher altitudes, and reactions do not necessarily correlate with overall health. Please note that some medications must be taken 7-10 days before arrival in Bhutan. We are happy to arrange pre-trip accomodations for travelers who would like extra time to adjust to the altitude.

If you have any additional questions please feel free to reach out to our Donor Travel Team:

Meredith Hauser
meredith@elevatedestinations.com

Megan Begley
megan@elevatedestinations.com