Last updated: 15 October 2026
These terms apply to every journey booked with Sacred Kingdom Travel Bhutan (“we”, “us”), Changlam Plaza, Room 503, Thimphu, Bhutan. Please read them before you confirm a booking. By paying a deposit you accept these terms.
1. Your itinerary and quote
Every journey is private and planned for you. Your written quote lists the itinerary, the services included, the hotel category and the total price in US dollars. The quote is valid for the period stated on it. Prices can change if government fees, flight fares or exchange rates change before you pay in full; we will tell you before any change is applied.
2. Government fees
Bhutan charges every visitor a Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) and a visa fee. These are government charges, not our fees. Unless your quote says otherwise, our prices include the SDF.
- At the time of writing, the SDF is USD 100 per adult per night and USD 50 per night for children aged 6 to 11; children under 6 are exempt. The Department of Tourism has said this rate applies until 31 August 2027. Different rates apply to Indian nationals.
- The visa application fee is a one-off, non-refundable USD 40.
- If the government changes these fees, the new rate applies to nights and visas not yet paid.
Current figures are published by the Department of Tourism.
3. Booking and payment
Your booking is confirmed when we receive the deposit stated in your quote and send you a written confirmation. The amount of the deposit and the date the balance is due are set out in your quote and booking confirmation. We apply for your visa once full payment has been received.
Payments are made by international bank transfer or another method we agree in writing. Bank and transfer charges are paid by the sender, so the full amount reaches us.
4. Cancellation by you
Please cancel in writing by email. Cancellation charges depend on how close to your arrival date you cancel and on costs we have already paid on your behalf, such as domestic flights and hotel deposits. The charges that apply to your journey are set out in your booking confirmation.
The visa fee is non-refundable. Refunds of the Sustainable Development Fee follow the government’s rules in force at the time, and we pass on any amount refunded to us.
5. Changes and cancellation by us
Mountain weather, landslides, road works, flight delays and government decisions, including changes to festival dates, can affect travel in Bhutan. If we need to change your itinerary, we will offer the closest available alternative of similar standard. If we have to cancel your journey for reasons within our control, we will refund everything you have paid us. If a cancellation is caused by events outside anyone’s control, such as natural disasters, border closures or government restrictions, we will refund what we can recover from hotels, airlines and the government, less costs already incurred.
6. Travel insurance
Travel insurance is strongly recommended, especially for treks. It should cover medical treatment, emergency evacuation including by helicopter, cancellation and lost baggage. Please send us your policy details before you travel.
7. Health, fitness and treks
Many routes reach high altitude. Please tell us about any medical condition, dietary need or mobility limitation when you book, so we can plan safely. Your guide may change or stop a hike or trek if conditions or a traveller’s health make it unsafe; this decision is final.
8. Respecting Bhutan
Dzongs, temples and monasteries are active religious sites. Visitors are asked to dress modestly (long sleeves and long trousers or skirts, no hats inside), to follow photography rules and to respect local customs. Smoking and the sale of tobacco are regulated. Your guide will brief you at each site.
9. Our responsibility
We arrange your journey with care and choose hotels, drivers and suppliers we trust. We are not responsible for loss, injury, delay or extra cost caused by events beyond our reasonable control, by your own actions, or by independent providers such as airlines. Nothing in these terms limits liability that cannot be limited under the law of Bhutan.
10. Complaints
If something is not right during your trip, please tell your guide straight away so we can try to fix it. If it is still not resolved, email us at sacredkingdomtravel@gmail.com within 30 days of your return and we will reply in writing.
11. Law
These terms are governed by the laws of the Kingdom of Bhutan.