Bhutan’s tourism system requires advance planning and coordination with licensed operators, boutique hotels, and limited transport providers. To ensure fairness and transparency, the following cancellation policy applies across all services and seasons.
General Tour Cancellation Policy
| Time Before Arrival | Cancellation Fee |
|---|---|
| 45 days or more | No cancellation fee (full refund) |
| 30–44 days | 30% of total tour cost |
| 21–29 days | 50% of total tour cost |
| Less than 21 days | 100% of total tour cost (no refund) |
- All cancellations must be made in writing.
- Refunds processed within 30 working days, minus bank charges.
- Visa fees and Sustainable Development Fees (SDF) are non-refundable once processed.
Hotel Cancellation Policy
Peak Season (Mar–May, Sep–Nov):
- Cancellations within 30 days: 50% charge
- Within 15 days: 100% charge
Low Season (Dec–Feb, Jun–Aug):
- Cancellations within 15 days: 30% charge
- Within 7 days: 100% charge
Boutique hotels may have stricter policies due to limited inventory.
Transport (Cab/Vehicle) Cancellation Policy
- Cancellations within 15 days: 25% of the transport cost
- Within 7 days: 50%
- Within 3 days or no-show: 100%
- No refund for unused vehicle days once the tour begins.
Guide Service Cancellation Policy
- Cancellations within 15 days: 20% of the guide fee
- Within 7 days: 50%
- Within 3 days or no-show: 100%
- Specialized guides (e.g., trekking, birding) may have stricter terms.
Seasonal Considerations
Weather-related delays (e.g., flight cancellations, roadblocks):
- No penalty for delayed arrival or departure.
- Guests pay only actual costs for extended accommodation, food, and services.