I know 2 people that has done a bit of treking around that area including Napal and both come up with the same kinda reply, the general answer was to have £1000 -£1500 spare and get on an organised trek as Visas were not granted unless a trek booked.
Extracts of other snippets i found if you havn't, good luck anyway:-
(1) Bhutan remains a difficult country to visit and would be tourists have to prepare their visit well in advance and be ready to pay a substantial amount of money for their visits.
The Bhutanese authorities are very determined to protect their population, culture, religious heritage and environment from the problems caused by mass tourism through strict restrictions on numbers.
After a policy of greater access for foreign tourists in the late 1980's, new restrictions were imposed in the early 1990's.
However, since tourism is an important source of foreign exchange earnings, the Bhutanese authorities still allow a limited number of high paying tourists to visit the country every year.
Tourists, who are counted in thousands rather than tens of thousands, are usually packaged in groups of five or more persons and escorted by a guide in mini vans. The average cost is about US$200 per day for all inclusive tours and $120 for simple trekking. Groups of 4 or less must pay a supplement.
Itineraries and programs tend to be fixed and not easily subject to change. They include cultural shows, particularly folkloric dances; most of which are inspired by superstition, legends and religious beliefs. The masks and the costumes are very colourful and uniquely Bhutanese.
(2) Everybody except citizens of India must apply for a visa at least 30 days in advance of their proposed date of entry into Bhutan. While the visa itself costs a reasonable US$20 for 14 days (extendable once), the visa will not be issued without pre-paid bookings for a tour, which cost US$200 per day (rising to US$250 from 1 January 2009). These fees include room, board, guide, and transportation within Bhutan. Although the tours are organized by private companies, the cost is set by the government and so not negotiable. However, a rule of thumb is that tours are slightly cheaper during off-season and more expensive for groups of three or less. There is also a surcharge for luxury hotels and certain treks. The only other options for visiting the country are to receive an invitation by 'a citizen of some standing' or a volunteer organization. Once the tour or invitation has received government approval, visas will be issued either by immigration at Paro airport or in Phuentsholing - basically all the work for a visa application is completed within Bhutan. There is no need to visit a Bhutanese embassy or consulate.
Bhutan has a number of embassies and consulates, including those listed below.
India: Royal Bhutanese Embassy - Chandragupta Marg, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi 110 021. Tel: 609217/ 609218, Fax 6876710
U.S.: Consulate General of Bhutan - 2 UN Plaza, 27th Floor, New York NY 10017. Tel (212) 826-1919, Fax (212) 826-2998.
Canada: Honorary Consul of Bhutan - 150 Isabella Street, Ottawa, Ontario K1S 1V7. Tel (613) 232-1222 Fax (613)569-4667
Hong Kong: Honorary Consul of Bhutan - Unit B, 1/F, Kowloon Centre, 29-43 Ashley Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon. Tel 23762112.
Thailand: The Royal Bhutanese Embassy in Bangkok - Jewelry Trade Center Building, Rm. 1907, 19th Floor, 919/1 Silom Road, Bangkok 10500. Tel: 671722, 630119 - Fax 6301193.
There are only two legal entry points into Bhutan: Paro's airport, and the land border with India at Phuentsholing. A third border crossing from Samdrup Jongkhar in southeastern Bhutan into India's Assam state is open, but for exit only.
|
Logged
Male