Truly Bhutan Travel

Filming In Bhutan

Capturing Bhutan’s Beauty: Comprehensive Guidelines for Filming

Bhutan offers a unique tapestry of cultural and natural beauty, making it a captivating destination for filmmakers and photographers. The blend of traditional architecture and modern development, along with stunning landscapes, monasteries, and fortresses, presents a visually rich backdrop for any film project. However, filming in Bhutan comes with specific guidelines that must be followed to respect the local culture and environment.

Key Points for Filming in Bhutan:

  1. Regulatory Compliance: Filming in Bhutan is regulated by the Bhutanese Filming Regulations of 1995. These regulations are distinct from the norms for standard tours and treks in the country. It’s essential for filmmakers to familiarize themselves with these guidelines, available through the Department of Tourism, Bhutan.
  2. Permit Application: To film in Bhutan, one must apply for a filming permit at least 30 days before the planned start date. This application should be submitted to the Department of Tourism, Bhutan.
  3. Application Requirements:
    • Film Theme: Outline the theme, background, objective, and purpose of the film.
    • Locations and Activities: Specify the locations, objects, and activities intended for filming.
    • Team Composition: Provide a list of team members and equipment. Note that all team members must pay the full daily tourist tariff.
    • Sponsorship Letter: Include a letter of recommendation from a sponsoring agency. Application forms are available from the Department of  Tourism of Bhutan for a fee of Nu 300.
  1. Filming Royalty Fees:
    • The first 30 minutes (or part thereof) incurs a fee of US$ 10,000.
    • The subsequent 30 minutes (or part thereof) are charged at US$ 6,000.
    • Each additional 30 minutes (or part thereof) costs US$ 3,000.
  1. Security Deposit: A refundable security deposit of US$5,000 is required. This deposit is returned upon completion of the film, subject to the satisfaction of the Department of Tourism, Bhutan.
  2. Restrictions: While Bhutan allows photography in most places, special permission is needed for filming in monasteries and certain parts of fortresses. These culturally sensitive locations require additional care and respect for traditions.

Filming in Bhutan is a privilege that comes with responsibility. Adhering to the country’s filming regulations ensures a respectful and harmonious experience for both filmmakers and the local community. With its unique culture and breathtaking scenery, Bhutan provides an extraordinary canvas for filmmakers, but it’s crucial to engage with this landscape in a way that preserves its integrity and honors its traditions. By following these guidelines, filmmakers can successfully capture the essence of Bhutan while contributing positively to its preservation and cultural respect.

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Frequently Asked Question

You can initiate contact with Truly Bhutan, and we can assist you through the process. Or if you know which vacation is right for you, you may book it online, through email, fax, or phone. If you want a bespoke vacation, you must first estimate the approximate duration of your stay in Bhutan, then consult the airline schedule to calculate your entrance and departure dates; the duration of your stay in Bhutan will influence your package fees.

You will not be disappointed if you visit at any time. However, if you are willing to travel outside of the high season seasons (APR-MAY and mid-SEP-NOV), you will encounter fewer tourists and have a more gratifying experience. Summer months (June-July) and winter/spring months (December-March) are highly recommended. Trekking requires you to go during peak season months in order to find adequate circumstances.

Bhutan offers several tourist attractions. It is a nation with a wide range of heights, temperatures, vegetation, and landscapes. Bhutan’s culture remains mostly preserved. Bhutanese people are kind and hospitable. There are many functioning Buddhist temples and monasteries, many of which date before the 17th century and are well worth seeing.

Bhutan’s architecture is one-of-a-kind, colorful, and well preserved. Bhutanese people dress differently. Several colorful festivals feature old mask dances. Bhutan is a paradise for hikers, offering mountain views and journeys through virgin forests and secluded villages with few other tourists. As a result, the list might be rather lengthy

Let’s put this misconception to rest right now! A Bhutan visit may appear to be pricey since the Bhutanese government has implemented an all-inclusive’ nightly rate structure. In our encounters with Bhutan, we frequently hear from repeat guests about how fantastic the ‘value for money is. Given that each tourist gets access to a private guide, driver, private car, and a land package that includes all meals, accommodations, sightseeing, entrance fees, transfers, taxes, sustainable development Fees, and visa fees, it is truly fantastic value for money.

You may choose what you want to see and how you want to see it in Bhutan. Unless you are part of a group trip with a predetermined schedule, you are not required to precisely adhere to a planned tour. You will be given a tour schedule, but once in Bhutan, you will have some freedom with our Host.

  • Inclusion
  • Exclusion
  • Insurance
  • Airport pick-up and drop-off by private vehicle.
  • 3-star accommodation (4 & 5 stars may require an additional premium update).
  • Bhutan visa fee – including all necessary processing
  • Route Permit
  • Three meals per day during your stay in Bhutan
  • A licensed Bhutanese tour guide
  • All land transportation by private vehicle
  • Camping equipment and haulage for trekking tours
  • Sightseeing as per itinerary
  • Monuments entrance fees where applicable
  • Drinking water
  • All internal taxes and charges
  • A sustainable development fee of $200. (This sustainable development fee goes towards free education, free healthcare, and poverty alleviation, along with the building of infrastructure.)
  • Airfare & Travel Insurance
  • Expenses of personal nature, Tips to guides and drivers
  • Expenses occurred due to unavoidable events i.e. road wrecks, flight delays etc.

Package does not include insurance of any kinds, and that you are required to obtain separate coverage from your home country before your trip begins.

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