Question 1

Who are the people behind MAD?

Accepted Answer

We are a team of like-minded individuals from Singapore and tour guides from Bhutan that share the same vision and love for the people in Bhutan.
 
Chris and Rosabelle are part of a team that contributed resources to raise fund and successfully built a multi-purpose hall for a rural school that benefited not only the school children, but also the local villagers. During the course of the project, the husband and wife team have been actively supporting other charitable projects in Bhutan in their own personal capacity. The MPH project has been covered by The Bhutan Times and can be found HERE.

Question 2

Who will benefit from MAD's initiatives?

Accepted Answer

Our aim is to support the underprivileged children and families from rural Bhutan as well as orphans and children of single parent.

Question 3

How much do I need to pay to travel to Bhutan and what does it includes?

Accepted Answer

For travel to Bhutan, a fixed daily US$100 tax per person per night tax imposed by the Government of Bhutan is payable on top of the other travel expenses. Total cost quoted will  include :
accommodations in 3 stars local hotels/homestay*
breakfast, lunch and dinner each day
air-conditioned vehicle cost throughout the entire journey
an English speaking licensed guide from MAD and a driver
US$ 100 Sustainable Development Fee per person per night stay to the Government of Bhutan. This SDF goes towards free education, free healthcare, poverty alleviation, along with the building of infrastructure.
Entrance fees to events, historic sites, museums and parks as indicated in the itinerary
US$40 per person for visa application
* Traveling guests can also opt for 4 stars or international 5 stars hotels with additional cost.
* Luxury camping/trekking can be arranged at an additional cost
* Specialized guides for foreign language available at an additional cost
 
For travelers on trekking tours, additional rate applies and will  include :
a licensed trekking guide
Cook and camp hand who will take care of camp chores and provide wholesome meals
Services of horsemen who will look after the yaks & ponies that transport luggage and camp gear
Tents - sleeping tent, mess tent, kitchen & toilet tent

Question 4

Can I choose the hotels that I would want to stay during the trip?

Accepted Answer

The minimum package cost imposed by the Government of Bhutan includes accommodation in a list of approved 3 stars local hotels. We will only reccommend those hotels that we ourselves have vetted and received good feedback from other travelers. However, if you prefer to stay with some international 5-stars hotels, we can arrange for that with additional cost to cover the difference in room rates. Please note that the 5-stars hotels are only available in the main districts.

Question 5

Are there any other cost that I should be aware of beside the package cost and visa application fees?

Accepted Answer

The followings are not included in the daily minimum package cost, visa application fees and FIT surcharge (if applicable):
international flights in and out of Bhutan
any domestic flights
alcoholic drinks
any purchases and other personal expenses
travel insurance
Gratuities to guide, driver, trekking staff, etc

Question 6

Am I being charged extra for MAD's charitable projects and will I be asked to contribute for the projects?

Accepted Answer

No and No.
 
The project initiatives are funded using the profits generated by MAD from conducting tours and also the generous contributions received from our friends. We DO NOT impose a higher fee than the standard minimum daily package that the Government of Bhutan imposed.
 
We believe all guests who travels with us have a compassionate heart and for those who wants to contribute on top of what we are already doing, they are free to do so at their own will but it is our policy to not solicit contributions from our traveling guests.

Question 7

I want to be part of MAD's effort and contribute to the cause. How do I participate?

Accepted Answer

We welcome any of our traveling guests to be part of our effort in doing good for the children and communities. If you share our vision and want to get involved in our projects, simply let us know during the itinerary planning or even when you're already in Bhutan traveling with us. Our team will arrange for a visit to the nearest project along the route of travel. You can help facilitate the transport and distribution of the basic necessities items such as books, stationary, teaching materials and uniforms we prepared for the schools identified.

Question 8

I would want to visit Bhutan, what's next?"

Accepted Answer

Simply drop us an email, text message or call us! We can schedule for a face to face discussion or we can explain the necessary process vis email. Once we have your travel preferences, we can then craft up an itinerary for your consideration.

MAD.

Frequently asked questions