Confused over Daily rate for 2009

We are planning to travel to Bhutan in Spring 2009. We received responses from several Bhutan tour companies and are confused about the daily rates. Some reported that the daily rate increases to $250 US as of Jan. 2009 (high season), while another stated the rate increase is postponed until July 1, 2009 so the rate remains $200 for Spring 2009. Another stated that there is a government suggested charge of $20 per day due to the US dollar devaluation so the rate is $220. Another stated that the rate is $250 but they give a 10% discount, so its $225. Can anyone clarify this, and who should we trust?

We%26#39;ve received responses from the following tour companies: BTCL, Sky Kingdom, Bhutan Majestic, Etho Metho, and Nirvana. These tour companies were either mentioned on TA or Lonely Planet as reputable. Any one have more comments or experiences with these companies?

Thanks for any help or guidance.

Confused over Daily rate for 2009

Nirvana told us (many months ago) that the rate is going up Jan 1 to $250.

Confused over Daily rate for 2009

Oh, and we are going in March. But I think I will write Dechen another e-mail and double check.

The revised rate i.e US$ 250 will come into effect only from July 01, 2009. I think your agent should contact the concerned office again.

It is confirmed that the daily tariff will be raised from July 1, 2009. i.e. US$ 250 per night per person. It is fixed and approved by the government and will apply to all the tour operators in Bhutan.

I just received a response from Dechen at Nirvana. She confirms that the rate change is still up in the air, as far as effective date, due to global economic crisis. We have already paid for March trip, and paid the extra rate, so we will get a refund if we overpaid.

thank you all for responding.

Just received email from Sonam at Nirvana. As of this moment, rate for 2009 will not go up but will stay at previouos rate.