travel to bhutan cost

How Much It Costs to Travel Bhutan in 2023 (and How to Save Money)

05/28/2023 by Ashley Yap 2 Comments

This post was written by Ashley Yap, BMTM’s Malaysia-based writer.

With the push for sustainable tourism in Bhutan comes a “high-value, low-impact” strategy, a controversial policy by the government to promote “carbon-neutral tourism while building a more sustainable tourism sector.”

Bhutan introduced its new daily sustainable development fee (SDF) in September 2022, which shocked the world: USD 200 per tourist per night, triple its previous fee of USD 65. According to the government, the SDF is used to offset tourists’ carbon footprint, and improve the overall standard of the tourism industry, including guides, accommodation, food, hygiene and so on.

Before 2022, travelers planning a trip to Bhutan were expected to purchase a package for USD 200–250 per night, with USD 65 of that being the SDF. The rest would go to travel costs, like accommodation, transportation, activities, entrance fees, food, and a guide. But this is no longer the case.

My husband and I recently spent one week traveling in Bhutan , and here’s everything we learned about the costs of traveling in the Kingdom of the Thunder Dragon in 2023:

Table of Contents

Bhutan Visa (Sustainable Development Fee)

As mentioned, all travelers to Bhutan, except for Indian nationals, are required to pay a USD 200 SDF per night. For families, there is a 50% discount for children below 6 years of age and a 100% discount for children below 2 years old. In addition to the SDF, there’s also a one-off visa processing fee of USD 40 per person.

The new development fee is in line with the government’s sustainable approach to tourism. Your holidays in Bhutan may be one of the greenest trips you have made, as the fee offsets the carbon footprint of tourists. The government also invests the fees into improving the travel industry’s services and facilities.

Most tour operators will apply for a visa on your behalf. A passport-size photograph and a copy of your passport is required for the application. Upon arrival at Paro International Airport, you are required to present the SDF clearance letter at immigration.

How to save money : We spent seven nights in Bhutan and wish we had had longer. However, if you really want to see the country on a smaller budget, I suggest limiting your visits to Paro, Thimphu, and Punakha, and pack everything into a 4-5-day itinerary. You may also combine your Bhutan trip with a visit to neighboring India, which is one of the cheapest countries in the world to travel in .

Only two commercial airlines operate flights to and from Bhutan, namely Drukair and Bhutan Airlines. Direct flights are available from Bangkok, Singapore (where a round-trip ticket costs about USD 950-1,000), and several cities in India, Nepal, and Bangladesh. Your tour operator can help you arrange your flights.

How to save money : Fly in from India, Nepal, or Bangladesh, where flights are about USD 350-550 cheaper than flying from Bangkok or Singapore. You may even consider entering and exiting Bhutan via Phuntsholing and through West Bengal in India by car. Some tour operators, including Breathe Bhutan , can pick you up from Phuntsholing for an additional cost.

Tour Guide and Driver

With the revised sustainable development fee, travelers may now travel independently in Bhutan, or at least in Paro and Thimphu. However, I highly recommend traveling with a tour guide, as they provide interesting insights into the culture, offer meaningful conversations, and facilitate engagements with locals.

A driver is absolutely necessary when traveling in Bhutan. The distances from one place to another can be long — we spent an average of three hours per day in the car during our trip. There are no traffic lights in the entire country, and you share the cliffside highways with cows, dogs, yaks and the like. In short, I would not want to drive myself in Bhutan (I am not sure if it’s even possible!).

We wanted a personalized and unique Bhutan experience, and so engaged Breathe Bhutan , who tailor-made an itinerary for the two of us. The cost of our tour, which included all meals, a vehicle, a driver, a guide, and taxes, amounted to USD 2,200 for two persons for one week, or about USD 160 per person per day. This does not include the SDF.

How to save money : Join a small group tour, or gather a small group of friends to travel to Bhutan together. Most tour companies offer a discount for group trips.

-READ NEXT-

12 Things to Know Before Visiting Bhutan in 2023

Accommodation

I requested for a range of different accommodation experiences during our stay in Bhutan, and we were able to experience an eco-lodge, a farm resort, a glamping tent, and a four-star hotel. The lodging options in Bhutan are surprisingly abundant!

Here’s how much each of our stays cost:

• The Pema, Thimphu (four-star hotel): USD 150 per night
• Dhumra Farm Resort, Punakha (women-run): USD 140 per night
• Gaselo Eco Lodge, Punakha (family-run): USD 75 per night
• Dewachen Hotel & Spa, Phobjikha Valley: USD 85 per night
• Tiger’s Nest Camp, Paro (glamping tents): USD 130 per night

How to save money : Request local home stays! They are much cheaper than hotels and offer a unique experience. It was unfortunately not possible for us during our trip, but I’d definitely try staying at a farmhouse the next time we visit Bhutan.

Food and Drinks

Since this is covered by most tours, you won’t really be spending money on food and drinks. On our trip, we found Bhutanese food to be simple and delicious. Most meals include 3-4 vegetable dishes (chili and cheese are constants), 1-2 proteins (eggs or chicken), and rice. The Bhutanese tend to eat the same things for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Most hotels offer complimentary Western-style breakfasts.

As for drinks, I enjoyed the local milk tea, whereas the butter tea can be an acquired taste. You can also find local beer and wine at restaurants and convenience stores.

I read on other blogs that Bhutanese food can be bland, but my husband and I enjoyed everything that was put on our table. I especially loved yak cheese!

Entrance Fees

Most sacred sites in Bhutan, including the dzong s (fortified monasteries) and the Buddha Dordenma, require an entrance fee of about USD 13 per person. The Tiger’s Nest entrance fee is about USD 25 per person. Since our tour included entrance fees, we did not have to worry about them.

Whether it’s paintings, scarves, bags, or wood sculptures, the attention to detail in Bhutanese art and crafts is very impressive. If you plan to shop for souvenirs, be sure to visit the shopping street in Paro Town before going home.

For art lovers, you may be interested in investing in a thangka , a Tibetan Buddhist painting made with natural pigments. Each thangka takes weeks or months to complete, and while there are several specific themes, it is up to the artist to interpret in his or her own way. Because of this, a thangka painting can cost from a few hundred dollars up to the thousands.

Unfortunately, there are many shops in Paro selling machine-produced thangka s, and it can be tricky to differentiate a hand-painted one from a machine-made one, so definitely consult your guide, who would be able to advice.

Other Activities

A popular activity to do after the Tiger’s Nest hike is a hot stone bath, which consists of fresh water mixed with Artemisia absinthium leaves, heated with roasted river stones. You will spend about an hour soaking in a wooden tub, and it’s the most relaxing thing to do after a long day of hiking.

Some hotels have their own hot stone bathhouse, which I recommend booking for the evening after your hike. It costs about USD 10 per person for an hour. For a more traditional experience, you can visit local bathhouse (like the one in the picture above), which costs more, about USD 18 per person, but offers an authentic experience.

Another fun thing to do is whitewater rafting in Punakha, along Mo Chhu (Female River) and Pho Chhu (Male River). We did not get to try this, but this blog post gives you the full rundown. A raft costs USD 150 and can take up to six passengers.

Tipping in Bhutan

Tipping your tour guide and driver is customary. I was very grateful for our guide and driver, Nima and Phuentso, who took such great care of us and generously shared the beauty of their country with us. While there’s no specific tipping rate, it was recommended to us to tip about USD 20 per day. Considering that they spent over 10 hours with us and frequently went out of their way to make sure we got to make the most of our trip, I think the tip was well deserved.

In total, our trip to Bhutan cost about USD 7,500, or about USD 535 per person per day, including the USD 200 daily fee.

I hope this post is helpful to you. Comment below if you have any questions about budgeting for your Bhutan trip!

*This post was brought to you in partnership with Breathe Bhutan . All opinions on the tour operator and the Kingdom of the Thunder Dragon are my own. Your trust comes first!

About Ashley Yap

Ashley is the manager of Be My Travel Muse, one of the biggest solo female travel blogs in the world. She's traveled solo to over 20 countries, spending months in each for an immersive experience.

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Dextro says

12/06/2023 at 9:48 pm

Hi, I am planning to visit Bhutan I want to know whether guide is mandatory or not for the trip. Extremely confused by the articles out there on internet. What are the authentic rules? Reply awaited.

Ashley Yap says

12/07/2023 at 1:23 am

A guide is mandatory for visiting Bhutan. We highly recommend Breathe Bhutan!

Everything you need to know to plan your trip to Bhutan

Sep 26, 2022 • 9 min read

Visiting Bhutan's spectacular temples and villages is worth the price tag © Andrew Peacock / Getty Images / iStockphoto

Bhutan has long had a reputation as an exclusive, remote destination that only opens its doors to a lucky, well-heeled few. Its golden-roofed temples, magnificent fortress-like monasteries and timeless rural villages are as close to a Shangri-La as you can find in the modern world. Unfortunately, visiting paradise comes at a hefty price.

Bhutan’s tourism mantra has long been “high value, low impact,” and its aim is simple: to maximize the financial benefits of tourism while minimizing its environmental and cultural impact. It’s a perfect example of the country’s guiding policy of “Gross National Happiness.”

The country kept its doors locked tight during the Covid-19 pandemic and only reopened to tourism in September 2022, but with this reopening has come a major overhaul of the country's strict tourism regulations . If you are tempted to take the plunge on a once-in-a-lifetime visit to Bhutan , here’s the lowdown on Bhutan's new travel rules and exactly how to arrange a trip to this unique and magical Himalayan country.

What are the new tourism rules?

Until 2020, foreign tourists were charged a flat minimum fee of US$250 per person per day for a fully organized tour, of which US$65 went to the government to help fund free education and healthcare for Bhutan’s citizens.

Beginning September 2022, foreign tourists are now charged a US$200 per person per day Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) that the government says will further contribute to sustainable tourism development, tourism training and carbon offsetting. 

The other major change is that tour prices are no longer fixed, leaving tour companies free to charge what they want depending on the levels of service or activities, thus giving visitors some choice over things like hotel costs. The bad news is that travel costs are now in addition to the US$200 per day fee, not included. Comb through the small print, and you'll find that families get a small break, paying 50% of the SDF (i.e., US$100 per day) for kids aged six to twelve, and children under five being exempt from the fee entirely.

Another change is that foreign tourists now must pay entry fees to the main sights, ranging in price from Nu 2000 (US$25) for the famous Tiger's Nest Monastery to Nu 1000 (US$12.50) for most other popular temples and dzongs (fortress-like monasteries). This will add US$100-200 to most tours. Most of these religious sites will now close to tourists on popular Buddhist holidays, which is a shame as these are often the most colorful times to visit.

How Will This Change Tourism in Bhutan?

For starters, trips to already-exclusive Bhutan just became even more expensive. Given this, it’s likely that fewer foreign tourists will visit the country, and those that do will choose shorter trips close to the popular sights around Paro (Bhutan's international airport) and the capital Thimphu. Longer trips to the fascinating but more remote central and eastern regions now come with a much higher price tag, as does trekking, which is generally more expensive to arrange than a cultural tour.

For example, Bhutan's famous 27-day Snowman trek (often called the “world's hardest trek”) now costs at least US$3500 more per person than it did under the old rules. The hike’s fees could well make Nepal's equally unspoiled Himalayan regions, such as upper Dolpo and Mustang (which have their own fees of US$500 for ten days), more financially appealing.

What about regional Indian tourists?

The main exception to the new fee rule is Indian tourists, who pay a much smaller SDF fee of just Nu 1200 (US$15) per person per day. Indian visitors must pre-arrange a guide, hotel accommodation and permits to travel east of Thimphu. This can be arranged through a Bhutanese agent or independently.

Many Bhutanese travel agents point out that with Indian tourists making up 77% of annual visitors to Bhutan (243,000 out of a total 315,600) and many arriving in their own vehicles and cooking their own food on budget trips, it’s hard to see how Bhutan can justify its fee system in the name of either sustainable tourism or avoiding cultural impact. 

How much does a trip to Bhutan cost now?

Including the US$200 SDF per person per day, most Bhutanese agencies will now charge between US$350 and US$450 per person per day for a fully inclusive tour, up from the previous US$250 per day. Trekking will likely be a bit pricier, and small groups of two or three will be more expensive than larger groups.

What the new rules do allow for is overnights in guest houses, heritage farmhouses or rural homestays, which are a bit cheaper than tourist hotels. Under the old rules, you paid the same daily rate regardless of whether you stayed in a comfortable four-star hotel or on the floor of a local homestay, which limited the appeal of community tourism. Now you pay for what you get. The downside is that even if you stay in a simple rural homestay, you will still pay around US$300 per day for your trip, leaving you with budget travel at a top-end price.

How to plan your trip

Until 2022, tourists had to arrange their travels through a registered Bhutanese travel agent. Now tourists are allowed to book trips directly with hotels, so if you are just planning a visit to Thimphu and Paro towns, you can theoretically just book a hotel, a guide and a couple of airport transfers directly with a hotel, cutting down on transportation costs.

For a more complicated itinerary involving multiple overnight stops, cultural programs, day hikes, trekking and other activities, you are still better off booking with an experienced agency. Bhutanese tourism infrastructure isn't yet developed enough to offer easily bookable separate transportation and guide services.

Start planning early. You will need at least a month to pin down your itinerary, pay the tour operator and get your visa approval. If you are visiting in the high season months of October, November, March and April, you will want to book your flights to Bhutan further in advance.

Planning your itinerary

Because Bhutan is expensive, many travelers are tempted to limit their visit to just a few days around the Paro Valley. There are definitely some fabulous medieval temples, monasteries and museums here, as well as some intriguing sights in nearby Thimphu, where the 16th and 21st centuries manage to coexist seamlessly.

Stick to these easily accessible sights, however, and you'll only see the most touristed parts of Bhutan. With a few more days, you can visit the delightful valley of Punakha or stay overnight in the little-visited valley of Haa, accessible from Paro over the country's highest motorable pass. Anyone wanting to really get off the beaten track should head out to the center or east of the country.

Perhaps the best way to plan your trip is to use an agency’s itinerary as a starting point and modify it to your interests. If you have a specific interest in embroidery, hiking or Buddhism, a good agency will adapt the tour to your preferences. This is also the time to mention any extras, such as a traditional hot-stone bath, an overnight in a rural homestay or a day of rafting or mountain biking. Be sure to time your visit with one of Bhutan’s fabulous festivals. 

We always recommend throwing in a few lesser-visited temples and day hikes to get you off the tourist circuit. Even with a limited amount of time, you can detour to a lesser-known temple, nunnery or hermitage to experience Bhutan at its most authentic.

Not to miss places in Bhutan

Taktshang goemba.

Hike up to Bhutan's most iconic temple, the Tiger's Nest Monastery , whose medieval shrines are said to be attached to the cliff face by the hairs of angels.

Punakha Dzong

Bhutan's most beautiful fortress is lined with purple jacaranda flowers in spring and hosts several of Bhutan’s most spectacular festivals.

Bhutan's capital is home to historically important monasteries, protector deities, a takin reserve, archery tournaments, a fabulous weekend market and the magnificent former seat of government at Tashi Choe Dzong .

Top Bhutanese experiences

Attend a tsechu (religious dance festival).

Almost every dzong or temple in Bhutan has an annual festival featuring sacred monk dances, colorful costumes and local fairs. The main ones in Thimphu and Paro are a highlight of the Bhutanese year, but it's also worth seeking out a lesser-visited event.

Explore Bhutan on foot

Even a short walk in Bhutan leads up to a sacred meditation center, a Buddhist pilgrimage site or through ancient forests of blooming rhododendrons. It's easily the best way to experience the country's pristine rural charm. For an overnight trip, try the Bumdrak trek, which takes you on a back-door hiking route to the famous Taktshang Monastery.

Relax in a traditional hot stone bath

Soaking in a traditional Bhutanese wooden bathtub in water heated by medicinal hot stones and fragranced with mountain herbs is simply the perfect way to end a long day of sightseeing.

Best time to visit

The best months to visit Bhutan are March/April – for warm temperatures and stunning rhododendron blooms – and October/November – for clear Himalayan views and the most popular festivals. 

Now that there are no longer discounts for off-season travel, there's little incentive to visit in the cold winter (December to February) or wet monsoon months (June to September).

How long should I spend in Bhutan?

As long as you can afford it without raiding your kids’ college fund! With a four-day trip, you could see the highlights of the Paro Valley and the quirky capital Thimphu. If you have a week, you can continue over the Dochu-la mountain pass into the charming Punakha Valley.

To get to the central Bumthang Valley or the fascinating but remote far east, you will need a couple of weeks, though a domestic flight from Thimphu can speed things up here.

The bottom line is that you will likely only make one trip to Bhutan in your lifetime, so be sure to make the most of it.

How to get a Bhutan visa

Once you’ve agreed on your itinerary and tour price, the next step is to pay your agency (most likely via a bank transfer) to the agency's account at the Bhutan National Bank. If you are lucky, this will only involve one visit to your bank. Be prepared to explain where Bhutan is.

Once the wire has gone through, you will fill out a visa form and send your agency a digital photograph and scan of your passport photo page. Getting a visa is just a formality, and the agency will email you a copy of your visa authorization after a few days. The visa costs US$40 and will likely have been included in your tour price.

If arranging things yourself, you will have to pay the SDF fee directly to the government and apply for your visa through the Department of Immigration , though the exact process for this hasn't yet been revealed.

On arrival at Paro airport or at the land border with India, you will simply present your visa authorization, and immigration will stamp the visa into your passport.

How to get to Bhutan

Most visitors fly into Bhutan's Paro airport from Delhi , Bangkok or Kathmandu on the national airline Druk Air. It’s essential to print out a copy of your visa authorization before check-in.

With the reopening of tourism in September 2022, foreign tourists can once again enter Bhutan overland through one of three border crossings with India. In reality, the crossing to Phuentsholing is the only one that sees much tourist traffic, mainly with adventurous travelers combining Bhutan with the sights of nearby Darjeeling or Assam .

This article was first published Jun 24, 2019 and updated Sep 26, 2022.

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Traveling in Bhutan: What You Need to Know Before You Go

Unless you're from a select few countries, such as India, Bangladesh, and the Maldives, travel to Bhutan is expensive and not easily undertaken. However, the distinctive Buddhist culture, unspoiled scenery, and fresh mountain air make it very worthwhile. The number of people visiting Bhutan is increasing every year, reflective of growing interest in the country as a tourism destination. Here's what you need to know to plan your trip.

Tours and Independent Travel

The Bhutanese government is hesitant about allowing visitors into the country. Independent travel to Bhutan is opening up, but it's not something the government encourages. Generally, visitors to Bhutan must either be tourists or guests of the government. The only other options for visiting the country are to receive an invitation from "a citizen of some standing" or a volunteer organization.

With the exception of passport holders from India, Bangladesh, and the Maldives, all tourists must travel on a pre-planned, prepaid, guided package tour or custom-designed travel program.

Getting a Visa

Everyone traveling to Bhutan must obtain a visa in advance, except for passport holders from India, Bangladesh, and the Maldives. Passport holders from these three countries are classified as "regional tourists" and can obtain a free Entry Permit on arrival upon producing their passport with a minimum of six months validity. Indian nationals can also use their Voters Identity Card. Citizens of these countries must still pay a Sustainable Development Fee of $17 per day. An exemption applies to tourists visiting 11 specific districts in eastern Bhutan, from Trongsa to Trashigang. The Bhutanese government is aiming to increase tourism in this region.

For other passport holders, the Sustainable Development Fee is $65, which is included in the "Minimum Daily Package" rate (see below). The visa cost is $40. The visas must be applied for and paid for in advance, from registered tour operators (not embassies), at the same time as booking the rest of your trip. You should make your travel arrangements at least 90 days before travel to allow time for all the formalities to be completed.

The visas are processed through an online system by the tour operators and are approved by the Tourism Council of Bhutan once full payment of the cost of the trip has been received. Tourists are issued a visa clearance letter to be presented at immigration upon arrival at the airport. The visa is then stamped in the passport.

Getting There

The only international airport in Bhutan is located at Paro, about an hour's drive from Thimphu. Currently, two national airlines operate flights to Bhutan: Drukair and Bhutan Airlines. Departure points include Bangkok (Thailand), Kathmandu (Nepal), New Delhi and Kolkata (India), Dhaka (Bangladesh), Yangoon (Myanmar), and Singapore.

It's also possible to travel to Bhutan from India overland by road. The main border crossing is Jaigaon-Phuentsholing. There are two others, at Gelephu and Samdrup Jongkhar.

The minimum price of tours (called a "Minimum Daily Package") to Bhutan is set by the government to control tourism and protect the environment, and can't be negotiated. The price includes all accommodations, meals, transportation, guides and porters, and cultural programs. Part of it also goes towards free education, healthcare, and poverty alleviation in Bhutan.

"Minimum Daily Package" prices vary according to the season and the number of tourists in the group.

High Season: March, April, May, September, October, and November

• $250 per person per day for a group of three or more people.
• $280 per person per day for a group of two people.
• $290 per day for single individuals.

Low Season: January, February, June, July, and August

• $200 per person per day for a group of three or more people.
• $230 per person per day for a group of two people.
• $240 per day for single individuals.

Discounts are available for children and students.

Do note that each tour operator has their preferred hotels. These are often the ones that cost less. Therefore, tourists should find out the hotels they've been assigned to, do some research about hotels in Bhutan, and ask to switch hotels if they are not satisfied. Most people assume they're stuck with a fixed itinerary and the hotels allocated to them. However, tour companies will, in fact, accommodate requests in order to keep business.

Tour Companies

The Bhutan Tourist Corporation Limited (BTCL) is highly recommended for making travel bookings to Bhutan. This company is owned by members of the royal family and advertises itself as Bhutan's number one travel agency since 1991. The drivers, guides, and accommodations provided are excellent. If you're interested in photography, see what Rainbow Photography Tours of Bhutan has to offer.

The Tourism Council of Bhutan also has a list of registered tour operators on its website.

The Bhutanese currency is called Ngultrum (BTN) and its value is linked to the Indian Rupee. The Indian Rupee can be used as legal tender in Bhutan, but the Ngultrum is not legal tender in India. There are a limited number of ATMs available.

Development in Bhutan

Bhutan is rapidly changing with a great deal of construction going on, particularly in Thimphu and Paro. As a result, these places have already started to lose their charm and authenticity. Visitors are advised to fly internally from Paro to Bumthang, in the heart of Bhutan, in order to experience the traditional Bhutan. If you're thinking about visiting Bhutan, it's better to go sooner rather than later!

Related Articles

More related articles.

How to Plan a Trip to Bhutan — Your Complete Guide

Bhutan visas and travel restrictions.

• Best Time to Visit Bhutan
• Top Places to Visit in Bhutan
• How Long to Stay in Bhutan
• Cost of Bhutan Tour
• How to Travel Around Bhutan

A trip to Bhutan is an exciting adventure that invariably includes incredible views of the Himalayas, diverse national parks, and incredible religious and historical sites.

Bhutan is not only a joy to explore because of what you can see, but it is also incredible because of what you can experience. Enjoy the country's famous low-impact tourism, abundance of cultural experiences like festivals and celebrations, and gorgeous mountain forts and monasteries.

Most people traveling to Bhutan (except for nationals of India, Bangladesh, and the Maldives) need a tourist visa.

Visas must be applied for through a travel agency, and all travelers are required to visit Bhutan with a guide. Visas are approved by the Tourism Council of Bhutan once the full payment for their trip has been received by the travel agency.

Best Times to Visit Bhutan

Bhutan has four distinct seasons, but each of them has relatively pleasant weather conditions and temperatures making it a great year-round destination.

Autumn (September to November) and Spring (March to May) are often said to be the best times to visit Bhutan, because they have the driest and most pleasant weather. And there will be more travelers during this time.

Summer (May to August) is the monsoon season, but Bhutan doesn't get as much rain as most other South Asian countries. Days are warm at above 30°C (86°F), and humid. The summer rains often happen at night, which means they don't affect daytime travel activities too much.

Winter (December to February) is cold in most areas of the country, but offers travelers the chance to explore Bhutan without so many other travelers around.

Discover real reviews of Highlights Travel Family 's best-rated service across trusted platforms.

Best Places to Visit in Bhutan

Most people who visit Bhutan will explore Thimphu, Punakha, and Paro. Travelers can choose to either start in Thimphu or Paro. Travelers who have more days to spend in Bhutan can consider visiting other areas, such as Jigme Dorji National Park or the Himalayas.

1. Thimphu — the Capital: History, Cultural Relics

Thimphu is the largest city in Bhutan and is located in the country's central valley. It is famous as a city that has both modern architecture and ancient customs. Thimphu is a great starting point when visiting Bhutan, as there you can see modern Bhutan and also explore some of the city's religious and cultural sites.

It is a great view to look down over the Thimphu Valley when you are visiting The Giant Buddha Dordenma, which stands at 54 meters (177 feet) tall. Not only is this one of the largest Buddha statues in the world, but it is also typically not too crowded, making for a more authentic and spiritual experience.

While in Thimphu, guests can learn more about its local culture at its Folk Heritage Museum, explore the 13th-century royal fortress of Tashicho Dzong, or take in the beautiful golden spire of the Memorial Chorten.

2. Punakha — Himalayan Views, Buddhist Temples, Dzongs

Punakha is one of the most impressive cities in Bhutan and is often a favorite among travelers for its stunning scenery and abundance of religious sites.

In Punakha, travelers should also explore the Punakha Dzong, the main government building of the city that sits between the area's two major rivers (Mo and Po, or mother and father). Climb up to the top of the temple of the Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten to get a great view of the entire valley. Also make sure not to miss the Punakha Suspension Bridge, which offers gorgeous views of the river below.

If you have more time, you can try other outdoor activities in Punakha, including whitewater rafting, bird watching in a national park, and trekking.

3. Paro — Dzongs, Museums, Tiger's Nest Monastery

Paro is the summer capital of Bhutan — a small and quaint city that is full of sacred sites and historical buildings.

Paro is particularly famous for Tiger's Nest Monastery, which is only about 11 km (7 miles) from the city. Tiger's Nest Monastery is one of the major highlights of a trip to Bhutan and famously sits right on the edge of a large cliff offering stunning views of the surrounding area.

While in Paro, travelers can also explore the National Museum and Rinpung Dzong, which is not only a monastery but also a government fortress. Spend time deep in the Himalayas by driving across the Chele La Pass, which is the highest mountain road in the country reaching 3,810 meters (13,000 feet) above sea level.

4. Jigme Dorji National Park — Wildlife, Landscapes

Jigme Dorji National Park is the largest protected area in all of Bhutan and contains diverse landscapes and wildlife. The altitude of this park ranges from the lowlands at 1,000 meters (3,300 feet) above sea level to snowy mountain peaks climbing to 7,000 meters (23,000 feet) above sea level.

This park is home to many sacred mountains, such as Jomolhari, Tsherimgang, and Jichu Drake and animals such as snow leopards, Bengal tigers, black bears, sheep, and red pandas.

There you can take wildlife safaris, trek through the meadows to see blue poppies and edelweiss, visit high elevation forts like Gasa Tashi Tongmon Dzong, or just take in the views of the sacred mountains.

How Long to Stay in Bhutan: Sample Itineraries

If you are considering a Bhutan itinerary, we suggest you spend at least 5 days to visit the highlights of this country, including the major monasteries, dzongs, and national parks in Thimphu, Punakha, and Paro. The following is a classic 5-day tour itinerary:

Days 1–2 (Thimphu): Visit Tashichho Dzong (headquarters of the central government), and Folk Heritage Museum to discover the Bhutanese folk heritage and rural history. On day 2, visit the National Library of Bhutan and the Bhutan Post Office Headquarters, where you can make stamps with your own photos and put them on postcards for your family and friends.

Day 3 (Punakha): Visit Simtokha Dzong and Dochula Pass. At Dochula Pass, you can have a stunning 360-degree panoramic view of the Himalayan mountain range. In the afternoon, explore Punakha Dzong, which is the most beautiful dzong in Bhutan.

Days 4–5 (Paro): Visit Paro Dzong and Ta Dzong, which houses the National Museum of Bhutan. The museum has a fascinating collection of arts and relics including religious thangka paintings. Then, take an excursion to Tiger's Nest Monastery, which is one of the most famous monasteries in Bhutan.

Top South Asia Tour Itineraries Including Bhutan

Most our clients prefer to include Bhutan in their 2-to-3-week South Asia trips. The most popular tour itineraries usually include India, Nepal, and Bhutan. Get some inspiration from our 14-Day India, Nepal, and Bhutan Tour .

The above suggested itineraries are just to give you an idea of what is possible and popular. You are welcomed to contact your own experienced 1:1 tour consultant for a tailor-made itinerary that perfectly fits your interests, travel time, budget, and other requirements.

Travel Costs for Bhutan

The cost of travel in Bhutan is much more expensive than other Southeast Asian countries. Because the government requires that all incoming travelers must book a tour with a travel agency and set a minimum daily cost of US$200 per person during low season and US$250 during high season. General speaking, if you are planning for a comfortable trip (mid-range hotel) in the top destinations in Bhutan, it will cost US$250–350 per day per person.

How to Get To and Around Bhutan

Getting to bhutan and connecting to other asian countries.

The best way to travel to Bhutan is by air, landing at the country's only international airport in Paro. There are no direct flights from other continents except Asia. Travelers from America and Europe are recommended to book a 1-stop flight to Paro, stopping at Bangkok, Kathmandu, or New Delhi.

There are international flights to Paro by Drukair and Bhutan Airlines that come from Bangkok in Thailand, Kathmandu in Nepal, New Delhi and Kolkata in India, Yangon in Myanmar, and Singapore. Most of our clients choose to include their Bhutan journey in a South Asia trip covering other countries like Nepal or India.

Getting Around in Bhutan

Because all visitors to Bhutan must visit through a travel agency, the only way to travel around Bhutan is with a travel-agency-supplied private car and driver. The price of your private car will be included in the cost of your tour making it a convenient and affordable way to get from one place to another.

When traveling by private car, guests have the ability to have a flexible schedule and choose when they want to leave or stop along the journey.

Traveling to Bhutan with Asia Highlights

Bhutan is a truly unique destination — the trip of a lifetime for many, full of exciting cultural experiences, great food, and incredible mountain views.

Would you like a flexible and world-class travel agency to arrange your Bhutan travels? At Asia Highlights, we specialize in creating tailor-made trips that suit the individual preferences of our clients. 

Get Inspired with Some Popular Itineraries

At Asia Highlights, we create your kind of journey — your dates, your destinations, at your pace. You can have any trip tailor made for your travel.

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Bhutan Travel Budget - Visit Bhutan on a Budget or Travel in Style

• Bhutan Costs

• Is Bhutan Expensive?
• How much does a trip to Bhutan cost?
• Bhutan Tour Prices
• The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Bhutan
• The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Bhutan
• The Best Historical Tours in Bhutan
• The Best 10-Day Tours in Bhutan
• The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Bhutan
• The Best 2-Week Tours in Bhutan
• Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Bhutan
• The Best Christmas & New Years Tours in Bhutan
• The Best Adventure Tours to Bhutan
• The Best Eco Tours in Bhutan
• The Best Sightseeing Tours in Bhutan
• The Best Cultural Tours in Bhutan
• The Best Camping Tours in Bhutan
• The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Bhutan
• The Best Tours Under $1000 in Bhutan
• The Best Luxury Tours to Bhutan
• The Best Tours for Seniors to Bhutan
• The Best G Adventures Tours to Bhutan
• How much does it cost to travel to Bhutan? (Average Daily Cost)
• Bhutan trip costs: one week, two weeks, one month

How much do package tours cost in Bhutan?

Is bhutan expensive to visit.

• How much do I need for a trip to Bhutan?
• Accommodation, Food, Entertainment, and Transportation Costs
• Travel Guide

How much does it cost to travel to Bhutan?

You should plan to spend around $91 (BTN7,602) per day on your vacation in Bhutan. This is the average daily price based on the expenses of other visitors.

Past travelers have spent, on average for one day:

• $30 (BTN2,486) on meals
• $28 (BTN2,343) on local transportation
• $66 (BTN5,500) on hotels

A one week trip to Bhutan for two people costs, on average, $1,272 (BTN106,423) . This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.

All of these average travel prices have been collected from other travelers to help you plan your own travel budget.

• Travel Style: All Budget (Cheap) Mid-Range Luxury (High-End)
• Average Daily Cost Per person, per day $ 91 BTN 7,602
• One Week Per person $ 636 BTN 53,211
• 2 Weeks Per person $ 1,272 BTN 106,423
• One Month Per person $ 2,727 BTN 228,049
• One Week For a couple $ 1,272 BTN 106,423
• 2 Weeks For a couple $ 2,545 BTN 212,846
• One Month For a couple $ 5,454 BTN 456,098

How much does a one week, two week, or one month trip to Bhutan cost?

A one week trip to Bhutan usually costs around $636 (BTN53,211) for one person and $1,272 (BTN106,423) for two people. This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.

A two week trip to Bhutan on average costs around $1,272 (BTN106,423) for one person and $2,545 (BTN212,846) for two people. This cost includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.

Please note, prices can vary based on your travel style, speed, and other variables. If you're traveling as a family of three or four people, the price per person often goes down because kid's tickets are cheaper and hotel rooms can be shared. If you travel slower over a longer period of time then your daily budget will also go down. Two people traveling together for one month in Bhutan will often have a lower daily budget per person than one person traveling alone for one week.

A one month trip to Bhutan on average costs around $2,727 (BTN228,049) for one person and $5,454 (BTN456,098) for two people. The more places you visit, the higher the daily price will become due to increased transportation costs.

Organized tours are usually more expensive than independent travel, but offer convenience and peace of mind that your trip has been planned by a travel expert.

The average price for an organized tour package in Bhutan is $381 per day. While every tour varies by total price, length, number of destinations, and quality, this is the daily average price based on our analysis of available guided tours.

• All Inclusive Bhutan Tour (Thimpu, Tiger Nest, Paro and Punakha) - 6… 7 Days - 3 Destinations $ 450
• Amazing Bhutan From East To West 16 Days - 12 Destinations $ 4,435

Independent Travel

Traveling Independently has many benefits including affordabilty, freedom, flexibility, and the opportunity to control your own experiences.

All of the travel costs below are based on the experiences of other independent travelers.

Bhutan is a reasonably affordable destination to visit. It is in the top 25% of countries in the world for its affordability . If you're traveling on a budget, then this is a good destination with affordable accommodation, food, and transportation.

Within Asia, Bhutan is moderately priced compared to the other countries. The overall cost of travel here is comparable to Malaysia or South Korea.

For more details, see Is Bhutan Expensive?

How much money do I need for a trip to Bhutan?

The average Bhutan trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these Bhutan travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers.

Accommodation Budget in Bhutan

Average daily costs.

Calculated from travelers like you

The average price paid for one person for accommodation in Bhutan is $33 (BTN2,750). For two people sharing a typical double-occupancy hotel room, the average price paid for a hotel room in Bhutan is $66 (BTN5,500). This cost is from the reported spending of actual travelers.

• Accommodation 1 Hotel or hostel for one person $ 33 BTN 2,750
• Accommodation 1 Typical double-occupancy room $ 66 BTN 5,500

Hotel Prices in Bhutan

Looking for a hotel in Bhutan? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.

Find the best hotel for your travel style.

Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world.

Local Transportation Budget in Bhutan

The cost of a taxi ride in Bhutan is significantly more than public transportation. On average, past travelers have spent $28 (BTN2,343) per person, per day, on local transportation in Bhutan.

• Local Transportation 1 Taxis, local buses, subway, etc. $ 28 BTN 2,343

Food Budget in Bhutan

While meal prices in Bhutan can vary, the average cost of food in Bhutan is $30 (BTN2,486) per day. Based on the spending habits of previous travelers, when dining out an average meal in Bhutan should cost around $12 (BTN994) per person. Breakfast prices are usually a little cheaper than lunch or dinner. The price of food in sit-down restaurants in Bhutan is often higher than fast food prices or street food prices.

• Food 2 Meals for one day $ 30 BTN 2,486

Entertainment Budget in Bhutan

Entertainment and activities in Bhutan typically cost an average of $23 (BTN1,964) per person, per day based on the spending of previous travelers. This includes fees paid for admission tickets to museums and attractions, day tours, and other sightseeing expenses.

• Entertainment 1 Entrance tickets, shows, etc. $ 23 BTN 1,964

Recommended Activities

• Photography Tour in Thimphu and Dochula Pass Viator $ 280
• Feeling Bhutan- Private personalized tour of the capital city Thimphu Viator $ 51

Bhutan on a Budget

Top Tourist Attractions

Popular foods, transportation.

We've been gathering travel costs from tens of thousands of actual travelers since 2010, and we use the data to calculate average daily travel costs for destinations around the world. We also systematically analyze the prices of hotels, hostels, and tours from travel providers such as Kayak, HostelWorld, TourRadar, Viator, and others. This combination of expenses from actual travelers, combined with pricing data from major travel companies, gives us a uniqe insight into the overall cost of travel for thousands of cities in countries around the world. You can see more here: How it Works .

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Famous for Happiness, and Limits on Tourism, Bhutan Will Triple Fees to Visit

As Venice and other European hot spots explore permit systems and daily fees to limit the number of tourists, the tiny Buddhist kingdom will require a $200 tax on international visitors when it reopens this fall.

By Ceylan Yeginsu

• July 5, 2022

The tiny Buddhist kingdom of Bhutan on the eastern edge of the Himalayas, often referred to as “the last Shangri-La” for its abundance of natural beauty, sustainable development and rich cultural heritage, has long resisted the quick financial returns of mass tourism in favor of conservation. The approach is aligned with a cultural philosophy where the country’s wealth and prosperity is measured, through a national happiness index , as an alternative to the gross domestic product.

Since 1974, the year when foreigners were first permitted to visit Bhutan, the country has had a unique “high value, low volume” tourism policy , requiring international visitors to pay at least a daily rate of $250 that covered accommodations, meals, a mandatory tour guide and included a $65 “sustainable development fee” to the government. The package-like approach was aimed to preserve the natural resources of the country by limiting the number of international visitors and controlling where they went. While some tourists complained of poor hotel plumbing, slow internet access and bland food, many appreciated the ease of the predetermined tours.

Now as the government of Bhutan prepares to reopen its borders on Sept. 23, it has overhauled the tourism system and will significantly raise the cost to visit. Visitors no longer need to be on a package tour, but they will now have to pay a $200 daily fee directly to the government, and pay separately for their accommodation, meals, tours and other travel expenses. The new policy, officials say, will rebrand Bhutan as “an exclusive destination,” attracting “discerning tourists” who will have access to a wider range of higher-quality services.

“Covid-19 has allowed us to reset, to rethink how the sector can be best structured and operated, so that it not only benefits Bhutan economically, but socially as well, while keeping carbon footprints low,” said Dr. Tandi Dorji, Bhutan’s foreign minister and chairman of the Tourism Council of Bhutan. “In the long run, our goal is to create high-value experiences for visitors, and well-paying and professional jobs for our citizens. ”

But many tour operators express anxiety over the change. They are worried that the new structure will leave them without any business — uncertain whether they will be able to attract a sufficient number of tourists with the higher fee, or if tourists will even require their services at all, now that they will have the option to book directly through hotels, tour guides and the like.

“Just when we thought we were seeing the light at the end of the tunnel after two-and-a-half years of being out of business, the government’s tourism amendment bill has thrown us back in the darkness and we have no idea how to go about it,” said Pelden Dorji, the chief executive officer of the Bhutan Travel Club, a company that specializes in adventure travel experiences.

Mr. Dorji has already received cancellations from groups that had booked, but not paid for, packaged trips they had scheduled later in the year. He said the group members felt that they could not justify paying an additional $200 a day on top of the other expenses that had been agreed upon as part of the previous package deal.

‘Deep love and respect for nature’

Under the previous policy, all bookings and payments had to be made through registered local tour operators, who were required to organize a prearranged itinerary with fixed dates and overnight stops.

“It’s basically a package tour that lets you see an authentic, untouched corner of paradise while protecting itself from being invaded by tourists,” said Megan Petersen, 44, a London-based makeup artist who visited Bhutan in 2017. “It’s genius and places with overtourism problems should use the same model.”

Ms. Petersen spent eight days exploring Bhutan with her sister, trekking through forests and mountain meadows, hiking to cliff-side temples and meeting local communities in remote villages. Throughout their trip, they camped and stayed in basic three-star accommodations. Everything was included in their package.

“The lodges and food were pretty average, but that just added to the experience of being able to experience the real community and culture without the fake tourist treatment,” Ms. Petersen said. “What makes Bhutan so special is the kindness and spirituality of its people and their deep love and respect for nature and their land.”

Government officials say the previous policy discouraged additional out-of-pocket spending, as many travel agents would assemble their trip activities, food and other offerings to not exceed the $250 daily rate — the practice effectively turned the policy’s minimum rate into the maximum.

“The policy caused more misunderstandings than understanding and it has resulted in lowering the services that we are potentially able to offer,” said Prime Minister Lotay Tshering.

Under the revised tourism bill, which was passed by the Bhutanese parliament last month, Bhutan will be able to reinvest “in bringing up the quality of tourism products, especially in terms of training our guides, bettering the quality of our hotels, restaurants and food, while preserving the pristine environment that we have for generations to come,” the prime minister said.

One of the government’s main priorities, Dr. Tshering said, is to invest in waste management infrastructure and protect Bhutan’s biological corridors, nature parks and main cultural assets. Bhutan’s constitution mandates that 60 percent of the country’s land must be under forest cover and maintains strict laws to protect and uphold its carbon-negative status.

“This all costs money,” Dr. Tshering said.

‘Why fix something that is not broken?’

While Bhutanese travel representatives had expected some reforms to the country’s tourism policy, the threefold increase to the government’s sustainability tax came as a shock, with many fearing that the new model will turn tourists toward cheaper destinations at a time when the country is desperate for tourism dollars to boost its post-pandemic recovery.

Tourism revenue is a key contributor to Bhutan’s economy, making up 6 percent of the country’s gross domestic product. Some 29,000 tourists visited Bhutan in 2020 before the borders were shuttered in March of that year, and generated a revenue of $19 million. In 2019, 315,599 tourists visited, earning the tourism industry $225 million, according to the Tourism Council of Bhutan. The kingdom eased its travel restrictions earlier this year, allowing in foreign visitors on a case-by-case basis and requiring them to quarantine.

Tourism operators argue that the minimum package framework incentivized tourists by including all essential services.

“Everyone is asking, ‘why fix something that is not broken?’” said Lotay Rinchen, co-founder of the tourism company Bridge To Bhutan, Bespoke Mindful Journeys . It “protected the travel industry and ensured a certain level of quality and business,” he said of the prior system.

Mr. Rinchen was always in favor of increasing the price of the minimum fee. But without the requirement of the package structure, he says he anticipates the Bhutan brand will be harder to sell. He has started to explore the possibility of offering luxurious products to lure in tourists willing to pay the higher costs, like chic boutique lodges, wellness retreats and upscale glamping. Previously tourists could pay extra for high-end hotels like the Taj Tashi and Le Meridien Thimphu , but many chose the basic options included in the minimum daily fee package.

“This is not the right timing. Bhutan’s economy is in bad shape, and we had expected to open up tourism and start earning hard currency again, but this price hike will keep tourists away,” said Mr. Dorji of the Bhutan Travel Club, adding that the new model could attract a demographic of older sightseeing tourists who would “skim from one luxury hotel to another, without experiencing the Bhutanese way of life.”

The prime minister said that was not the government’s intention. “We want to make sure that we get a set of tourists who are intellectually high-standing, knowledgeable and conscious of our needs and unique features,” he said.

Elsa Foster, 44, an American personal trainer who lives in Scotland, took a mountain biking tour in Bhutan with a group of friends in 2018. After a day of sightseeing in Bhutan’s capital, Thimphu, they embarked on a seven-day off-roading adventure, cycling through remote mountain valleys and villages. Ms. Foster said it was very practical to have hotels booked by their tour agent as they stayed in a different location each night.

“I really liked how everything was organized and packaged with the old fee system, all you had to do was show up,” she said. “But to pay 200 bucks on top of all the other expenses, you’ve got to be pretty rich and it’s a shame that Bhutan will become inaccessible to young people who won’t be able to afford it.”

The government hopes the new policy will have the opposite effect, attracting a wider demographic. “All we mean is to welcome with a very open heart all individuals and potential visitors who want to visit and experience the uniqueness we have to offer,” Dr. Tshering said. “Then we will ensure that the visitor will get the value of the money that is spent in Bhutan.”

The United States was one of the top tourism markets for the kingdom before the pandemic, behind India and Bangladesh, with 13,016 Americans visiting in 2019 and spending an average of 10 nights, according to the Tourism Council of Bhutan.

Karma Tshering, an environmental conservation and ecotourism specialist, said the government should use the increased tourism tax to meet its sustainability goals, which could include investing in hiking trails, highway amenities and training and support to service providers.

He is worried that without the minimum-spend policy, “which helps our service providers obtain minimum revenue to support their services, our people will be left in the hands of the tourists to negotiate and bring down prices,” Mr. Tshering said, adding that there could be “a chain impact on delivering quality services and high-end experiences.”

Some sectors see an opportunity in the change. Sonam Wangchuk, chairman of the Hotel & Restaurant Association of Bhutan, said the amendment was long overdue and will bring positive change where all hotels and restaurants will have equal opportunity.

“I guess it is now the survival of the fittest, where one now needs to pull up their socks and become a go-getter,” he said. “The old days of business knocking at your door are gone, therefore the harder we work the more promising it will be.”

Chencho Dema contributed reporting from Kansas City, Mo.

52 Places for a Changed World

The 2022 list highlights places around the globe where travelers can be part of the solution.

Follow New York Times Travel on Instagram , Twitter and Facebook . And sign up for our weekly Travel Dispatch newsletter to receive expert tips on traveling smarter and inspiration for your next vacation.

Ceylan Yeginsu is a travel reporter. She was previously a correspondent for the International desk in Britain and Turkey, covering politics; social justice; the migrant crisis; the Kurdish conflict, and the rise of Islamic State extremism in Syria and the region. More about Ceylan Yeginsu

Open Up Your World

Considering a trip, or just some armchair traveling here are some ideas..

52 Places:  Why do we travel? For food, culture, adventure, natural beauty? Our 2024 list has all those elements, and more .

Provincetown, Mass.:  Located at the tip of Cape Cod, P-town (as locals call it) has overlapping — and sometimes competing — identities : one of America’s oldest art colonies, nature preserve, thriving L.G.B.T.Q. resort and historic Portuguese fishing village.

Lake Como, Italy:  Stars like George Clooney frequent this scenic corner of northern Italy, but you might be surprised by how affordable it can be. Here’s an insider’s guide .

South of France:  Horses, bulls and birds of all types live among the pink marshes of the Camargue, a rugged landscape shaped  by the relentless push and pull of sea and river.

Disney Theme Parks:  As Disney has raised the cost of tickets and hotel rooms at its theme parks, and added pricey, difficult-to-navigate tools, even its most loyal fans are asking themselves  if they should rethink their vacations.

Helsinki, Finland:   Explore the stunning architecture  of the new central library, browse treasure-filled shops in the Design District, sweat in a wood-burning sauna, sip cocktails on a schooner and trek across islands in the surrounding archipelago.

Everything you need to know about visiting Bhutan

For travelers craving unspoiled nature, a less-crowded destination or an escape from life's hustles, Bhutan is an ideal destination. Visiting the Land of the Thunder Dragon isn't a simple or inexpensive trip to arrange, however, thanks to its remote location in the Himalayas.

Still, that complexity more than makes the effort worth it, as it adds to Bhutan's charm. You won't find giant shopping malls overrun with tourists, and you won't encounter heaps of trash, either, as the country banned plastic bags back in 1999.

This way of life is intentional: The country prioritizes "Gross National Happiness" rather than gross domestic product. This means the Last Shangri-La (as it's often called) limits how many tourists can visit annually — and it only opened to foreign tourists in 1974. Bhutan has strict rules in place to preserve its identity and its tranquility, so it can continue to offer idyllic experiences in a relatively untouched setting.

While this approach was easy to maintain during the worst of the coronavirus pandemic, when Bhutan decided to fully close its borders to foreigners, after nearly two years, the country started welcoming visitors again Sept. 23, 2022. But with that reopening came an overhauled set of tourism rules.

If you want to have a memorable trip to this picturesque destination, here's everything to keep top of mind when planning a trip to Bhutan, one of TPG's best places to travel in 2023 .

Bhutan's tourism rules

Visitors from Bangladesh and the Maldives don't need permission to visit Bhutan, and Indian citizens only need preapproval from the government to enter. However, citizens from all other countries need a visa and must obtain it before traveling to Bhutan, as there is no option for getting one on arrival.

Additionally, all foreigners will need to pay a daily sustainable development fee, which subsidizes Bhutan's national health care and education services for citizens and helps with the country's "high value, low volume" approach to tourism . For Indians, this daily fee is 1,200 Bhutanese ngultrum (roughly $14.50). For other nationalities, the fee is now $200 per day for adults, with a 50% discount for children ages 6 to 12 (fees are waived for children 5 and younger).

Before September 2023, the visitor fee was $65 per day, though tourists also were required to book tour packages with government-established prices typically ranging between $200 and $300 per day — a policy that's no longer in place. The removal of this tour package requirement, which included guides, meals and lodging, is welcome news to travelers who prefer to pick services a la carte and those who can use rewards points to cover some costs. It also makes it easier to budget for your trip, as the tour package fee would fluctuate depending on your chosen travel dates, unlike the revised visitor fee, which remains a set price no matter when you plan on visiting.

How to get a visa to visit Bhutan

Aside from the visa exemptions noted above, foreigners will need to pay a $40 visa application fee to visit Bhutan. It's possible to pay for the visa application fee and the daily sustainable development fee online via the Bhutan Department of Immigration website .

To apply for a visa, you'll need to submit a scanned copy of your passport (which needs to be valid for at least six months past your visit to Bhutan), plus a passport photo and proof of travel insurance covering your visit.

After providing your travel details, such as flight and hotel information, and uploading your documents, you'll have two options for payment: bank transfer or credit card. The website does not charge a fee for bank transfers, but your bank may assess a fee for international wire transfers. For payments made with an international credit card, you'll incur a 4.75% fee, though this fee is often less than what banks will charge for international wire transfers. For example, my credit card fee was $20.90, well below the $35 fee my bank would've required had I opted to pay by international wire transfer.

Payments will report as "general" or "other" on your credit card statement when paying by credit card. Thus, you should use your favorite credit card for everyday spending since you won't earn extra points through bonus categories.

How to get to Bhutan

Although this landlocked country shares borders with India and Tibet, only the border with India permits land crossings at three points: Phuentsholing (in western Bhutan), Gelephu (in central Bhutan) and Samdrup Jongkhar (in eastern Bhutan).

There are no trains in Bhutan, so land crossings are only possible by bus or car. Road permits are required for tour operators, though these aren't needed if you arrive by bus.

Buses are available between Phuentsholing and two cities in India: Kolkata (roughly 18 hours away) and Siliguri (about four hours away). Once you arrive in Phuentsholing, you can then take a bus or taxi to Bhutan's larger cities — but take note of the requirement for guides (covered below) when traveling through these regions.

Arriving by air is also possible. Most tourists get to Bhutan by traveling to Paro International Airport (PBH) near Paro, Bhutan's second-largest city.

Paro's airport is served by just two airlines: Bhutan Airlines (a private company) and Drukair (the national airline also known as Royal Bhutan Airlines). Both airlines fly between PBH and the following airports:

• Delhi Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL) in New Delhi .
• Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport (CCU) in Kolkata.
• Tribhuvan International Airport (KTM) in Kathmandu, Nepal.
• Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) in Bangkok .

Drukair also offers domestic connections between PBH and Bathpalathang Airport (BUT) in Jakar, Gelephu Airport (GLU) in Gelephu and Yongphulla Airport (YON) near Trashigang, plus routes to these international airports:

• Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport (DAC) in Dhaka, Bangladesh.
• Singapore Changi Airport (SIN) .
• Bagdogra International Airport (IXB) in Bagdogra, India.
• Gaya Airport (GAY) in Gaya, India.
• Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport (GAU) in Guwahati, India.

Ticket costs range from $110 per person each way for the shortest international flights to $550 per person for flights to Singapore. International airlines are not permitted to fly into Bhutan, which creates complications for award travel. You can't book these flights with your favorite Oneworld or SkyTeam partners, and you won't find these flights through the American Express travel portal or the Chase Ultimate Rewards travel portal . You must book directly with the airlines.

If you're looking to use points and miles for flights to Bhutan, you have a few options for reimbursing yourself after buying a ticket:

• You can cash out points for a statement credit .
• You can redeem points and miles to cover travel purchases at elevated rates (with select Capital One credit cards and Bank of America cards , for example).

Where to stay in Bhutan

While using points and miles for flights to Bhutan is tricky, there are a few solid options for booking award stays at hotels in Bhutan.

If you have World of Hyatt points you're hoping to use for your trip, consider redeeming them for a stay at the Bhutan Spirit Sanctuary near Paro. You can also use a Category 1-7 free night award to bed down at this Small Luxury Hotels of the World property .

For travelers with Marriott Bonvoy points, there are two Marriott -affiliated properties to choose from as well: Le Meridien Paro, Riverfront and Le Meridien Thimphu. Both hotels are bookable with 35,000-point free night certificates most nights of the year.

IHG has a few Six Senses properties in Bhutan, too, but unfortunately, none of them can be reserved with IHG One Rewards points. Additionally, stays at these Six Senses outposts in Thimphu, Punakha, Paro, Gangtey and Bumthang do not come with elite benefits if you have status with IHG's loyalty program.

There aren't any options for using points from Hilton Honors , Wyndham Rewards or Best Western Rewards , but you can find hotels in the travel portals for American Express , Capital One , Chase and Citi , making it possible to use credit card points to pay for accommodations.

None of Bhutan's hotels are available with American Express Fine Hotels + Resorts , Amex's The Hotel Collection or Capital One's Premier Collection . One hotel is available in Chase's Luxury Hotel & Resort Collection , but you can't redeem Chase Ultimate Rewards points for these bookings.

Related: A comparison of luxury hotel programs from credit card issuers: Amex, Chase and Capital One

To get around this issue of using points for hotel bookings, consider reimbursing yourself for expenses after making your hotel reservation.

The best things to do in Bhutan

Trekking in the mountains is an extremely popular activity in Bhutan, and you'll find a range of trails for all skill levels, all seasons and all budgets.

If you're interested in experiencing nomadic life and the birthplace of yeti myths, visit Merak village in the far east. This area only opened to tourism in 2012 and is the home of the seminomadic Brokpa people, many of whom have stories of personal encounters with the fabled yeti.

Travelers who want to enjoy nature can find plenty of it in Bhutan thanks, in part, to the government mandating 60% of its land be covered by forests . Head to one of Bhutan's five national parks to take in the stunning scenery.

Phrumsengla National Park, in the center of the country, is a bird-watcher's paradise, while Royal Manas National Park, near the border with India, is home to tigers, elephants, rhinos, leopards and golden langurs. Allot more than one day for wildlife viewing in case you don't spot the critters you wish to see during your first outing.

The most popular site in Bhutan may be Paro Taktsang (the Tiger's Nest). It was built in 1692 on the site where locals believe Guru Rinpoche (a national hero who brought Buddhism to Bhutan in the eighth century) prayed and meditated for three months before fighting an evil that was afflicting the locals. According to legend, he arrived by flying on a tigress — thus the site's name.

It's possible to visit the Tiger's Nest during a daytrip from Paro or Thimphu, though you'll need to have at least a moderate fitness level to access the site, as it's built into the side of a mountain. The hike starts at a parking lot next to a ticket booth that sits approximately 7,000 feet above sea level, so you may want to wait at least one day after arriving before taking this trip if you're unaccustomed to high altitudes.

The temple is another 1,700 feet up the mountain, and reaching it typically requires two to three hours of walking for most people, plus several hundred stairs.

Hikers should begin when the ticket booth opens at 8 a.m. to avoid hiking during the hottest part of the afternoon. Guides advise that visitors with moderate fitness ability can return to their hotels for a late lunch, while those who move slower or take many breaks will need longer to see the site and can expect to return to their hotels at dinner time.

Determining whether to hire a guide

Is hiring a guide necessary for visiting Bhutan? In short, no.

Still, Bhutan's Department of Tourism says, "A guide is strongly recommended."

"Guides ... help look after the safety and security of the visitors, as there are wild animals in the countryside, and the altitude and landscape can sometimes pose unique challenges."

Though the Department of Tourism says guides don't need to accompany visitors for activities such as dining at restaurants and shopping, it's "recommended" that guides are employed "for experiences such as visiting temples and local places of interest, and it is mandatory to have a guide for all trekking activities and for any journeys that extend beyond Thimphu and Paro."

And, as mentioned earlier, visitors who enter Bhutan through land borders are required to have guides when leaving the border towns.

"If visitors follow the itineraries or journeys set by hotels," the Department of Tourism adds, "they will not need a guide as they will already have a guide who will be arranged by the hotel."

Based on this guidance, it's possible to visit Thimphu (the capital and largest city) and Paro (near the international airport) without a guide. Hiring a guide is recommended but not required in these areas, meaning you can find your own transportation and travel more independently. Beyond these areas, guides are mandatory.

If you don't hire a guide in Thimphu or Paro, ensure you have the phone number of your hotel with you at all times, as you will need to give this to go inside temples and at passport control when entering Bhutan.

The best time to visit Bhutan

Before September 2022, costs for the sustainable development fee fluctuated. Prices were higher during peak tourist times and lower during the offseason. Thus, traveling during the cold winters could lead to savings.

Now, the visa and sustainable development fee costs are the same throughout the year, meaning there's no longer a financial advantage to braving the Himalayan snowfalls and chilly winters.

So, when should you visit Bhutan? Here's what to expect for each season in terms of trekking and festivals:

• Winter: It's possible to hike and trek throughout the year in Bhutan. Plan for low-altitude, shorter treks in winter to avoid snow and unpredictable weather at higher altitudes. Dec. 17 is National Day, which is tied to the coronation of the first king, Gongsar Ugyen Wangchuck, in 1907. On Jan. 2, you can attend the Nyilo festival, which celebrates the sun's return and is a traditional day of offering. February sees Losar, Bhutan's Lunar New Year festival, and birthday festivities for Bhutan's current (fifth) king, the Druk Gyalpo, on Feb. 21.
• Spring: Thanks to the abundant flora and fauna, spring is one of the best times for trekking in Bhutan. However, trails may still be wet from the recent snowmelt. In April or May, Zhabdrung Kuchoe celebrates the life of Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel, who unified Bhutan. May 2 also is a holiday: the birthday of Bhutan's third king.
• Summer: This is monsoon season. Treks are difficult and unpredictable but can provide great opportunities for reaching religious landmarks and ceremonies in Bhutan's less-visited regions. Several summer festivals have dates that change yearly based on the lunar calendar, including Lord Buddha's Parinirvana (the date Buddha attained enlightenment).
• Fall: Autumn is an ideal time for hiking through Bhutan's mountains. Trails begin to dry out and are at their best quality of the year, and the weather is excellent. Clear skies provide breathtaking views of the mountains. Near the end of September, Blessed Rainy Day celebrates the end of the rainy season and the autumn equinox. The Dashain festival in October is the most important holiday for the country's Hindus, as it's when believers celebrate Rama's victory over evil. Nov. 1 is the anniversary of the king's coronation, and Nov. 11 is the birthday of the fourth king. Additionally, Lhabab Duchen, which celebrates Buddha's descent from the heavens to Earth, happens every year in October or November.

Bhutan's many festivals are a highlight but also draw more tourists, making hotel rooms difficult to find. Plan ahead when visiting around these holidays, and be sure to check specific dates, as the dates for many holidays shift annually.

Getting around Bhutan

Unfortunately, tourists can't rent a car or drive in Bhutan. Public transportation is also lacking in many areas, though taxis are available for rides between Paro (including the international airport) and Thimphu (the capital).

When you combine the transportation issues with the requirement for a guide when traveling beyond Paro and Thimphu, tourists who want to visit Bhutan independently won't have access to large portions of the country.

However, visitors with a guide will have a few options aside from driving. There are guided treks and cycling tours, as well as a limited number of domestic flights and helicopter charters.

The cost of traveling to Bhutan

When planning a trip to Bhutan, you'll need to consider multiple factors: flights, hotels, visas, meals, daily tourist fees, entrance charges for select attractions and tour guide services. Ultimately, though, the amount you spend will depend on how long you stay in the country, with each day costing at least $200 per adult before other details are accounted for.

One-way flights start around $115 per person and can climb to above $500 per person, depending on how far you're flying. While shorter distances lead to cheaper prices, don't forget to factor in the ease and cost of reaching those destinations. It may be easier (and therefore a better option overall) to transit through Bangkok or Singapore instead of Kathmandu or New Delhi.

Remember to look into visas for countries you fly to on the way to or from Bhutan as well, since some destinations require you to clear customs to check in for your next flight. This can add extra costs on top of the $40 visa fee and the $200 daily sustainable development fee Bhutan charges.

As for lodging, cash prices at Bhutan's hotels vary greatly depending on the property you choose. You could pay as little as $15 per night for basic accommodations or more than $1,500 per night at all-inclusive properties providing guests with meals, spa services and activities.

The advantage of booking hotels where meals are included — or where there's an on-site restaurant — is that you won't need to search for places to eat, carry cash to pay for food and arrange transportation to and from dining venues. Factor this into your decisions when budgeting for meals. If you decide to stay at a hotel where food isn't provided, expect to pay anywhere from $3 for fast food to $20 per dish at an upscale restaurant.

Many of Bhutan's monasteries, temples and museums require foreigners to pay admission, so be sure to factor visits to these attractions into your budget as well. You can find the entrance costs for popular sites here . Most entry fees will set you back about $13 per person.

Should you decide to hire a guide, expect to pay approximately $100 for a guided daytrip to regional temples and a hike to the Tiger's Nest; longer guided treks will be more expensive and should be negotiated in advance.

How to pay for trip expenses

It's possible to pay for flights, the sustainable development fee and visa applications online with a credit card. It's also possible to pay by card at larger, tourist-focused hotels — though you may incur a convenience fee for credit card payments.

However, cash is required to pay entrance fees at attractions, buy food at local restaurants and hire a taxi. If you don't order currency before your trip, you can exchange foreign currency at the airport and most tourist-centric hotels, or withdraw money from an ATM in Paro's airport.

Additional tips for visiting Bhutan

Before you apply for your visa and pay the sustainable development fee, you should confirm your travel plans. That's because your visa will be issued for the exact dates of your trip — the dates you stated as your arrival and departure, backed up by tickets and hotel reservations. It will not be approved without these, and it will be issued only for the days you can prove you are visiting Bhutan.

Once you've decided on your dates, check flight schedules with Bhutan's two airlines for availability based on your proposed itinerary, as seats on flights to and from Bhutan fill up quickly. Some destinations are served multiple times a week (such as Delhi, with six flights per week), while others operate seasonally. After finding flights into, out of and within Bhutan, check these against flights from your home airport. You will need to fly to India, Thailand, Singapore or Nepal before your trip to Bhutan.

After confirming your flights, finalize any plans with a guide (if you're using one) and book your hotels. If you're using a guide for your entire trip, the guide can apply for your visa on your behalf and take a single payment covering everything other than flights, including hotels, meals, activities and the daily sustainable development fee.

Following the submission of all the required documents, you should receive your visa within a week of applying. Ensure the information is correct, then print this document. You'll need to show it when checking in for your flight to Bhutan and at passport control.

• Paro valley
• Thimphu, the capital city
• Punakha Valley
• Wangdue Phodrang Valley
• Trongsa Valley
• Bumthang Valley
• Lhuentse/Mongar/Trashigang (Eastern Bhutan)
• Phuentsholing, the Gateway to Bhutan
• Bhutan Tour 4 Days
• Bhutan Tour 5 Days
• Bhutan Tour 6 Days
• Bhutan Tour 7 Days
• Bhutan Tour 8 Days
• Bhutan Tour 9 Days
• Bhutan Tour 10 Days
• Bhutan Tour 11 days
• Bhutan Tour 12 Days
• Nimalung kurjey Festival (14th – 16th June 2024)
• Haa Summer Festival (14th – 15th July 2024)
• Thimphu Tshechu Festival (13th – 15th Sept 2024)
• Gangtey Festival (16th – 18th Sept 2024)
• Chhukha Tshechu Festival (9th – 11th Nov 2024)
• Jakar Tshechu Festival (10th – 12th Nov 2024)
• Black Necked Crane Festival (11th Nov 2024)
• Jambay Lhakhang Festival (15th – 18th Nov 2024)
• Druk Wangyel Tshechu Festival (13 Dec 2024)
• Nalakhar Tshechu Festival (15th – 17th Dec 2024)
• Punakha Tshechu Festival (9th – 11th March 2025)
• Paro Tshechu Festival (8th – 12th April 2025)
• Rhododendron Festival (22nd – 24th April 2025)
• Ura Yakchoe Festival (9th – 13th May 2025)
• Bumdra Trek ( 2 Days )
• Tshaluna Trek ( 4 Days )
• Dagala Thousand Lakes Trek ( 5 days )
• Druk Path Trek ( 5 Days )
• Jomolhari Base Camp Trek (7 Days )
• Jomolhari Round Trek ( 8 Days )
• Laya Gasa Trek ( 12 Days )
• Snowman Trek ( 24 Days )
• Booking Bhutan tour/Cancellation Policy
• The best time to visit Bhutan 2024 / 2025
• Flights to Bhutan | Fares & schedules.
• Bhutan Travel Cost 2024 / 2025
• Tourist Visa for Bhutan
• Luxury Hotels in Bhutan (5 Star Hotels & Resorts).
• FAQs for Bhutan Trip:

Bhutan travel cost 2024 / 2025

The Bhutan travel cost 2024 / 2025 for international tourists visiting Bhutan includes sustainable development fee (SDF) / Government tax of US $ 100 per person per night stay in Bhutan (Except for Indian nationals). This applies to all individuals above the age of 12 years. 

Discounts on sustainable development fee (SDF):

• There shall be no charge for the children up to the age of 5 years.
• The children between 6 to 11 years accompanied by guardians shall be given 50 % discount.

Bhutan visa fee is US $ 40 per person per trip. The visa fee extension cost is US $ 40.

The above sustainable development fee (SDF) is not included in the package tour / trek cost given below:

Package tour cost:

• Solo travelers: US $ 245 per night stay in Bhutan.
• 2 pax in a group: US $ 190 per person per night stay in Bhutan.
• 3 pax and above: US $ 180 per person per night stay in Bhutan.

Our package tour cost covers the following:

• Accommodation in 3 star hotels approved and certified by the government as “clean & safe” for international tourists.
• All 3 meals a day and tea/ coffee.
• Guide services.
• Bottled water during the entire trip.
• Transport within Bhutan including airport transfers.

Package trek cost:

• Solo trekker: US $ 350 per night on trek.
• 2 pax in a group: US $ 260 per person per night.
• 3 pax and above: US $ 225 per person per night.

Trek cost covers the following:

• Services of trekking guide, cook and helpers.
• Yaks / ponies to carry the supplies.
• Sleeping tents, mess tent, kitchen tent, toilet tents etc.
• Sleeping mats.
• 3 meals a day.

Please note that you have to bring your own sleeping bags.

Nature of tour / trek: Private trip.

The above cost does not cover:

• Entry fees for museums / monuments & festival visits.
• Travel insurance premiums.
• Bhutan visa fee (US $ 40 per person).
• Drukair  / Bhutan Airlines fares ( Bhutan flight  fares).
• Payment for services provided on personal basis.
• Cost incurred because of political unrest, strikes and mishaps etc.
• Personal expenses in items such as tips, laundry, camera charges, incidentals and porterage etc.

NOTE: On the day of departure, the local agent’s obligation shall be limited to breakfast only. Any extra requirements shall be payable on actual basis. The rates shall apply uniformly irrespective of locations and the type of accommodation provided /asked for.

Tour payment:

All tour payment must be settled one month in advance of commencement of tour to clear the Bhutan visa . The payment should be made in US Dollars. The tour booking will be confirmed only after we receive 50 % of the tour payment. 

Our Bank Address:

Please request your Bank to remit money through Bhutan National Bank  Ltd., Correspondent Bank as follows:

Bank Address: Standard Chartered Bank Ltd .

(Correspondent Bank): One Madison Avenue, New York , NY 10010-3603.

SWIFT Code: SCBLUS33,

CHIPS ABA: 0256,

FED ABA: 026002561.

Beneficiary Bank Account: 358-202-171-9001 (USD A/C).

Beneficiary Bank: Bhutan National Bank, P.O Box 439, GPO Building, Chang Lam, Thimphu, Bhutan.

SWIFT Code: BNBTBTBT

Beneficiary / Ultimate Beneficiary : Account No: 65570019 of Yak Holidays Int’l maintained with BNB, Thimphu, Bhutan.

Bhutan photos:

Faqs - bhutan travel cost:, 1. can i pay bhutan travel cost in instalments .

Yes, you can pay Bhutan travel cost in instalments. You may pay the cost of Drukair tickets in 1st instalment, sustainable development fee and Bhutan visa fee in 2nd instalment and lastly the package tour cost in 3rd instalment.

2. Can I pay for my Bhutan trip cost upon arrival in Bhutan ?

Yes, you have to settle a part of your Bhutan travel cost with us well in advance to process your Bhutan visa. You may settle rest of the payment upon arrival in Bhutan. 

3. Is there duration discount on Bhutan travel cost ?

As per the new policy of department of tourism, Bhutan, there is no duration / group discount on sustainable development fee (SDF). 

4. Can I pay for my Bhutan travel cost by PayPal or Credit card ?

No, you cannot pay your Bhutan travel cost by PayPal or credit card. You have to wire transfer the payment (Swift) which is the only mode of payment accepted by our Government.

5. What is Bhutan tour cancellation policy ?

Bhutan trip cancellation policy is below:.

(1) No charge if cancelled within 45 days of the start of the tour programme;

(2) Charge 20% of the tour payment if cancelled within 30 days of the start of the tour programme;

(3) Charge 30% of the tour payment if cancelled within 21 days of the start of the tour programme;

(4) Charge 50% of the tour payment if cancelled within 14 days of the start of the tour programme; and

(5) Charge 100% of the tour payment charge if cancelled within 7 days or after the arrival tourist in Bhutan.

6. Is there a group discount on Bhutan travel cost ?

Yes, we give discount on Bhutan travel cost if the group size is more than 16 pax.

Bhutan Travel Links

• Booking Bhutan Tour .
• Luxury Hotels in Bhutan.
• Best time to visit Bhutan .
• Bhutan Travel Cost .
• Flights to Bhutan .
• Photography Tour .
• Honeymoon in Bhutan .
• Trekking in Bhutan .
• Bhutan Tours (Cultural) .
• Festival tours in Bhutan.

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• No hidden cost / Best price guaranteed
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• Book now, pay later.
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• Responsible Tourism.

Have a Question?

Do not hesitate to give us a call. We are an expert team and we are happy to talk to you.

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How Much Does it Really Cost to Visit Bhutan?

When I first started talking about visiting Bhutan, and later when I began posting photos and stories from my trip there, a few of the comments I received were along the lines of, “I wish I could go there… if I had more money” or “Wow – you must be rich.”

Firstly, I can assure you I am not rich, but I’m not broke either; I do have some savings and I definitely prioritise travel in my yearly budgeting plans. In my mind, my finances align with an average 30-something who works full-time (and who doesn’t have any kids or dependents to support). And while Bhutan is definitely not a budget destination, I do believe that it is affordable on a mid-range travel budget.

So how much does it really cost to visit Bhutan?

Before getting into the specifics of how much you pay and where your money goes, I think it’s important to touch on Bhutan’s tourism policy. Situated in the Himalayas, it is a small, Buddhist nation of around 800,000 people. Bhutan certainly has a reputation for being difficult to get to, with a myth floating around that the government only offers a limited amount of visas to tourists each year.

As I wrote about previously, that is indeed a myth ; anyone can visit Bhutan as long as he or she is willing to pay a daily fee (more on that in a minute). Bhutan’s tourism policy is “High Value, Low Impact”, meaning they want tourists to have the best possible time visiting the country while still respecting its culture and its environment. The best way to ensure that? Well, make people pay.

So exactly  how much does it cost to visit Bhutan? In high-season months (March, April, May, September, October, and November), the cost of visiting Bhutan is $250 US per person per day. If you are travelling solo, you unfortunately have to pay a surplus of $40 US a day, bringing your total to $290 US a day.

In the low-season months (December, January, February, June, July, and August), the cost of visiting Bhutan is $200 US per person per day (though the $40 US charge for a solo traveller still stands). There are a few discounts available for children and students that are worth looking into if you’re travelling with kids (and if you’re a full-time student under the age of 25, you get 25% off the daily fee).

And what exactly does your money get you? I totally understand that $200-$290 a day may seem excessive, especially if you’re hoping for a budget holiday. And before I went to Bhutan, I thought that price was crazy… all that money per day, and I  still have to pay for hotels, food, etc?

But that’s where I was totally wrong. In fact,  your daily fee covers  everything , and once you are in the country you do not pay a single penny. 

That’s right, that daily fee includes all accommodation, food (minus alcohol), ground transportation, entrance fees, and a private guide and driver (sometimes this is the same person). While I was in Bhutan for eight days last December, I only used my bank card to withdraw money once (there are now ATMs in the major cities, and I had no problem using my UK bank card at one), and that was only so that I could have cash to buy souvenirs and tip our guide at the end of the trip. Travel insurance and flights are also not included, and there is also a visa fee of $40 (which your tour company will arrange for you – more about this in the post about getting a visa to Bhutan ).

Please note that you arrange your private tour before arriving in Bhutan and have to pay the company in full before being granted your visa. I know it sounds a bit sketchy, but I’ve never heard of any problems with it – the government monitors each tour company closely to ensure they follow strict guidelines on treating tourists properly. You  must book your tour with an approved tour company; here is a list of all of them in Bhutan .

Hotel room at  Wangdue Eco Lodge

Huge meal for two (vegetarian meals are available)

Exterior of the Dewachen Hotel in the beautiful Phobijka Valley

To reiterate: the money you pay in the beginning covers absolutely everything you could possibly need while in the country, and you get your own guide who creates a custom itinerary for you and caters to everything you’ve asked for, whether that be hiking, birdwatching, a cultural trip, and so on. I can’t imagine this only costing $200 a day if I was in pretty much any developed nation in the world; imagine, for example, visiting London and getting your three-star hotel, all meals, all entrance fees to sights, all (private) transportation, and a private guide to show you around the city for under £140.

Just for a comparison, I looked up what a mid-range safari through South Africa costs per day as well as what an all-inclusive trip to a resort in the Caribbean might be, and the prices were the same and/or very similar to what my trip in Bhutan cost. Again, I’m not saying that Bhutan is a budget destination – there really isn’t any way to travel through Bhutan on a budget – but I’m trying to highlight that it’s not as expensive as some people may believe it to be.

But the money you’re paying isn’t only covering your personal costs. $65 of your daily fee is actually designated as a royalty fee; this money helps Bhutan’s infrastructure, paying for the country’s education, health care, repairs, and more. By paying your daily fee, you’re also contributing to keeping the country happy, healthy, and clean. It’s pretty hard to argue with that.

Bathroom of the beautiful Wangdue Eco Lodge

Postal museum in Thimpu (surprisingly interesting!)

Traditional Bhutanese meal in Thimpu

And as you can see, your money gets you some amazing perks, including beautiful hotels, filling meals, all the monasteries/nunneries/museums you’re up for, and a comfortable journey (our guide had a new Hyundai SUV). If you wanted to, you could pay even more to stay in 5-star hotels, but in my experience the 3-star hotels were more than enough (and Bhutan has impeccable service and hospitality… we were given exceptional treatment).

To top it off, as we visited in December, we were often the only tourists in some of the locations we visited. Though it was chilly, the weather was terrific and sunny for our entire time in the country.

So the final question remains:  was the price of visiting Bhutan worth it? 

A huge, resounding YES. Bhutan is a country unlike any other I’ve been to, with gorgeous scenery, fascinating history, and an overwhelming sense of spirituality and peacefulness. Bhutanese people are incredibly welcoming, and with the amenities that our daily fees covered, we stayed in lovely hotels and ate a variety of local food. We were never once uncomfortable, hungry, or put-out in any way, shape, or form. Our tour guide, Thinley from Bhutan Namdruk Adventure , made sure that we had exactly the tour we wanted, so we got to choose just how much or how little we wanted to sightsee and explore.

You can certainly find cheaper destinations in the Himalayas for hiking and cultural experiences, but if you are considering a trip to Bhutan and you have the savings to do it, I cannot recommend it enough.

Please note: Getting to Bhutan, at least in terms of transportation, is easier than you may think; there is a direct flight from Kathmandu every day to the Paro airport, and there are also direct flights from Delhi, Kolkata, Mumbai, Dhaka, Bangkok, and Singapore (as well as a few more smaller cities in India), all through Druk Air.

Just a side note about flights: on the way to Paro from Kathmandu, try to get a seat on the left side of the airplane to see Mount Everest. And yes, the rumours are true – in order to fly into Paro the pilots must navigate quite a difficult passage through the mountains, but my journey was nothing but smooth and stress-free (they know what they’re doing, in other words). It is also possible to drive into Bhutan from India, though I am not familiar with that route.

One last thing: you’ve probably noticed I’ve written three very practical guides to Bhutan over the past few months: this one, what to wear in Bhutan , and getting a visa to Bhutan . This is quite unlike me – I’m  never this organised about writing these sorts of posts so quickly after visiting a place. The reason I’ve done this, however, is so that now I can get on with sharing all of the amazing stories and photos from my time there, knowing that if you have any questions about the practicalities of Bhutan, they’re right here on the blog.

What do you think? Do you feel that the daily fee is worth visiting Bhutan? Would you like to visit?

Brenna Holeman

Brenna Holeman has travelled to over 100 countries in the past 17 years, many of them on her own. She's now a solo mom living in Winnipeg, Canada. She's also a big fan of whisky and window seats.

On Being Dumped, Or, Why I’m Glad That Guy Dumped Me

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Thanks for clarifying the fee. I’d also assumed lodging, food, excursions, etc. were extra. That makes a huge difference!

I agree, it makes a huge difference! It’s still a high price, but I believe it’s a sensible one for what you’re getting.

Bhutan looks like such a beautiful country. I never knew that you had to pay a daily fee to visit though! I can understand why they have decided to do this though. Mass tourism can have such a negative impact on some destinations. You only need to look at Thailand to see this.

The fee ensures that the infrastructure of the country can cope with the amount of tourists. The fee doesn`t seem too bad when it`s all inclusive with a personalised travel plan!

how long did you spend in Bhutan?

I understand why they’ve done it, also. You’re right, mass tourism can have a terrible impact on some places, especially if a country isn’t ready for it. I always feel torn about this issue because I also believe that everyone should be able to visit other countries and see the world…

I was in Bhutan for eight days! I didn’t think the fee was that high considering what I got in that time…

Brilliant posts… thank you ever so much, Brenna. 2 questions come to mind… we’re a family of 4.. Is the cost for the kids the same as adults? Also, I went to the Bhutan website via your post… the list of tour operators are insane… A-Z… each alphabet has tens of tour operators. How do you select who to go with? Thanks in advance.

For Indian no fees are needed?

Yes, I discuss this in the post about the visa process 😉

Thanks, I would also like to go to Bhutan this December. I just want to experience the nature and culture. I inquired with a couple companies and they quoted a much higher all inclusive price. On top of the $200-$250 daily fee, they add $100-150 for the tour fee. So this total comes out to be quite high per person. Do you have any experience with this?

Makes so much more sense now! I was so curious about why anyone would way $250 per day MORE on top of everything on a holiday! Plus now I understand why most/all visitors come in with an association with a tour or a guide or something. Cheers – looks amazing!

I’m glad I could clear things up, Julie! Hope you get to visit Bhutan soon. 🙂

My eyebrows shot up when I first read the bit about the daily fee, but actually it sounds pretty reasonable. I might add Bhutan to my list of possible destinations for next year!

Yeah, it’s really not so bad in the end if you have a mid-range budget! Thanks for the comment, Sarah.

This is a game changer. I had NO idea that’s how the daily fee worked.

Neither did I! It’s really not so bad… 🙂

Hi brenna When one considers the inclusivity of the daily….I think it is actually on the cheaper,inexpensive side.it covers so much and if a traveler needs to travel within a certain budget it actually helps them: it’s a t total upfront amount and nothing more needed. Love t that actually

Yes, I think it works out to be quite a good deal!

Does one need to apply visa to visit bhutan? Or is it visa on arrival. I am interested to visit bhutan. 🙂

Hi Tommy, all of the information about visas is listed in this post . I linked to it numerous times in the article you just commented on. All the best!

Obviously I love your storytelling posts, but this one is SO useful. Until you started writing about it, I had no idea Bhutan was basically an “all inclusive” kingdom!

Yeah, I’m trying to mix it up a bit because I get so many emails about certain topics… blogging about it makes it easier and hopefully a bit more helpful than just my usual waffling on!! I’m glad that you found the post to be useful, thanks for letting me know, Katie 🙂

I am sure that you and mom told me that the daily fee included everything but it totally slipped my mind until reading this post again! I think the money spent is so worth it( from what you have both told me) and I really like how some of the fee goes towards improving and maintaining the country 🙂

I know, I like that, too! It really is quite a good deal. 🙂

I wrote a post a couple of years ago about the cost of Bhutan to compared to other places. If you work the numbers it turns out that the price in Bhutan is in line with other places when you take a private tour and put everything in…. what makes Bhutan different is that there is no cheap way go to.

I’m in a unique situation as my wife is Bhutanese and we spend 4-6 weeks each summer.

Hi Brenna, Thank you for the informative post. Do you know if there is any extra fee, such as tour organisation fees or something similar? Can I simply multiply the daily fee by the number of days to obtain the total cost of a trip? I have calculated the daily cost of some tours that I have found on the web and the daily cost resulted to be quite higher than the standard fee, usually above USD 400 per day.

It should be roughly the daily fee times the amount of days you’re going, yes, but those numbers are for a standard tour. I think if you have nicer hotels (4 or 5 star) or they promise better restaurants, they up the fees. The company I went with – Bhutan Namdruk Adventures – worked out to be almost exactly $200 a day per person in low season, though we did pay a bit extra for banking fees when we sent the money over. On that tour, we had 3-star hotels and fairly basic meals, but we were totally happy with the level of quality and service.

I hope that helps!

Buthan was on my list. This made me to prioratise it among other destinations. Thank you for the detailed infor

I too visited Bhutan recently.

Thanks for sharing this informative blog about the cost to visit Bhutan. I think it’s really important to know every traveler before traveling any country. Keep it up dear!

There is a problem though! All this is OK if you like to go on organised tours (which I do not at all), eat what you are given, have to stay in hotels that you haven’t picked and have a tour guide stuck to your side for 12 hours a day. Not for me at all.

I understand they are trying to protect their culture and heritage but the people who can afford these sort of tours are probably the very people who care the least. At the end of the day this daily charge is a weekly budget for many.

Also because its a guided tour I wouldn’t pay $50 a day. In fact until they change this i’m afraid it will be off my bucket list. I still have around 80 countries I haven’t visited 🙂

Paul, this simply isn’t true. You can have a say where you go, what you eat, where you stay, etc. My guide was lovely and kind, but he gave us plenty of time on our own. Also to imply “the people who can afford these sort of tours are probably the very people who care the least” is just close-minded and rude. To imply that you can only truly care about or see a country when you’re there on your own/on a budget is itself an elitist and holier-than-thou statement to make. I saved up for a very long time in order to visit Bhutan, and I applaud their policy and the fact that they’ve taken the initiative to keep their country clean, happy, and healthy for generations to come.

“Also to imply “the people who can afford these sort of tours are probably the very people who care the least” is just close-minded and rude” – no its not!!

“To imply that you can only truly care about or see a country when you’re there on your own/on a budget is itself an elitist and holier-than-thou statement to make” – no its not

“I applaud their policy and the fact that they’ve taken the initiative to keep their country clean, happy, and healthy for generations to come.” – I don’t, as I would be more than willing to pay the $65 that they use to help pay for schools, education etc, perhaps even more. But the tour situation is very poor idea to preserve a country and ones cultural heritage. Its just another way to squeeze more money from a visitor.

You do know that there is no restrictions on visitor numbers don’t you?

I went to Myanmar recently and whilst it wasn’t an organised tour, one could not get off the beaten track and had to stay in government regulated hotels and it ruined it for me

I suspect that you are the one who thinks they are better than other travelers because you went on a cultural visit with minimal impact on the environment etc, nonsense!

I have written another article about Bhutan’s visas and visitor numbers, so I’m aware, thanks. You were the one who pointed fingers at me, implying that, because I could afford to go, I was part of the group “who cared the least”. You might enjoy this article: https://www.thisbatteredsuitcase.com/all-travel-is-travel/ . As I said in the first comment, I believe that judging travellers just because they choose to join a tour or pay more for their experience is indeed close-minded and holier-than-thou; to each their own, I say.

No No Im sorry, this is a blog post on “thisbatteredsuitcase”, you really shouldn’t take comments personally. It has nothing to do with your personal experience of Bhutan. I just thought I would point out the negs.

Playing devils advocate as it were

I am on my way to Nepal, Kathmandu, Patan, Bhaktapur and then on to Darjeeling in India. I will see about going on a short 3 night 2 day tour of Bhutan and report back

It was you who called me rude and elitist after all. I was not being personally rude to you at all and certainly not trying too.

Sorry if I offended you

I guess you don’t realise that I am the author of This Battered Suitcase? This is my personal blog that you are commenting on, so your comment was technically directed toward me and my personal experience.

I appreciate your apology, I just don’t like when people make assumptions about other travellers without actually knowing their motivations. Good luck in Bhutan 🙂

I’m considering traveling to Bhutan but I can’t find any info on prices for flights? Can you just give me a rough estimate of how much you paid for flights? (If you don’t mind!) I’m just trying to budget my trip! Thank you!

I think we paid around $400 CAD roundtrip for our flights from Kathmandu! Definitely can be a pricey flight…

[…] transportation, food, and guide services. Bhutan maintains that it charges tourists this $250 daily charge in order to ensure that Bhutan retains the type of tourist they want. Although $250 per day might […]

Are you traveling solo? Is Bhutan safe for a female solo traveler? Looking forward for your inputs. ?

No, I was with my mum, but Bhutan is definitely one of the safest countries I’ve ever been to. The tour guide I used said he often hosts solo female travellers, and I met a few solo women while I was there. Go for it! 🙂

I am from Seoul and my daughter recently visited Bhutan with one of her friend. Since both of them were female traveller, the tour agent specifically assigned a female tour guide, which made me, as a father of a daughter, confident enough to send my 19 year old daughter for the trip. It was really assuring. And what could make me more happy than to see my daughter returning home safe after fully enjoying trip. We , as a family, are planning to take a trip to Bhutan this winter with the same tour agent.

Thank you for the wonderful blog and also for stating the facts about the Tourism Policy of Bhutan.

The minimum daily tariff that you pay for coming into Bhutan is all inclusive , like you said and also 65 $ out of this tour cost goes to the sustainable development fund earlier known as Govt Royalty, daily.

The Tour Operators are strictly monitored and regulated by Tourism Council OF Bhutan (TCB) and ensures that all guests are treated with Minimum 3 star quality accommodation and food, all tours are guided by private guides and all surface transportation in Luxury Tourist Vehicles.

I am a Tour Operator Myself and have given any chance to our guest to complain about anything till now.

In Bhutan, You will not find Hawkers surrounding you, trying to sell you cheap items or cab drivers trying to snatch your luggage, the moment you exit out of the Airport. you will not find hoteliers cheating you with different rates and all sorts of things that i have personally experienced while visiting other destinations. this is an added benefit.

I am a citizen of Bhutan and i was educated free by the govt, never paid my hospital bills because all those basic necessities of life are provided freely by the government. All this , comes from the sustainable development fees that you , our fellow visitors have contributed for. Thanks to you all and you are welcome to Bhutan anytime.

Hello Brenna,

Thank you for writing about your trips to Bhutan! Now it’s in my bucket list! Anyway, just want to ask what month you visited with these photos?

I was there in December!

Hi Farrah & Brenna, Apologies for stating my opinion in your post Brenna. Being been there twice, I think Bhutan can be visited any time of the year. I mean when i visited in spring season (April) with my friends, the fresh green surroundings and landscapes were amazing. And again in late September with my family, the autumn breeze, the golden yellowish harvests were just wow. But i heard it rains quite a lot in Summer and cold gets you in winter. Why don’t you enquire with a local travel agent. I used the same agent for both my visits. So you can anytime drop an email. Trust me they don’t charge you for just enquiring.

Happy Traveling.

Thanks for writing this, Brenna! I’m considering visiting Bhutan in Dec, with elderly parents, so am pretty relieved after seeing your post! I will put up with the cold, as long as I get the sunny weather for my photos! 😉

Hi there, I came across this post as I am also planning on visiting Bhutan next month (December 2017).

Brenna, thanks for all the wonderful info! I’m just wondering if you could also let us know a couple things:

1) The average temperature when you went last December (wondering what type of jacket/parka I’ll need to pack)

2) In the three star accommodation you stayed at, did you encounter any issues with cockroaches or rats? They are a pet peeve of mine and I’ve heard that in general in South Asia, they are quite common in budget accommodations. I would find it impossible to get a good night’s sleep if my room had any, so wanted to hear if you came across any during your stay here.

Kristine, if you’re still planning on visiting Bhutan in December as well, please let me know if you would consider letting a stranger join the tour with yourself and your parents. I think the bigger the group, the less each person has to pay? (up to a minimum of $200 pp during December).

Thanks, everyone! Really looking forward to the land of the thunder dragon 🙂

1) I wrote a post on what to wear (with average temperatures) here: https://www.thisbatteredsuitcase.com/what-to-wear-in-bhutan/

2) Three star is considered mid-range more than budget accommodation, and everything was very clean in my personal experience. That being said, you can go anywhere in the world and experience pests; it’s just a part of travelling/living on this planet. 😉

Finally, that is incorrect about the group payment, from what I was told. It will be the same per person no matter how many of you are in the group, unless you’re solo, in which case you have to pay a solo supplement.

How much fees for seniors 60+ age?

I don’t know if seniors get any discounts!

Brenna! What did you think of Thinley? I am contemplating booking through the same tour company you used. Let me know how he was and if you would recommend him highly?

He was fantastic! Highly recommend him.

Can you elaborate on tipping in Bhutan? I read somewhere that USD 10/day were recommended for your guide and driver, but that seems pretty high given the USD 250/day fee. What would you recommend? Any other tipping situations (servers at restaurants, etc)?

Yes, I tipped quite well at the end of my tour, as I really appreciated everything he did for us. I also tipped in restaurants.

Hi, I’m also curious to know your thoughts on tipping and what amount is appropriate )for both Bhutan and other countries, what’s the best way to figure this out?) Also wondering how much you budgeted for extras on your 8 days (souviners etc.). I know this would depend on the traveller and how much they tend to shop but I’m at a total loss about how much I should take and want to avoid having to make multiple trips to the atm or having to exchange money back at the end. Heading to Bhutan soon and very excited!! Finding your blog to be very useful and informative, thanks 🙂

Thank you for this great article!

Hi, I was wondering if you knew which Tour Companies were the best?

I discuss that in the article. 🙂

Hi Brenna, I was wondering the $250 tariff pp per day was that include the tour package or is the $250 seperate that you must pay on top of the tour package? It’ll be crazy if i have to pay the $250 on top with the tour that you must purchase. And also, are you able to go trek to to the tigers nest alone or the guide have to accompany you along the way?

Hi Hans, as it says in the article: “Your daily fee covers everything, and once you are in the country you do not pay a single penny. That’s right, that daily fee includes all accommodation, food (minus alcohol), ground transportation, entrance fees, and a private guide and driver (sometimes this is the same person).” So yes, you pay $250 a day including the tour.

I have no idea if you can trek there alone, sorry! I’m sure you’re able to and have your guide wait below if that’s what you desire.

Unfortunately, it is not possible to trek solo in Bhutan without your guide being with you. In fact, all treks have the trekking guide who hikes with you, as well as support teams that handle the campsite stuff, cooking, etc. You do not carry your tent and stuff with you. Porters take it on ahead each day to the next campsite. This is also included in the Minimum Daily Package.

The trek up to the Tiger’s Nest requires your guide to be with you, as you are not allowed to enter holy sites without a guide being present, just as you are not permitted to wander outside the town you are staying in without your guide. You can only wander around the town to shop or look around. Entry to all attractions requires your guide to be present as well.

It might also be useful to people reading this to know that the amount they pay for their holiday is not immediately paid to the travel agency. It is held by the Tourism Council of Bhutan (TCB) until the end of the tour, and you have completed your exit survey as satisfactory. if you have any complaints, the whole amount is withheld from the travel agency until the complaint is dealt with. needless to say, there are few reasons for complaints in Bhutan.

Very well written. Thank you Brenna 🙂

Thank you for a great article. However, I have one question. Is the fee per calendar date or per night?

Thank you Peter

Hii Brenna, Very nice to know about your experience in Bhutan.i will love to know more about your experience in Bhutan.i myself will be leaving for Bhutan soon it will be a great help if you provide some insight. thanks and regards sudhanshu

I am planning to take my wife for our first Anniversary there during May which seems a peak season as my discussion with one of the Tour Guides.

Planning to do the entire trip on Bike though , do you think its a good idea ?

That’s true Brenna. I have seen many people holding back from visiting Bhutan just because they think that’s it an expensive country and not affordable by many. While it’s true that Bhutan is expensive than the rest of the countries but that’s because Bhutan is a hidden gem, a country that is different than everywhere. The gorgeous landscapes, ancient architecture, magnificent monuments are worth every penny. It’s good to know that our daily fee will cover everything including all accommodation, food, transportation, entrance fees, and a private guide and driver. This will be a relief to many people. Thanks for providing us with such an informative article and breaking down the costs of the tour, which I think is super helpful. I appreciate all the effort you’ve put into this article. Thanks.

I’ve just come back from Bhutan. I saved up long and hard for it and it was worth every single penny and more. I have no issue with the daily charge, policies etc. The experiences and memories I have will last a lifetime so $250 a day isn’t even a consideration in the equation. To all those thinking about going……GO!!!!

Hi, I am from Bhutan and wanted to share you some interesting facts you may love to know:

1. Bhutan literally means “Land of the Thunder Dragon.” It earned the nickname because of the fierce storms that often roll in from the Himalayan mountain ranges. 2. In Bhutan, inheritance is generally passed on to the daughter rather than the son. And so, after marriage, a man often moves into the home of his new wife. 3. Television came to Bhutan only in 1999. 4. At the age of 28, King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck became the youngest reigning monarch in the world when he took over the dragon throne. 5. As most citizens don’t know their date of birth, the government listed them as born on New Year’s Day in their identity cards. As such, all citizens officially become one year older on New Year’s Eve. 6. More than 60% of the Bhutanese population is under the age of 25. 7. The history of Lhakhangs (temples) in Bhutan dates back to the 7th century when the Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo built 108 temples throughout the Himalaya region to subdue a demon. 8. Bhutan got its first paved road only in 1962. 9. The Bhutanese believe that phalluses help ward off evil. Hence it is common to find phallus drawings in most houses. 10. Of the estimated Bhutanese population of 705,000 people, 244,000 are illiterate. 11. Bhutan is the only country in the world that follows the Tantric form of Buddhism.

Thank you! You have mentioned that food is covered in the daily fee. Does it include restaurants as well? lol

Bhutan tourism is high-value low volume! Wishing you all happy holiday to Bhutan!

Thanks for writing that awesome blog about the cost and sharing some good memories about the places to visit in Bhutan, please keep doing the same.

Brenna Thank you very much for all the information about Bhutan. We love to travel Bhutan.

Hi Brenna, Thank you sooo much for this wonderful, informative and so incredibly interesting! I have always wanted to go to Bhutan and your summary just decided for me: YES! I’m starting to plan my trip! THANK YOU AGAIN!

your article is very informative…….Thank you….

I read this article and still come away form it thinking you must be rich 😀 £211 a day, even with everything inclusive, is still really massively expensive. Just 5 days is well over a £1000 and that’s without airfare and all the other miscellaneous stuff you buy when visiting a country which could be a little or could be a lot depending on what you need and have already. I’m happy you can afford it but that’s way out of my budget. Well, I literally can afford it but I won’t pay that much. I could spend a month or two in South East Asia, South America, or Eastern Europe.

I’m not saying it’s not worth it or that it’s not a wonderful country, simply that I will probably never go there because of the high price. There are just so many amazing places in the world that I can visit without paying this much. Certainly there is an argument about sustainable travel but the same could be achieved with sensible policy and restricting numbers I would have thought.

I dunno. It just seems such a shame that so many people won’t ever get to see this place. I will probably never visit because it costs so much and I’m sure that I’m not alone in this. Maybe there is a balance between this and a policy/numbers approach where more people would choose to visit the country. Hope you don’t mind, I am just musing really. Thanks for a great article! I’ll be sure to read more. Take care!

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The Price of Peace: Understanding the Trip to Bhutan Cost 2024

June 29, 2023

Bhutan is a small country located in the eastern Himalayas, known for its stunning natural beauty, rich culture, and unique architecture. In this article, we will provide you with the best tips for saving money without sacrificing quality, ranging from hotels, food, souvenirs, transportations, etc.

The major costs of a trip to Bhutan include flights, accommodation, transportation, food, and activities. A round-trip ticket to Bhutan can range from $500 to $1500 depending on the season and airline. Accommodation costs per night can range from budget hotels or hostels to luxury hotels, with prices ranging from $20 to $500. Bhutan's public transportation system is not extensive, but it is efficient. A one-way subway or train ticket can cost around $1.50. Food costs per person can range from budget restaurants to mid-range restaurants. A budget traveler can expect to spend around $10 to $20 per day on food, while a mid-range traveler can expect to spend around $30 to $50 per day.

If you're planning a trip to Bhutan, it's important to plan ahead and research activities and costs to create a budget that works for you. A budget traveler can expect to spend around $50 to $70 per day , while a mid-range traveler can expect to spend around $100 to $150 per day.

Bhutan is a beautiful and unique travel destination that is worth the cost. By following our best tips for saving money, you can travel on a budget without sacrificing quality. Plan ahead and research activities and costs to create a budget that works for you.

How much does it cost for 2 nights and 3 days when traveling to Bhutan?

Traveling to Bhutan, known as the "Land of the Thunder Dragon," can be an unforgettable experience. The cost of a 2-night, 3-day trip to Bhutan can vary depending on various factors such as your travel style, choice of accommodation, transportation, and activities. Here's a rough estimate of the cost for a budget traveler:

• Flights : A round-trip ticket to Bhutan can cost between 20,000-30,000 BTN (approximately $265-$400 USD) depending on your location in the US.
• Accommodation : Budget hotels or hostels can cost between 500-1,500 BTN (approximately $7-$20 USD) per night. The total cost range for 2 nights of accommodation would be between 1,000-3,000 BTN (approximately $14-$40 USD).
• Transportation : One-way subway or train tickets can cost between 10-20 BTN (approximately $0.13-$0.26 USD). The total cost range for 3 days of transportation would be between 60-120 BTN (approximately $0.80-$1.60 USD).
• Food and drinks : Per meal at budget restaurants can cost between 100-300 BTN (approximately $1.30-$4 USD). Street food and convenience store meals can cost even less. The cost of drinks can vary depending on the type of drink and location, but expect to pay between 50-200 BTN (approximately $0.66-$2.66 USD). The expected cost for food and drinks for 3 days would be between 3,000-6,000 BTN (approximately $40-$80 USD).
• Sightseeing and activities : Some popular attractions that may be free or cost a small entrance fee include the National Memorial Chorten, Buddha Dordenma Statue, and Tashichho Dzong. Other attractions whose cost is a bit more expensive per person include the Tiger's Nest Monastery and Punakha Dzong. The expected cost range for sightseeing and activities for 3 days would be between 1,500-5,000 BTN (approximately $20-$67 USD).

The total cost range for a budget traveler who wants a 2-night, 3-day trip to Bhutan would be between $87-$188 USD . It's important to note that these are rough estimates, and actual costs may vary depending on your travel style, activities, and other expenses.

How much does it cost for flights when traveling to Bhutan?

When planning a trip to Bhutan, one of the most important factors to consider is the cost of flights. The cost of flights to Bhutan can vary depending on various factors such as the departure location, time of year, airline, and availability.

Generally, the cost of a round-trip economy class ticket from major cities in the United States to Bhutan can range from $1,200 to $2,500 . However, prices can fluctuate depending on the time of year and the airline you choose. For example, flights during peak tourist season (March to May and September to November) tend to be more expensive than during the off-season.

It's always a good idea to check with a reputable travel booking website or airline for up-to-date pricing information. Keep in mind that airline prices are subject to change frequently, so it's important to stay informed.

How much does it cost for hotels when traveling to Bhutan?

When planning a trip to Bhutan, one of the most important things to consider is the cost of accommodation. The cost of hotels in Bhutan varies depending on several factors, such as the location, season, and the type of accommodation the travelers are looking for. Generally, hotels in major cities like Thimphu and Paro tend to be more expensive than hotels in smaller cities or rural areas.

• In Thimphu, the capital city of Bhutan, the average cost range of a mid-range hotel room is around 3,000-5,000 BTN ($40-$65 USD) per night. For a luxury hotel room, the cost can go up to 20,000-25,000 BTN ($260-$325 USD) per night. In Paro, another major city in Bhutan, the average cost range of a mid-range hotel room is around 2,500-4,000 BTN ($33-$52 USD) per night, while a luxury hotel room can cost around 15,000-20,000 BTN ($195-$260 USD) per night.
• In smaller towns and rural areas , the cost of hotels is generally lower. For example, in Punakha, a popular tourist destination in Bhutan, the average cost range of a mid-range hotel room is around 2,000-3,000 BTN ($26-$39 USD) per night, while a luxury hotel room can cost around 10,000-15,000 BTN ($130-$195 USD) per night.

It's important to note that hotel prices in Bhutan can fluctuate depending on the time of year and availability. Additionally, it's worth mentioning that Bhutan doesn't have many luxury hotels, so travelers shouldn't expect to find many options in this category.

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When traveling to Bhutan, one of the most important things to consider is the cost of food and dining. The cost of food in Bhutan varies widely depending on several factors, such as the type of food, the restaurant's location, and the level of formality or luxury.

• Street food or fast food : around 50-100 BTN ($0.70-$1.40 USD) per meal.
• Casual dining or local restaurants : around 150-300 BTN ($2.10-$4.20 USD) per meal.
• Mid-range restaurants : around 500-1000 BTN ($7-$14 USD) per meal.
• High-end or luxury restaurants : cost up to 3000 BTN ($42 USD) per meal.

If you're looking for more affordable options, convenience stores and supermarkets offer a variety of tasty and healthy food at reasonable prices. You can expect to pay around 50-200 BTN ($0.70-$2.80 USD) for a meal from these places.

Tipping is not customary in Bhutan, so the prices listed above are typically the final price you will pay. However, prices can vary depending on the location and the time of year. It's always a good idea to check the prices before ordering to avoid any surprises.

How much does it cost for souvenirs when traveling to Bhutan?

When traveling to Bhutan, visitors are often struck by the country's unique culture and traditions. It's no surprise that many tourists want to take home a piece of Bhutan with them in the form of souvenirs. However, the cost of souvenirs in Bhutan can vary widely depending on what you're looking for, where you're shopping, and the quality of the item.

• Traditional Bhutanese textile (known as kira or gho ): These garments are made from handwoven fabric and are often adorned with intricate patterns and designs. Prices for kira and gho can range from 1,500 to 10,000 BTN ($20 to $130 USD).
• Handmade paper : This paper is made from the bark of the daphne plant and is often used to create beautiful journals, cards, and other paper products. Prices for handmade paper products can range from 50 to 500 BTN ($0.70 to $6.50 USD).
• Wood carvings : These carvings can range from small trinkets to larger pieces of furniture and can cost anywhere from 500 to 10,000 BTN ($6.50 to $130 USD).

It's important to note that many souvenir shops in tourist areas have fixed prices, but there may be room for negotiation in other types of stores, such as flea markets or antique shops. Prices can also vary depending on the time of year, and it's always a good idea to shop around and compare prices before making a purchase.

How much does it cost for transportation when traveling to Bhutan?

When traveling to Bhutan, it is important to plan your transportation budget accordingly, as the cost of transportation can vary depending on the mode of transportation and the distance traveled.

• Train and Subway : Bhutan does not have a train or subway system, so this mode of transportation is not available.
• Bus : Buses are the most common mode of transportation in Bhutan. The cost of a bus ride varies depending on the distance traveled, but a typical bus ride within the city costs around 10 BTN ($0.13 USD). For longer distances, the cost can range from 50-200 BTN ($0.65-$2.60 USD).
• Taxi : Taxis are readily available in Bhutan, and they are a convenient way to get around. The cost of a taxi ride varies depending on the distance traveled and the time of day. A typical taxi ride within the city costs around 100-200 BTN ($1.30-$2.60 USD). For longer distances, the cost can range from 500-1000 BTN ($6.50-$13 USD).
• Rental Car : Rental cars are available in Bhutan, but they can be expensive. The cost of a rental car varies depending on the type of car and the rental period. On average, a rental car can cost around 3000-5000 BTN ($39-$65 USD) per day.

Bhutan does not have transportation passes or discount tickets available for visitors, but it is still possible to travel around Bhutan on a budget.

How much does it cost for sightseeing when traveling to Bhutan?

When planning a trip to Bhutan, it's important to consider the cost of sightseeing. The cost can vary widely depending on the location, attraction, and activity. However, with careful planning, it's possible to enjoy the beauty of Bhutan without breaking the bank.

Here are some approximate costs for popular tourist attractions and activities in Bhutan:

• Temples and shrines : Most temples and shrines in Bhutan are free to enter, but donations are appreciated. If you want to visit the famous Tiger's Nest Monastery, there is an entrance fee of about 800 BTN ($10 USD).
• Museums and galleries : The National Museum of Bhutan has an entrance fee of about 250 BTN ($5 USD). Other museums and galleries may have similar fees.
• Dzongs : These are ancient fortresses that have been converted into administrative centers and monasteries. Entrance fees for dzongs in Bhutan range from 300-500 BTN ($4-7 USD).
• National parks : Bhutan has several national parks that offer stunning natural scenery and wildlife viewing opportunities. Entrance fees for national parks in Bhutan range from 300-500 BTN ($4-7 USD).
• Hot springs : Bhutan is home to several natural hot springs that are believed to have healing properties. The cost of visiting hot springs in Bhutan varies depending on the location, but typically ranges from 300-500 BTN ($4-7 USD).
• Archery : Archery is the national sport of Bhutan, and visitors can watch or participate in archery competitions throughout the country. The cost of participating in archery varies depending on the location and duration, but typically ranges from 500-1,000 BTN ($7-14 USD).

It's important to note that there are many free or low-cost sightseeing options in Bhutan. Walking tours, parks, and public gardens can provide a great experience without costing a lot of money.

How much does it cost for Wi-Fi & communication when traveling to Bhutan?

Staying connected while traveling is essential for many people, and Bhutan offers several options for accessing Wi-Fi and communication services. Here are some of the options and cost ranges for staying connected in Bhutan:

• SIM Card : One of the most popular options for accessing Wi-Fi and communication services in Bhutan is to purchase a local SIM card. The cost of a SIM card in Bhutan varies depending on the data plan and provider, but typically ranges from 100-500 Ngultrum ($1-7 USD). Some of the popular providers in Bhutan include TashiCell, B-Mobile, and DrukNet.
• Rental Wi-Fi Router : Another option for accessing Wi-Fi in Bhutan is to rent a portable Wi-Fi router. The cost of a rental Wi-Fi router in Bhutan varies depending on the rental company and plan, but typically ranges from 300-500 Ngultrum ($4-7 USD) per day. Some of the popular rental companies in Bhutan include TashiCell, B-Mobile, and DrukNet.
• Free Wi-Fi : While free Wi-Fi is not as widely available in Bhutan as it is in some other countries, there are still some options for accessing free Wi-Fi. Some hotels and accommodations offer free Wi-Fi for guests, so be sure to check before booking. Additionally, some smartphone apps like WiFi Map and Free WiFi Finder provide access to free Wi-Fi hotspots throughout the country.

It's important to note that the cost of Wi-Fi in Bhutan can vary depending on the method of access and the data plan. However, with the options available, travelers can easily stay connected while exploring this beautiful country.

How much does it cost for passport when traveling to Bhutan?

The cost of a passport for traveling to Bhutan depends on the country of citizenship and the type of passport application. Passport fees can vary depending on the country of citizenship and the type of application. Additionally, some countries may require additional fees for visa applications or other travel documents. It's always a good idea to check with your local embassy or consulate for the most up-to-date information on passport and visa requirements and fees.

Here are the passport fees for citizens of the United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia:

• United States : $145 for a standard adult passport and $115 for a child's passport
• United Kingdom : £75.50 for a standard adult passport and £49 for a child's passport
• Australia : AUD 298 for a standard adult passport and AUD 148 for a child's passport

Please note that these fees are subject to change and may not include additional fees for expedited processing or other services. It's important to check with your local embassy or consulate for the most accurate and up-to-date information on passport fees and requirements.

How much does it cost for insurance when traveling to Bhutan?

Traveling to Bhutan can be an exciting and enriching experience, but it's important to make sure you're protected in case of unexpected events. One way to do this is by purchasing travel insurance. The cost of travel insurance for Bhutan can vary depending on a number of factors, including your age, the length of your trip, the type of coverage you need, and the insurance provider you choose.

Here are some general guidelines for travel insurance costs in Bhutan:

• Single Trip Travel Insurance Policy : For a single trip to Bhutan, the cost of travel insurance can range from $50 to $200, depending on the coverage and duration of the trip. This type of policy typically covers medical expenses, trip cancellation or interruption, and baggage loss or delay.
• Annual Travel Insurance Policy : If you plan on traveling to Bhutan multiple times in a year, an annual travel insurance policy may be a more cost-effective option. The cost of this type of policy can range from $200 to $500, depending on the coverage and duration of each trip.
• Comprehensive Travel Insurance Policy : For more extensive coverage, a comprehensive travel insurance policy may be the best option. This type of policy can cover a wide range of events, including medical emergencies, trip cancellation or interruption, baggage loss or delay, and even emergency evacuation. The cost of a comprehensive policy can range from $500 to $1,000 or more, depending on the coverage and duration of the trip.

It's important to compare travel insurance policies from different providers to find the coverage that best meets your needs and budget. Be sure to read the policy details carefully and understand what is and isn't covered, as well as any deductibles or exclusions. Additionally, some credit cards and travel booking sites offer travel insurance as a benefit or add-on, so be sure to check those options as well.

How much does it cost for family, couples or single when traveling to Bhutan?

The cost of traveling to Bhutan can vary widely depending on a number of factors, such as the length of the trip, the type of accommodation, the level of luxury, the activities planned, and the number of travelers. Here are some estimated costs for a trip to Bhutan:

• Airfare : The cost of airfare to Bhutan can vary depending on the departure city and the time of year. A round-trip ticket from the United States to Bhutan can cost anywhere from $800 to $1500 per person
• Accommodation : The cost of accommodation in Bhutan can vary depending on the type of lodging and the location. A budget hotel or hostel can cost around 500-1000 BTN ($7-14 USD) per night. A mid-range hotel can cost around 2000-3000 BTN ($28-42 USD) per night. Luxury hotels and ryokans can cost anywhere from 5000-10000 BTN ($70-140 USD) per night.
• Food and drink : The cost of food and drink in Bhutan can vary depending on the type of cuisine and the level of luxury. A budget meal at a local restaurant can cost around 100-200 BTN ($1.40-2.80 USD) per person. A mid-range meal can cost around 300-500 BTN ($4.20-7 USD) per person. A cup of coffee can cost around 50-100 BTN ($0.70-1.40 USD), while a beer can cost around 150-300 BTN ($2.10-4.20 USD).
• Transportation : The cost of transportation in Bhutan can vary depending on the mode of travel and the distance. A single metro or train ticket can cost around 20-50 BTN ($0.28-0.70 USD), while a long-distance bullet train ticket can cost around 200-500 BTN ($2.80-7 USD). Taxis and car rentals can also add to the transportation costs.

The cost of traveling to Bhutan can range from a few hundred to several thousand dollars per person, depending on the factors mentioned above. A family of four can expect to spend around $2000-4000 USD for a week-long trip , while a couple can expect to spend around $1000-2000 USD and a single traveler can expect to spend around $500-1000 USD . These are estimates and actual costs may vary depending on individual preferences and travel styles.

Methods to Save Money When Traveling to Bhutan

There are several ways to save money when traveling to Bhutan. By following these, you can save money on your trip to Bhutan while still enjoying all that this beautiful country has to offer.

• Travel during the off-season : Bhutan is a popular tourist destination, and during peak season, prices for flights, accommodations, and tours can skyrocket. If you're flexible with your travel dates, consider visiting during the off-season, which is from December to February and June to August. During this time, you can save up to 50% on flights and accommodations.
• Stay in budget accommodations : Bhutan has a range of accommodations, from luxury hotels to budget guesthouses. If you're looking to save money, consider staying in budget accommodations. These guesthouses are clean, comfortable, and offer basic amenities at a fraction of the cost of luxury hotels.
• Eat like a local : Bhutanese cuisine is delicious and affordable. Instead of dining at expensive restaurants, opt for local eateries and street food stalls. Not only will you save money, but you'll also get to experience the local culture and cuisine.
• Use public transportation : Taxis and private cars can be expensive in Bhutan. Instead, use public transportation, such as buses and shared taxis. Not only will you save money, but you'll also get to interact with locals and experience the country like a local.

By following these methods, you can save money on your trip to Bhutan without sacrificing the quality of your experience.

Tips for Traveling to Bhutan

Traveling to Bhutan can be an exciting and memorable experience, but it is important to be prepared and informed before you go. Here are some useful tips for traveling to Bhutan:

• Learn some basic phrases : While English is widely spoken in Bhutan, learning a few basic phrases in Dzongkha (the national language) can go a long way in showing respect for the local culture. Try learning phrases like "Kuzuzangpo La" (hello) and "Kadinche La" (thank you).
• Respect local customs and traditions : Bhutan is a deeply spiritual country, and visitors should be respectful of local customs and traditions. For example, it is customary to remove your shoes before entering a temple or monastery.
• Dress appropriately : Bhutan has a dress code that requires visitors to dress modestly. This means covering your shoulders and knees, and avoiding tight or revealing clothing.
• Be prepared for the altitude : Bhutan is a mountainous country, and many of its attractions are at high altitudes. Visitors should be prepared for the effects of altitude, such as shortness of breath and fatigue.
• Pack for the weather : Bhutan has a varied climate, with different regions experiencing different weather patterns. Visitors should pack for the weather conditions they are likely to encounter, including warm layers and rain gear.
• Try the local cuisine : Bhutanese cuisine is unique and delicious, with dishes such as ema datshi (chili and cheese) and momos (dumplings) being popular. Be sure to try some local dishes during your visit.
• Be respectful of the environment : Bhutan is known for its commitment to environmental conservation, and visitors should be respectful of the natural environment. This means avoiding littering and being mindful of your impact on the environment.

Traveling to Bhutan can be a wonderful experience, but it is important to be prepared and informed before you go. By following these tips, you can ensure that your trip to Bhutan is enjoyable and memorable.

Frequently Asked Questions about Trip to Bhutan Cost

Are there any hidden costs when traveling to bhutan, are credit cards accepted in bhutan, what is the cost of a trekking permit in bhutan, what is the daily sustainable development fee in bhutan, can i negotiate the daily sustainable development fee.

Trip to Bhutan Cost 2024

• 1. How much does it cost for 2 nights and 3 days when traveling to Bhutan?
• 2. How much does it cost for flights when traveling to Bhutan?
• 3. How much does it cost for hotels when traveling to Bhutan?
• 4. How much does it cost for food when traveling to Bhutan?
• 5. How much does it cost for souvenirs when traveling to Bhutan?
• 6. How much does it cost for transportation when traveling to Bhutan?
• 7. How much does it cost for sightseeing when traveling to Bhutan?
• 8. How much does it cost for Wi-Fi & communication when traveling to Bhutan?
• 9. How much does it cost for passport when traveling to Bhutan?
• 10. How much does it cost for insurance when traveling to Bhutan?
• 11. How much does it cost for family, couples or single when traveling to Bhutan?
• 12. Methods to Save Money When Traveling to Bhutan
• 13. Tips for Traveling to Bhutan

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Is Bhutan really worth $250 per day?

We’ve all heard Bhutan is beautiful, but is the cost of a trip to Bhutan worth $250 per day? After three weeks in Bhutan, here are my honest thoughts on whether or not the Bhutan trip cost is worth it.

$200 to $250 per day, per person. At least. That’s how much a trip to Bhutan costs. So is tourism in Bhutan worth the money?

Compared to budget-friendly neighbors such as India and Nepal , Bhutan’s trip cost is steep. Yet there’s no denying Bhutan’s tourism allure, and I know many of you are beyond intrigued. Ever since I entered the country, I’ve been fielding the same question over and over:

“Is a trip to Bhutan worth the $250 tourism fee per day?”

After more than three weeks of travel in Bhutan—and obsessively assessing whether or not the Bhutan tourism fee is fair—I have my final answer to the question whether Bhutan is worth the cost of $250 a day:

If you can afford it, absolutely .

Index: What you need to know about the cost of travel to Bhutan

How much does it cost to travel to bhutan.

• What’s included in the Bhutan tourism daily fee?
• Where does the revenue from Bhutan’s tourism fee go?
• Why is Bhutan’s tourism fee important?
• Why I think Bhutan is worth the trip cost
• To travel to Bhutan or not to travel to Bhutan?

Monastery atop a hill overlooking Phobjikha Valley, surrounded by small but pretty Gangtey village.

How much does a Bhutan trip cost?

I’ll elaborate on why Bhutan is worth it in a hot second, but first, let’s clear up some misconceptions about the cost of travel to Bhutan:

Basically, the cost of a trip to Bhutan doesn’t have to exceed the minimum daily fee.

The minimum daily fee for most foreigners is:

• $250 per person per day from March – May, and September – November  (high season)
• $200 per person per day from December – February, and June – August  (low season)

Many people are confused because they think Bhutan’s daily tourist fee is a cost  on top  of other travel costs, but the opposite is true: it’s basically an all-inclusive trip cost!

However, it’s possible you’ll need to pay more depending on how you will be traveling:

• Solo travelers: An extra $40 per day to the standard cost of traveling in Bhutan.
• Two person private tour: An extra $30 per day, per person.
• Luxury travelers and high-altitude trekkers: Those looking for more luxurious accommodations in 5-star hotels and resorts should expect to pay several hundred dollars more per day. The same goes for those interested in trekking with high-quality gear and camping equipment.

There are some discounts available, primarily for students and children ages 5 – 12. See the Tourism Council’s website for more details.

Bhutan trip cost for Indians, Bangladeshis, and Maldivians (regional travelers)

Indians, Bangladeshis, and Maldivians used to be exempt from the daily fee requirements, due to reciprocity demands between governments.

However, starting July 2020, they will have to pay 1,200 Rs per day (roughly $16) to visit Bhutan . As of 2021, Indian, Bangladeshi, and Maldivian tourists are also now required to be part of an organized tour when traveling to Bhutan. The main difference is that they do not have to pay the same minimum daily rate as tourists from other countries.

The reason for this price increase is that in recent years, regional tourism to Bhutan exploded— more than 60% of tourists to Bhutan were Indian in 2018—threatening Bhutan’s system of low traffic, high value tourism. There were also many concerns about the environmental impact of regional tourists as pollution increased at tourist sites and the number of vehicles on the road skyrocketed. These new regulations are an attempt to manage the new flows of tourists while preserving Bhutan’s original tourism strategy.

Punakha dzong, the largest fortress in the country

What’s included in the Bhutan tourism fee?

Many people assume Bhutan’s tourist fee is something paid on top of other expenses in the country. Not so!

The daily fee for Bhutan should include:

• Visa to Bhutan
• Licensed Bhutanese guide from an official Bhutanese tour operator.  My guide was incredibly chill, helpful, and a great companion throughout my 3+ weeks in Bhutan.
• Driver and transportation. Usually, this means a comfortable and new 4×4, or a medium-sized tour bus. Internal flights are not  covered.
• Accommodation.  Hotels are all at least 3-stars, clean, and often spacious with impeccable service. Homestays and camping can also be requested.
• Entrance fees to tourist sights
• Food and drinks. Hotel restaurants are the norm, but if your tour group is small, ask to eat at local restaurants. Your guide should grant your wishes without any extra cost, but you’ll have to pay for any alcohol. (Protip: Bhutanese wine not recommended.)
• Trekking gear. If you’re going on a trek, that is.
• All taxes within the country

Basically, the Bhutan tourist fee covers all of your necessary expenses within Bhutan. The only common costs not covered by this fee are:

• Flight to/from Bhutan
• Tips for guides and drivers (expected at around 10% of the tour cost)

Once you’ve paid your tour company, you could theoretically waltz into Bhutan without cash, no problem… though your guide will deserve a tip by the end of your trip!

For more information about what is officially included in the minimum daily cost of travel to Bhutan, see the description on the official Bhutan Tourism website .

My guide and friend, Karma, who most definitely deserved all the tips by the end of my 3+ week adventure

Where does revenue from the Bhutan tourist fee go?

Ah, the important question!

Obviously, a slice of the pie goes to the tour agency, guides, drivers, hotels, etc. What’s more interesting is the $65 per day going to the government’s “sustainable development fee”.

Fancy name aside, this means around 30% of your money goes to Bhutan’s government. Though no government is totally transparent in its spending anywhere in the world, Bhutan’s government is legitimately committed to offering its citizens free health care, education, infrastructure, and more.

Even to the average tourist, the results of this money are visible. I had extended English conversations with 12-year-olds, there’s a slick new highway being built across the country, and I was told stories of Bhutanese people being sent abroad for medical treatment… free of cost!

Beyond my own personal experience, actual data illustrates a similar picture: despite the fact that many people in Bhutan live in extremely remote regions and depend on agriculture for income, 99% of citizens have access to clean water, 99% of houses have electricity, primary school enrollment is at almost 99% (and 95% of students make it to the last grade of school)… and I haven’t even mentioned Bhutan’s continued commitment to being the only carbon neutral country in the world and maintaining at least 60% tree coverage of the country at all times.

Skeptical? Still curious? It’s a bit dense, but this 2018 UN sustainable development report (PDF) has all the stats about Bhutan’s successes and shortcomings.

But why is Bhutan’s tourist fee that important?

Some of you have griped to me that it’s not a tourist’s responsibility to play charity, but consider Bhutan’s situation:

Bhutan is a land-locked country of only 700,000 people, with limited options for export or industry due to its remote, mountainous terrain. Much of the country’s population is poor, and 8% live below the international poverty line . The government is grappling to maintain Bhutan’s well-preserved culture in the face of rapid development and modernization.

Tourism is one of the very few major industries in Bhutan, but unbridled tourism in Bhutan can quickly consume the country and its culture… especially when the country is home to less than one million people.

Thousands of people coming to listen to the teachings of a renowned monk at Buddha Point in Thimphu

Bhutan doesn’t want to become the next Venice sinking under the weight of millions of holiday goers, nor attract the hordes of culturally insensitive backpackers who flood Southeast Asia, Nepal, and India. The country wouldn’t be the same if drunk backpackers in elephant pants staggered by locals in traditional gho and kira. And that’s coming from someone who wobbled ‘round Asia in said pants years ago. Yes, I admit it.

Bhutan makes great efforts to adhere to sustainable tourism standards, and we should laud their efforts in this age of destructive mass tourism. Though their system isn’t perfect, Bhutan’s daily tourist fee is a tried and tested method of limiting tourist numbers, while simultaneously ensuring tourism’s revenues reach the entire population and the majority of tourists are somewhat responsible travelers . Critics say limiting tourism to wealthy travelers is elitist—I don’t disagree—but if the system works for Bhutan and locals benefit from it, I don’t think it’s our place to demand otherwise.

If you’re still upset about the daily cost of traveling in Bhutan, remember that travel is a privilege , not a right. It’s well within the country’s rights to stem the flow of mass tourism using whatever means works best.

Read more: 27 ways to travel more responsibly

Shopping time for some monks at a local market

Why Bhutan is really worth your money

Okay, okay, it’s time for me to get off my soapbox. Although sustainable tourism is imperative, Bhutan’s forward-thinking policies aren’t the only reason it’s worth your money. You’ve stuck with me this far, so it’s about time I give you the answer you’ve been waiting for.

Why is Bhutan worth your money? Because it’s freakin’ beautiful, and there’s no other place in the world like it.

You can while away afternoons in Bhutan listening to the patter of shoes slapping stone amongst the white walls of dzongs, fortresses. Sometimes it’s a red-robed monk off to say prayers beneath towering statues of demons on the monastery side of the dzong . Other times it’s a woman in a silky kira dress making her way to work in the administrative side of the repurposed fortress.

Off to monastic business in the Trongsa dzong

In the capital, Thimphu, you can go sightseeing by day, then trade traditional robes and historic monasteries for a cold cocktail and bumping beats in a nightclub with the country’s hippest youth.

While driving through Bhutan, you can feast your eyes on the houses pretty enough to be mistaken for temples lining the country’s hills. Some are painted with intricate knots and auspicious animals, while others are painted with hairy, ejaculating phalluses. Yes, really.

Practically perfect traditional houses in Phobjikha Valley

In Bhutan, you’ll never have to worry about sharing trekking trails. Far from the overcrowded routes of Nepal, even the most popular of Bhutan’s paths are delightfully quiet. The country’s 72% forest coverage means you’ll never go too long without a bit of greenery up above. Even better, Bhutan’s nature is pristine and clean; an experience I certainly haven’t encountered in other South Asian countries (though I have yet to visit Maldives) .

Despite the Druk Path being Bhutan’s most popular trek, there was no one to compete with for views like these.

The vast majority of people I met were are genuine and kind. They wanted to speak with me out of curiosity or interest, not because they’re scheming to sell you something as in more popular tourist destinations. Meeting local people was all too easy when I had a local tour guide by my side for (some of) the day. Even without Karma’s introductions, I still got talking with all kinds of people during my weeks in Bhutan.

Karma posing for a photo with some local Layap ladies he introduced us to at the Royal Highlander Festival in Laya

The most straightforward reason Bhutan is worth your money, however, is the fact that it’s one of the most beautiful places in the world. In my humble opinion, anyway. Words won’t do that claim justice, so here’s some visual proof instead:

Casual highway-side views, NBD

Yet more photogenic houses in the stunning Phobjikha Valley

The exterior of Gangtey Monastery, the most impressive religious building I saw in Bhutan

Just a few of the thousands of fluttering prayer flags atop Chele La pass

To travel to Bhutan, or not to travel to Bhutan? That is the question.  

Ultimately, I can only convince you so much. Wonderful as Bhutan may be, you either have the money to visit Bhutan, or you don’t. This will decide whether travel to Bhutan is worth $250 per day or not.

If you don’t have the money, don’t fret. Though they’re worlds apart from Bhutan, there are other mountainous countries in this world that are cheaper to visit. Nepal is the crowd favorite, though I’d personally recommend Pakistan .

If, however, you do have the money, I can’t recommend Bhutan enough. It might be a big decision, but I assure you, you won’t regret it. If you are visiting Bhutan, make sure to check out my guide to travel in Bhutan .

The famous Tiger’s Nest monastery near Paro

Think of it this way: choosing where to travel is like buying groceries. You can buy cheap, imported apples at your nearest supermarket, or you can head to the farmer’s market for some locally grown, organic apples. The supermarket apples may be cheaper, but we all know locally-grown apples at farmer’s markets are the responsible—and often tastier—choice.

Not everyone can afford to shop at a farmer’s market all the time, nor can everyone afford to travel to Bhutan over other destinations. But if you have the means and the motivation, I promise choosing Bhutan will be one of the most golden and delicious decisions you can make.

Yay transparency! My trip to Bhutan was sponsored by , but you can rest assured that I scrutinized the crap out of this topic just as I would if I paid my own way, and all these views are most definitely my own.

Alex Reynolds

33 thoughts on “ is bhutan really worth $250 per day ”.

We booked a trip to Bhutan which was cancelled mid-March due to Covid restrictions for entering Bhutan. While we fortunately received our daily trip costs back from the tourism council of Bhutan (TCB), we are still struggling to get our airline ticket refund from the TCB-accredited Bhutan agent with whom we booked our travel. The airline (Druk Air) reimbursed our tickets but sent the funds to our agent. Any tips on how to file a formal complaint against the agent to get our ticket refund?

Oh no, that’s not good! I’m sorry you have to deal that. I’m not actually sure how one would file a formal complaint—can you go through the TCB? I imagine they would want to help, as it doesn’t look good if a travel agency is making things difficult for tourists.

Needgoldbar. Sopping

You really did justice to this topic. I always try my best explaining my friends why Bhutan is expensive but they never get it. Bottom line is we have put in our own share of hardwork in preserving our culture and conserving our nature in today’s chaotic time. Plus we are the only carbon negative country in the world, it’s easy to say but hard to achieve and we have achieved it. In the world where some people can’t even find fresh air to breath Bhutan removes carbon dioxide. All in all if you are visiting Bhutan it’s a must to remember that you are paying for our preserved culture, conserved nature, fresh air, beautiful landscape, unique traditions and many more.

Thank you so much for writing this article, its insightful for people wanting to visit and very much precise with the details on the fee.

Thanks Sheldon! It’s nice to hear positive feedback from locals 🙂 I agree wholeheartedly—you’re paying for the overall experience, which you literally cannot find anywhere else in the world, and the money helps to maintain said experience.

I like hat you guys tewnd to be up too. Such clever work and exposure! Keep up the amazing works guys I’ve dded you guys to blogroll.

Bhutan doesn’t just have strict borders… they’re preforming an ethnic cleansing and have been since the 30’s and maybe even before that. Bhutan is not a Buddhist country, the kingdom is making Bhutan a Buddist country. They are removing people and displacing them in camps in India and Nepal.

The Lhotsampa, one of the three largest ethnic groups, have sought a system of equality under which they would be allocated what they need as an equitable share of Bhutan’s polity and economy. The ruling Drukpa elites perceived the Lhotsampa as a threat to their dominance and initiated policies to oppress or force out the Lhotsampa and others through ethnic cleansing. Bhutan’s ethnic conflict and the refugee crisis it has produced are the outcome of ethnonationalism clothed in the slogan of ‘One Nation, One People’, and the contrived mechanisation of the ruling elites. The policies of these elites have effectively disenfranchised people who were born in Bhutan and have lived there for generations as citizens, for no other reason than their ethnicity. This is an issue not just for the Lhotsampa of Bhutan but also for any groups at the receiving end of an ethnically repressive order. The Lhotsampa case illustrates some characteristics of human‐rights violations in situations of ethnic strife. more than 100,000 Bhutanese people of Nepalese origin who today live in exile, mostly in United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR)‐administered camps in eastern Nepal. Former UNHCR Chief Sadako Ogata has spoken out about how the vast majority of refugees are driven from their homes by human rights abuses. As she explains, ‘Persecution, torture, killings and the reprehensible practice of “ethnic cleansing” generate a huge flow of refugees’. Her comment well describes the Lhotsampa and other Bhutanese refugees, who from 1990 were driven from their homes by the oppression and persecution of the Bhutanese government.

The unknown refugee crisis: expulsion of the ethnic Lhotsampa from Bhutan. By: Rizal, Dhurba, Asian Ethnicity, 14631369, Jun2004, Vol. 5, Issue 2

Check the source above, Im a student at the University of New Hampshire and stumbled upon this writing a paper. Its legitimate.

The Lhotsampa are not illegal immigrants, they have lived in the land for generations. The monarchy started calling them immigrants as propaganda to make removal easier. The people in those camps are considered stateless because they’ve been removed from their homes. They immigrated hundreds of years ago, and some histories argue longer. After the removal the monarchy changed the names of towns, villages, and roads to Durkpa names, then they offered the land at below-market to members of the other large ethnic group in the country ensuring that if they ever had to let the displaced Lhotsampa people back in(unlikely) they would never have a place in society. I’m convinced the Bhutans tourism industry has a role in all this.

https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/0021909605057742

Visiting Bhutan is in my bucket list but I don’t know yet if I can afford it since I will go without partner. Does anyone have any suggestions? Is there an option that I fly there myself and find tour from local businesses? Or go with travel agency from USA? If going with travel agency, which one has the best service?

Hi Terri, I am in the same situation. I have been advised to look into Hate 1 tours. Also a friend in Colorado has a friend in Nepal who may be able arrange things. I’m just looking into this possibility. $200/day now after September 2022. But I have been to Nepal and India and wished I had gone to Bhutan then. My cell is 508-246-1632

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Home » Asia » Bhutan » Backpacking Guide

Backpacking Bhutan Travel Guide

Backpacking in Bhutan is a unique experience open to only a few. In an effort to protect Bhutan’s environment and culture, the government has placed a minimum fee of $200 per person per day for visitors to Bhutan – this makes visiting Bhutan one of the most expensive trips in the world.

So, is it worth it?

Backpacking in Bhutan is a truly amazing experience; this is a country with a population of less than one million; a place where time stands still, where legend is history and mountains reign supreme. The Bhutanese Himalayas are truly awe-inspiring; crisp, clear, empty and clean. This is raw, untouched wilderness and although it’s expensive to visit Bhutan, it’s money well spent.

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Let me run you guys through exactly how much it costs to visit Bhutan and what is included in the minimum daily fee. Indians are the only nationality who can currently visit Bhutan without having to pay the fees. Bhutan Tourism is therefore still something of an exclusivity.

How much does it cost to travel to Bhutan?

What’s included in this price, best time of year to travel to bhutan, why travel to bhutan, my thoughts on bhutan, how to travel to bhutan, volunteer in bhutan.

The minimum daily package cost for visiting Bhutan is $200 per person per night for the months of January, February, June, July, August and December. This shoots up to $250 per person per night for the months of March, April, May, September, October and November.

These costs are based on a minimum group size of three people and the cost goes up if you want to book a private, one or two-person, trip.

Pretty much everything! Your guide, driver, transport, accommodation, food and any camping equipment you need will be included in the price of your tour. Whilst the minimum Bhutan tour price is $200 per person per day, you can spend far more than this if you choose to upgrade your accommodation or meals.

The fee includes accommodation in hotels that are at least three star and we stayed in a couple of four star hotels as well – both of which were absolutely amazing and much appreciated after seven nights of camping!

Crucially, a large chunk of the minimum daily fee (cost of visiting Bhutan) goes towards government programs providing free education, healthcare and poverty alleviation – so overall it’s money well spent and the Bhutanese government are smart with how they have opened up tourism but in the highest value way possible so that the country has a solid income from tourism without having to actually deal with tens of thousands of tourists…

So, now you know how much it costs to go to Bhutan. Let’s chat about the best time to travel to Bhutan because this is a country with crazy storms throughout parts of the year…

To be honest this partly depends on how much money you’ve got; if Bhutan seems like a very expensive destination to you then I recommend travelling in low-season as it’s $50 a day cheaper than high season.

I travelled in Bhutan in February and March and it was noticeably busier in February when hordes of tourists popped in to catch the mask festivals in Paro. The festivals are awesome but for me, the real attraction was the mountains and I wanted to travel in Bhutan during the best time of year to go trekking. Bhutan’s trekking season is similar to Nepal’s and the best times of year to trek are March – April and August – October.

This is a country which really is unlike anywhere else in the world. Bhutan is totally unique, an isolated Himalayan kingdom where you can find some chill, reconnect with nature and enjoy awesome hospitality.

Backpacking Bhutan is in its infancy and the only travellers who can truly explore Bhutan on their own are Indians, however, I at no time felt constricted by my guide and we got plenty of time to explore on our own. Best of all, our guide was so flexible that we could easily change plans as we went.

Don’t let the Bhutan travel cost put you off, you get good value for your money.

Here are 50 photos to inspire your trip to Bhutan .

Bhutan is a country unlike any other; a place where even the modern, jeans and gel, teenagers celebrate their culture with a fiery passion. A land where monks still meditate for years in the sacred caves to the East. A country ruled by a monarch who had freely given up his absolute power to usher in democracy. A place where progress is officially measured by happiness, rather than Gross National Product, using the government’s pioneering Gross National Happiness system. The first carbon-negative country in the world, Bhutan has preserved its mountains, forests and people on its journey to modernise, a feat that is totally unique in the history of this world. There’s so much to love about the country and if you’re looking for more interesting facts about Bhutan , this post will teach you a thing or two!

Bhutan is a unique and truly remote destination to visit. You can only travel to Bhutan as part of an organised tour. I’ve never travelled on an organised tour before and it’s not normally something I would be interested in but travelling in Bhutan truly was the experience of a lifetime. My trip to Bhutan was kindly sponsored by Druk Asia  who is the leading expert in unique Bhutanese adventures. Travelling with Druk really didn’t feel like a tour; everything was extremely flexible and I had a private car and guide (rather than being on a minibus). My guide, Penjor, quickly became my good friend and we had a great laugh together exploring Bhutan and knocking back a beer or two in the evenings. The guides working for Druk can arrange pretty much anything – whether it’s hiking into the mountains, taking part in a Buddhist ceremony or camping out beneath the stars.

Check out Druk Asia, here .

Volunteering overseas is a great way to experience a culture whilst doing some good in the world. There are lots of different volunteer projects in Bhutan which you can join ranging from teaching, to animal care, to agriculture to pretty much anything!

Bhutan does benefit greatly from volunteers, but opportunities can be hard to come by. Most gigs are in rural areas, where travelers can aid community development by teaching English or partaking in social work. It’s also possible to find opportunities to volunteer in national parks or farming. If your volunteer organization doesn’t provide you with a special permit, then you’ll just need a tourist visa for your trip. 

Our go-to platform for finding volunteering gigs is Worldpackers who connect travellers with host projects. Have a look at the Worldpackers site and see if they have any exciting opportunities in Bhutan before signing up.

Alternatively, Workaway is another excellent common platform used by travellers searching for volunteering opportunities. You can read our review of Workaway for more info on using this terrific platform.

Volunteer programs run through reputable work exchange programs like Worldpackers and platforms like Workaway are usually very well-managed and reputable. However, whenever you are volunteering do stay vigilant, especially when working with animals or children.

Worldpackers: connecting travellers with  meaningful travel experiences.

Being a Responsible Backpacker in Bhutan

Reduce your plastic footprint:  Perhaps the best thing you can do for our planet is to make sure you do NOT add to the plastic problem all over the world. Don’t buy one-use water bottles, the plastic ends up in landfill or in the ocean. Instead, pack a  tough travel water bottle .

Go and watch A Plastic Ocean on Netflix – it’ll change how you view the plastic problem in the world; you need to understand what we are up against. If you think it doesn’t matter, get off my fucking site.

Don’t pick up single use plastic bags, you’re a backpacker – take your daypack if you need to go to the shop or run errands.

Bear in mind, that many animal products in countries you travel through will not be ethically farmed and won’t be of the highest quality. I’m a carnivore but when I’m on the road, I only eat chicken. Mass-farming of cows etc leads to the rainforest being cut down – which is obviously a huge problem.

Need more guidance? – Check out our post on  how to be a responsible backpacker.

If you visit small communities in the rural areas (which you will almost certainly do) always ask before taking photos. The people who live in these villages are not exhibits in a museum. They are normal folks just living their lives.  Always show them the complete respect that they deserve.

When buying a local craft, do not haggle so low that the price is unfair to the person who spent countless hours crafting it. Pay people what they are worth and contribute to the local economies as much as possible.

I know it can be hard, but do your best to use the l east amount of plastic water bottles that you can. Refill the ones that you do buy! Use a Grayl Geopress . Refill at your hostel! There are plenty of ways to reduce plastic!!!

Backpacking India or any region for that matter often illuminates some of the great socio-economic inequalities of the world. Never take it for granted that you are healthy and financially able to go traveling (especially to Bhutan!). Show the world around you some gratitude and help to make a positive impact on it. Most of all have the time of your life and spread the love!

Made it this far? You get 15% OFF to book a place to stay ! Offer valid exclusively for Broke Backpackers 😉

Will Hatton

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17 Comments

Enjoyed reading the blog

Bhutan is a nice place . . .but sorry.. it is over priced.. and that money does not go to the right places. It is a new form of tourist gouging. Find a local operator and go to nearby Tibet for a real cultural experience. If Bhutan changes their ridiculous tourist tariff policy, then l would like to go back, but not until.

Bhutan is an amazing place and so different from any other tourist destination. It is amazing place I have visited twice and feel like visiting there as soon as possible. The culture, tradition and of course the scenic beauty of the place always amazes.

Nice blog and beautiful pictures. Thanks for visiting Bhutan. Cheers Tshewang

Whoa, $200 per person per day is a whole lot of money. But its good to know that all the essentials like guide, driver, accommodation, transport and food will be included in the tour price.Thanks for breaking down the travel cost for Bhutan and letting us know about the high and low season – you’ve answered all my questions. I really appreciate the effort you have put into this article to make it super informative. Thanks again.

very nice blog with details

wow,really beautiful article about Bhutan. Keep sharing such articles. Love from Bhutan

Thanks Karma! Such an amazing destination.

I’d like to go to Bhutan this year. But my best month for travel is June. How bad is the weather then? Will I be wasting my money if I go then?

All pictures very cool and beautiful. I like your blog

Thanks so much for the great information! Emailing the company now.

Got it, thanks Ana for your response! 🙂

Hi Anya, I think might have , but you may research or we can research for that.

Hi Will, love your blog and always waiting for your posts with anticipation! Do you know by any chance if there are any exchange programs or volunteering programs to Bhutan where you can go for at least a month or even more? I am very interested in visiting this country but not on a touristy basis. If possible, would love to live there at least during some time. Hope to hear from you, thanks!

Hi Anya! Answering for Will here. As far as we know there are not volunteer programs. Bhutan has such a strict tourist visa process that I don’t think they will have a lax volunteer program for quite some time.

There is possible to visit Bhutan as an invitation personal guest. For that first Bhutanese friends( If you have) should visit your country and then he can invite you as personal guest to Bhutan without paying any Govt fee and surcharge. We need to show passport stamp for prove that he or she has visited to your place first.

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How much does it cost to travel to Bhutan ?

The Bhutan travel/tour cost depends on the duration and category of hotels you choose during your stay in Bhutan.  All international visitors to Bhutan (Except Indian nationals) have to pay US $ 100 per person per night stay in Bhutan as a sustainable development fee (SDF).  The non-resident Indians (NRIs) and over-seas citizens of India (OCI card holders) wishing to visit Bhutan are treated as any other international travelers. Hence they have to pay US $ 100 per night stay in Bhutan. The Bhutanese tour operators and international travel agents charge for the package tour above the SDF amount. Besides the sustainable development fee (SDF), the tourists have to pay entry fees to visit museums/monuments and festivals. 

The department of tourism, Bhutan has offered duration discount for longer stays in Bhutan. Please contact us for the details.

Cost to travel to Bhutan:

Our rates are given below and are inclusive of sustainable development fee (SDF). 

• Solo travel: US $ 340 per night stay in Bhutan.
• 02 pax: US $ 280 per person per night stay in Bhutan.
• 3 – 10 pax: US $ 260 per person per night stay in Bhutan.

Bhutan visa fee is US $ 40 per person per trip and is extra.

The royal government of Bhutan levies entry fees for museums / monuments and festival visits as given below (extra):

The majestic Punakha dzong .

• Entry fee for Tiger’s nest @ US $ 12 per person.
• Other monuments @ US $ 6 per person.
• Festival visits @ US $ 12 per person.
• Museums @ US $ 3 – 5 per person.

Bhutan trip cost includes:

• All meals [breakfast / lunch / dinner & evening tea].
• Accommodation in 3 star hotels / resorts [twin / double sharing basis]. Single room supplement US $: 40 per room per night. Extra premiums for 4 and 5 star hotels.
• All transportation within the country including airport transfers (SUV, mini bus or larger bus depending on the group size).
• Sustainable development fee (SDF).
• English speaking local guide.
• Bottled water through out the tour.

Trip cost to Bhutan excludes:

• Drukair / Bhutan Airfares (International or domestic).
• Bhutan visa fee.
• Museum / monument and festival fees.
• Travel insurance premiums.
• Payments for service provided on a personal basis.
• Cost for any services not mentioned in the “Cost include head”.
• Cost incurred due to mishaps, strikes, political unrest etc.
• Personal expense in items such as laundry, soft drinks, camera charges, incidentals, portage, tips or any other services.

While on a trek, the cost covers:

• All 3 meals & evening tea / coffee.
• Services of a guide, cook and helpers.
• Ponies / yaks to carry the supplies.
• Trekking permit fees.
• Tents and equipment.

Discounts on Bhutan trip cost:

There shall be no charge for children up to the age of 5 years on Bhutan travel cost. However, those between the ages of 6 – 11 years get 50 % discount on daily rates.

Contact us for group discounts.

Cancellation policy:

Tour booked and subsequently cancelled shall be subject to cancellation charges on Bhutan travel cost as follows:

• Within 16 – 30 days of start of program – 30 % of rate.
• Within 7 – 15 days – 50 % of rate.
• Under 1 week of arrival in Bhutan: 70 % of the rate.
• After arrival in Bhutan- 100 % of rate.

Mt. Jomolhari .

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Faqs - bhutan travel cost., 1. can i pay the bhutan travel cost / trip cost upon arrival in bhutan.

No, you have to pay Bhutan travel cost in full to book your trip and avail necessary services like processing visa, booking hotels, car etc.

2. Is it possible to avail discount on Bhutan tour cost for group travel ?

Yes, we offer discount on Bhutan tour cost for group travel as follows:

• 11 – 15 pax: 50 % discount for 1 pax on the package tour cost but not on sustainable development fee (SDF).
• 16 pax and above: 100 % discount for 1 pax on the package tour cost but not on sustainable development fee (SDF).

3. Is riding pony included in the Bhutan trip cost ?

No, the cost of riding pony for Tiger’s nest monastery or on trek is not included in the Bhutan trip cost and it has to be paid separately. Riding pony for Tiger’s nest is US $ 16 per pony and for trekking is US $ 30 per pony per day.

4. Are the meals included in Bhutan tour cost ?

Yes, the cost of all 3 meals a day and evening / tea / coffee are included in your Bhutan tour cost.

5. Is the cost of hiring a language guide included in the Bhutan travel cost ?

No, the cost of hiring a language guide like Spanish, German, Japanese and French are not included in the cost and it is to be paid separately.

6. How do I make payment for Bhutan trip ?

You have to wire transfer the Bhutan trip payment to our bank address and send us a copy of the wire transfer. You can also send the payment by Western Union money transfer.

7. Is the visa fee refundable if I cancel my trip ?

The visa fee is non- refundable once your visa is approved.

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Join us in exploring the many natural and cultural gems of mountainous Bhutan, the Land of the Thunder Dragons! This small country is a trekker's dream world, with challenging multiday routes to tackle that take you deep into the Himalayas to meet remote communities and snowy peaks. There's also plenty to see and do in and around the towns, from craft workshops to farmhouse visits, ancient festivals, historic fortresses to explore, and beautiful day hikes.

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This exciting itinerary takes you to the most beautiful and historic regions of Bhutan to give you a proper taste of the unique culture of Bhutan.

Country info and facts

Here's what you need to know to plan for a Bhutan adventure! Please take careful note of the unusual visa system.

Bhutanese ngultrum (Nu)

Bhutan has only one international airport: Paro International Airport (PBH).

If you'd like to know more, please read Best time to visit Bhutan .

A tourist visa for Bhutan is a unique affair. You pay a fee for every day you're in Bhutan. But included in that fee is your accommodation, guide, food and more. The exact fee differs depending on the time of year.

If you'd like to learn more, please read How much does it cost to travel to Bhutan?

Altitude sickness can be an issue in the north of Bhutan, especially if you intend to go trekking. We advise speaking to your GP before heading to Bhutan. If you're planning on doing a trek, you should also take out travel insurance that covers you for high-altitude trekking.

You can find more details in 6 things to know before visiting Bhutan .

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There's so much to see and do in Bhutan. So what do you prioritise? We discuss our favourite places, which include towns, villages, temples and fortresses, national parks, museums, archery grounds, and more! We also talk when to go and rules for visitors.

From September 2022, travelling to Bhutan involves a daily visa fee of US$200. You also need about $100 a day for food and accommodation if you go budget, or above $200 a day to do it in more style. But read on for more detail and costs like entrance fees.

Bhutan is a treat year round. That said, most prefer to skip the coldest months, as well as monsoon season. There are other things to consider too, like busyness and festival dates. We have all the info you need to know on the best time to visit Bhutan.

Why is a Bhutanese visa so expensive?

Foreigners visiting Bhutan must pay a daily visa fee of $200 or $250, depending on the season. This fee covers most of your costs, including accommodation, transport and food. The Bhutanese Government uses the visa to ensure a minimum daily spend. You might like to read 6 things to know before visiting Bhutan , which explains the visa in more detail.

How safe is Bhutan?

Bhutan is an extremely safe country to visit! In fact, it ranks as the most peaceful and least corrupt country in all of South Asia. Moreover, visitors are escorted by local travel guides at all times, which further ensures your safety and security.

What is the currency of Bhutan?

The national currency is the Bhutanese ngultrum (Nu). As of 2022, €1 buys you Nu.84.

What language do they speak in Bhutan?

The official language of Bhutan is Dzongkha. Many Bhutanese also speak Tshanglakha and Lhotshamkha. Fortunately for visitors, many Bhutanese also speak English, as this is given high priority in schools and society.

What are the best places to visit in Bhutan?

Undoubtedly the number one place visitors most want to see when visiting Bhutan is Tiger's Nest, and justifiably so. This iconic monastery sits perched on a cliff edge and can only be reached by hiking or riding a pony up through the forest. It's a must .

Other must-see sites in Bhutan include Thimphu, the capital city, and Punakha Dzong, a picturesque fortress that sits at the confluence of two rivers.

But there are many other, lesser-known attractions definitely worth your time. We recommend reading Bhutan travel guide – Top 12 places to visit in Bhutan .

Can you travel in Bhutan without a tour guide?

No, every foreigner visiting Bhutan (save those from India, Bangladesh and the Maldives) must be accompanied at all times by a Bhutanese tour guide. One reason for this is to ensure Bhutanese locals benefit from tourism. Your daily visa fee covers the cost of the tour guide, so you don't pay extra for this service. We talk about this and more in detail in How much does it cost to travel to Bhutan?

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Times of India TIMESOFINDIA.COM / TRAVEL TRENDS , BHUTAN / Created : Aug 22, 2024, 22:05 IST

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Bhutan, nestled between India and China, is known for its serene environment, rich cultural heritage, and sustainable tourism. With a unique focus on Gross National Happiness, it offers lush landscapes, spiritual retreats, and a w … Read more

Bhutan, nestled between India and China, is known for its serene environment, rich cultural heritage, and sustainable tourism. With a unique focus on Gross National Happiness, it offers lush landscapes, spiritual retreats, and a welcoming atmosphere. Bhutan ensures each visit remains unforgettable and impactful, preserving its natural and cultural beauty. Read less

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Bhutan, nestled between India and China, is known for its serene environment, rich cultural heritage, and sustainable tourism. With a unique focus on Gross National Happiness, it offers lush landscape...