how much money required to visit bhutan from india

Budget Travel Buff

How to Plan Bhutan Trip for 7 Days from India under INR 12000

Travelling gives you pleasure and fulfill your mind with joy and happiness not only when you are exhausted and frustrated in your daily work schedule, but also when life is getting boring day by day and if this traveling can be explored in a foreign country that too within a low budget then your first preference should be Bhutan, “ The Land of Thunder Dragon” and “ The Last Shangri La ”.

So plan a Bhutan trip from India that will offer you a rich culture, peace and serenity. Today I am going to share with you a detailed Bhutan travel guide with Bhutan itinerary for 7 days and Bhutan travel cost breakup.

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“Travelling – it leaves you speechless, then turns you into a storyteller.”- Ibn Battuta

So before going to exact budget plan details for a successful Bhutan trip let’s have an overview of which a traveler should be aware.

Specialty of Bhutan:

High gross National Happiness Index, Carbon Negative Country, One of the most Travel-Friendly Location in Asia, world-class scenic beauty.

Best Time to Visit Bhutan:

March, April, May, September, October, November but as it is all about a budget trip plan I will recommend to visit Bhutan in January or February(Though it is cold you can spend quality time with less price because of less traveler)

Official Language of Bhutan and SIM Card:

Dzongkha is the official language in Bhutan, more or less everybody can understand and speak Hindi and English . Travelers can collect a Bhutan sim card from the immigration office. B-Mobile and TashiCell are two popular Telecomm and data provider in Bhutan.

We took B-Mobile SIM card for Rs. 100 with a call balance of Rs. 100(Rs.4/Min charge to call in India) and also took a data plan of 1 GB for Rs. 100 which was enough for 7 night trip in Bhutan(Most of the hotels provide free WiFi to their guests)

Currency and ATM in Bhutan:

Bhutan’s currency is Ngultrum . They also accept Indian currency(except Rs. 2000). Ngultrum and INR both are of the same value there. ATM is also available in main cities but I will recommend carrying enough cash from Jaigaon before entering Bhutan as most of the time ATM runs out of money and secondly you can withdraw Ngultrum, not INR.

Bhutan Visa for Indian:

No visa is required for Indian, Bangladeshi and Maldivian passport holders . As we are Indian we just had to show original Voter Id (not Aadhaar card) or Passport and a passport size photo . It is better to keep a minimum of 4 copies of Id proof and 4-5 passport size photos. These are the documents required for visa in Bhutan . Travelers from other countries(apart from India, Bangladesh, Maldives) they will get the Bhutan visa permit on arrival in Phuentsholing or Paro.

Food in Bhutan:

Bhutanese cuisine is mostly influenced by Indian, Chinese and Tibetan food. The most famous Bhutanese dish is Ema Datshi which is served with chili and cheese which is a must-try for every traveler (It was not as hot as I would imagine). However, you will find several Indian restaurants in Bhutan.

How to Reach Bhutan:

By Air – Bhutan Airlines and DrukAir fly from Kolkata, Dhaka, Kathmandu, Singapore and Bangkok to Paro International Airport. While going to travel Bhutan from India, take a flight to Bagdogra from the airport nearest to you. You can also come by taking Delhi to Bhutan flight. I will recommend checking Skyscanner or Kayak to book a cheap flight . Jaigaon(Indo-Bhutan border) is a 3-4 hrs road journey from Bagdogra.

By Train – Hasimara is the nearby Indian Railway Station to the Indo-Bhutan border if you want to reach Bhutan by train. Board on Kanchankanya Express from Sealdah which goes directly to Hasimara . You have to take Cab or bus to reach Phuentsholing from Hasimara which charges Rs. 40-50 per person.

So we four travel freak friends started our long-awaited journey on 10th February(Sunday),’19 for Bhutan budget trip of 7 days from Sealdah Railway station at 8:30 pm. Kanchankanya Express(13149) was supposed to reach Hasimara railway station at 11:07 am on the next morning, but as usual, the train was late for 2.5 hrs.

We had already contacted a local experienced driver(Sanjeev) who is an expert to conduct a Bhutan budget tour. We hired a WagonR for our 8 days Bhutan budget tour for Rs. 2500/day basis. It was a 15 km distance from Hasimara to Jaigaon. Taxi or bus is also available to go to Jaigaon which costs Rs. 40-50 per person.

BHUTAN ITINERARY FOR 7 DAYS

Getting permit for bhutan:.

As we were already late for that day, we did not waste not a single time and directly went to the Immigration office of Bhutan crossing the border. You have to make a permit for Bhutan from here to travel in Thimpu and Paro, but to travel in Punakha you have to make another Punakha permit from Thimpu.

Generally, Monday used to be crowded due to the backlog of 2 days as the immigration office remains closed on weekend but luckily while we went to make a permit for Bhutan there was max of 5-6 people in the queue. Hereafter filling immigration form we have submitted it along with a passport size photo and a copy of our voter id or passport and got a token number.

Next, we had to go to the verification counter to verify our documents. After getting verified all documents we went to the next counter where fingerprint and photo were taken. All the processes were completed within 1 hour and our driver collected the permit. In between, we completed our lunch from a restaurant in Jaigaon.

Completing all the process we completed the two most important things before starting our journey to Bhutan. The first one was we withdrew a good amount of money(I took 14k INR) from the ATM of Jaigaon and then we bought some dry foods like puffed rice, chanachur, chire vaja , peanut, Maggi, biscuit, cake, potato chips, etc. for the breakfast and evening snacks of our entire Bhutan trip for 7 days.

It saved a good amount of money on our budget trip to Bhutan as food in Bhutan is quite costly(Later we found the Rs.5 Maggi in India was selling at Rs.15 in Bhutan).

Ultimately at around 4:30 pm we started our Bhutan budget tour towards Thimpu which is around 147 km from Phuentsholing. As soon as we crossed the border we felt the difference between two countries, there were fewer people with discipline everywhere you can literally feel the peace all around you.

We already decided previously that we won’t stay at Phuentsholing as there is nothing special to visit except Karbandi Monastery so that we can spend an extra day in Bhutan. We were dead tired when we reached our hotel “Welcome Home”(Rs.1200/Night) in Thimpu at around 9 pm. Our first day ended eating noodles at dinner from the hotel restaurant.

Best Places to Visit in Thimpu:

The next morning, we went to the immigration office to make the permit for Punakha. The weather was charming and the sky was also fully clear. While our driver was arranging this we were busy exploring the capital city of Bhutan which is not only enriched with its scenic beauty but also a combination of traditional and contemporary culture.

While roaming around to Thimpu city we found some local shops where local people were selling their traditional handmade crafts and pieces of jewelry but the price was a little bit higher. Taking some pictures of the Thimpu city and National Textile Museum(not worthy to visit, so we avoided).

National Memorial Chorten:

It is a Large white stupa with a golden spire on top which was built in memory of Third Druk Gyalpo. It is a place for daily worship of the Bhutanese. I found it better to take a snap from outside as the entry fee is a little bit high, Rs.300 is not justified.

Buddha Point:

It must be there in your ‘things to do in Thimpu’ list. The 50 meters tall Buddha Dordemna statue is one of the largest seated Buddha statues in the world. The whole statue is made of bronze and is gilded in gold that makes it more attractive on a sunny day. We got a great panoramic view of Thimpu city from here, which never fails to cease the viewer’s eyes.

The interior chamber of this statue has a painted wall that depicts Buddha’s life and a total of 125,000 miniature Buddhas are there. Though the total cost to construct this wonderful statue is more than 100 million USD still there is no entry fee for Buddha Point till now.

Folk Heritage Museum:

It is a 3-story house made with mud and timber which was built more than 150 years ago. A traveler can have a basic idea of the traditional Bhutanese culture and living. In addition, you can also have a taste of their hand made local wine and other traditional foods of Bhutan. The entry fee of the Folk Heritage Museum is Rs.50 per person.

Completing all the sightseeing we had lunch in a restaurant near Clock Tower Square. There are several restaurants of different ranges. We ordered mixed fried rice and two chicken item which total cost Rs.900 for 4 people.

You can explore the local market where from a little keyring to a big Buddha idol everything is expensive here. One thing you will surely notice that there is no rush to anyone, not even in the traffic, no horn, no chaos, everybody maintains a proper discipline here which will melt all tiredness after completing sightseeing.

We did not stay longer outside our hotel as the temperature was near around 3-degree centigrade. We ordered Roti and Paneer for dinner which costs around Rs.160 pp.

Best Places to Visit in Punakha:

Punakha is 85 km. distance from Thimpu at an altitude of 1242 m. and it is quite warmer compared to Thimpu.

Dochula Pass:

On the third day of our 7 days Bhutan itinerary we went to Punakha. On the way to Punakha, you have to cross Dochula(3100 m.) which is a pass between Thimpu and Wangdue. It was the first place in Bhutan where we got the first glimpse of snow. There were 110 small stupas constructed in memory of soldiers of Bhutan popular as Druk Wangyal Chortens.

You can have a mesmerizing 360-degree view of snow-covered Himalayan mountain range if lucky(while returning from Punakha to Paro we could not see anything for the cloudy weather). No doubt it was one of the best places in Bhutan where we spent more than 2 hrs. and click some amazing photos of Dochula Pass.

Punakha Suspension Bridge:

On the way, we had our lunch from a roadside hotel with Rice, Daal and Egg curry which cost Rs. 160 pp. You can try some delicious authentic Bhutanese food. We reached to Suspension Bridge at around 11 am. This is the longest suspension bridge of Bhutan built on Pho Chu river. Crossing the bridge is fun and it is one of the best things to do in Punakha. We got a nice view of Pho Chu river along with the green hills from the middle of the bridge.

Punakha Dzong:

It is the second oldest and second-largest Dzong in Bhutan which is an Administrative building of Punakha district. For each district, there is separate dzong and everywhere the entry fee is Rs. 300(guide included). So it’s better to visit one dzong instead of visit all that will save your time and money both.

Crossing the wooden bridge we entered the Dzong which is situated on the bank of Pho Chu(male) and Mo Chu(female) river. You will surely be amazed by the great architecture and open courtyards of the inside Dzong where the life of Buddha is described in detail with great artwork. Undoubtedly, Punakha Dzong is one of the must visit places in Bhutan.

After spending almost 2-3 hrs we left the Dzong and checked in to our Hotel Kinten(Rs.1100/Night) in Wangdue 15 km away from Punakha. It may not be the best hotel in Punakha, but the location, view from the hotel, basic amenities and service was really very good on that price. We completed our dinner with chicken wai wai(Rs. 60) and momo(Rs. 60) from a nearby restaurant and the taste was just awesome and food was very cheap as compared to other restaurants.

Book Cheap Hotels in Bhutan:

Tips: I personally recommend you to stay at Wangdue instead of Punakha because fooding and lodging both are cheap here compared to Punakha. Not only you can save money but also you can explore the Bhutanese life going into depth. We did not see a single tourist while we were roaming around the streets of Wangdue. The cold breeze and the silent atmosphere will surely allow you to extract the essence of pure Bhutan.

Phobjikha Valley:

It is a vast glacial valley at 3000 m above sea level which is 81 km from Punakha, a 2.5 hrs journey. This journey itself is very beautiful and the valley will give a breathtaking view with the black naked crane if you come in Winter.

Though this offbeat place of Bhutan was not in our 7 days Bhutan itinerary checklist at first but we were impressed when we found it in Guides by Lonely Planet app, my all-time friendly travel app .

Gangteng Monastery:

Gangteng Monastery is a 450 years old large monastery that consists of monk’s quarter, meditation center and small guest house. While returning from Phobjikha valley we visited this place and got an amazing scenic view which was totally free.

We had our lunch and dinner from the same restaurant and here are the details:

Lunch : Fried rice and Chilli chicken(Rs. 190 pp)

Dinner : Chicken wai wai and momo(Rs. 100 pp)

As we 4 friends shared our lunch and dinner it helped us to keep our Bhutan food budget in the limit.

Best Places to Visit in Paro:

Paro(125 km from Punakha) is the most beautiful city in Bhutan at an elevation of 2200 m which is enriched with its cultural heritage, religious sites and vivid scenic beauty and hence it is often called Switzerland of Asia.

National Museum of Bhutan:

After a three and half-hour-long journey, we entered this century-old museum where you will have a chance to see ancient Bhutanese artifacts, traditional Bhutanese clothes, statues, scrolls, pottery and many more. The National Museum of Bhutan entry fee was 50 INR.

We completed our lunch with mixed fried rice, chili chicken and chili pork. The taste was good but I won’t recommend trying pork for the high altitude in Bhutan. The total cost of our lunch was Rs. 900 for 4 people.

Later at night taking a little walk through the streets of Paro city we checked in to our hotel in Paro – “Hotel Blue Poppy”(Rs.1200/Night) as the temperature was around 2-3 degrees centigrade. We ordered Mixed Veg and Roti for our dinner from our hotel which was not up to mark and costs Rs. 100 pp. Food in Bhutan is comparatively expensive than India.

Tiger’s Nest Monastery:

This was the day we were waiting for from the very first day we planned our Bhutan budget trip. Whether you plan your Bhutan itinerary for 7 days or Bhutan itinerary for 6 days or 5 days, Tiger’s Nest Monastery must be in your itinerary for Bhutan. Having a healthy breakfast we started our trek to Taktsang Monastery, better known as Tiger’s Nest Monastery at around 9 am.

We trekked for almost 3.5 hrs. to reach to the top. On the way, we got snowfall also and that was totally unexpected. There is a cafeteria also on the midway of the Tiger’s Nest Monastery trek.

The trek was not so hard but the last 300 steps were really hard for us. You can also hire a horse for half of the way if you cannot hike. You will surely be mesmerized by the ambiance of the Taktsang monastery, all of your tiredness will be blown away with the surrounding calmness everywhere. Spending one hour we started our return trek and returned to the base at around 3:30 pm.

On the way, we completed our lunch with rice, daal and egg curry and that tasted like the best dish I have ever had as we were very hungry after the Taktsang Monastery trek. After that, we had no more activity and took a complete rest.

We took our dinner from a restaurant in the main city with roti and shahi paneer and for the first time, we tried Bhutanese food Ema Datshi(Rs. 80) from here which is Bhutan’s national dish made with chili and cheese which total costs Rs. 180 pp. Your Bhutan budget tour will incomplete if you don’t try their signature Bhutanese dish Datshi.

Tiger’s Nest Monastery Facts and Tips:

• Tiger’s Nest Monastery trek distance  covered more or less  10 km  on a round trip.
• The highest  elevation  of Taktsang Monastery trek:  10232 feet
• Opening Hours :
• October – March: 8AM- 13:00PM, and 14.00PM- 17.00PM.
• April – September: 8AM -13.00PM, and 14.00PM – 18.00PM.
• You have to buy  Tiger’s Nest Monastery ticket at Rs.500  from where the trek starts. Without a ticket, you can trek but cannot enter the monastery. Unfortunately, if you cannot complete your full trek money won’t be refunded.
• Carry a water filter bottle , biscuit, chocolate which will help you to get stamina also help you to save your budget(1 cup tea costs INR 120 in the cafeteria)
• Photography is strictly prohibited  inside the monastery.

Chelela Pass:

The next day at 9 am we started our journey to Chelela Pass(3988 m) which is the highest motorable pass in Bhutan . As it was February the road was covered with snow on both sides and our driver was driving very slowly as there was black ice which is very dangerous. We were stuck before 16 km of Chelela Pass due to road blockage, there is no sign of green rather we saw only snow-capped mountains and trees. You will be lost in the scenic beauty of Chelela with a cup of hot coffee.

While returning we stopped our car at a perfect bend from where we got a clear view of Paro International Airport. If you wish you can visit Rinpung Dzong which is quite similar to Punakha Dzong. We did not enter with an entry fee of Rs. 300, rather we captured some beautiful picture of the night view of Rinpung Dzong.

At lunch, we ordered rice, daal and gobi curry from a Bengali restaurant near Paro which costs around Rs. 160 pp. Our hotel in Paro was Blue Poppy that was 5 km away from main Paro city and the beauty of the surrounding was more spectacular than the main Paro city.

With less traffic, fewer people, this picturesque location is the ideal place for a nature lover to enjoy the essence of Paro. We completed our dinner with roti and matar paneer costs around Rs. 150 pp.

Tips: Book a hotel like Blue Poppy which is not in the main Paro city, it will help you to have a better view and also reduce your Bhutan cost and as we had reserved car so we could go to the main city whenever we wanted. P.S: Paro is costlier than any other city in Bhutan.

The next day taking a light breakfast with puffed rice and namkeen we started our journey for Hasimara. On the way near Phuentsholing we had our lunch with chole bature(Rs. 80) and reached to Hasimara at 3:30 pm. This is our complete Bhutan itinerary for 7 days.

If you have 3-4 more days in hand you can explore Buxa Jayanti additionally, as it is just 74 km from Hasimara.

Our train Kanchankanya Express(13150) started its journey at 4:48 pm and we arrived at Sealdah on the next day at 8:30 am.

Bhutan Travel Tips for Budget Tour to Bhutan:

• The Bhutan immigration office closes by 4 pm and remains closed at the weekend, hence plan accordingly.
• Smoking weed in Bhutan is strictly prohibited.
• No restriction for Alcohol in Bhutan, one can openly drink, even you can find alcohol in 9 out of 10 restaurants.
• Photography is prohibited in some Dzong, Monastery, Temple, Museum . Better take permission before capturing any picture.
• Follow traffic rules and always use zebra crossing while crossing a road to avoid fine.
• All Bhutanese people have a deep respect for their King and Queen. You will see the picture frame of King, Queen and Royal family of Bhutan at each restaurant and hotel. They don’t entertain any disrespect of the Royal family of Bhutan as well as religious sentiments. So make sure not to mock them anyway.
• Travel insurance in Bhutan is not mandatory.
• Road condition is very good in Bhutan so I will recommend coming here by land.
• Bhutan monitors the export of any antique. Buy Bhutanese handicrafts but not antique to avoid punishment.
• Try to book the hotel not in the main city to save your budget, you can find several budget hotels outside the main city which are better also.
• Do thorough research on Bhutan, make a list of Do Visit and Don’t Visit. For example, we keep Motithang Takin Preserve(you will see Bhutan’s national animal Takin with an entry fee of Rs.100) and National Memorial Chorten in our Don’t Visit list.
• Try to travel Bhutan in a group of 4-7 which will minimize your Bhutan travel cost .
• Indian food in Bhutan is pretty much available but a little bit expensive than the local Bhutanese dish.
• If you are a nonvegetarian try to compromise and go for veg to reduce your Bhutan budget.
• Though this post is related to budget travel in Bhutan but do not neglect Travel Insurance in Bhutan. You can buy World Nomad Travel Insurance which is the cheapest and best value for money policy.

BHUTAN COST BREAKUP

Now coming to the most important part of this blog: Detail list of expenses of my Bhutan budget tour:

* We went in a group of 4 people.

Transport Cost in Bhutan:

Train : Kanchankanya Express(Sealdah <> Hasimara) round trip: Rs.375*2= Rs.750

Cab : WagonR(Pick up and Drop Hasimara to Hasimara): Rs.2500/day for 8 days. (2500*8)/4= Rs.5000

Hotel Cost in Bhutan:

Thimpu : Hotel Welcome Home(Rs.1200/Night for 2 nights): (1200*2)/4= Rs.600

Punakha : Hotel Kinten at Wangdue(Rs. 1100/Night for 2 nights): (1100*2)/4= Rs.550

Paro : Hotel Blue Poppy(Rs.1200/Night for 3 nights): (1200*3)/4= Rs.900

Food Cost in Bhutan Tour:

Breakfast: We bought some dry foods like puffed rice, chanachur, chire vaja, peanut, Maggi, biscuit, cake, potato chips etc. for our breakfast and evening snacks. Total costs approx. Rs.300:(300/4)= Rs.75

Lunch: Avg. Rs.200 pp: (200*8)= Rs.1600

Dinner: Avg. Rs.200 pp: (200*8)= Rs.1600

Entry Fees: (I have enlisted the major places where we visited)

Folk Heritage Museum: Rs.50

Punakha Dzong: Rs.300

National Museum of Bhutan: Rs.50

Tiger’s Nest Monastery: Rs.500

Finally here is the total Bhutan Budget tour Cost: INR 11,975/Person for 7 Night 8 Days.

Please note: We plan our 7 days Bhutan itinerary on 10 th Feb,’19 which was offseason. The above-listed price may vary from time to time.

I hope this Bhutan travel guide will help you to plan your Bhutan itinerary on a low budget successfully.

If you have any queries or want me to cover any other places within budget then put your comment, I will try my best to do so.

Stay tuned with us and Please Subscribe to Our Newsletter to read such kind of Budget Travel related blogs.

Happy Travelling… 🙂

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27 Comments

Amazing …a budget friendly trip Bhutan

Thank you Shelly for your feedback. Stay tuned…

The whole trip to Bhutan is sequentially described with each and every minute details……will be very helpful for neew vistors to BHUTAN

Thank you Avishek for your kind comment. Stay in touch for more updates.

Nicely portrayed. The blog added a bit more excitement to my upcoming trip to Bhutan. Thanks.

Nice to hear from you Souritra. Explore Bhutan and don’t forget to add your budget saving suggestions in the comment box after your Bhutan trip. Happy traveling. 🙂

Hi, how did you arrange for the driver? I have a trip coming up and looking for options

Hey Ayan, thanks for reading the post. Sanjeev was our cab driver for the entire trip. You can directly contact him. Mob: +91-7365055476

please, You talk about the cost in RS. But we don’t understand this currency. Can you xplane?

Hi Remko, the post is all about a budget trip to Bhutan from India. That’s why I used the Indian currency INR(Rs.) and Bhutan’s currency is Ngultrum. 1 INR= 1 Ngultrum. Even you can use Indian money in Bhutan.

It gave me some good ideas and inspired me to go to Bhatan. We are exploring our next vacation and deciding between Tibet, Nepal and Bhutan, we plan to go with a small child so the more relaxing (while some treks are welcome) the better and Bhutan seems to meet this criteria. Thanks

Thank you Vaclav for your kind comment.

Superb article.Love it. Really helped a lot to plan my next Bhutan trip on a budget…

Thank you, Deepa for your appreciation.

Great article. Is it mandatory to arrange a vehicle? Can Indians roam around the country in public transport instead?

Arranging a vehicle is highly recommended. In major cities like Thimpu, Paro I saw private taxis but traveling by taxi might be costly.

This information from you helps alot. Thank you for sharing, May God bless you. Keep growing.

Thank you so much. It means a lot to me.

Hi guys we are planning for bhutan in the coming month….we r two friends planning for the trip…please help us make this trip success call us on 9561364124

hi Shashank, we are not a tour agency, but you can call Sanjeev, our driver in Bhutan. He is very friendly and helpful. Mob: 7365055476

Hoping to travel to Bhutan for 5 days .This budget planning article helps for exact same amount for 5 days and 2 ppl ryt?

It won’t be exactly same due to inflation but you can expect near around this budget.

very very informative and details narrated in lucratively, keep posting such helpful post !

Thank you Raghunath for your kind comment. Keep reading. 🙂

Hello. Thanks for the article. One thing I didn’t undertand is: are you from India? Because as far as I read, one must pay for a tour agency and saw no information about that. Thank you!

Hi Anne, yes, I am from India and for Indians visa is not mandatory but we also booked through travel agency and they managed all the hotel and car booking. If you are from other countries, you have to pay about $200-250 per day.

Very detailed post! We are planning to visit this year in May. I have noted the tips shared by you. I am sure this will be helpful in planning my Bhutan trip. Thanks.

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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!

Travel Through Stories

Travel from India to Bhutan: Your Route Guide

If you’re looking for an exotic and offbeat travel destination , consider Bhutan . Located in the Himalayas, this small country is home to some of the most beautiful scenery in the world. And while it’s not always easy to get there, the journey is worth it! Let’s take a look at some of the best ways to make the trip from India to Bhutan.

Table of Content

Obtain entry permit

Indian citizens do not require a visa to enter Bhutan, but they do need an Entry Permit. You can obtain an entry permit by presenting any government-approved identity document in the bordering town of Phuentsholing, such as your driver’s license, Aadhar card, passport, etc. However, you can also obtain the same on arrival at Paro airport but you do need a passport to travel to Bhutan by air.

An entry permit to Bhutan lasts for seven days, and you are allowed to travel only between Paro, Thimphu and Punakha. If you intend to stay longer than seven days or plan to travel beyond Punakha, you will need to obtain an additional permit in Thimphu.

Bhutan has introduced Sustainable Development Fees (SDF) for Indian citizens as of October 1, 2022. At the time of obtaining your entry permit, you must pay INR 1,200 SDF per person per day.

It is advisable that you keep one day for stay in Phuntsholing to facilitate the process of obtaining a permit and completing other formalities.

From India to Bhutan: How to get there

There are many different ways to visit Bhutan from India, and the best way for you will depend on your budget and time constraints. You can take a bus, train, plane, or even do a bike trip ! Let’s explore all your options so you can choose the best route to travel.

The quickest way to get from India to Bhutan is by air. Several airports in India offer direct flights to Paro , Bhutan, including Bagdogra, Calcutta, Delhi, and Mumbai. You can also fly from Bangkok, Kathmandu and Singapore. The airport in Paro is the only international airport in Bhutan. Druk Air and Bhutan Airlines operate flights from India to Paro a few days a week. Flights usually sell out, so it is advisable to book in advance. The view of Kanchenjunga peak of the Himalayas from flight window is mesmerizing.

Please note Bhutan does not have a railway network. However, this does not mean you cannot travel to Bhutan by train. The best railways stations are Jaigaon and New Jalpaiguri on the Indo-Bhutan border. The Siliguri-Alipurduar route is a popular option for those traveling from West Bengal. The journey takes around 12 hours, and trains run daily. The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway is a scenic option for those looking to take in the sights of the region. The journey takes around 16 hours, and trains run every other day. Train tickets can be booked online from the IRCTC website .

Travel to Bhutan by road can be done in various ways. The easiest way is to take a bus or taxi from Siliguri (Bagdogra) to Phuentsholing . You can also self-drive in your motorcycle or car. The journey takes around four hours. Phuensholing in Bhutan is a border town with Jaigaon in India and is an ideal entry point to obtain the permit.

How much it will cost to travel between India and Bhutan

The cost of traveling between India and Bhutan varies depending on how you choose to make the journey. You can take a bus between Siliguri and Phuentsholing for about INR 300-500. If you take a train, it will be a tad expensive. The quickest way to get there will be by air. The direct flight to Paro will cost about INR 10,000 ($135) one-way.

There are also other options available, such as riding a motorcycle or hiring a car. This can be a fun way to travel but it is important to be aware of the dangers involved. These options are quite expensive as well.

The best time to travel to Bhutan

Bhutan is a beautiful country that is worth visiting at any time of year. However, the best time to go depends on what you are looking for. If you want to see the country in all its glory, then the best time is during the autumn months when the leaves are changing color. If you are looking for a quieter, more peaceful experience, then the winter months might be a better time for you.

Does my Indian SIM card work in Bhutan?

In some areas of Phuntsholing, an Indian SIM card will work with an Indian tariff. The device will then switch to the Bhutanese network if international roaming is enabled. Using an Indian SIM card in Bhutan on international roaming will be extremely costly. It is advisable to obtain a low-cost international roaming SIM card . Alternatively, you can purchase a local SIM card from Jaigaon or Phuntsholing.

Do I need a travel insurance for Bhutan?

I would never travel outside of my country without a travel medical insurance policy. Although this is my choice, I do recommend it. Why take unnecessary risks? We don’t have control over medical expenses in foreign countries when we’re hospitalized. A good travel medical insurance policy will cover both hospitalization and repatriation costs.

You might want to read this – What happens if you don’t have travel health insurance?

As we’ve seen, there are many different ways to make the journey from India to Bhutan. The best way for you will depend on your budget and time constraints. If you have more money to spend and less time to spare, flying might be the best option for you. However, if you want to save some money and have a bit more time on your hands, taking the bus or train might be a better choice. Whichever route you choose, I hope you have gained some insight into what to expect on your journey from India to Bhutan.

Read More – Hidden Gems of Eastern Bhutan

Disclaimer:

This blog may contain affiliate links. At no extra cost to you, we may get a small commission if you buy anything. All products and services we endorse have been personally used or come highly recommended to us. These incomes allow us to keep the community supported and ad-free.

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2 Responses

Dear Mr. Maniyar, I wish to travel to Bhutan by motorcycle, in Feb/Mar, 2023. Expected stay 5 days.

1. I have heard from different sources that one need to take a tour guide along during stay in Bhutan. On bike it won’t be possible. Is it possible to travel on our own in a group of 2-3 riders?

2. Also, is fee of Rs.1200 per day still applicable for Indian nationals?

Thanks for your comment. Yes tour guide is good to hire and if you know about places in Bhutan then no need else it is required to hire a local guide. Yes you can travel on your own bike, so for that you have to process the permit at Phuntsholling (the border town). Rs. 1200/- pp per day is a must. Also 5 days is very less because you can’t explore much in 5 days. I suggest 8-9 days so you can explore properly. And for 5 days I would say Thimphu, Dochula Pass and Punakha and beyond that Wangdue Phodrang is the best route to cover.

You have to show your route permit at Hongtsho before Dochula pass for the onward journey.

Another route is Thimphu to Paro. It is 45 km from Thimphu and for Paro there is no route permit required only online vehicle registration is required.

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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!

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Visiting Bhutan from India? – Some Frequently Asked Questions!

About the post: This post answers all the frequently asked questions that most travelers encounter at various stages of planning a trip to Bhutan. The questions have been collected from a poll on Instagram asking interested travelers about what they want to know before they visit! I hope this helps a lot of people.

1. Is Bhutan Safe for Tourists?

Bhutan is an absolutely safe country to travel in and this is true for female travelers too!

2. How can I get Bhutan Entry Permit?

I did pen down a detailed article on this matter, check it out here .

3. Do Indians need a visa to visit Bhutan?

Indians do not require a visa to visit Bhutan, but we must pay sustainable development fees.

4. How can I apply for Bhutan Visa online?

Online application for Bhutan Entry permits can be availed by the tourists of India, Bangladesh, and Maldives through registered Bhutanese Tour operators and TCB certified hotels.

5. Can I go to Bhutan with a PAN card?

Yes, you can use a PAN card but Aadhaar Card is not accepted.

6. How many days do I need to explore Bhutan?

Seven days are enough to cover all the major places and to-dos. Read my article on the Bhutan travel guide for seven days .

7. Can you visit Bhutan without a guide?

Yes, completely! But tourists from the countries other than India, Bangladesh & Maldives need to have a Bhutanese guide to get a tour of all the places.

8. Can you visit Bhutan Solo?

Bhutan is unbelievably mesmerizing and safe for all the male as well as female travelers.

9. Is Bhutan Expensive for tourists?

If you are a citizen of India, Maldives or Bangladesh, Bhutan is a great destination for budget trips. Although Bhutan Government has imposed of a minimum fee of $200 per person per day for visitors to Bhutan from all other countries.

10. What is the name of the currency used in Bhutan?

Bhutanese Ngultrum .

11. Is Indian Currency Accepted in Bhutan?

Yes, the Indian currency is accepted in Bhutan. The balance change given to you will be in Bhutanese currency i.e. Ngultrum

12. How much Indian currency can I carry with me to Bhutan?

As per RBI Notification, an individual can carry up to 25000 Indian Rupees in Bhutan.

13. Is Indian driving license valid in Bhutan?

Yes, Indian driving license is valid in Bhutan.

14. Is a vehicle permit required for Bhutan for an Indian Vehicle?

A permit needs to be obtained at the Phuentsholing border if you are carrying all the essential documents like registration papers, insurance policies, emission & fitness certificates, individual driving licenses endorsed by the Road Safety & Transport Authority at the border.

15. How can I go to Bhutan from India?

Read my post on the detailed itinerary to know the existing routes to enter Bhutan, here .

16. Is there a direct flight to Bhutan from major airports in India?

It is available from Bagdogra, Delhi, Kolkata, Guwahati, Mumbai and Gaya .

17. Do Indian Sims work in Bhutan?

Airtel & Vodafone (with weak signal) do work in Bhutan but it is highly recommended to buy a local sim worth INR 200 at Phuentshloing to contact local agencies & drivers.

18. Which local telecom sim should I purchase in Bhutan?

Getting a temporary SIM card of Tashi Cell is the best option.

19. How should I dress in Bhutan?

For visitors, Bhutan is an apt country for a fairly formal dress code . A long-sleeved shirt with collar for men and a skirt or trousers for women are fine to enter into temples & monasteries.

20. Are shorts allowed in Bhutan?

Shorts can’t be worn inside a Dzong in Bhutan.

21. Are there any notable risks while traveling in Bhutan?

No scams, no theft, no begging. But the occasional outbreak of Rabies due to dog bites.

22. Is vegetarian food available in Bhutan?

Finding vegetarian food is not an issue at all while traveling in Bhutan.

23. Is non-vegetarian food available in Bhutan?

Bhutan is the highest consumer of meat per capita in South Asia . You can indulge yourself in mouthwatering non-veg dishes in Bhutan undoubtedly!

24. What is the famous food in Bhutan?

The national dishes are Emma Datse (Chili peppers and cheese) and delicious Red Rice .

25. What is banned in Bhutan?

Public smoking is banned in Bhutan.

Watch this video for further reference:

Have these answers given you a fair idea on important things you should know before traveling to Bhutan?

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A Bhutan travel guide – all the information you need to visit the land of happiness

We just finished a 7 days Bhutan trip from India . And I can’t wait to share all the information with you guys on how to visit Bhutan, Bhutan travel from India, Bhutan travel packages, Bhutan travel cost and  post covid travel guidelines for Bhutan along with all the other general information needed to visit Bhutan. Before getting started, let me tell you that Bhutan is located in the Himalayas. It is an extremely beautiful country, very less populated and naturally blessed with unparalleled beauty of the Himalayas.

People from all over the world visit Bhutan. But, Indian tourists form a major chunk of Tourists visiting Bhutan. Since, it is a neighbouring country of India. And it is very easy to visit Bhutan from India. So, without further ado, let us get started with our Bhutan travel guide.

Table of Contents

How to reach Bhutan

Bhutan is a landlocked country. And hence it can only be reached by land or by air. Below is the details of these two ways of reaching Bhutan.

Reaching Bhutan by road

The nearest airport to Bhutan in India is Bagdogra Airport in West Bengal. Indians usually take a road trip to Bhutan from Bagdogara. We also did the same. From Bagdogra you can take a taxi or a shared cab or a bus to the border of Bhutan.

Earlier, before the covid lockdown, Indian vehicles could enter into Bhutan with a road permit. But now, there is an additional charge per day levied on Indian vehicles entering Bhutan. Which is INR 4500/- per vehicle per day for four wheelers entering Bhutan from India, for the duration of their stay in Bhutan at the time of this writing . Do verify the latest charges if you are planning to drive to Bhutan. Also, charges are different for 2 wheelers and heavy vehicles. 

So, most of the Indian vehicles now drop tourists on the border town Jaigaon, right before entering into Bhutan. And from there, a Bhutanese vehicle picks the tourists up and takes them to Bhutan.

To reach from Bagdogra to Jaigaon by road takes around 4 hours to 5 hours.

So, if you are going to Bhutan through this route, try to start early in the morning. Take an early morning flight so that you reach Bagdogra by noon. And you comfortably cover the distance from Bagdogra to Jaigaon by evening. We did the same.

Obtaining the entry permit and entering into Bhutan by road

From Jaigaon , one can cross the India Bhutan Gate and complete the immigration formalities before proceeding further into Bhutan.

At the border of India and Bhutan, right besides the gate, there is an immigration office. You enter the office building from India, complete the formalities to obtain the permit. And when you exit from the building, you find yourself in Bhutan.

In the meanwhile, your luggage will be loaded in the Bhutanese vehicle that you would have booked for the tour. And the vehicle will cross the road and wait for you on the Bhutan side.

I have written this separate post on what all documents are required for Indians visiting Bhutan. And the whole process of obtaining the permit , explaining it clearly. Since, some rules around tour packages for Bhutan from India have changed post covid, do read that post to understand the whole scenario.

Note: When going from Bagdogra and returning, it’s good to book a local Indian cab till Jaigaon . And a Bhutan cab for the complete round trip of Bhutan from the border. When you return, the Bhutan vehicle will again drop you at Jaigaon. And from there you can hire an Indian vehicle for your onwards journey in India, ex., for Bagdogara airport. 

Reaching Bhutan by train

There is no rail network in Bhutan! Being a Himalayan country, it’s very difficult to lay and maintain rail network here. Hence, Bhutan has not invested into one. The nearest railway station is Hasimara in India. You can reach here via a train from Siliguri and some other major stations of India. But from Hasimara, you will have to hire a cab from here to Jaigaon and continue onwards accordingly. Siliguri on the other hand is a major train station in India, which is well connected from rest of India. So, you will get a train easily upto Siliguri town and from there you can take a cab to Jaigaon.

Reaching Bhutan by air

The only international airport in Bhutan is Paro International Airport . It is a very small airport, with a very small runway. And very limited flights operate here. From India, there are a few flights operating from Delhi. And then other flights are there connecting Bhutan to rest of the world. But a flight to Paro is often very costly. Having said that, if you decide to fly into Paro, you will be completing your arrival formalities and permit documentations at the Paro International Airport.

For Indians, another option to enter Bhutan by air (along with a 4-5 hrs road trip) is through Bagdogara airport in West Bengal. It is a small defence airport that has opened up to commercial flights as well. And there are flights to Bagdogara available from rest of the major airports in India including Kolkata, Bangalore, Delhi, Hyderabad and Mumbai. So, you can fly into Bagdogara and then take a taxi or cab to Jaigaon – the bordering town. As explained above in the section “Reaching Bhutan by Road”.

What are the documents required for visiting Bhutan

The residents of India, Maldives and Bangladesh don’t require any visa to enter Bhutan. Others need to apply for a visa. I am not aware of the visa application process. As being an Indian, I just required a permit to enter Bhutan. The permit stamp is done on the passport. And the following documents are required to visit Bhutan from India, Maldives or Bangladesh :

• A passport valid for at least next 6 months
• Government ID proof – voter Id card or Aadhar Card
• In case of minor, if they don’t have passport then Birth Certificate is required

Our agent also asked us to carry 4 passport size color photographs each, but they were not asked for anywhere. I have detailed out this complete process of obtaining the Bhutan travel permit from India.

Where to stay in Bhutan

If you are traveling by road, the first night of your stay in Bhutan, you will be staying in Jaigaon as you will reach here by evening most likely. Jaigaon is the town on the Indian side, on India – Bhutan border. We stayed at hotel Sheetal Residency in jaigaon, just 200 meters from the India – Bhutan gate. Basic rooms and in house restaurant. But it’s location was excellent. And a lot of shops nearby where you can find everything from food to umbrella to medicines – whatever you may need for your onwards journey.

You can also book Hotel Satyam , which is another decent option to stay in Jaigaon.

The next few nights you will most likely stay in Thimphu or Paro. Both these cities have multiple stay options from economical to mid-range to 5 star luxury resorts. If you are buying a package, you can ask your agent to book a hotel as per your preferred star category.

In Thimphu we stayed in Bhutan Boutique Hotel. It was a 3 star hotel located in the center of the town. And had all the required facilities. If you are looking for a slice of luxury in Bhutan, go for Taj Tashi hotel . It is a 5 star luxury hotel located in a heritage building. Here’s a complete list of hotels in Thimphu for you to browse through.

While in Paro we stayed at Zhideychen Resort .  Again, a comfortable 3 star hotel stay. Here’s a list of hotels in Paro .

If you are also planning to stay a few nights at Punakha like we did, then there are plenty of things to do and places to see in Punakha as well. But, I will highly recommend the hotel I stayed in Zhingkham Resort Punakha . This hotel is located further from the main town, uphill. From the room and the balconies one gets an excellent view of the whole Punakha valley from here. Look at the picture below to understand what I am talking about.

What are the general travel guideline changes for travel to Bhutan post covid

The travel guidelines to visit Bhutan have changed a little post covid. When Bhutan reopened it’s border to tourists in September 2022. I have tried to capture the changed guidelines in my Bhutan travel guide as per my experience.

• Taking a guide is a must for Indians as well as foreign nationals visiting Bhutan. The guide will accompany you where ever you visit in Bhutan. Earlier it was not a mandate, barring at some sightseeing places like forts and temples.
• Indians visiting Bhutan have to pay a SDF (Standard Development Fee) of INR 1200 per day per person (for everyone above 5 years of age). Earlier this was not the case. While Foreign Nationals have to pay US Dollars 160 per person per day at the time of this writing.
• Four Wheeler Vehicles from India entering Bhutan have to pay a fee of INR 4500 per day per vehicle for the duration they will be in Bhutan.
• The entrance fee to most of the sites have been hiked post the lockdown has opened. Most of the places it is Nu 500 per adult and Nu 250 per child elder than 5 years. Entry is free for children below 5 years of age.

What is the best time of the year to visit Bhutan

As per our Bhutan travel guide, Bhutan is almost an year round destination, barring the monsoon months when heavy rains cause frequent landslide in the area. However, the months of April and May are considered the peak season in Bhutan. It is spring season then. And the country comes alive with fresh greenery and blooming flowers at this time of the year. But, to experience the beauty of Bhutan in winter, when it gets covered in snow, one can visit from December through February. January is the coldest month in Bhutan. It snows and the temperature drops to sub zero at places. But this is also an off season due to the harsh weather, which means you get much better deals at much lower prices. The months of October and March form shoulder seasons.

When we visited Bhutan in April first week, Thimphu and Paro were still quiet chilly in the evening and morning hours. While Punakha was quiet warm in the day and pleasant in the evenings.

If you want to coincide your visit with one of the festivals of Bhutan, then you can visit as per the below festival timings. However,  our Bhutan travel guide suggests that do check the exact dates of the festival in the year you are traveling, for, they follow the lunar calendar. And hence, not fall on the same date of English Calendar every year.

Festivals of Bhutan

• Thimphu Tshechu festival which is also the National Festival of Bhutan is held on 10th day of 8th month of lunar calendar. In the year 2023, this festival will be celebrated from 24th to 26th September.
• Jambay Lhakhang Drup is celebrated in October – November. It is a fierce festival of energetic celebrations including dances, mask performances, fire performances etc.
• Wangdue Phodrang Tsechu is also celebrated in the Wangdue Phodrang region in October – November time period
• Punakha Drubchen is a festival celebrated in Punakha in February or March. It recreates the memories of the war with Tibet and celebrates Bhutan’s victory over Tibet through performances commemorating the same.
• Paro Tshechu Festival is celebrated in March or April. We just missed it by a day 🙁 when we reached Paro, it was the last day of the festival. Near the city center, huge fare is held, People dance, eat, shop, rejoice, re-inact scenes from legendary tales and enjoy themselves to the full. Even on the last evening of the festival, there was so much crowd and the whole atmosphere was so charged up.
• Haa summer festival is celebrated in the month of July, wherein the nomads of Haa Valley celebrate their lives. And the tourists also get a chance to mingle with the locals and celebrate.

What currency works in Bhutan

One Indian Rupees = One Bhutanese Ngultrum (Nu)

Indian currency is widely accepted in Bhutan. US Dollars are also accepted. Particularly, if you go shopping expensive items like gold, then US Dollars are preferred. And cash is accepted everywhere. We didn’t pay through card or any other means anywhere but only cash. So, just to be on safer side, we converted around 15k INR to Nu in Jaigaon. Also, the same agent who arranged our whole travel helped us with currency exchange as well. However, at times, it can be a problem to use very high value Indian notes in Bhutan. Like INR 500 and INR 2000 notes are not that well accepted everywhere. So, if you plan to do with Indian currency in Bhutan, then carry smaller denominations of notes with you.

What kind of mobile and internet connectivity works in Bhutan

• Wifi was available in all the hotels that we stayed in Bhutan. Although the speed was not very great at ours though.
• My husband who uses Airtel, got his international roaming enabled for Bhutan. At the time of this writing, Airtel had a package of INR 3000/- for 10 days.
• I took a local tourist sim with one week validity for INR 330/- which had a mobile data of 1.5 GB and some talk time (Which I forgot, how much it was because I hardly used it). From a shop in Phuentsholing, the border town on Bhutan side, right after crossing the gates. And the documents required to obtain this sim were my passport copy and the Bhutan travel permit copy.

Overall, our Bhutan travel guide suggests that you enable the international roaming in at least one phone when you are traveling with family or in a group. And when traveling solo, you should definitely enable it. Because if for some reason you will need to do some transactions where a message through your simcard is expected, you can do that only when you have enabled international roaming.

For us, we had to alter our travel plans and change the dates of our airline tickets for some reason, which needed some digital payment. Which in turn needed OTP on one of our phones. Since, Abhishek had international roaming enabled, we were able to do the same without any hassles.

What to pack for a trip to Bhutan

Actually what to pack for Bhutan depends on which time of the year you are traveling to Bhutan. As per our Bhutan travel guide, really heavy winter wear is required if you are traveling in the months of December, January and February. In these months you should carry good boots which can help you travel on snow, heavy winter jackets, layers of woollen cloths, caps, gloves, etc. When we traveled in the first week of April, these are the basic things we carried with us –

• 2 sweaters (woollen) each for kids
• 1 moderate jacket each for all of us
• 1 heavy jacket for kids – just in case it got suddenly cold
• 2 full sleeve t-shirts for everyone
• 2 half sleeve t-shirts for everyone
• 4 pairs of socks, 5 pairs of undergarments for everyone
• 1 woollen cap for everyone
• full cover bottom wear and full sleeve nightwear
• umbrella (as it may occasionally rain in these months)
• Trekking / hiking shoes
• Medicines, particularly for altitude sickness and motion sickness
• Some snacks and munchies that the kids like – just to satisfy their taste, Otherwise you have plenty of options in Bhutan.

If you are wondering how to pack light for your Bhutan travel, you can check these travel packing tips and tricks that we swear by. And if you want to know what all special things we carry to make our travel with our kids easier, checkout this post .

What is the language spoken in Bhutan

Bhutanese, English and Hindi are widely spoken in Bhutan. Most of the people understand Hindi well, and are able to converse in Hindi. While the travel guides in Bhutan receive training in different languages like Chinese, Spanish, French etc. while doing their certification for becoming a guide. So, if you don’t understand Hindi, English or Bhutanese then you can always ask your travel agent to provide you with a guide who knows the language you understand. Both our driver and our guide were very well versed in English as well as Hindi. So, it was a breeze to communicate while in Bhutan.

What kind of food is available in Bhutan

Some of the main cuisines of Bhutan that you will get in most of the restaurants include Ema Datshi, Shakam Paa, Jasha Maru, Puta, Suja, Goen Hogey, Dumplings and Shakam Datshi . I will soon dedicate a separate post on the cuisines available in Bhutan. In short, most of the Bhutanese dishes are bland, healthy and good for the mountain climate. I found very less junk food options in Bhutan.

While Indian and Indo-Chinese food is also abundant. We could get basic Indian food like Roti, Dal, Rice, Curries, Paneer Dishes. And Ind- Chinese dishes like chowmine, noodles, momo etc. almost everywhere. Some high end restaurants and resorts also have continental options like boiled veggies, roasted non vegetarian food, oats porridge etc. Bread and butter, puri – sabji, eggs and omelette are abundant as breakfast options.

Most of the hotels that we stayed in had limited but decent spread for breakfast, lunch and dinner. However, do note that the food availability window in Bhutan is short for every meal. For instance, breakfast may be available only from 7:30am to 9:00am.

What are the places to visit in Bhutan

As per our Bhutan travel guide, the three most popular places to visit in Bhutan are Thimphu, Paro and Punakha. Apart from these, there are many other valleys like the Haa Valley and many trekking trails that you can visit in Bhutan. As per our driver and guide, you need 15-20 days to explore Bhutan completely. However, most of the visitors limit themselves to Paro, Thimphu and Punakha.

In Phuentsholing, you can visit a few places like a zoo, Karbandi Monastery and crocodile breeding center.

There are many local places to see in Thimphu that include the Thimphu Dzong ( fort also called Tashichho Dzong) , Buddha Dordenma or the Buddha Point , Memorial Chorten, the oldest temple of Bhutan, Simply Bhutan experiencial museum, Bhutan Folk Heritage Museum, Art Museum, Takin Preserve (Takin is the national animal of Bhutan) etc.

While in Paro, the most popular site is the Tigers Nest Monastery that everyone wants to have on their itinerary. Apart from this, one can visit the Paro Weekend Market , Zuri Dzong Fort , Rinpung Dzong monastery , Drukgyel Dzong Monastery and many other scenic view points.

Visiting The Punakha Dzong and Punakha Fertility temple of Punakha are two most important things to do in Punakha . While visitors also enjoy river rafting in Punakha , a trip on the Punakha Suspension Bridge and visiting other nearby valleys from Punakha as a day trip. Some of these valleys are Haa Valley and Bumthang Valley .

What does a typical Bhutan travel itinerary look like

Most of the travel agents provide a Bhutan travel package of 5 nights 6 days. Wherein you spend the first night at Jaigaon. And then 2 nights each in Thimphu and Paro. But, I asked my agent to add one more day to my package to make it more relaxing. He made it a 6 nights 7 days package tour to Bhutan. And what I found was that I still made a mistake. A Bhutan travel package of 6 nights and 7 days might suit you if you are a group of adults interested to see only the highlights of Bhutan. Anything you want to explore beyond the towns of Paro, Thimphu and Punakha, you need more days in your itinerary. Also, if you are traveling to Bhutan with kids , you must make a plan of minimum 10 days.

I have explained more about it in details in this detailed post : 7 days Bhutan trip itinerary from India with kids .  As the roads in Bhutan are more winding than some other Himalayan destinations that we have visited like Shimla and Manali or Palampur . And kids will need enough rest in between.

Shopping in Bhutan as per our Bhutan travel guide

As per my Bhutan travel guide, you can shop for handicrafts, Buddha Idols, musical bowls etc. in Bhutan. Then there are traditional paintings, but I found them to be very expensive. And cloths also are expensive. Having said that, you can buy small souvenirs from handicraft shops near the Thimphu Handicraft Museum. Or, from the local market in Paro. Compared to the kind of shopping I have done in Rajasthan in India or what one can do in Dubai , or similar such top shopping destinations , I found Bhutan had limited offerings. As such, we only bought a couple of refrigerator magnets from our trip to Bhutan.

General tips on visiting Bhutan as per our Bhutan travel guide

• Carry an umbrella with you when visiting in summer and spring months, as it rains all of a sudden in Bhutan
• You must wear good trekking shoes, particularly for trekking to Tiger’s Nest . As, it is a moderate trek and general walking shoes might not suffice.
• Use packaged water bottle while in Bhutan.
• Dispose of the waste properly in designated waste bins, There is heavy fine for littering in Bhutan.
• Our Bhutan travel guide says that it is a must to carry motion sickness medicines for winding Himalayan roads
• Take enough stops when traveling between places to further combat motion sickness
• Keep your passport and permits with you all the time. There are designated check posts where these documents will be checked as you travel through Bhutan.
• If you are traveling with your kids, make sure to carry all their general medication with you as you will not get the same brand in Bhutan. (Happened with us)
• Most of the shops close early in Bhutan., around 9:00pm
• Tipping the hotel staff, guide or driver is not a norm in Bhutan but it is a good gesture.

PS: Some of our links are affiliated, this means we will earn a commission when you buy a service or product by clicking those links. However, this will have no extra cost for you.

15 thoughts on “A Bhutan travel guide – all the information you need to visit the land of happiness”

You have provided a thorough Bhutan travel guide, blending personal experiences with practical tips. From visa information to cultural insights, it equips travelers with essential knowledge for a seamless journey. Engaging narratives and detailed itineraries make it a valuable resource for anyone planning to explore the Land of the Thunder Dragon.

I’m thoroughly impressed by your blog on Bhutan! Your vivid descriptions have transported me to this Himalayan paradise, and I can almost feel the tranquility emanating from the famous temples in Bhutan that you’ve written about. Your love for Bhutan shines through in every paragraph. Fantastic work!

Bhutan allure lies not only in its stunning landscapes but also in its commitment to preserving its cultural heritage and embracing sustainable tourism practices. For travelers seeking a meaningful and enriching vacation experience.

Very descriptive guide about Bhutan, enjoyed the reading.

Thank you Ankita!!

Hi did you have the name of your guide?

Hello, I appreciate the information regarding your trip to Bhutan. Using a Makemytrip tour package, I intend to travel to Bhutan in December 2023 from Bagdora. suggest me do you have any inputs to travel in December month.

Hi Nagaraj. December will be colder so plz pack enough woollen. Apart from that, since you are going with a package tour from Makemytrip, rest everything will be smooth

Hi, I would like to visit Bhutan in Mar 2024 can you please give some references for Bhutan travel guide.Regards, Sonali

Hi Sonali, We booked our tour through Rudra Narayan who helps arrange trips to Bhutan, Sikkim and Darjeeling area. His contact number is : 7063570832

Hi, I would like to visit Bhutan Mar 2024 can you please give me some references of travel guide whom I can contact and ask for their services.

I want to travel to Bhutan on my Two wheeler, what are the charges per day for a two wheeler if I wish to enter Bbutan from India?

It is the same for two wheeler as well. INR 4500 per day per vehicle.

Can u please share the contact details of your tour guide. I plan to visit bhutan this month.

Sure, will share shortly

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India to Bhutan by Road, Flight & Train : How to Reach Bhutan from India

How to reach bhutan from india by flight, train & bus, india to bhutan border - 3 ways to enter bhutan.

1. Kolkata to Bhutan  - Flight, Train or Bus

2. From Bagdogra  or Siliguri to Bhutan - Bus or Taxi

3. From Phuentsholing to Thimphu - Bus or Taxi

Do Indian's Need a Visa to Enter Bhutan?

Read more on visa policy to enter bhutan.

Travel Tips

• The Bhutanese currency is the Ngultrum (Nu.) It is of the same valuation as the Indian rupee. Incidentally, the Indian rupee is accepted as legal tender in the country.
• Most hotels and handicraft stores in the country offer the option of paying by credit card.
• If you're not sure what to buy when in the Kingdom of Bhutan, here are a few recommendations:
• Favourite handicraft items include hand-woven textiles of raw silk, carved masks, woven baskets of cane and bamboo, wooden bowls otherwise known as Dapas, handmade paper products, metal crafts, and so on. You can also get a beautiful Thangkha painting or some vibrant postage stamps.
• Bhutan is a mountainous country, and if you're travelling through the winding roads, motion sickness can become a significant concern. Do make sure that you carry appropriate medicines if you're prone to motion sickness.
• If you're not entirely sure of your Bhutan itinerary yet, do check out the link below to find out the highlights.

This post was published by Alma Rosina

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It just got (much) cheaper to visit Bhutan – start planning that dream trip

Aug 31, 2023 • 11 min read

Bhutan is a destination only lightly touched by tourism © Mark Paulda/Getty Images

Since tentatively opening up to tourism in 1974, the Himalayan kingdom of Bhutan has earned a reputation as one of the most pristine – and expensive – places to visit on the planet.

Tight controls on tourism and high daily tourist fees have helped to preserve a traditional Buddhist culture that is rapidly vanishing from other parts of the Himalayas. And in 2022, those fees climbed even higher, as Bhutan opened its borders to travelers following the pandemic.

Now, almost a year after this sudden price hike, the Bhutanese government has announced another shake-up to the daily tourist fees – but this time, fees are coming down significantly. For travelers deterred from visiting Bhutan’s ancient fortress monasteries and immaculate mountain valleys by the high price tag, this is welcome news, but what exactly are the new rules, and how do they affect travelers?

If Bhutan has long been on your bucket list and you’re ready to go, here’s what you need to know about the new fees, including what you will be charged for and where the money ends up.

What was the old system for visiting Bhutan? 

Until 2022, tourists to Bhutan were charged a daily tourist fee of $250 ($200 in the low season) for every day spent in the country. This might sound expensive, but the fee covered food, accommodation, transport, guide fees and most of the other essentials tourists needed for a once-in-a-lifetime trip. Also included in the daily charge was a $65 Sustainable Development Fee, funding far-reaching social programs in a nation famed for measuring progress in terms of Gross National Happiness rather than Gross National Product.

In September 2022, Bhutan reopened to un-quarantined tourists for the first time since the start of the pandemic – but the Sustainable Development Fee increased to $200 per day, with additional charges for accommodation, food, transport, entry to sights and guides. Lower fees applied for tourists from neighboring India , but for most other visitors, the cost of travel to Bhutan doubled from an already high baseline.

For some, Bhutan was no longer a once-in-a-lifetime destination tantalizingly within reach, but an unattainable dream, particularly with the soaring cost of flights and the post-COVID-19 cost-of-living crisis. For a while, it seemed that Bhutan’s unique experiences would be reserved for the high-flying elite; Himalaya fans with smaller budgets folded away their maps of alpine valleys and prayer-flag-draped monasteries and looked elsewhere for their dose of mountain magic.

In fact, the blow was soon softened by a series of discounts offered to travelers staying more than four nights in Bhutan, with additional days exempt from the daily fee once visitors reached a certain threshold. But as of September 2023, cheaper – if not exactly cheap – travel to Bhutan is back in the cards. Here are the changes, and what they mean for travelers dreaming of Bhutan's pure mountain air and timeless Buddhist architecture.

Getting the best out of your trip to Bhutan

What is the new system starting in September 2023?

After increasing by 200% in 2022, the daily Sustainable Development Fee will be cut in half from September 1, 2023 to a more affordable US$100 per day. Children ages six to 12 will pay $50 per day, and there’s no fee for children age five or under. This is a significant price drop – but travelers will still have to budget for meals, transport, guide fees, entry charges at dzongs (fortress-monasteries) and museums, and hotels – which can cost anything from $40 per night for a budget hotel in the capital, Thimphu , to nearly $2000 per night for the lavish, palace-like Amankora Paro Lodge in Paro .

Then there are flights, with the trip from New York to Paro coming in at around $2000, transferring in either India or Nepal to a Bhutan-bound flight with Bhutan Airlines or Druk Air – the only airlines licensed to fly into the international airport at Paro. You should budget a minimum of $300 per day for a trip to Bhutan, and considerably more to stay in superior classes of hotel, in addition to the cost of your flights.

However, this high price tag gets you access to a destination only lightly touched by tourism. Only around 40,000 tourists visited Bhutan in the first six months after the country reopened following the pandemic, with more than half of these visitors coming from India. For comparison, Nepal received nearly 500,000 visitors over the same period, and India saw more than four million arrivals.

With the low visitor numbers, sights in Bhutan – such as the majestic dzongs in Paro, Thimphu and Punakha and the gravity-defying monastery at Taktshang – only become truly crowded when locals are gathering for one of the country’s colorful Buddhist festivals. While the influence of the modern world is creeping into Bhutan, particularly in Thimphu, your prevailing memories will be of peace, silence and clear mountain air scented by the aromatic resin of blue pines. For travelers seeking Shangri-La in real life, the experience is priceless.

Are there any changes for travelers from India, Bangladesh and Maldives?

Visitors from India, Bangladesh and Maldives are subject to different rules. Travelers from India, who make up 73% of all visitors to Bhutan, can visit with a special permit – available through the Bhutanese government’s visa portal – paying a low daily fee of ₹1200 (about $15). Bangladeshi and Maldivian citizens must apply for a visa, on top of the same special daily fee. No changes have been announced to this system.

  In Bhutan, a historic Himalayan route opens to hikers for the first time in 60 years

What if I want to go trekking?

With its lofty Himalayan valleys and remote monasteries, Bhutan is a spectacular trekking destination, but the daily Sustainable Development Fee still applies. The most practical way to trek is to make arrangements through a Bhutanese tour operator, who will provide guides, support staff, pack animals, tent accommodation and meals for the duration of your trek.

With a support team to transport your bags and put up your tent and a hot breakfast waiting for you when you wake up every morning, the experience is more like glamping than wild camping, and the trails are delightfully uncrowded – particularly if you attempt more ambitious routes such as the 28-day Trans-Bhutan Trail . You’ll also get to meet local people following a traditional way of life, far from the tourist bustle.

What about my visa?

Applying for a visa for Bhutan is a little different from applying for a visa for most other countries. Visas are not issued by embassies overseas but are stamped into your passport on arrival, on production of a pre-approval letter confirming you have paid the daily tourist fees and the $40 visa-processing fee. The easiest way to obtain this letter is to make arrangements through an approved Bhutanese tour operator; you can also apply online via the government's visa portal (you’ll also need mandatory travel insurance for the duration of your trip).

Be aware that you will have to pay the Sustainable Development Fee for every day of your stay at the same time as you apply for your visa. Many travelers feel more comfortable applying through a tour agency, rather than making a payment of hundreds or even thousands of dollars via an online form. Using an agency will also allow you to talk through your itinerary with an experienced local expert. It’s the best way to ensure that you get maximum value from the daily fee (for instance, you don't want to squander $100 days backtracking to places you have already visited).

Why has this decision been made now?

When the daily fee was increased in 2022, the government announced that funds raised would be used to offset the carbon footprint of tourism, reduce fossil-fuel dependency, improve carbon-neutral infrastructure and up-skill workers in Bhutan’s tourism sector, supporting Bhutan’s recovery from the pandemic. 

However, in the first few months following the reopening, international visitor numbers fell markedly compared to before COVID-19, attributed to the new fee structure, worldwide inflation and economic uncertainty linked to the war in Ukraine. Nearly 60,000 people visited Bhutan from January to August 2023, compared to 315,600 travelers for the whole of 2019. The economic foundation of Bhutan’s “high value, low volume” tourism model no longer seemed quite so secure.

According to a government statement, the new fee reduction announced in 2023 reflects the “important role of the tourism sector in generating employment; earning foreign exchange; realizing the potential for spillover benefits for ancillary industries; and in boosting overall economic growth.” 

Commenting on the change, Dorji Dhradhul, director general of the Department of Tourism Bhutan, said: “ Amid the global recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic, ongoing European conflicts, and economic challenges affecting key markets, we’ve attentively considered feedback from our guests, industry peers and global travel partners."

"Consequently, we’ve decided to temporarily reduce our Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) to rejuvenate our tourism industry. This will not only make our nation more accessible to potential visitors but will also ensure sustained funding for the numerous projects supported by the SDF."

It’s a valid stance for the government to take. In 2019, the Sustainable Development Fee contributed nearly $89 million to the Bhutanese economy. During the eight months from January to August 2023, the Sustainable Development Fee delivered a more modest $13.5 million into the national coffers. 

Another issue was the lack of warning provided by the authorities when Bhutan reopened to tourism after the pandemic. The government announced the doubling of the daily fee just weeks before the borders opened in September 2022 – for a destination where tourists typically spend up to six months planning a trip. 

The current reduction in the daily fee has also been announced on short notice, but the lower rate will apply until August 31, 2027, giving tourists some certainty when planning ahead for a trip to Bhutan.

Escaping Thimphu: where to go to find Bhutan’s hidden treasures

Where will my money go?

Bhutan’s unique tourism model has delivered significant benefits for the people of this remote Himalayan kingdom. On top of free healthcare and education, the Sustainable Development Fee has funded everything from conservation to carbon-neutral infrastructure and organic farming. These projects have contributed to Bhutan becoming the first carbon-negative country on earth – actually absorbing more carbon dioxide than it produces.  

What does sustainable development look like on the ground? With tourism reducing the pressure on agriculture to sustain the economy, Bhutan has managed to keep 71% of its territory under forest cover, compared to just 25% in Nepal and 11% in Bangladesh . Some 95% of Bhutan’s electricity is produced using hydropower, and almost 100% of the population has access to electricity and clean water.

In exchange for opening their mountain home to high-value, low-impact tourism, the Bhutanese have achieved a high standard of living compared to their neighbors. Bhutan spends nearly 40% more than Nepal on education, with half the unemployment rate and half as many people living under the poverty line. And the adult literacy rate is growing at 10% per year – not bad for a country where 61% of people live in remote mountain villages. 

Bhutan is also famous for its Gross National Happiness – an innovative model for assessing the successes and achievements of Bhutan’s part-monarchy, part-clergy and part-elected government. Using such measures as job satisfaction, sense of community, psychological well-being and religious karma, Bhutan is rated as the happiest country in the world. 

Know your gompas: a Lonely Planet guide to Tibetan Buddhist monasteries  

So is Bhutan still worth visiting? 

Of course! While visiting Bhutan will always be an expensive option, the lower daily fee makes travel here more affordable – just not quite as affordable as it was before the pandemic. In truth, Bhutan was always a plan-ahead-and-save-up kind of destination, and with the lower Sustainable Development Fee fixed until 2027, travelers have a clear target to aim for over the next four years. 

Looking at things objectively, tourist fees are increasingly the future of travel. Barcelona has had a tourist tax since 2012, Thailand imposed a $9 tourist tax in 2022, Manchester introduced a daily tourist charge in 2023, and Venice and Valencia are poised to levy new tourist charges during the 2023–24 season. The primary difference in Bhutan is that you need slightly deeper pockets.  

If the lower daily fee succeeds in luring more people to Bhutan, visitor numbers will still be small by international standards, and the government will have more funds for worthy social and environmental initiatives such as new hydropower projects and the electrification of public transport. In the future, that famously clean mountain air may become even cleaner and more keenly fragranced by the scent of glacial meltwater and blue pines. 

This article was first published Aug 12, 2022 and updated Aug 31, 2023.

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Traveling to Bhutan from India is relatively easy and hassle-free for Indian nationals due to the strong cultural and historical ties between the two countries. Bhutan is a beautiful Himalayan destination known for its pristine landscapes, ancient monasteries, and unique culture and traditions. It is a unique country with the first in the world with carbon negative in the world .

Here are some guidelines for travelers traveling to Bhutan from India. You need to know before traveling to Bhutan from India:

Visa Requirements:

Indian nationals with passport holders or voter cards do not require a visa for Bhutan to enter Bhutan. However, you will need to obtain an entry permit at the border immigration office upon arrival. To avoid any difficulties it is worth contacting a local Bhutan Tour agency . The tour agency will provide an e-permit before your arrival. It is hassle-free. The tour agency will provide you with a complete package tour package before you travel to Bhutan from India. The permit is usually issued for a specific duration, and you need to carry a valid passport or voter ID card for identification.

Entry Points for traveling to Bhutan from India

Bhutan has several entry points for travelers traveling from India, including Phuentsholing, Samdrup Jongkhar, Gelephu, and Paro. Phuentsholing is the most commonly used entry point, especially for travelers coming from West Bengal en route even to Bagdogra Airport.

As of now the entry point Indian traveling to Bhutan are following two options which are commonly used by Indian Tourists.

Paro International Airport:

Paro International Airport is Bhutan’s only international airport for traveling by Air from destinations like Bagdogra, Kolkatta, and New Delhi. Bhutan Airlines and Druk Air Airlines operate from Paro to India.

Land Entry (Phuentsholing):

If you are traveling overland from India, you can enter Bhutan(Phuentsholing) through the border town of India(Jaigaon).

Please note for every traveler traveling to Bhutan from India to look after the local Tour Agency to check the status of entry points and travel restrictions. It may change over time, so it’s crucial to check with a local tour agency, the Royal Bhutanese Embassy , or the Consulate in India. You can browse the official website of the Department of Tourism to get the latest updates.

It’s important to plan your trip well in advance and ensure you have all the necessary documents and arrangements in place before traveling to Bhutan from India.

You should know Restricted Areas

You should know restricted areas while traveling to Bhutan from India. It is better to contact the local Tour Agency in Bhutan to find out the right updates from them. You might require special permits to visit the places. Make sure to check the restricted areas and obtain the necessary permits accordingly.

Bhutanese Currency:

Bhutanese currency is known as the Bhutanese Ngultrum (Nu). Indian Rupees are also widely accepted in Bhutan, but denominations above 500 are not accepted as per the legal tender norms applied by the Royal Monetary Authority of Bhutan. It’s a good idea to carry smaller denominations or exchange currency at banks or authorized exchange counters.

The official language of Bhutan is Dzongkha, but English is widely spoken, especially in tourist areas. You will not face problems speaking the Hindi language. Some of the Bhutanese know how to speak Hindi.

Bhutan climate weather varies with altitude, so pack accordingly. In the lower regions, the climate is subtropical, while it gets colder in the higher mountain areas. Always carry appropriate clothing for varying temperatures.

Respect Local Customs:

Bhutan is known for its rich cultural heritage and deeply rooted culture and traditions. It’s essential for travelers traveling to Bhutan from India to respect local customs and traditions. For example, removing your shoes before entering temples or monasteries, and wearing long sleeves shirts and jackets. Guide of Bhutan will guide you accordingly to the places of visit.

Transportation:

Bhutan has a well-developed road network throughout Bhutan. You can easily travel between towns and cities by road. Even you can fly from Paro Airport to Central Bhutan Bumthang Airport. You can fly to Yanphula domestic airport. However, road conditions may vary, especially in remote areas of Bhutan. We have 3 domestic airports in Bhutan. Paro Airport is the only International Airport

Accommodation:

Bhutan offers a range of accommodation options, from luxury hotels , 4-star, 3-star, Budget, and Bhutan Homestays. It’s advisable to book your accommodation in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons.

Permits for Trekking:

If you plan to go trekking in Bhutan, you’ll need a special trekking permit. These permits can be obtained through registered tour operators in Bhutan.

Remember that Bhutan follows a “High Value, Low Impact” tourism policy, which means visitors must book their trips through authorized tour operators. Independent travel is not allowed in Bhutan, and visitors must have a pre-arranged itinerary during their stay.

Before traveling, it’s a good idea to check for any updated travel advisories and regulations, as these can change over time. Enjoy your journey to the enchanting kingdom of Bhutan!

How much does it cost to travel to Bhutan in 2024?

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.

The trip budget. A core component to every travel planning exercise. If you wish to travel to the Land of the Thunder Dragons, you naturally want to know: how much does it cost to travel there?

Travelling to Bhutan is relatively expensive, because Bhutan is very preoccupied with sustainable tourism. They call this approach 'high value, low impact' tourism.

'High value, low impact' tourism

We’re going to go out on a limb and say that you want to travel to Bhutan because you’ve heard about its pristine mountain environment and unique culture. Are we right?

Well, one of the core reasons for the integrity of the nation’s natural and cultural heritage is that the Bhutanese have been very clever about how they implement tourism. 

The Government of Bhutan has opted for a ‘high value, low impact' tourism policy that limits the number of visitors that can enter the country at any given time.

This policy has protected Bhutan against the worst effects of mass tourism, like trampled nature and disrupted ecosystems. Also, by keeping tourist numbers down, Bhutan has been able to retain its character and so remain the holiday jewel we all know it to be.

Bhutan's high value, low impact tourism policy has helped the country retain its character and pristine environment

Bhutan visa 

One of the key methods of implementing the policy of high value, low impact tourism is the daily visa every tourist must purchase while in Bhutan. 

Since September 2022, when Bhutan reopened its borders to tourists after a long coronavirus-related closure, the daily visa fee is 200 USD per person per night in the country. Indian nationals are exempt from this fee.

It's not cheap to visit Bhutan, but it's money very well spent!

A changed tourist visa system

For those familiar with the pre-2022 tourist visa fee system, please note that your visa fee will NO LONGER cover any of your expenses while in Bhutan.

As we discuss in A tourist visa for Bhutan now costs more (2022 update) , the entirety of the new daily visa fee is to be used for sustainable development. The aim here is to use the money from tourists' visas to help the Bhutanese Government look after its people, environment and economy.

The daily tourist fee levied by the Government of Bhutan no longer covers any of your accommodation, meals, transport, and so on. The daily visa fee is now purely a sustainable development fee.

So this is a very important change to note. In one sense, the most notable takeaway for you, as a potential tourist, is that a holiday in Bhutan will now cost you more. Though again, as mentioned above, Indian nationals aren't required to pay this sustainable development fee.

How do I obtain a Bhutan visa?

The easiest way to obtain a Bhutan tourist visa is through a registered tour operator, as the company will obtain your visa on your behalf. If travelling independently, ask your travel agent to secure you a visa.  Note that there is a visa application fee of 40 USD per person.

Please note that you must secure a visa before entering Bhutan.

Note that you must obtain a Bhutan visa before you'll be allowed to fly into the country. You’ll receive a visa clearance letter that you present at immigration when you land at Paro International Airport.

A tour guide

There has been some confusion of late as to whether or not you can now travel in Bhutan without a tour guide. As of September 2023, you do need to have a tour guide to be allowed to travel within Bhutan.

A local tour guide is still compulsory on a Bhutan holiday

At Follow Alice, we believe that using local guides is a really good thing. Firstly, it's important that tourists' money create jobs for locals. (Long live sustainable tourism. 💪🏾) And secondly, a tour guide offers many benefits to the traveller, such as:

• Keeping you safe.
• Keeping you safe from offensive faux pas.
• Being someone local whom you get to know well and have meaningful conversations with.
• Removing any possible stresses to do with admin and navigation.
• Translating things for you and facilitating engagements with other locals.
• Ensuring you don't miss out on special places and lesser-known experiences! 

We discuss the many ways tour guides are a blessing in 12 reasons why good tour guides are so important .

Passang, seen here taking the group pic, is a Bhutanese tour guide

Tour guide prices vary. If you travel with a tour operator, the tour guide's fee will be included in your package fee. So you likely won't know what precise sum goes to the local guide unless you ask for a price breakdown.

Note that the minimum monthly wage in Bhutan is just under 50 USD (or 3,750 Bhutanese ngultrum – BTN). The Bhutanese Government is pretty good in terms of providing oversight to ensure employees of the tourism sector are being properly looked after. So you shouldn't come across any tour companies that are being dodgy around the compensation of their guides.

Accommodation

Accommodation is one of the biggest items in any holiday budget. So this is a figure you want to calculate as accurately as possible.

Example of a simple, 3-star hotel bedroom in Paro

There are many three-, four- and five-star establishments in the country, and prices can vary wildly from one to the next within the same rating. For instance ...

• A standard double room in a 3-star hotel in the city of Thimphu in November (peak season) can cost anywhere from around 40-80 USD (taxes and fees included).
• A standard double room in a 4-star hotel in the city of Thimphu at the same time of year generally costs anywhere from 90 to 250 USD (taxes and fees included). That's a huge range!
• As to a five-star hotel ... well, if you're looking into that, you're probably not going to be reading a blog post about costs. 😉

So really, there's a wide range of accommodation in terms of both smartness and cost. Of course you should also look for specials and discounts, as these can make all the difference.

The gorgeous entrance to Namgay Heritage Hotel in Thimphu

Finally, note that if you head to less-visited parts of the country, like the east and south, you can expect cheaper accommodation there.

If you go on a multiday trek like the Laya trek or Jomolhari trek , your accommodation (tents) will be included in your trekking package fee (which will also likely include meals, a cook, a porter, and your trek guide).

Food and drink

Here are the prices of some basic items and meals in Thimphu to help you plan your budget:

The restaurant at Terma Linca Resort & Spa in Thimphu

A vehicle and driver

The best and easiest way to get around Bhutan outside of the cities and towns is by car. Bhutan has no trains. There are very few internal flights. And while public buses are available in certain districts, they're generally overcrowded and uncomfortable.

It used to be that a vehicle, petrol (fuel) and the services of a driver were part and parcel of the Bhutan daily visa. Now, however, hiring a car will be an added expense. And if you want a driver, that will be a further expense too.

While you can drive yourself in Bhutan (provided you have a valid driver's licence), there's a lot of value to hiring the services of a driver if you can. Most obviously, you can simply say where you'd like to go and be taken there, instead of trying to read a map or using your GPS (and then bickering over who is to blame when you land up in a cul de sac in a misty forest). 

Entrance fees

You can expect to pay an entrance fee to visit museums, monasteries, palaces, memorials and other such sites in Bhutan. If you wish to attend a Bhutanese tschechu (festival) – and if you're smart, you wish to indeed! – you'll also need to pay an admittance fee.

As of July 2022, most sacred sites now carry an entrance fee of 1,000 BTN (~12.50 USD) per person . These sacred sites include the country's many dzongs (fortress temples) as well as the famous Buddha Dordenma in Thimphu.

Taktsang (or Tiger's Nest Monastery) – Bhutan's most famous dzong – is an exception to the rule, costing 2,000 BTN (~25 USD) per person.

Bhutan's iconic Tiger's Nest Monastery

If you visit Bhutan with a tour operator, your tour guide will organise and pay for entrance fees on your behalf.

Finally, note that there are now six days in the year (national holidays) when many popular tourist sites will be closed to foreigners. This is because locals will be visiting in large numbers for celebrations. These dates are determined each year by the lunar calendar. So it's best to speak with your tour operator ahead of time to see if your visit will coincide with any such closures for tourists.

Adventure activities

As you can see in our Bhutan itineraries , this is a country designed for adventure!

You can go for a multiday trek in the Himalayas , or keep it smaller by opting to go:

• white-water rafting (there are Class II to V rapids)
• mountain biking

Rafting on the Mo River in Punakha

You can hire a quality mountain bike for the day for around 35 USD. For a rafting trip on the Mo, Po or Manas Rivers, you're looking at 250 USD per raft (which can take up to six people).

Please do note that prices for services in Bhutan are likely to change over the coming year or so in light of the overhaul currently taking place within the tourism industry.

Travel insurance

Something you’ll need to sort out yourself is your travel insurance.

Travel insurance is an absolute must whenever travelling outside your own country. If you travel with Follow Alice, it’s a compulsory purchase. Be sure to factor this important item into your Bhutan travel budget. 

When taking out travel insurance, we advise choosing one that offers cover for all of the following:

• Delayed, cancelled or interrupted travel.
• Medical insurance.
• Lost or damaged luggage.

We give a few details about each item below ...

Delayed, cancelled or interrupted travel

Delayed travel covers things outside of your control like a traffic jam preventing you from reaching the airport on time, a mechanical issue with your plane, or severe weather preventing the plane from reaching its destination. Given bad weather is a part of the Himalaya vibe, this is an important aspect to cover. Delayed travel also covers missed connections that are out of your control.

Trip cancellation covers having to abort your trip beforehand for reasons such as injury, illness, severe weather, or a natural disaster or terrorist attack at your destination.

Trip interruption covers the costs involved when you have to abort your trip post departure, for any of the same reasons listed for trip cancellation. Both trip cancellation and trip interruption should also cover having to cancel or abort a trip as a consequence of illness or injury of a travel companion or family member. 

Medical insurance

Regular medical aids don’t cover medical expenses incurred outside of your own country. This is why medical insurance is a critical component of any traveller’s insurance. Proper medical insurance covers medical emergencies as well as medical evacuation. This means that should you fall ill or be injured, your insurance will pay for all hospitalisation and doctor fees as well as all transportation to and from hospital (including ambulance services) and to get you back home.

Lost or damaged luggage

The cover for lost or damaged luggage is important. Should your luggage go missing en route to Bhutan, you could use the insurance money to gather together what’s needed in Paro. You can then continue on with your trip without having to wear the same smelly pair of socks every day.

Recommended cover

We recommend that you cover yourself to the tune of at least 200,000 USD for each of the above categories of insurance (save luggage).

Most of us at Follow Alice, as well as many of our clients, opt to buy travel insurance from World Nomads. We would, however, recommend that you also do your own research into finding a company that you feel offers comprehensive yet affordable insurance.

Whichever travel insurance you choose, we’ll require you to send us the details of your policy before your arrival in Bhutan.

Note that many credit cards offer free, automatic travel insurance when you book your flights with them, so do look into this. The cover usually isn’t enough on its own, but it’s a useful extra. Also, pay special attention to exactly what is and isn’t covered by your credit card. This is to ensure your independent traveller’s insurance covers all gaps and shortfalls.

We don't ever advise exploring a new country without comprehensive travel insurance

We can recommend World Nomads as a reputable travel insurance company you might like to research. They offer coverage for more than 150 adventure activities, including high-altitude trekking.

Tipping isn’t compulsory in Bhutan, though it's appreciated.

If you go with a tour guide and driver, please budget for tipping them at the end. If you're happy with the service received, then 10 USD per day for your tour guide is a good figure, and we recommend 6 USD per day for your driver.

If you go trekking in Bhutan, then tipping your support staff (like your guide, cook and porter/horseman) is also an appreciated gesture. Around 8 to 10 USD for your guide per day is a good rule of thumb if you decide to budget for tipping. Consider 5 to 8 USD per day for your other support staff.

Consider bringing along a little extra cash to buy souvenirs and other local items. The Bhutanese are renowned for their beautiful handwoven textiles, for instance, and you might wish to pad your luggage with a gorgeous silk wrap or stylish gho (long robe). 

The Bhutanese make gorgeous, high-quality handwoven textiles

Bhutan currency

The currency in Bhutan is the Bhutanese Ngultrum (BTN). It’s set to trade at the same value as the Indian rupee. As of August 2023, 1 USD buys you around 83 BTN, and €1 buys you around 91 BTN. 

In Bhutan, the currency is the Bhutanese Ngultrum.

Should you want to draw cash while in Bhutan, you’ll find ATMs in all of the major towns.

SIM cards and eSIM accounts

The cheapest way to stay connected while in Bhutan is to buy a local SIM card or buy a data package through an eSIM app.

You can purchase a special, short validity traditional tourist SIM card when you land in Paro for 200 BTN. Just note that you’ll need to fill in a form and the seller will want to photocopy your passport photo. Your tour guide will help you with this if you have one and would like assistance. You can then buy 1 GB of data for as little as 150 BTN (that's less than 1 USD or 1 euro).

Don't expect the same level of cell service throughout Bhutan!

A more expensive option (though still far cheaper than using roaming) is to use an eSIM . This is a virtual SIM card that you can acquire before heading off on your trip and doesn't require a registration process within the visited country.

If you're unfamiliar with how eSIMs work and wish to know more, please read Why you should use an eSIM on your next trip instead of buying a SIM card .

eSIM costs vary depending on the provider you choose. But with Airalo, for instance, which is the current world leader in eSIM services, you can expect to pay around 5 USD for 1 GB of data for a week.

So ... ready to plan a Bhutan adventure? 

We can help! Take a look at our suggested Discover Bhutan itinerary . And please feel free to contact us to ask any questions you might have – we’re here to help!

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Bhutan opens border after 30 months, Indians to pay ₹ 1,200 a day during stay

Only passports and voter identity cards will be accepted as proof of indian citizenship if original documents are produced for inspection.

After keeping its borders closed for 30 months because of the Covid-19 pandemic, Bhutan lifted restrictions on entry of foreigners on Friday, officials posted at the Himalayan country’s border with India said. Bhutanese nationals were also allowed to cross the border into India.

The cost of visiting Bhutan – a popular destination among Indians and people from other nations – also went up from Friday as the government brought into force a decision taken by the Parliament in January 2020 to impose a sustainable development fee on visitors. The new policy was kept on hold during the pandemic.

Every person going to Bhutan from India, Bangladesh and Maldives will have to pay a daily fee equivalent to ₹ 1,200 (INR) during their stay, said Pasang Dorje, district magistrate of Samtse in Bhutan.

For citizens of other nations, the fee will be $200 (US) a day.

“Bhutan has opened its borders. People can come over and enjoy its greenery and clean air. Indians will have to pay ₹ 1,200 a day as sustainable development fee,” Dorje said.

A few hundred Indian and Bhutanese nationals were found waiting in long queues on both sides of the border gate at Jaigaon-Phuntsholing in north Bengal’s Alipurduar district on Friday.

Bhutan has also imposed some other regulations on Indians, officials said.

Online registration prior to a visit is mandatory from now on. Only passports and voter identity cards will be accepted as proof of Indian citizenship if original documents are produced for inspection.

Earlier, Aadhaar cards and driving licences were allowed but now the rules have changed.

Also, Indians below 18 years of age will have to produce original birth certificate as identity proof, officials said.

A few days ago, Indian officials and businessmen from Jalpaiguri and Alipurduar districts of Bengal held a meeting with their counterparts in Bhutan to discuss the modalities before reopening of the international border.

Alongside businessmen, hundreds of skilled and unskilled labourers from India also travel to Bhutan in search of employment.

Bhushan Sherpa, additional executive officer of Bengal’s Jaigaon Development Authority, said: “A meeting was held on Thursday at Jaigaon between Indian and Bhutanese officials. Customs, police and Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) officers were also present.”

Tshering Namgyel, an advisory member of Bhutan-India Friendship Association, said: “Reopening of the border will strengthen old ties between the two countries.”

Some emotional scenes were witnessed by officers at the Jaigaon-Phuntsholing border on Friday.

“A woman from Bhutan broke down in tears as she crossed over to India. Her mother, who married a Bhutanese national, lives in Kalimpong in north Bengal. She said she would see her mother after two-and-a- half years,” an official posted on the Indian side of the border said on condition of anonymity.

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• Is it Expensive to Travel Bhutan? — Bhutan Tour Costs

Quick Facts

• Why Is Bhutan More Expensive Than Other South Asian Countries

Bhutan Is Worth the Money

Make the most of your budget.

Bhutan, nestled in the lap of the Himalayas, is rich in natural resources like mountains, rivers, and forests as well as diverse flora and fauna. The country believes in retaining its authentic culture and lifestyle, and Starbucks and McDonalds are yet to make an appearance. These examples show that the Bhutanese like to keep a tab on foreign influences so that they don't lose their cultural identity.

To protect the country from being overwhelmed by mass tourism, the Bhutan government has adopted a "High Cost, Low Impact" policy. This means that they charge tourists a fixed travel fee per day. Unless you are an Indian, Maldivian, or Bangladeshi, you will be charged a minimum daily travel fee of US$200 or US$250 per person.

Most travelers prefer to stay in Bhutan for about 4–5 days and combine it with a trip to India. A typical 5-day itinerary covering Paro, Thimphu, Punakha , and Tiger's Nest Monastery may cost aroun d US$1250–1500 per person (based on group size). The fees include private guides and drivers, meals, accommodation, entrance fees, and taxes.

At first glance, this may seem expensive, but if you learn more about what this money goes toward and why this system was introduced, you will agree that a trip to Bhutan offers value for money .

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• The Government of Bhutan has adopted a "High Cost, Low Impact" policy, which means that travelers need to pay seasonal daily travel fees of US$200 or US$250 per person.
• Tourism is the most critical industry in Bhutan, and the daily tourist fee is used for the country's development.
• Most of your travel fees will go toward health care, education, and environmental protection.
• A great way to make the most of your budget is to plan a tour in the low season, travel with more than three people, and book a flight as early as possible.

Why Is Bhutan More Expensive Than Other South Asian Countries?

Compared with neighboring countries such as India and Nepal, Bhutan's travel costs can appear high.

One reason is that a part of the daily tourist fees goes to the government as tax . About 30% of your tour free will go toward supporting health care, education, environmental protection, as well as preserving Bhutan's culture.

Bhutan is a landlocked country with limited export or industrial activity due to its mountainous terrain. The tourist fee that the government charges is crucial for the country's development . By charging this tax, the government is trying to balance its developmental needs as well as its well-preserved culture.

Charging a high tourist fee is also a way of limiting tourist numbers while providing high-quality services to travelers. Aside from the daily cost, which is capped at US$200 or US$250, you should add a visa fee and extra tariffs in case less than three people are touring the country.

The Bhutan Government Intends to Protect Its Culture and Wilderness

Bhutan is one of the few countries in the world that has never been conquered by foreign forces. The country remained isolated from the rest of the world until the mid-1970s. Aware of the possible consequences of high international tourism, the government has imposed restrictions on the number of tourists who are allowed to enter each year.

At least 40% of the land is covered by pristine parks and sanctuaries. The Government of Bhutan is keen to protect its wilderness as much as possible. Its wild beauty is unlike anything you will see in the world; keep an eye out for the endangered black-necked cranes.

Avoiding cultural dilution and environmental degradation are some of the significant incentives for the government to maintain its high tourism fee: Bhutan believes the high tourist tax guarantees a "high value and low impact." Every traveler needs to pay a high price to lower the negative impact of the country's tourism.

Tourist Fee for Health Care and Education

Bhutan is still a developing country in many ways. Until the tourism industry took off, there was minimal infrastructure in the country. The government collects a tax of US$65 from the minimum daily tariff, known as the Sustainable Development Fee or Tourism Royalty Fee. 

This part of the fee is used to fund infrastructure development, education, and free public health care services. This may seem an unusual system, but it does help the country become a more sustainable and comfortable place to travel and live in.

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What Does the Minimum Daily Package Include?

Except for Indian, Bangladeshi, and Maldivian nationals, all visitors to Bhutan are subject to a minimum tariff based on the number of days spent in Bhutan.

• Price in low seasons (winter/summer): US$200 per person per day (December–February and June–August)
• Price in peak seasons (spring/fall): US$250 per person per day (March–May and September–November)

Although a part of the fees is reserved for environmental protection and domestic taxes, a significant portion will be used for your travel expenses. Your daily fee includes your accommodation, meals, guide, driver, and car.

1. Private Tour Guide

A licensed English-speaking tour guide will accompany you throughout your journey. Being a tourist guide is a prestigious occupation in Bhutan, and it takes years of training to become a tour guide. They know the country's history to the last detail and can tell you all about Bhutan's flora and fauna, attractions, and culture.

2. Private Vehicle

You can enjoy private land transfers between airports, hotels, and scenic spots while sightseeing within the country. Usually, this means a comfortable 4x4 or medium-sized tour van. A friendly driver will also be ready to help you carry your luggage.

3. Daily Meals

The traveler fee includes three meals daily — breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Breakfast is usually provided in your hotel. Lunch and dinner are typically at local restaurants. If you are vegetarian or vegan, we can ensure that your culinary needs are met. If you wish to have meals in a luxurious hotel, you need to bear the additional costs.

4.Accommodation

Hotels range from 3 to 5 stars in Bhutan. The minimum daily package means that you will have at least 3-star hotel accommodation during your stay in Bhutan. This includes a variety of hotels or homestays that enable you to interact with residents. 

The 3-star hotels are comparative with most international hotels, with clean and comfortable rooms. You can also spend a few days at a homestay during your trip. The homestays included in the minimum daily package are equivalent to staying in a 3-star hotel. They provide food and other facilities.

If you want to stay at a better hotel, you must be ready to pay several hundred dollars more per day. The higher-end hotels include 4- or 5-star hotels of international standard. You can also book luxurious resorts with spas in Paro and Thimphu.  

5. Other Inclusions

The traveler fee also includes the entrance fee to scenic spots, camping equipment for trekking tours, and taxes.

6. Surcharge

The daily package fee includes all the necessary expenses for your stay in Bhutan. The standard costs not included in this fee are visa fees and an additional tax if you are traveling alone or if there are less than three people in your group. To give you an overall idea, we have calculated the tour fee that you will need to pay per person per day if you are staying in 3-star accommodation.

• A visa fee of US$40 per person is added to the total cost of your tour. Once you make the payment, you will receive a clearance letter with a confirmation code from the Tourism Council. Your visa will be stamped on your passport upon your arrival.
• If you plan to travel solo, an extra single room supplement fee of US$50 per day is levied.
• A surcharge of US$40 per person per day is added if just two people are traveling. For a group of more than three people, there are no extra charges.
• For those interested in hiking with high-quality camping equipment, the travel fees will be hundreds of dollars more. You should ask your travel agent about the detailed pricing.

5. Additional Expenses

Other costs include voluntary tips you pay to your guide and driver or for souvenir and alcohol purchases during your tour. Internal flight transfers and flights to Bhutan, as well as travel insurance, must be shown to your travel agent before you travel.

Bhutan is one of the quietest and most beautiful countries in the world. You must travel to this lesser-known travel destination at least once in your lifetime. For such a small country, Bhutan has plenty to offer. Buddhism is the main religion there, and it has a strong influence on the daily life of the Bhutanese.

Paro Taktsang or Tiger's Nest Monastery , which is situated on a rock face 900 m (2900 ft) above the valley floor, is a must-visit attraction in Bhutan. From dzongs to monasteries, you will enjoy many Buddhist-style architectural marvels in the country. Based on the duration of your tour, you can also choose to visit Punakha Dzong, the second-oldest and second-largest dzong in Bhutan.

The country boasts a diversity of plants and animals. More than 70% of Bhutan's land is covered with forests. There are 37 known species of animals housed in Jigme Dorji National Park . The animals range from snow leopards and tigers to Himalayan black bears and red pandas.

Royal Manas National Park is a sanctuary for a wide variety of birds, plants, and animals, including some rare and endangered species. There are more than 500 species of flora, 400 species of birds, and over 180 species of butterflies there.

Bhutan is considered a paradise for hikers. The Snowman Trek will take you through the most beautiful trails and give you a chance to see the majestic Himalayas. The real attraction is that these trails are traversed only by a handful of trekkers every season. The Bumthang Owl Trek will take you along the famous Drangela Pass.

The Bhutanese people are amicable and love to engage with tourists. It's easy to meet locals when you have a friendly local guide around you all day. There are very few countries in the world that will offer you such a warm welcome.

1. Seasonal variations and early flight bookings can make your trip to Bhutan cost-effective. You can pay a lower fee during the off seasons (December/January/February and June/July/August) in Bhutan.

2. Book a few months in advance to enjoy lower fares.

3. Travel with more than three people to avoid paying extra taxes.

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Bhutan 4-Day Itinerary: How to Plan 4 Days in Bhutan

Bhutan Itinerary for 4 Days: Too short for a crown, long enough to fall in love.

How to build your Bhutan Itinerary for 4 days? A three-night, four-day Bhutan Itinerary offers the perfect blend of adventure and efficiency. Save time and money while still experiencing the Bhutan's iconic highlights: Trek to Tiger's Nest Monastery , Punakha Dzong and Unravel prayer flags & sip butter tea. This all can be done in your Bhutan 4-Day Itinerary. The Bhutan itineraries suggested in this article would let you focus on key attractions without feeling rushed.

What's even better is you can choose your theme to build your 4-day Itinerary in Bhutan. Enchanting Bhutanese culture? Bhutan's prosperous wildness? Or simply relaxing journey? Bhutan offers it all, and we have you covered! Lets check out the themed Bhutan Itinerary for 4 Days . Find our how to plan 4 Days' Itinerary to Bhutan .

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Classic Bhutan 4-day Itinerary: All-covering Glimpse of Happiness Land

Visiting Bhutan for the first time? A 3-night, 4-day itinerary offers the perfect blend of adventure and iconic sights. Imagine soaring to Tiger's Nest Monastery , a cliffside monastery shrouded in legend, or exploring the majestic Punakha Dzong , a fortress-monastery bathed in history. This classic journey hits the highlights , maximizing your experience without overwhelming your senses.

Overview: Classic Bhutan 4 Day Itinerary with Iconic Bhutan Attractions

Day 1: Journey from Paro to Thimphu - Enjoy a picturesque drive (with the option of passing through Dochula Pass), explore Thimphu's markets or visit the National Folk Heritage Museum, and savor a traditional dinner or partake in an archery lesson.

Day 2: Explore Tashichho Dzong or Buddha Dordenma, immerse yourself in the vibrant Thimphu Market or witness a mesmerizing mask dance performance. The afternoon is free for optional activities such as engaging in craft workshops or visiting a local village.

Day 3: Embark on Tiger's Nest Monastery Hike (or alternatively, visit Rinpung Dzong and indulge in a hot stone bath). The afternoon provides an opportunity to discover Paro town or visit Dzongdrak Monastery.

Day 4: Bid farewell and venture beyond - Enjoy panoramic views of Paro Airport or engage in an exhilarating whitewater rafting experience. Alternatively, you can go souvenir shopping or take on a wildlife safari if time allows.

Highlights: Classic 4-day Bhutan Itinerary with Full Experience in One Go

• Thimphu : Cultural Tapestry & Hidden Gems
• Tashichho Dzong: Immerse yourself in Bhutan's rich history at the majestic seat of government.
• Buddha Dordenma: Seek peace and serenity at the towering symbol of peace overlooking the city.
• Thimphu Markets: Discover vibrant handicrafts and local treasures in the bustling heart of Bhutan.
• National Folk Heritage Museum: Uncover the secrets of Bhutanese culture through artifacts and exhibits.
• Archery Lesson: Master the national sport and learn about its cultural significance.
• Craft Workshops: Immerse yourself in local craftsmanship and take home a unique souvenir.
• Paro : Spiritual Journeys & Breathtaking Landscapes
• Tiger's Nest Monastery Hike : Embark on a soul-stirring ascent to the iconic cliffside monastery with breathtaking views.
• Rinpung Dzong: Explore the imposing fortress perched on a clifftop, offering a glimpse into Bhutan's warrior past.
• Hot Stone Bath: Rejuvenate your body and spirit with a traditional spa experience.
• Paro Airport View Point: Capture panoramic vistas of Paro Valley and cherish your final moments in Bhutan .

Why choose this classic 4-day Itinerary: All-inclusive Blend of Bhutan's Charm

• Perfect Blend: Experience the best of both worlds - adventure and cultural immersion - in just four days.
• First-Timer Friendly: Discover Bhutan's essence without feeling overwhelmed.
• Convenient Flow: Start in Paro, explore, and conclude in Thimphu - no backtracking!

Glimpse of Bhutan: 3 Days Bhutan Tour (Paro Thimphu)

The Most Iconic Hike: 4 Days Tiger's Nest Hike

Visit 2 Major Cities: 4 Days Bhutan Tour (Paro Thimphu)

Classic Bhutan Essence: 4 Days Classic Bhutan Tour (Paro Thimphu)

Wilderness 4-day Bhutan Itinerary: Embrace the Pristine Nature in Bhutan

Bhutan's allure whispers not just from Dzongs and bustling cities, but from its emerald Valleys , soaring peaks, and hidden monasteries. For nature enthusiasts , this 4-day Bhutan Itinerary unveils a breathtaking escape.

Overview: Light Trekking & More in 4-day Bhutan Itinerary

Begin your adventure in Paro , where the invigorating mountain air and majestic snow-capped peaks create an awe-inspiring ambiance. Journey through the optional Dochula Pass, where ancient chortens share whispered tales of the land. Indulge in the tranquil beauty of Punakha Valley, with its emerald fields and glacial rivers, providing a serene setting to unwind.

Ascend to the mesmerizing Chomolhari Base Camp, where shimmering glaciers and the towering 7,314-meter peak dominate the skyline. Breathe in the pure, crisp mountain air and marvel at the grandeur of the Himalayas. Return to Punakha with indelible memories echoes deep within your soul.

Explore the enchanting Phobjikha Valley, adorned with meadows adorned with vibrant wildflowers and cherished as a sanctuary for elegant black-necked cranes. Embark on a thrilling jeep safari or nature walk in Jigme Dorji National Park, where you may catch glimpses of elusive snow leopards and the majestic takin.

Bid farewell to the captivating landscapes and unforgettable encounters that Bhutan has offered. Cherish the memories as you capture a final breathtaking panorama from the Paro Airport Bird's Eye View, a poignant farewell to the Land of the Thunder Dragon.

Highlights: 4 Days to Cover Crown Jewels of Bhutan's Nature

• Chomolhari Base Camp Trek: Trek through rhododendron forests to a breathtaking vantage point, dwarfed by Himalayan majesty.
• Phobjikha Valley: Witness graceful black-necked cranes soaring amidst meadows, a spectacle of nature's beauty.
• Jigme Dorji National Park: Embark on a thrilling wildlife safari, spotting elusive snow leopards, the majestic takin, and diverse flora and fauna.
• Panoramic Vistas: From Dochula Pass and the Paro Airport Bird's Eye View, capture breathtaking memories of Bhutan's mountain kingdom.
• Wildlife spotting: National animal, Takin, Black Neck Crane & More.

Why Choose This 4-day Bhutan Itinerary: Ticking Off Main, Less Physical Burden

• Immerse in nature: Hike through meadows, trek to mountain bases, and spot wildlife in a diverse landscape.
• Go beyond the tourist trail: Explore hidden Valleys , witness ancient traditions, and connect with local communities.
• Experience spiritual serenity: Visit monasteries nestled in the mountains and find peace amidst awe-inspiring natural beauty.
• Tailored for adventure: Choose from challenging treks, relaxed nature walks, and thrilling wildlife encounters.
• Sustainable travel: Choose eco-lodges and responsible activities, supporting Bhutan's commitment to conservation, have professional Bhutan local guide lead you through Bhutan's wilderness.

Hidden Gem: 7 Days Bhutan Tour: Haa & Phobjikha Valley

Connect with Nature: 7 Days Bhutan Culture & Nature Tour

All the Way to the Mountain: 11 Days Jomolhari Trek

Cultural 4-Day Itinerary in Bhutan: Unveiling the Spirit of the Dragon Kingdom

If you are seeking cultural diversity , there is no better destination than Bhutan. Steeped in Buddhism & reverence for nature, Bhutan's culture swirls with colorful Festivals & masked dances, intricate textiles & ancient rituals.

With this 4-day Cultural Itinerary in Bhutan you can immerse yourself in the lively atmosphere of vibrant festivals, where you can witness the spectacle of colorful costumes and captivating masked dances. Experience the richness of ancient rituals that have been practiced for centuries in monasteries. Discover the art of hand-woven textiles, indulge in the flavors of Bhutanese Cuisine , warming both your body and spirit with the genuine hospitality of the Bhutanese people.

Overview: Cultural 4-Day Bhutan Itinerary Full Immersive Experience

Immerse in Festival Splendor: Witness the enchanting Thimphu Festivals (if timing permits), an extraordinary display of vibrant masked dances, melodic chants, and exuberant festivities. (Alternative: Explore the National Folk Heritage Museum, where artifacts and exhibits illuminate the rich traditions of Bhutanese culture.)

Connect with Local Life: Delight in a heartwarming home-cooked dinner shared with a local family, exchanging stories and savoring delectable local delicacies. (Alternative: Attend a traditional archery competition and witness the skillful prowess displayed in Bhutan's national sport.)

Tranquil Bliss in Punakha Valley: Inhale the invigorating mountain air as you explore the serene Punakha Valley, adorned with lush rice fields and meandering glacial rivers. (Alternative: Explore the bustling Thimphu Market, a treasure trove of hand-woven textiles and unique souvenirs, for any last-minute shopping delights.)

Embrace Village Life: Visit a local village and immerse yourself in their way of life, customs, and traditional farming practices. (Alternative: Embark on a nature walk, connecting with the diverse flora and fauna that grace the valley.)

Spiritual Serenity: Discover inner peace in the gentle glow of Chimi Lhakhang , a tranquil fertility temple radiating serenity. (Alternative: Visit Dzongdrak Monastery, nestled in a scenic valley, and experience the tranquility of monastic life.)

Discover the Majestic Rinpung Dzong: Ascend to the awe-inspiring Rinpung Dzong, a commanding cliff-top fortress that offers a fascinating glimpse into Bhutan 's storied warrior past. (Alternative: Visit Tashichho Dzong , the seat of government, and admire its intricate architectural beauty.)

Master the Art of Craftsmanship: Engage in a workshop where you can learn the art of traditional weaving, creating your very own unique souvenir. (Alternative: Immerse yourself in the world of Thangkas, intricate Buddhist paintings, at a local workshop.)

Enthralling Dances: Witness captivating mask dances performed in a hidden courtyard, where adorned figures bring ancient tales to life through vivid costumes and rhythmic movements. (Alternative: Attend a cultural show featuring traditional music, dance, and storytelling.)

Farewell and Treasured Memories: Bid farewell to Bhutan, cherishing cherished memories of vibrant celebrations, heartwarming encounters, and newfound skills.

Why Choose This Cultural Immersion 4-day Itinerary: Down to Earth Authentic Experience

• Go beyond the iconic: Venture beyond the postcard-perfect Dzongs and discover the heart of Bhutanese culture through intimate hands-on experiences.
• Experience living traditions: From witnessing vibrant festivals to learning traditional crafts, immerse yourself in the customs that continue to thrive.
• Gain deeper understanding: Explore museums, attend cultural performances, and interact with locals to gain insights into Bhutan's fascinating history and spiritual practices.
• Authentic connections: Skip the tourist hot spots and connect with local artisans, healers, and performers for meaningful and enriching experiences.

Note: Festival celebrations, including Tshechu, are held throughout the year across Bhutan. Please consult your tour operator to plan your Bhutan Itinerary accordingly.

Contact Us to Start Your Journey to Happiness

Rejuvenating 4-day Itinerary: Healing Journey to Revive Your Energy

Experience a 4-day itinerary in Bhutan that goes beyond mere sightseeing, inviting you on an introspective journey to uncover ancient wisdom and seek solace in the majestic embrace of the Himalayas. Embrace the tranquility of sacred temples, immerse yourself in awe-inspiring landscapes, and rediscover your inner self . This thoughtfully crafted 4-day Bhutan travel plan is perfect for those yearning for self-healing and a profound sense of inner peace.

Overview: 4 Destinations in 4-day Bhutan Itinerary without Rush

Day 1: Breathe, Unwind, and Reflect in Paro

As you arrive in Paro take a moment to inhale deeply and allow the serene atmosphere to envelop you.

Indulge in the immersive experience of a traditional hot stone bath, where warmed river stones gently alleviate tension and worries, leaving your body refreshed and stress-free.

Discover tranquility during a serene temple meditation session, encircled by the melodic chants of monks and the gentle flicker of candlelight, providing a sanctuary for inner peace.

Day 2: Explore, Savor, and Seek in Thimphu

Explore the lively markets of Thimphu, where vibrant colors and enticing aromas create a sensory delight for wanderers.

Savor a delectable lunch featuring ema datshi, Bhutan's cherished national dish, a comforting fusion of chili and cheese that will satisfy your taste buds.

Embark on a visit to Tashichho Dzong, the magnificent seat of government, where intricate architectural marvels and profound spiritual energy harmoniously intertwine.

Day 3: Nature's Embrace and Spiritual Guidance in Punakha Valley

Take a picturesque hike through the rice fields of Punakha Valley, immersing yourself in the warm touch of the sun and the gentle caress of the pine-scented breeze.

Discover blessings and a sense of rejuvenation at Chimi Lhakhang , a serene fertility temple nestled harmoniously within the valley's embrace.

Under the enchanting starlit sky, foster connections and exchange stories with local families, relishing a candlelit dinner in the cozy ambiance of a traditional farmhouse.

Day 4: Farewell and Carry the Peace Within

As you bid farewell to Bhutan, take with you cherished memories of profound self-discoveries and a revitalized spirit.

Optionally, immerse yourself in a local weaving workshop, where you can embrace the art of mindfulness, create a one-of-a-kind keepsake, and treasure the experience for years to come.

Why Choose This Rejuvenating 4 Days' Bhutan Itinerary: Unique Spiritual Experience for Each Day

• Reconnect with Yourself: Find peace in the serenity of Bhutan's landscapes and temples, embracing introspection and meditation.
• Indulge in Traditional Healing: Experience the revitalizing power of a hot stone bath, a centuries-old spa ritual for deep relaxation.
• Tantalize Your Taste Buds: Discover Bhutan's rich culinary tapestry, from spicy ema datshi to monastic vegetarian meals, nourishing your body and soul.
• Connect with Spirit: Visit monasteries and temples, seeking blessings and immersing yourself in Bhutan's deep spiritual traditions.

3 Days Bhutan Tour (Paro Thimphu)

Tiger's Nest Hike

4 Days Bhutan Tour (Paro Thimphu)

4 Days Classic Bhutan Tour (Paro Thimphu)

Tips for Your Bhutan 4-day Itinerary

Plan ahead, learn Bhutan's travel policy and seek guidance from local guide.

Plan Ahead: Lock Your Travel Visa and Hotels in Bhutan

• Early Bookings: Secure your Bhutan vacation well in advance, especially during peak season (March-May and September-November).
• Visa Essentials: Don't forget to obtain your Bhutan Tourist Visa before your trip.

Prepare for Your Arrival: Learn the Rules of Traveling in Bhutan

• Limited Transportation: Be prepared for limited public transportation options. Opt for a pre-arranged tour or hire a driver for convenient exploration.
• Travel Restrictions: There are regulations in Bhutan to help preserve the unspoiled land. Learn the Bhutan Travel Rules beforehand.
• Altitude Adaptation: Acclimatize gently and be mindful of possible Altitude sickness. Consult your doctor if needed.
• Cash is King: Carry enough cash as credit card acceptance is limited in most places.
• Do Your Research: Bhutan is a unique destination with its own Charms. Learn before you go. How to Visit Bhutan , Bhutan Tourist Tax: Bhutan's SDF Fee Promoting Happiness , Things to Know , Visa , Bhutan Travel Rules , Best Time to Visit Bhutan .

Extend Your Bhutan Itinerary for a More Immersive Trip

If time allows remember to include Gangtey and Bhumtang in your itinerary. Gangtey is known for its stunning landscapes and the Gangtey Monastery, while Bhumtang is famous for its four mountain valleys and numerous ancient temples and sacred sites.

Professional Travel Service is Needed: Explore Bhutan with Local People is a Responsible Way of Traveling

Bhutan, a unique and unspoiled destination, also requires delicate care from visitors. To ensure the environment and visitor safety, local guidance is essential. Exploring Bhutan's iconic Dzongs necessitates a licensed tour guide, and regulations prohibit independent driving for visitors with rental cars. Therefore, joining a tour group for a smooth and hassle-free experience, especially within a tight schedule like a 4-day itinerary, seems like a great idea.

Travel with AOT, Your Journey to Happiness Starts Here

In Bhutan , where clouds dance with prayer flags and mountains pierce the sapphire sky, your soul finds its melody. Hike through emerald valleys kissed by cool mountain mist, where ancient dzongs whisper secrets of the past. Dance with masked deities beneath a tapestry of stars, their vibrant costumes echoing the hues of spring wildflowers. Here, happiness blooms like rhododendrons on sun-drenched slopes, leaving you forever changed, a symphony of memories forever playing in your heart.

For years, we have dedicated ourselves to showcasing the wonders of Bhutan, paving the way for unforgettable journeys for travelers seeking an exceptional experience in the kingdom of happiness. With AOT's experienced Bhutan Local Team and our professional travel consultant team , we offer comprehensive services as your outstanding travel agency. Moreover, we act as a reliable travel companion on your journey to inner peace and happiness . Plan your lifetime Bhutan journey with AOT. Contact us now, let's embrace happiness in Bhutan together!

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The Cost of a Trip to Bhutan

Visitors to Bhutan usually spend between $40 and $175 per day on average for one person and $80 to $349 for two people. While this is a wide range, the average daily cost averages $91 (BTN7,602) per person. This average includes sightseeing, hotel, food, and local transportation expenses from other travelers. Your individual travel expenses may vary based on travel style and the locations visited, but if you plan wisely while visiting the most popular destinations, such as , then you'll likely spend somewhere in this price range while on your trip. Further down we have a breakdown of expenses by category, as well as a comparison of independent travel versus guided tour prices.

If you're considering an independent trip to Bhutan, it's helpful to have an idea of the amount of money you'll need. For budget travelers, planning to spend around $40 (BTN3,326) per day should cover your essential expenses, including affordable accommodations like hostels and budget hotels, cost-effective meal options, local transportation, and affordable activities. For those with a mid-range budget, allocating around $91 (BTN7,602) per day would allow for more comfortable hotels, dining at typical restaurants, and exploring a range of popular attractions. Luxury travelers, on the other hand, should anticipate a daily budget of $175 (BTN14,526), which would encompass higher-end accommodations, dining at nicer restaurants, and indulging in private tour options. It's worth noting that these price ranges are based on extensive travel cost data for Bhutan from fellow travelers, as well as insights from travel companies regarding hotel and tour prices. For further details on travel costs, you can refer to our comprehensive travel cost data for Bhutan .

How much does a one week trip to Bhutan cost?

Most visitors spend between $280 and $1,222 for a one week trip to Bhutan, with the average being $639. This includes sightseeing, local transportation, food, and hotels. One week is enough time to visit one, two, or maybe three locations in Bhutan, depending on how in-depth you want to make your visit. Some of the most popular places to visit are .

How much does a two week trip to Bhutan cost?

With two weeks, you should budget between $559 and $2,444 for your trip to Bhutan. The average price for a two week trip is $1,279. Two weeks will allow you enough time to visit between three and five places. If you're on a budget, you might want to consider some of the more affordable places such as smaller towns.

How much does a one month trip to Bhutan cost?

With a month-long trip to Bhutan, expenses can be anywhere from $1,199 to $5,237 with the average being $2,740. The cost of travel is dependent on your overall style of travel. If you have a full month, you'll likely want to stay at a vacation rental with a kitchen during at least part of your trip so that you can prepare your own meals. Backpackers often prefer hostels for the same reason. Hostels also offer a more social atmosphere at a very affordable price range.

Should you do an organized tour or travel independently in Bhutan?

Organized tours are an easy and convenient way to visit Bhutan. All of the details are handled by travel experts, and during the trip you'll benefit from the knowledge of an expert guide.

Traveling independently offers freedom and flexibility that is hard to find on an organized tour.

Many travelers appreciate the convenience and ease that an organized tour offers. Many tours provide transportation and expert guides that help you enjoy your trip.

Alternatively, you'll enjoy freedom and flexibility with independent travel that is difficult to find with an organized tour.

Comparing Trip Costs in Bhutan

When we compare the prices of organized tours to the average costs of independent travelers, we can see that sometimes the prices are fairly even.

Tours vs. independent Travel: Pros & Cons

Organized tours.

• An expert guide familiar with the culture
• Convenient transportation
• Fellow travelers to socialize with
• Well researched activities
• Efficient and thought out itinerary
• The security of have a trip leader if something goes wrong
• Limited options
• Usually not customizable
• The fast pace often means you can’t visit one place in depth
• Usually more expensive than independent travel
• There may be limited time to interact with the local culture and community

Independent Travel

• Completely customizable
• Opportunity to visit off-the-beaten-path destinations
• Can fully immerse yourself in the local culture
• Freedom to move at your own pace
• Flexibility to change your itinerary at any time
• More affordable
• Challenging to plan an efficient itinerary
• Transportation may be challenging or inefficient
• Booking and trip planning can be a hassle
• Popular sights may sell out well in advance
• If something goes wrong, you're on your own

Are organized tours more expensive than independent travel in Bhutan?

Organized tours average $402 per day in Bhutan, and are generally all-inclusive with one large payment. Independent trips usually average $91 (BTN7,602) per day, and include individual payments to hotels, local transportation, food, and sightseeing. When compared, organized tours and independent trips each come with their own set of challenges and benefits. It's important to understand all aspects of both types of trips to make a fair comparison. You can see our thorough analysis of tour prices in Bhutan here .

Here are a few sample tours in Bhutan:

• 5 Days Magical Bhutan Tour ($1,299) 5 days, 4 destinations more details
• Amazing Bhutan From East To West ($4,435) 16 days, 12 destinations more details
• Wonders of Bhutan With 3-Day Gangtey Nature Trek ($2,790) 12 days, 9 destinations more details
• 8 Days - Bhutan Cultural Tour with 3 Day Chelela Trek ($4,100) 8 days, 6 destinations more details
• Bhutan Druk Path Trek ($3,795) 8 days, 6 destinations more details

More for Bhutan

If you're planning a trip to Bhutan, check out these other informative travel guides.

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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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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How to calculate the cost or budget of Bhutan Trip?

Are you wondering what the cost of Bhutan trip is? Do you want to know the details on how to calculate the budget for a trip to Bhutan? This article will help you get to a tentative budget, which you help you in planning a memorable Bhutan trip.

Bhutan is probably the cheapest international destination for Indian Nationals, here’s how you do it on a budget. With a bit of frugality, a five-day trip to Bhutan, you can easily do in ₹7,000 – ₹8,000, not including the SDG charges. Of course, the cost will vary if you want to travel for more days covering the far eastern belt of Bhutan or spend time with the central and western regions.

Let's quickly dive into the details:

Budget or Cost of Bhutan Trip

Let us break the budget of Bhutan trip into various components and understand them one by one. We will refer a basic 5-day itinerary for a Bhutan trip and will not get into the details on reaching the base location.

Entry requirements

First of all, for any trip to Bhutan, you need to go through some paperwork to enter this happiness Kingdom . There are permit requirements, visa requirements as well as tourism fee. We will look at these individually.

Non-Indian Foreign Nationals

Apart from the nationalities of India, Bangladesh, and the Maldives, there is a stringent requirement of USD 200-250 per day per person . This fee includes most of the costs along with the tour guide. This article is not applicable to these folks and applies mainly to Indian Nationals planning a trip to Bhutan .

Indian, Bangladeshi, Maldivian Residents

Although a visa is not required to enter Bhutan for Indian citizens, they need a permit , which is free of cost. I recommend getting the permit in Kolkata . You can get the permit from the Royal Consulate of Bhutan in Kolkata.

Note that it takes eight days to get your permit issued. Alternatively, you can get your permit issued from Phuentsoling itself. Phuentsoling is a small Bhutanese town at the India-Bhutan border.

The only issue with this is that the permit-issuing office remains closed on Sundays and public holidays.

Dheeraj Sharma

I covered this topic in detail of entry requirements included in the Bhutan Travel Guide. Generally, they issue the permit in two-three hours. Entry in Bhutan doesn’t require a permit, provided you don’t move out of Phuentsoling.

Getting to Bhutan on a budget

If you’re looking to travel Bhutan on a budget, the cheapest option to reach Bhutan from Kolkata is by train. Kanchankanya Express is a decent train that leaves Kolkata at 8:30 PM and arrives at Hasimara at around 10: 30 A.M. Hasimara is the closest Indian railway station from Bhutan.

After reaching Hasimara, ask a local where you can get an auto to Phuentsoling/Jaigaon. Jaigaon and Phuentsoling are adjacent towns, and the auto will drop you right at the border.

There will be taxis in Hasimara station that will try to persuade you to go by taxi. Taxi charges around ₹300-₹500 while the auto takes ₹25 per person.

Expenses on Day 1 – Phuentsoling

You reach Phuentsoling at around noon. If you are not too tired, cross the border and head directly to the permit office. Fill the form and complete all the procedures.

While they are processing your application, set-off to book a hotel, you can get a decent budget hotel with double occupancy for anywhere from ₹700-1,000. After booking the hotel and having lunch, walk straight to the bus station to book the bus to Thimphu for the next day . The ticket costs ₹240 per person.

Pro-Tip: You can now book buses online

In the evening, take a stroll in the market. If you drink, don’t miss out on the cheap alcohol, starting from ₹20. Although cigarette is prohibited in Bhutan, there is an open drinking culture. Almost every restaurant has an attached bar.

Expenses on Day 2 | Phuentsholing to Thimpu

The next morning, set-off to visit the Karbandi monastery. The monastery is set on the hilltop and provides a mesmerizing view of the border of India and Bhutan. Taxi takes around ₹200–₹300 for a round trip. Take the bus to Thimphu by noon so that you can reach there by evening and search for hotels.

Businesses in Bhutan close early by around 9–10 PM Ideally, you should take the last bus from Phuentsholing and reach Thimphu, but remember, everything will be closed by 10ish. Hotels in Thimphu are more expensive as compared to Phuentsholing , but the quality is quite decent.

Expenses on Day 3 | Thimpu to Paro

This day is where you get to explore the major attractions in Thimphu during the day and catch the last bus to Paro in the evening . Again, I highly recommend making reservations in the morning itself. You would reach Paro by evening.

Paro is a town small enough to be covered on foot. Do note that the budget hotels available in Paro are not that great in terms of size and cleanliness. It is primarily due to proximity to the Tiger’s Nest Monastery .

A decent enough hotel with double occupancy will cost you around ₹1300 per night for two days. However, the food might be expensive at the hotel, and it is anyways better to venture out and try the local delicacies while exploring the beautiful hamlet of Paro.

Expenses on Day 4 | Tiger’s Nest Monastery

This day should be reserved for visiting Tiger’s Nest. Remember you’ll have a lot of exercise by way of hiking, so remember to pack water with you. Taxi takes ₹150- ₹200 for a one-way ride to Tiger’s Nest base.

The climb from the base to the monastery takes 2–3 hours and tests your endurance if you are not at the peak of your health. Before you leave for the journey towards the monastery, remember to book the bus ticket from Paro to Phuntshoeling for the next day in advance.

You will be spending some time at the monastery and remember to visit the cafeteria for some mesmerizing views and unforgettable memories! After returning from the monastery, you should have a relaxed day exploring the town of Paro and interacting with the locals to understand more about the culture of the region .

Day 5 | Reach Phuentsholing

Board the bus, reach Phuentsholing and repeat the same process as arrival to reach back Kolkata.

Pro-Tips for Budget Travel to Bhutan

• Most of the people in Bhutan can easily understand Hindi/English. There shouldn’t be any communication problems.
• You can use Indian currency to pay in Bhutan. Bhutan’s currency, Ngultrum , is equivalent to Indian Rupee.
• The people of Bhutan are very hospitable. The crime rates are negligible. So traveling in Bhutan is safer than in India, including solo travel .
• Along with a passport, they may also accept other government-issued ID proof as well. Just call the Royal Consulate of Bhutan’s office (033 4012 3999) to verify it.
• 4 is a magical number. Go with three more friends. It can share cabs and rooms easily. It saves more money and more fun.
• The bus ticketing facility ends by 5 PM, and after 6 PM, no buses. Cabs are costly; buses are cheap. So try to pre-book the buses.
• At the border, all the hotels and facilities will get closed by midnight Border gates too. No entry into India till the morning.
• Tiger’s Nest is closed on Tuesdays.

Pro Travel Tip : If you are interested in exploring the wildlife in Bhutan, then please check our detailed guide on Bhutan Wildlife Sanctuaries and National Parks .

Expenses Breakup – 5 Day Bhutan Trip Cost

• Two-way train ticket from Kolkata: 500x 2= ₹1000
• Auto from Hasimara to Phuntshoeling: 50×2= ₹100
• Hotel in Phuntshoeling: ₹350-500 per person
• Phuntshoeling-Thimphu-Paro-Phuntshoeling bus fare: 240+80+300+ miscellaneous= ₹750
• Hotel in Thimphu: ₹300-500 per person
• Sightseeing in Thimphu – ₹500 per person
• Bus from Thimphu to Paro – ₹80x 2 = ₹160
• Hotel in Paro (2 days): ₹500×2= ₹1000 per person
• Sightseeing in Paro – ₹500
• Taxi: approx. ₹500 per person
• Food: approx. 300 per person per day- 300*5= ₹1500
• Total cost: ~ ₹ 6500-7000

So, you can see that from the breakdown of the above expenses, the total budget or cost of Bhutan trip comes around ₹7000 for 5 days.

Depending on how you travel and what you indulge in – this figure can be higher or lower. However, the basics are pretty much covered here. Bhutan is genuinely the most beautiful place to travel , especially if you’re on a budget, without feeling like you’re missing out on any activity.

Have a travel question?? You can subscribe to my YouTube ch annel and leave a comment to ask your travel questions about traveling to the Himalayas.

The country has a lot to offer, and you should truly go and enjoy the beauty and isolation of the Kingdom.

About Unplugged Life Founded in the summers of 2016, Unplugged Life is a travel company specializing in bespoke leisure tours for domestic & inbound tourists traveling in India and parts of Asia. We see ourselves as artists who love to create unique travel experiences that our guests will cherish for a lifetime. Why Choose Us? We're bridging the gap between the locals & city folks. Having traveled extensively across every region we operate in, we have developed an understanding of the needs of our guests, their stay preferences, and travel styles. We also have a deep insight on the on-ground realities, the way a local would. Our itineraries and accommodations are chosen to create an experience for our guests. From visiting the most beautiful places to providing the best hotels, guest houses, and homestays, we ensure that with Unplugged Life every guest goes back happy and smiling.

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All You Need to Know About Bhutan Permits and Regional Bhutan Holidays

Bhutan-the Buddhist Himalayan kingdom, is known all over for being not just a land of vibrant cultures and happy laughter but a place of obscure beauty set amidst the breath-taking Himalayas, breathing out stress-less into the fresh air surrounded by the bliss of colourful monasteries. The place is indeed heavens for those seeking a little peace from their travel experiences.

This land-locked nation lies in South-east Asia and has added points for being marked as amongst the safest countries in the world for travelling. The place is also amongst travellers favourite because of the warm ambience one receives in here-don’t be surprised when you see strangers passing by smiles or being eager to help you when in Bhutan. The peace that Bhutan has to offer is indeed not to be found in any other place in the world. Permits for Bhutan trip are easy to be found as well.

Best time to visit Bhutan

A trip to this place would not need a lot of pre-planning and hassles. If you want to get the best out of your Bhutan trip, then plan your vacation in October and Nov. The green terrains of beautiful Bhutan start turning to golden which gives a perfect landscape view. Several festivals are organized across the country during these months, you can deeply explore the cultural side of this country. The winter season in Bhutan starts in December and lasts till February. When you move towards the northern regions (High Altitude Mountain Regions), the temperature falls to sub-zero, you can experience snowfall in the cities like Paro and Thimphu in January and early February.

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Permits Required For Bhutan Trip

By default, the Bhutan Entry permit is issued to Indian travelers for 7 Days to stay and visit the capital city Thimphu and Paro. If one wants an extended permit for stay or Entry to Restricted Areas (Beyond Paro and Thimphu), it can be received from the Bhutan Immigration Office in Thimphu itself.

• An important point to note here is that the Bhutan Authorities issue permits only once in 6 months when you apply using VoterID/Passport (Once in 6 Months from one ID). It means that you can visit Bhutan only four times a year.

Permit required to visit Punakha and other offbeat places

If you are looking to visit some offbeat places like Punakha, Wandue, Bumthang, Phobjikha-Valley, Gantey, etc., you will have to submit your e-permit, and you IDs at Thimphu Immigration Office between 9.00 AM to 11.00 AM to get an extended permit. The Indian Travelers can get Bhutan to permit using their Permit, Passport, and Voter ID. After the formalities, they will give you a printed document stating the permission.

Permits for travellers elsewhere

Process for getting the bhutan permit, permit using passport – online permit.

• You can apply for an online permit before your trip with the help of a Bhutanese tour operator or you can book an entire package with travel communities of our country and they will take care of your permits.
• Still, if you managed to get the e-permit somehow you still need to be physically verified by the biometric office in Phuntsholing When your trip starts, you have to submit the e-permit to the Phuntsholing Immigration Office and get your biometrics done to get the final seven-day permit. (7am – 9pm Mon – Fri)
• The Immigration Office (Both Permit and Biometric Offices)of Phuntsholing remains operational from 9 AM to 5 PM from Monday to Friday, you can get your permit from here and then you have to visit the Biometric Office to get verified Physically.

Permit Using Passport – Offline Permit

• If you missed to get the online permit, then you have to visit the Immigration Office in the first place to get your permission to travel.
• The process is similar but you have to stand in long queues for your permits and then you have to wait equally to get your fingerprints done at Biometric Office.
• It is highly recommended to get the e-permit as sometimes it takes more than a day to get the documents.

Permit Using Voter ID

• You cannot get an e-permit using your VoterID. However, you can get your offline permit using voter ID by visiting the Bhutan Immigration Office, following a similar procedure as mentioned above.
• Other than Phuntsholing you can get entry from Gelephu as well, it is a small village on the border of Assam state. It is the center for trade across both countries. People here are not aware of the permit process so it is better to enter Bhutan from Phuntsholing if you are taking a road trip.

Documents Requirements

Following are the necessary documents to get the Travel Permit for Bhutan

• 3 Recent Passport Size Images
• Itinerary For Your Complete Trip
• Hotel Booking Details/ Stay Vouchers
• A Bhutanese Guide (Not Mandatory).

Permits required for Bikes

Here are proper guidelines to get permits for a Bike

• You will need the following documents along with your e-permit (Visa).
• Incase of Voter ID you need a printed letter (Permission Letter By Bhutan Authorities), Photocopy of your Driving Licence, Registration Certificate (RC) for Vehicle, Pollution Certificate, Insurance, and  a declaration form you need to fill (Forms are available at RST offices).
• You have to pay INR 100/- per day per bike as fees. 
•  In case you are renting a bike from Bagdogra, you have to submit an additional declaration signed by the owner that he has transferred his bike on your name for n number of days. (Bike vendors are fully aware of this scenario, they will help you in simplifying the process.)
• You can rent bikes from Thimphu as well, the cost for bikes will start from approx INR 3500/- per day and you won’t need any permits for these bikes.  

How to travel locally in Bhutan

Phuentsholing permit office timings.

All working days (Monday to Friday) from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM  Bhutan  Standard Time (9:30 AM to 5:30 PM IST). Same is also Thimphu Immigration Office Timings. Please check for Bhutan Public Holidays in advance as both Thimphu and Phuntsholing Permit offices remains closed on Bhutan Public Holidays. The lunch hours are 1 pm to 2 pm BST.

Government Holiday List For Bhutan

Then, there are a list of holidays in Bhutan which are government holidays, and thus road travels on these days can come with hassles.

Reaching Bhutan via Flight

One could also reach Bhutan via flights. Direct flights are available from Delhi (Indira Gandhi International Airport) and Kolkata (Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport ) to Paro Airport in Bhutan. You can get your permit and biometrics done at the Immigration Desk at the airport using your passport. In case you want to get the permit using your Voter ID Card. You have to follow a similar process of visiting the immigration office and Biometric office to get your Entry permit. Carry all the important documents mentioned above, with your recent photographs. You can board flights of Druk Airlines and Bhutanese Airlines from the Capital City Delhi and Kolkata. The flight takes around 2 hours for you to reach from Delhi to Paro and approximately 1 hour from Kolkata. If you book your tickets well in advance, then it will cost you around 10,000-15000 which will increase as you reach to the date of your departure.

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