How much does it cost to travel to Bhutan ?
The cost of traveling to Bhutan varies depending on the season, the type of accommodations chosen, and the travel itinerary, but there are some fixed components that every traveler should budget for. The most significant expenses include the mandatory daily Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) and the tour package cost, which typically covers accommodations, meals, transport, and a licensed guide. Here’s a breakdown of the costs to expect:
1. Sustainable Development Fee (SDF)
- Bhutan requires tourists to pay a Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) of $100 per person per day. This fee goes towards supporting sustainable tourism, preserving Bhutan’s cultural heritage, and environmental conservation.
- Exceptions: Citizens of India pay a reduced SDF of INR 1,200 per day.
2. Tour Package Cost
- In addition to the SDF, tourists are required to book a pre-arranged tour package through a licensed tour operator like Bhutan Omkara Tours & Travels. This package typically includes:
- Accommodation: Three-star hotels are generally standard. Luxury hotels and boutique accommodations are available at additional costs.
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are usually included.
- Transport: A private vehicle and driver for the entire tour.
- Licensed Guide: A knowledgeable guide to accompany you throughout your trip.
- Average Cost: Depending on the level of service, tour packages usually range from $250–$350 per person per day for a standard experience. The cost may be higher for more personalized, luxury tours with premium accommodations and services.
3. Flight Cost to Bhutan
- Flights to Bhutan are generally not included in the tour package and must be booked separately. Druk Air and Bhutan Airlines are the two airlines that fly to Bhutan, mainly from hubs like Bangkok, Delhi, Kathmandu, and Singapore.
- Estimated Round-Trip Airfare:
- From Bangkok: ~$600–$700
- From Delhi or Kathmandu: ~$400–$500
- From Singapore: ~$900–$1,200
4. Visa Fee
- The tourist visa fee is usually around $40, which the tour operator arranges as part of the tour package.
5. Additional Expenses
- Personal Expenses: These may include shopping, souvenirs, and personal activities that are not covered in the tour package.
- Luxury Accommodations or Special Requests: For those who want to stay in five-star hotels or resorts, such as the Bhutan Spirit Sanctuary or Aman hotels, there will be additional costs ranging from $500 to $1,500+ per night.
- Festivals and Special Events: If you plan to attend festivals like the Paro Tshechu or Black Necked Crane Festival, costs may rise slightly due to higher demand, although the SDF and tour package inclusions remain the same.
Estimated Total Cost for a 7Nights/ 8 Days Trip for a SOLO traveler, however the cost differs for group above 2 pax
- Basic Standard Package:
- SDF: $100 x 7 nights = $700
- Tour package: $300 x 7 nights = $2,100
- Visa fee: $40
- Total: ~$2,840 per person (excluding flights)
- Luxury Package with Premium Hotels:
- SDF: $100 x 7 nights = $700
- Tour package with luxury accommodations: $500 x 7 nights = $3,500
- Visa fee: $40
- Total: ~$4,240 per person (excluding flights)
Bhutan’s unique pricing model is designed to encourage high-value, low-impact tourism that supports its sustainable development goals, while also providing travelers with a high-quality, immersive experience in this beautiful Himalayan kingdom.
