Bhutan – the Land of the Thunder Dragon – beckons travelers with its pristine landscapes, rich culture, and promise of spiritual discovery. However, one question looms: How much does it cost to go to Bhutan? The answer is that the Bhutan travel cost is higher than in many other destinations. This Himalayan kingdom follows a “High Value, Low Volume” tourism policy aimed at sustainable development, which means visitors pay a premium daily fee to experience its wonders. In this guide, we’ll break down all the Bhutan trip expenses – from the mandatory Bhutan daily fee to flights and accommodations – so you can plan your Bhutan budget confidently and know exactly how much to budget for your trip.
Bhutan’s Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) and Daily Tourism Cost
One key reason Bhutan travel cost is relatively high is the mandatory Bhutan Sustainable Development Fee (SDF). As of 2025, the SDF is USD 100 per person, per night (reduced from $200 as a temporary incentive). This daily fee is essentially a tourism tax that goes directly to the Bhutanese government to fund education, healthcare, and sustainable development projects.
Importantly, the SDF is charged on top of your other expenses – it doesn’t include your accommodation, guide, or other services. Tour operators will usually include the SDF in your Bhutan tour pricing. For example, Peregrine Treks and Tours factors the SDF into its package costs, so you won’t pay it separately. At $100 a night, the SDF can quickly add up: a 7-night stay means $700 in fees per person, significantly affecting your Bhutan budget.
Bhutan Travel Budget Breakdown: Major Trip Expenses
Beyond the SDF, what other costs should you plan for in your Bhutan travel budget? Below is a breakdown of the major Bhutan trip expenses you need to consider:
Bhutan Visa Cost
International visitors (except citizens of India, Bangladesh, and the Maldives) need a Bhutan visa. The Bhutan visa cost is USD 40 per person for a single-entry visa. This is usually a one-time fee paid in advance when your tour operator processes your visa. Peregrine Treks and Tours handles the visa arrangements for you and includes this $40 fee in your package. Upon arrival in Paro, you’ll get your visa stamp without paying anything at the airport, since it was pre-paid.
Flights to Bhutan
The only international airport in Bhutan is Paro (PBH), and you will likely fly from hubs like Kathmandu, Delhi, Bangkok, or Singapore. Flights to Bhutan are limited to Bhutan’s two airlines (Druk Air and Bhutan Airlines), so prices can be higher than typical regional flights. A round-trip flight from Kathmandu to Paro costs around $400–$500 per person. From Bangkok or New Delhi, round-trip fares are roughly $600–$900, depending on season and availability.
These flight costs are not usually included in tour packages, so you should budget for them separately. Peregrine Treks and Tours can assist in booking your Bhutan flights, or you can arrange them on your own. Be sure to book well in advance, especially during peak season, as seats fill up quickly.
Accommodation in Bhutan
Most tours include your accommodation in the package price. Bhutan uses government-approved 3-star hotels and cozy resorts for tourists. If you were booking separately, these standard hotels might cost $50–$150 per night, but with a package tour, your lodging cost is already covered in the Bhutan tour cost. By traveling with Peregrine Treks and Tours, you won’t have to worry about nightly hotel bills at all – it’s taken care of in advance.
Meals (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Guided tour packages typically include meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner). For example, Peregrine’s Bhutan tours cover all meals, letting you enjoy Bhutanese cuisine without extra cost. If you travel without an inclusive meal plan, budget roughly $20–$30 per day for food. Restaurants are reasonably priced, though choices may be limited in small towns. Keep in mind that drinks like soda, beer, or wine are usually not included in a package, so you would pay for those separately (more on that under optional expenses).
In-Country Transportation
Travel between cities in Bhutan (Paro, Thimphu, Punakha, etc.) is usually by private vehicle on winding mountain roads. Transportation within Bhutan is included in your tour package – Peregrine Treks and Tours provides a private car or van with a driver throughout your trip. This means you don’t need to pay for local taxis or rentals. (For reference, hiring a car and driver independently could cost over $200 per day, so having it included in the package is a significant saving.)
Guide and Tour Services
International tourists in Bhutan are required to have a licensed Bhutanese guide during their stay. When you book with an operator like Peregrine, the cost of an English-speaking guide is included in your Bhutan tour package. Your guide will accompany you to all sights, help with language, and ensure your trip runs smoothly. (If you somehow traveled without a package, a guide would cost roughly $30–$50 per day – but in Bhutan’s regulated system, a packaged tour with a guide included is the standard.)
Entry Fees and Permits
As you visit various attractions in Bhutan, such as museums, dzongs (fortresses), temples, and nature parks, there may be entry fees or permits required. These fees are generally modest (often $5–$20 per site). For example, some museums or monasteries might charge a small entrance fee. When traveling on a package tour, these costs are usually included in your itinerary price.
Peregrine Treks and Tours pre-pays all necessary permits and tickets for scheduled sites, so you won’t pay out-of-pocket at each stop. If you plan an activity outside the standard itinerary (say, an extra site visit on a free afternoon), keep a little cash handy for any entry fees. Compared to other expenses, attraction fees are minor, but it’s good to be aware that they’re taken care of in most tour packages.
Optional Expenses in Bhutan to Consider
While the major costs above cover the essentials, you should also account for personal and optional expenses in your Bhutan budget. These can vary by traveler, but here are common optional Bhutan trip expenses to keep in mind:
- Tipping: While not mandatory, tipping your guide and driver is customary. Many travelers budget roughly $10 per day for the guide and $5 per day for the driver as a thank-you for good service.
- Shopping and Souvenirs: Bhutan offers beautiful handicrafts (textiles, art, etc.). Prices range widely, from a few dollars for simple items to hundreds for premium pieces. Plan a shopping budget according to your interests.
- Drinks (Alcohol & Beverages): Beverages like soft drinks and alcohol are not included with meals. A local beer in Bhutan costs around $5–$8, and other drinks are priced similarly to Western hotel rates. If you enjoy a drink with dinner or want to experience Bhutan’s nightlife, set aside some budget for those extras.
- SIM Card & Internet: Wi-Fi is available at hotels, but if you need reliable mobile data, you can buy a local SIM for roughly $10–$20. This is optional, as many travelers manage with hotel Wi-Fi alone.
- Travel Insurance: Protect your trip with travel insurance (approximately 5% of trip cost). It covers emergencies, cancellations, and other unforeseen events, and is highly recommended for financial safety.
- Extra Activities: Set aside a small cushion for activities beyond your itinerary. For example, a hot stone bath costs around $25, and certain cultural shows or special excursions might have their own fees. These optional add-ons can enhance your trip, so budget a bit extra if you’re interested.
- Upgraded Hotels or Services: Choosing luxury options will increase your costs dramatically. A stay at a high-end 5-star hotel can add several hundred dollars per night to your budget. Likewise, flying business class or chartering a helicopter for sightseeing will raise expenses. Only opt for these upgrades if you’re prepared for significantly higher trip costs.
By budgeting for these optional items, you can avoid surprises and enjoy your Bhutan trip knowing you have covered the extras that matter to you.
Sample Bhutan Travel Budgets
To put everything together, let’s look at a few sample budgets for different trip styles. These examples will give you a ballpark idea of how much to budget for your trip to Bhutan, whether you’re doing a short adventure or a deluxe journey:
Budget for a 5-Day Bhutan Tour (4 Nights in Bhutan)
For a brief visit, a 5-day Bhutan tour will cost roughly USD 2,400 per person. This estimate assumes you’re traveling on a package tour with standard inclusions:
- Tour Package (5 days/4 nights): Approximately $1,950 per person. This is based on Peregrine Treks and Tours’ 5 Days Bhutan Tour Package, which covers your 3-star hotels, guide, private transport, all meals, Bhutan visa cost, and the SDF for 4 nights (4 × $100 = $400).
- Flights to Bhutan: Around $450 per person, round-trip from Kathmandu. (Flights from other gateways like Bangkok or Delhi may vary, so adjust this part of the budget as needed.)
With these components, the total cost of travel to Bhutan for 5 days comes to about $2,400 per person. You would still add any personal spending (tips, drinks, shopping) on top, but the package covers almost everything important up front.
Budget for a 7-Day Bhutan Tour (6 Nights in Bhutan)
For a week-long exploration of Bhutan, plan for roughly USD 2,700 per person. Here’s the breakdown:
- Tour Package (7 days/6 nights): Around $2,250 per person for a quality guided trip. Peregrine’s 7-Day Bhutan Travel Package starts at about $2,250, which includes the SDF for 6 nights (6 × $100 = $600), visa, accommodation, guiding, transport, and meals.
- Flights to Bhutan: Approximately $450 round-trip per person (from Kathmandu or a similar hub).
That brings the core Bhutan trip expenses to roughly $2,700 per person for a 7-day itinerary. (Your out-of-pocket costs during the trip would be minimal – mainly just the optional items mentioned earlier – because the package pre-pays the major expenses.)
Budget for a Luxury Bhutan Trip (10 Days, 9 Nights)
If you’re aiming for a luxury Bhutan tour, the budget will be significantly higher to account for top-tier services and accommodations. A 10-day luxury trip can cost around USD 15,000 per person:
- Luxury Tour Package (10 days/9 nights): Approximately $14,500 – $15,000 per person for a deluxe itinerary. For example, Peregrine Treks and Tours offers a premium Bhutan Luxury Tour around this price range. Such a package would include upscale 5-star hotel stays each night, a private expert guide, a personal driver, all meals (often with gourmet options), and immersive experiences. Naturally, the SDF ($900 for 9 nights) and visa fee are included, as well as any domestic flights or special activities built into the itinerary.
- International Flights: ~$500 – $1,000 per person for round-trip flights to Bhutan, depending on your origin and flight class (business or first-class tickets would cost more).
In total, around $15,000 per person will cover a truly first-class Bhutan experience. It’s a high price tag, but for travelers seeking an exclusive, all-inclusive journey, it can be well worth it.
Tips for Managing Your Bhutan Travel Budget
Finally, here are some real-world tips to help you make the most of your money when planning a trip to Bhutan:
- Book with a Trusted Tour Operator: Always choose a reputable tour company like Peregrine Treks and Tours for your Bhutan adventure. Peregrine is a licensed operator experienced with Bhutan’s regulations. Booking with a trusted operator ensures your Bhutan tour cost is transparent and includes all mandatory fees and services. You’ll know exactly what you’re paying for, and you won’t encounter hidden charges during your trip.
- Verify Inclusions and Exclusions: Make sure you know exactly what your tour package covers. Peregrine Treks and Tours clearly lists all inclusions (SDF, visa, hotels, transport, guide, meals), so you won’t face surprises. If anything, important – like flights or a special activity – is not included, budget extra for it.
- Prepare for Extra Costs: Set aside a small extra fund for incidentals. We suggest about 10% of your budget as a cushion for tips, extra snacks, or any unplanned activity. This buffer lets you embrace spontaneous experiences in Bhutan without worry.
- Time Your Visit for Value: Stay informed about Bhutan’s tourism policy updates. For instance, the government has occasionally offered incentives, like temporarily halving the SDF or special deals for longer stays, to boost tourism. Traveling during such incentive periods can reduce your Bhutan travel costs. Additionally, consider off-peak seasons (winter or monsoon) for potentially lower airfares and easier flight availability. While Bhutan’s high season (spring and autumn) offers the best weather and festivals, an off-season trip can be lighter on the wallet and still very rewarding if you’re prepared for the climate.
By following these tips, you’ll get the best value out of every dollar spent on your Bhutan trip. The goal is not just to save money, but to ensure that the money you do spend translates into a smooth, memorable travel experience.
Conclusion: Bhutan Travel Cost | Complete Guide to Budgeting Your Bhutan Trip
Bhutan’s travel costs may be higher than those of other destinations, but the experience is unique and rewarding. With careful planning and the right tour operator, you can ensure every dollar is well spent. Peregrine Treks and Tours handles all the logistics, offering transparent pricing and a seamless travel experience. When you’re ready to visit this Himalayan kingdom, contact Peregrine Treks and Tours to find a Bhutan tour package that fits your budget and travel plans.
