Bhutan Travel Cost 2025/2026

The Bhutan travel cost for international tourists includes the Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) / government tax of US $100 per person per night in Bhutan (except Indian nationals, applicable for individuals above 12 years).

Discount on Sustainable Development Fee (SDF)

No change for children up to age of 5 years.
Children aged 6–11 years accompanied by guardians receive 50% discount.
Bhutan visa fee: US $40 per person per trip. Visa extension fee: US $40.

Package Tour Cost

Tour Type	Cost per Night
Solo Travelers	US $345
2 pax in a group	US $290 per person
3 pax and above	US $280 per person

Package Tour Includes:

Accommodation in 3-star hotels approved by the government.
All 3 meals a day plus tea/coffee.
Guide services.
Bottled water during the trip.
Transportation within Bhutan, including airport transfers.

Trekking Package Cost

Trekking Type	Cost per Night
Solo Trekker	US $450
2 pax in a group	US $360 per person
3 pax and above	US $325 per person

Trek Cost Includes:

Trekking guide, cook, and helpers services.
Ponies to carry supplies.
Sleeping tents, kitchen, mess, and toilet tents.
Sleeping mats and 3 meals a day (bring your own sleeping bag).

Exclusions:

Travel insurance premiums.
Entry fees for museums, monuments, etc.
Bhutan visa fee (US $40 per person).
Bhutan / Drukair Airline fares.
Payments for services provided on a personal basis.
Personal expenses such as tips, laundry, incidentals, and porterage.
On departure day, local agent obligation limited to breakfast; extra requirements payable on actual basis.

Tour Payments:

All payments must be settled one month in advance in US Dollars to clear the Bhutan VISA. Booking is confirmed after receiving 50% of the tour payment.

Bank Details:

Bank Name: Standard Chartered Bank Ltd.
Address: 1095 Avenue of The Americas, New York, NY 10036
SWIFT Code: SCBLUS33
CHIPS ABA: 0256
FED ABA: 026002561
Beneficiary Bank: Bhutan National Bank, P.O Box 439, Thimphu, Bhutan
SWIFT Code: BNBTBTBT
Beneficiary Account: 0100021840001

Journey to a Hidden Kingdom in the Himalaya

Bhutan remains unspoiled and deeply spiritual, with striking mountains and monasteries. Buddhism, the state religion, influences every aspect of Bhutanese life, evident in centuries-old Dzongs dotting the landscape.

The kingdom preserves Buddhist traditions; schoolchildren wear GHO and KIRA (traditional clothing). Bhutan measures success via Gross National Happiness rather than GDP. Visitors are welcomed by well-educated, vibrant, and joyful locals.

Buddhist Festivals

Buddhist festivals (TSECHU) feature costumed dances, traditional music, and large Thangka unveilings, bringing locals together at monasteries to celebrate Bhutanese culture.

Holiday Packages for Indian Tourists to Bhutan

Holiday Packages for Tourists from India

Bhutan welcomes Indian travelers with minimal paperwork and maximum hospitality. Here’s what you need to know for a smooth, memorable journey to the Land of the Thunder Dragon.

Entry Requirements and Permits

No visa needed for Indian citizens, but you must obtain an entry permit upon arrival (land or air).
Valid ID: Either Indian Passport (min. 6 months validity) or original Voter ID Card (no photocopies/digital accepted).
Two passport photographs required.
Minors under 18: Birth certificate in English or passport, must be accompanied by parents.
PAN/Aadhaar not accepted at land borders. If you lack passport/voter ID, Indian Embassy in Phuntsholing can issue an identification slip (with PAN & Aadhaar).

Entry Points

Airport at Paro, or border crossings: Phuntsholing, Gelephu, Samtsi, Samdrup Jongkhar.
Permits can be obtained on arrival or in advance online.

Sustainability Fee (SDF) & Charges

Indian visitors pay a Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) of INR 1200 per person per night (approx. USD 15).
Children aged 6-12 get 50% discount; under 5 are exempted.
Exemption: If visiting border towns (Phuntsholing, Gelephu, Samtsi, Samdrup Jongkhar) for under 24 hours—no SDF or permits needed (pre-registration advised).

Booking & Transport

Plan independently or with a tour operator, but you must book stays in tourism-approved accommodations.
Arrange for a local guide and obtain travel insurance (not mandatory but highly recommended).
Shared taxis and public buses connect border towns to main cities; driving your own car requires special permits, Green Tax, and paperwork.

Culture, Etiquette & Safety

Dress modestly, remove shoes in temples, avoid public displays of affection.
Follow temple etiquette: walk clockwise around stupas, no photography in some religious sites.
Bhutan is very safe, even for solo travelers and backpackers.

Money & Connectivity

Carry Indian Rupees (widely accepted and pegged 1:1 to Bhutanese Ngultrum); ATMs are sparse in remote areas.
Credit cards accepted only in upscale places.
Local SIMs (Bhutan Telecom, Tashi Cell) are affordable and recommended for reliability.

Altitude & Weather

Highlands may bring altitude sickness risk—acclimatize, stay hydrated, pack warm layers, avoid sudden exertion.
Weather is unpredictable—carry rain gear, appropriate footwear, and check forecasts regularly.

Culture & Sustainability

Engage deeply: visit Dzongs, guardians, local festivals, home stays, and towns like Punakha or Bumthang for authentic experiences.
Avoid littering, minimize plastic use, and travel responsibly.

Bottom Line: Bhutan offers a wondrous, culture-rich and safe travel experience for Indian tourists—with minimal paperwork but meaningful local connection. Let us know if you would like help with sample itineraries, festival timings, or top trekking routes!