Bhutan has long been regarded as an exclusive, remote destination, showcasing golden-roofed temples, magnificent fortress-like monasteries, and timeless rural villages that resemble a modern-day Shangri-La. Unfortunately, experiencing paradise often comes at a hefty price.
Bhutan’s tourism mantra, “high value, low impact,” aims to maximize the financial benefits of tourism while minimizing its environmental and cultural effects. This is a perfect reflection of the country’s core philosophy of “Gross National Happiness.”
The country maintained strict travel restrictions during the Covid-19 pandemic and reopened its doors to tourism in September 2022. However, this reopening has introduced significant changes to Bhutan’s stringent tourism regulations. If you are considering a once-in-a-lifetime visit to Bhutan, here’s essential information on the new travel rules and how to navigate your trip to this unique Himalayan wonder.
What are the new tourism rules?
Historically, foreign tourists were charged a flat minimum fee of US$250 per person per day for a completely organized tour. This fee included US$65 allocated to the government, supporting free education and healthcare for Bhutanese citizens.
Starting in September 2022, foreign tourists are now charged a US$200 per person per day Sustainable Development Fee (SDF). This fee aims to further enhance sustainable tourism development, training, and carbon offsetting initiatives.
Additionally, tour prices are no longer fixed. Consequently, tour companies now have the flexibility to charge varying amounts based on service levels and activities offered, allowing travelers to have greater choice regarding hotel costs. However, it’s important to note that travel costs are supplementary to the US$200 daily fee. Families benefit somewhat, with children aged six to twelve only paying 50% of the SDF (i.e., US$100 per day), while kids under five are exempt from the fee altogether.
Moreover, foreign tourists are required to pay entry fees for major attractions, ranging from Nu 2000 (US$25) for the renowned Tiger’s Nest Monastery to Nu 1000 (US$12.50) at other popular fortresses and temples. This additional cost can add US$100-200 to most tours. It’s also noteworthy that many of these religious sites will be closed on major Buddhist holidays, which is unfortunate, as these occasions are often vibrant and festive.
How Will This Change Tourism in Bhutan?
With the new regulations, traveling to Bhutan has become even more expensive. Consequently, it’s likely that fewer foreign tourists will visit, and those who do may prefer shorter trips near popular destinations like Paro (Bhutan’s international airport) and Thimphu, the capital. Longer excursions to the more remote central and eastern regions now carry a higher price tag, particularly for trekking, which is generally more costly to arrange than cultural tours.
For instance, Bhutan’s iconic 27-day Snowman trek, known as the “world’s hardest trek,” now costs at least US$3500 more per person than before the new rules were implemented. These fees may make trekking in Nepal’s pristine areas, like upper Dolpo and Mustang, seemingly more attractive due to their lower fees.
What about regional Indian tourists?
Indian tourists are the primary exception to the new fee structure. They only pay a modest SDF fee of Nu 1200 (US$15) per person per day. Indian visitors must arrange a guide, hotel accommodations, and necessary permits to travel beyond Thimphu. These arrangements can be organized through a Bhutanese agent or independently.
It’s worth mentioning that Indian tourists constituted 77% of Bhutan’s annual visitors (243,000 out of a total 315,600). Given this demographic, many arrive in private vehicles and prepare their own food, leading some Bhutanese travel agents to question the justification of the fee system in the context of sustainable tourism or cultural preservation.
How much does a trip to Bhutan cost now?
With the new SDF fee of US$200 per person per day, most Bhutanese agencies typically charge between US$350 and US$450 per person per day for fully inclusive tours, an increase from the previous US$250. Trekking will likely be more expensive, and small groups will face higher costs compared to larger ones.
However, the new regulations do permit overnight stays in guest houses, heritage farmhouses, or rural homestays that are more affordable than tourist hotels. Under the previous system, tourists paid the same daily rate regardless of accommodations, but this is no longer the case. The downside is that even if you choose a simple rural homestay, you will still face costs of around US$300 per day for your trip, leaving you with limited budget travel options at high prices.
How to plan your trip
As of 2022, tourists have the flexibility to arrange their trips directly with hotels in Bhutan, which can lower transportation costs if you’re only visiting vibrant destinations like Thimphu and Paro. However, for more complex itineraries that involve overnight stays, cultural programs, day hikes, and trekking, it’s advisable to collaborate with an experienced agency since Bhutan’s tourism infrastructure is still developing.
A timely planning process is essential. Aim to finalize your itinerary at least a month in advance to secure your journey, pay your tour operator, and obtain visa approval. If traveling during peak season months of October, November, March, and April, booking flights to Bhutan well ahead is crucial to ensure availability.
Planning your itinerary
Due to the high costs of visiting Bhutan, some travelers may be tempted to restrict their stay to just a few days in the Paro Valley. While this region boasts incredible medieval temples, monasteries, and museums, and nearby Thimphu presents a mix of historical and modern attractions, limiting your journey will only expose you to the more popular tourist areas.
To truly experience Bhutan, consider extending your visit to explore the enchanting Punakha Valley or the lesser-known Haa Valley, accessible from Paro via Bhutan’s highest motorable pass. For those keen on adventure, venturing to central and eastern Bhutan is essential to uncover the country’s hidden gems.
A practical approach to planning is to use an agency’s sample itinerary as a foundation and adjust it according to your interests. If you have specific passions, such as embroidery, hiking, or Buddhism, a reputable agency will customize the tour to match your preferences. It’s also significant to plan for extra activities, like a traditional hot-stone bath, overnight stays in rural homestays, or adventurous outings like rafting and mountain biking. Coordinate your journey to coincide with one of Bhutan’s vibrant festivals for an unforgettable experience.
We highly encourage exploring lesser-known temples and trails to genuinely connect with Bhutan’s culture and environment. Even within a limited timeframe, it’s possible to veer away from the tourists’ path and find a quieter locale where you can immerse yourself in Bhutan’s authenticity.
Not to miss places in Bhutan
Taktshang Goemba
Hike up to Bhutan’s most iconic temple, the Tiger’s Nest Monastery, famous for its breathtaking location attached to a cliff.
Punakha Dzong
This stunning fortress is adorned with purple jacaranda flowers in spring and is home to several spectacular festivals.
Thimphu
As Bhutan’s capital, Thimphu offers historically vital monasteries, local fairs, and a vibrant weekend market, alongside the impressive former seat of government.
Top Bhutanese experiences
Attend a Tsechu (Religious Dance Festival)
Every dzong or temple in Bhutan celebrates a yearly festival featuring sacred dances, vibrant attire, and local fairs. The key events in Thimphu and Paro stand out, but lesser-known festivals are also worth attending.
Explore Bhutan on foot
A simple walk in Bhutan often leads to a sacred meditation spot, a Buddhist pilgrimage site, or through enchanting forests bursting with rhododendron blooms. Undoubtedly, this is the best way to experience Bhutan’s rustic charm. For a memorable experience, consider the Bumdrak trek that takes you through beautiful landscapes to the renowned Taktshang Monastery.
Relax in a traditional hot stone bath
Enjoying a soak in a traditional Bhutanese wooden bathtub filled with water heated by medicinal hot stones and aromatic mountain herbs is an ideal way to unwind after a day of exploration.
Best time to visit
March/April offers warm temperatures along with stunning rhododendron displays, while October/November allows for clear views of the Himalayas and several vibrant festivals. However, since the new regulations eliminate discounts for off-peak travel, there is less encouragement to visit during winter (December to February) or during the monsoon season (June to September).
How long should I spend in Bhutan?
As long as your budget allows! A four-day visit may cover the key highlights of Paro Valley and the quirky capital Thimphu. If you can spend a week, you’ll have the opportunity to explore the charming Punakha Valley.
To experience the central Bumthang Valley or the intriguing, yet remote far east, plan for at least a couple of weeks, although a domestic flight from Thimphu can expedite your travels.
Ultimately, you will probably have only one opportunity to visit Bhutan in your lifetime, so take full advantage of it.
How to get a Bhutan visa
Once your itinerary and tour pricing are established, the next step involves transferring payment to the travel agency, typically using a bank transfer to Bhutan National Bank. Be prepared for some logistical steps, such as discussing where Bhutan is located.
After completing the wire transfer, you will fill out a visa form and send a digital photo and scan of your passport. Acquiring the visa is simply a formality, and your agency will usually email your visa authorization within several days. The visa typically costs US$40 and is often included in your tour price.
If you choose to arrange travel independently, you will need to pay the SDF fee directly to the government and apply for your visa through the Department of Immigration, although specific details on this process have yet to be disclosed.
Upon arrival at Paro Airport or at the Indian border, present your visa authorization for immigration to stamp your passport with the visa.
How to get to Bhutan
The majority of visitors travel to Bhutan’s Paro airport either from Delhi, Bangkok, or Kathmandu using the national airline, Druk Air. Ensure that you have a printed copy of your visa authorization ready prior to check-in.
Since the tourism reopening in September 2022, foreign travelers can also enter Bhutan overland through one of three borders with India. Nevertheless, the Phuentsholing crossing remains the most popular point of entry for adventurous souls looking to combine Bhutan with excursions to neighboring attractions like Darjeeling or Assam.
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This content was first published on Jun 24, 2019, and updated on Sep 26, 2022.
