Bhutan is not the cheapest destination in Asia. But it is far more transparent about its costs than many countries that claim to be “budget” destinations while hiding fees at every turn. This guide breaks down every cost component for a typical 7-night trip so you can plan accurately.
Government fees (fixed — same for all operators)
| Fee |
Amount |
Notes |
| Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) |
USD 100 / night |
Non-SAARC nationals. Collected by operator, paid to government. |
| Visa fee |
USD 40 |
One-off. Included in most tour packages. |
For a solo traveller on a 7-night trip: SDF USD 700 + Visa USD 40 = USD 740 in mandatory government fees.
Tour package cost
Your tour package covers accommodation, all meals, a licensed guide, private vehicle and driver, and all monument entrance fees.
| Accommodation tier |
Approx. cost (7 nights, per person) |
| 3-star standard hotels and guesthouses |
USD 900 – 1,200 |
| 4-star boutique hotels |
USD 1,400 – 2,000 |
| 5-star luxury resorts |
USD 4,000 – 8,000+ |
Flights to Paro
International airfare is not included in tour packages and must be booked separately.
| Origin |
Approx. round-trip fare |
| Kolkata (CCU) |
USD 200 – 350 |
| Delhi (DEL) |
USD 280 – 450 |
| Kathmandu (KTM) |
USD 300 – 450 |
| Bangkok (BKK) |
USD 450 – 650 |
| Singapore (SIN) |
USD 500 – 700 |
Personal expenses (not included)
| Item |
Typical cost |
| Travel insurance (required) |
USD 50 – 150 |
| Alcoholic beverages |
USD 3 – 10 per drink |
| Guide tip (recommended) |
USD 10 – 20 per day |
| Driver tip (recommended) |
USD 5 – 10 per day |
| Horse hire at Tiger’s Nest |
USD 15 – 20 each way |
| Personal souvenirs |
Variable — textiles USD 30 – 200+ |
Sample total budget: 7-night trip (solo traveller)
| Item |
Cost (USD) |
| SDF (7 nights) |
700 |
| Visa fee |
40 |
| Tour package (3–4 star, 7 nights) |
1,250 |
| Flights (Delhi to Paro, example) |
380 |
| Travel insurance |
90 |
| Personal expenses (tips, drinks, souvenirs) |
300 |
| Total |
~USD 2,760 |
Is Bhutan good value?
Compared to a package holiday to Thailand, Bhutan is more expensive. Compared to a similar quality journey through New Zealand, Switzerland, or the Galápagos Islands, it is comparable. The SDF you pay directly funds the free healthcare and free education of the people whose country you are visiting. That is a rare thing in travel.
