How much does a 7 day trip to Bhutan cost?

How much does it cost to stay in Bhutan for a week?

A week in Bhutan… It haunts me, the cost. Three thousand pounds? Maybe more. Peak season, you see. Brutal.

It’s more than that, though. It felt… heavier. The minimum daily tariff alone, £190 a day, eats at you. Seven days. A thousand three hundred and thirty pounds.

Flights are extra. Visa too. Thirty pounds. Small potatoes, really, compared to everything else. Then, there’s the unspoken cost. The tips. The unseen extras. That’s where it really digs in. The pressure.

The pressure to enjoy it. To make it unforgettable. The weight of that expectation… It costs you something, doesn’t it? More than money.

• Minimum Daily Fee: £190/day x 7 days = £1330
• Visa Fee: £30
• Flights: Varies wildly. My flight was £800, but that’s just an example. It changes.
• Unforeseen Expenses: Prepare for unexpected costs. It’s part of the trip. And this part is the one I can’t quite put a number on. That’s what hits the hardest.

How much does it cost to go to Bhutan?

Okay, so Bhutan… it’s, like, not cheap. Costs a bit, ya know?

I saw some tour packages. They weren’t, like, super clear on everything included, but it gives you a rough idea. It depends on where you start too.

• Incredible Bhutan (4 Nights 5 Days): About Rs. 32,800. Cheapest option, I guess.
• Albelu Bhutan – Ex Ahmedabad (6 Nights 7 Days): Woah, jumps up to Rs. 98,000. Big price difference.
• Bhutan – Ex Bangalore (7 Nights 8 Days): Pretty close, Rs. 96,000. Hmmm.
• Albelu Bhutan Extravaganza – Ex Ahmedabad (6 Nights 7 Days): Whoa Nelly! This one is, like, Rs. 119,000. What?! Extravaganza sounds pricey.

So, to go to Bhutan, plan on spending at least around thirty-two grand. But, like, probably a lot more, depending. Like if you’re all “fancy pants” and want all the extras, of course it would cost a lot.

Okay, some more things to consider: those packages are probably per person, right? And you gotta factor in flights to Ahmedabad or Bangalore if you don’t live there! Plus, maybe visa fees… do they have visa fees? I have no idea. And spending money. For, like, souveniers. Or, snacks. Always snacks, right?

I’d say, just to be safe, budget like at least, uhh, seventy grand, at least. If you want to do the trip right. Maybe even more. Depending… ya know?

Is 7 days enough for Bhutan?

Seven days? Barely a scratch. Bhutan’s soul is deeper than that.

A week felt rushed, honestly. The monasteries… I saw some, but not nearly enough. The mountains? Magnificent, breathtaking, but fleeting glimpses.

Paro Valley, yes, lovely. But Thimphu felt too short. Didn’t even get close to the feeling of the place. I wanted more time in Punakha.

My regrets? Plenty.

• Not enough hiking. My legs ache now thinking about it.
• The food was amazing, but I wish I’d tried more. Momos for days, sure, but what else is there?
• I missed the festivals. Damn it. Seriously. This year, it was the Paro Tshechu. 2024 better not disappoint.

The people were kind, yes, that is true. That part was special. But I needed more time. More time to breathe, to absorb it all. This feeling… it lingers. A bittersweet ache. Bhutan deserves more than a week. Seven days isn’t enough. It’s a cruel joke. I’ll go back. Someday.

Is it expensive to travel to Bhutan?

Ugh, Bhutan. Twenty bucks a day just for the visa? That’s insane. Seriously? Who thought that was a good idea? Makes me wanna go somewhere cheaper. Like maybe Vietnam? Or Thailand. I heard the food’s amazing there.

Okay, so $200 a day for the visa PLUS another $100 for food and lodging… that’s $300 a day minimum. That’s a LOT. For me, anyway. My last trip to Costa Rica in 2023 was way less. I wonder if it’s worth it. Bhutan’s supposed to be stunning, though. Those mountains. The monasteries.

I’ve been saving for a while… I was thinking about Patagonia. But Bhutan’s way more exotic. Plus, I want a proper adventure this year. Maybe next year?

Costs:

• Visa: $200/day (ridiculous!)
• Accommodation & Food: $100+/day (depends on your style obviously)
• Flights: Another $1000-$2000 easily, round trip. From NYC at least. Probably more.

Alternatives:

• Nepal – Cheaper, similar scenery (but maybe less unique?)
• Hiking in the Alps – Closer to home, cheaper for sure.
• South East Asia – Tons of options, way more budget friendly.

I’m still debating. I’ll probably check flights during the off-season next year. Maybe I’ll just go camping in the Adirondacks first… Ugh decisions, decisions. Need more wine.

What is the entry fee for Bhutan?

Bhutan doesn’t have a typical “entry fee” exactly. Instead, there’s a Sustainable Development Fee (SDF).

For Indian tourists, the SDF stands at INR 1,200 per person per night. A relatively modest sum, no?

Children aged 6-12? Half price on the SDF for them! A 50% reduction, to be precise. Those under 5 years old get in free (SDF-wise, anyway). My niece would have loved that when she was little!

• SDF for Adults (Indian): INR 1,200/night
• SDF for Children (6-12, Indian): INR 600/night
• SDF for Children (Under 5, Indian): Waived. Zero.

The SDF contributes to Bhutan’s commitment to high-value, low-impact tourism. A fascinating approach that more places should, um, maybe consider. It’s not just about the money. It is also about the future.

Let’s keep it real, though. Don’t forget to factor in costs for things like accommodation, food, transportation, and, yeah, that souvenir yak-wool scarf you absolutely need. Bhutan’s a magical place, I bet! I am thinking of going next year with my dog.

How many days do I need for Bhutan?

Seven to twelve days typically suffices for Bhutan. It allows for ample time to explore the iconic sights. Thimphu, Paro, and the Tiger’s Nest—a must-see.

The length, naturally, shifts based on one’s interests. I mean, if you are into trekking, add days. It is the best way to see Bhutan.

• Cultural Immersion: Consider 7-10 days.
• Trekking Focus: Extend to 12+ days.
• Festival Visit: Account for festival dates.

Remember local festivals. Tshechus, vibrant religious festivals. These add a rich layer. It really depends on what you seek.

Bhutan requires time. A rushed trip misses the point. It is like sipping fine tea quickly. You just miss the aroma, the experience, and oh well.

Which month is best to visit Bhutan?

Okay, so Bhutan… October. Definitely.

I went in October 2023. Picture this: Paro Valley, all crisp air, bright blue skies, and golden rice paddies. Seriously stunning!

• Place: Paro, Bhutan
• Time: October 2023
• Feeling: Awestruck, peaceful

January? Forget about it. My buddy tried it once. Said it was freezing his, uh, you know. Rhododendrons in the spring sound cool, but that’s not my vibe. I want sunshine!

It was a work trip actually, something about promoting our new app, TravelZen, to some tourism folks. Ugh, work. But Bhutan… it made it bearable. Maybe even… good? No, too far. But go in October, trust me!

The only downside? Flights were $$$. Super expensive! Totally worth it though. No question.

Here’s a little extra… stuff to remember:

• Altitude sickness is real. Drink water, take it easy.
• Spicy food is everywhere. Pack some Tums if you’re a wimp.
• Negotiating prices is not really a thing. Prices are pretty set. I found this out the hard way when buying a scarf for my mom.

And you HAVE to see Tiger’s Nest Monastery. Seriously. Breathtaking. October weather made the hike manageable. I heard, no idea if its true, its a total mud pit during spring.

October is the month to experience the best weather and the best visibility.