During peak seasons, which span from March to May and September to November, the tariff stands at US $250 per person per night and during the low season in July, the rate decreases to US $200 per person per night, covering various expenses such as meals, accommodation, transportation, and guide fees.
“Once a year, go someplace you’ve never been before.” – Dalai Lama
Following the initial surge in the Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) to $200 per day post-pandemic, incentives were introduced on September 1, 2023, to encourage longer stays, resulting in a 50% discount on the SDF, reducing it to US$100 per day.
Children aged six to 12 incur a fee of $50 daily. Despite these reductions, travelers still need to budget for additional expenses like meals, transportation, and visa-related fees.
Other changes included making booking through authorized agents optional. However, visitors are still required to secure a licensed guide, book a minimum 3-star hotel, and obtain necessary permits.
Foreign nationals must obtain an e-visa before entering Bhutan, except for Indian nationals who require an entry permit.
Nationals of Bangladesh and the Maldives are eligible for a visa on arrival, while those from Thailand and Switzerland holding Diplomatic/Official passports can also obtain visas on arrival.
If you're planning a trip to Bhutan, it's important to book your accommodations and flights well in advance, especially if you're traveling during peak season.
: TIME
Bhutan is half an hour ahead of IST (Indian Standard Time).
: Currency
The Bhutanese currency is known as the Ngultrum (Nu.), which is pegged to the Indian Rupee. While credit cards are accepted at some business establishments, it's advisable to carry cash for most transactions. Indian Rupees are widely accepted across the country, except for denominations of Rs. 1,000 and Rs. 500.