Bhutan is a diverse destination famed for its beauty, culture, food, and exciting activities, and this travel cost guide will help you plan the perfect trip without overspending. We've broken down average costs from past travelers, including where to stay, what to eat, and what to see, so that your trip is both affordable and unforgettable.
How much does it cost to travel to Bhutan?
You should plan to spend around $109 (BTN9,217) per day on your vacation in Bhutan. This is the average daily price based on the expenses of other visitors.
Past travelers have spent, on average for one day:
- $48 (BTN4,102) on meals
- $28 (BTN2,343) on local transportation
- $65 (BTN5,500) on hotels
A one week trip to Bhutan for two people costs, on average, $1,521 (BTN129,038). This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
All of these average travel prices have been collected from other travelers to help you plan your own travel budget.
Independent Travel
Traveling Independently has many benefits including affordabilty, freedom, flexibility, and the opportunity to control your own experiences.
All of the travel costs below are based on the experiences of other independent travelers.
Is Bhutan expensive to visit?
Bhutan is a reasonably affordable destination to visit. It is in the top 25% of countries in the world for its affordability. If you're traveling on a budget, then this is a good destination with affordable accommodation, food, and transportation.
Within Asia, Bhutan is moderately priced compared to the other countries. The overall cost of travel here is comparable to Malaysia or Taiwan.
Whether you're looking for luxury or traveling on a budget, Bhutan has an array of accommodation and activities to suit your needs. Budget-friendly hotel options are available, but there are also luxury hotels that cater to the more affluent customer, along with mid-range hotels for families or couples.
If you're worried about costs in Bhutan, there are ways to cut back, like eating at less expensive restaurants and enjoying free activities.
On average, budget travelers spend $48 (BTN4,033) per person per day, mid-range travelers spend $110 (BTN9,217) per day, and luxury travelers spend around $210 (BTN17,613) per day. These costs are calculated from the expenses of previous travelers to Bhutan.
For more details, see Is Bhutan Expensive?
How much money do I need for a trip to Bhutan?
The average Bhutan trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these Bhutan travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers. Also, you can see more details at How much does a trip to Bhutan cost?
Bhutan on a Budget
|
Category
|
Budget
|
Mid-Range
|
Luxury
|
Accommodation 1
For 1 person in double occupancy
|
$14
(BTN1,203)
|
$32
(BTN2,750)
|
$62
(BTN5,255)
|
|
Local Transportation 1
|
$12
(BTN1,025)
|
$28
(BTN2,343)
|
$53
(BTN4,477)
|
|
Food 2
|
$21
(BTN1,794)
|
$48
(BTN4,102)
|
$92
(BTN7,838)
|
|
Entertainment 1
|
$10
(BTN859)
|
$23
(BTN1,964)
|
$44
(BTN3,754)
|
The Tiger's Nest, Bhutan
Realistic Expectations for Your Travel Budget
Having realistic expectations about your travel budget is very important. While it's easy to think of yourself as a "budget" traveler who can see everything on a shoestring, most find this style of travel quite challenging. Think about what you truly enjoy and your previous travel experiences. Are you drawn to resorts and vacation rentals, or do you like the budget-friendly environment of hostels? How important is it for you to eat in nicer restaurants? The answers to these questions will influence your overall travel budget.
Who Exactly is a Budget Traveler?
You may have heard that it's possible to visit Bhutan for around $48 a day, but if you want to maintain any level of comfort, you should be ready to spend considerably more.
While budget travelers might manage to travel on that amount, it often means staying in hostel dormitories, eating at budget restaurants or fast food joints, using public transport or walking, and sticking to free attractions.
Are You Considered an Average Traveler?
For couples or families traveling for fun, it's common to stay in mid-range hotels, dine at well-known restaurants, and visit the big museums and attractions that charge entry fees. You won't want to miss all of the major sights and attractions. As most activities are not free, you'll be spending at least some money on your trip. Given this, a more realistic daily budget would be around $110 per person, per day.
What Luxury Travel Looks Like
If you're seeking a deluxe vacation that includes premium service and amenities, expect to pay around $210. This budget will cover luxurious hotels, award-winning dining, extravagant tours, and private transportation, landing you in the "luxury" travel range. You might even find yourself vacationing in high-end spots like the major cities and resort areas. Also, make the most of your time by booking a high-end multi-day tour such as 8 Days - Bhutan Cultural Tour with 3 Day Chelela Trek - offered by Female Guide Holiday.
Accommodation Budget in Bhutan
The range of hotel prices in Bhutan can be quite surprising, especially when you compare budget-friendly and luxury hotels. Peak season brings much higher prices, so consider traveling in the off-season for a more affordable experience. Booking in advance can also help with savings.
Calculated from travelers like you
The average price paid in Bhutan for two people for a typical double-occupancy hotel room is $65 (BTN5,500). For one person sharing a room, the average price paid for a hotel room is $32 (BTN2,750) per night. These costs are from the reported spending of actual travelers.
Looking for a hotel in Bhutan? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.
Local Transportation Budget in Bhutan
Calculated from travelers like you
-
On average, past travelers have spent $28 (BTN2,343) per person, per day, on local transportation in Bhutan. The cost of a taxi ride or rideshare service (Uber/Lyft) in Bhutan is significantly more than public transportation.
-
Local Transportation1
Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
$28
BTN2,343
Food Budget in Bhutan
Calculated from travelers like you
-
While restaurant and meal prices in Bhutan can vary significantly, the average cost of food in Bhutan is $48 (BTN4,102) per day, per person, based on the spending habits of previous travelers.
-
Food2
Meals for one day
$48
BTN4,102
When dining out, the average daily cost for food in Bhutan is around $49 (BTN4102) per person, with previous travelers spending from $21 to $94. Generally, breakfast and lunch cost less than dinner, but this will depend on the type of restaurant and what you order.
Typical meal prices in Bhutan are as follows:
- Breakfast: $9 to $15
- Lunch: $7 to $24
- Dinner: $17 to $39
- Coffee: $4
- Fast Food or Street Food: $8
Bhutanese food has one predominant flavor: chili. This small red condiment is not only added to every dish but is also often eaten raw since chilies are considered a vegetable. So, if you don't like spicy-hot food, make this abundantly clear before ordering a meal. Otherwise, you'll be spending the next hour dousing your mouth with cold yogurt or milk. Rice is a staple with every meal. Vegetable or meat dishes cooked with chili and/or cheese comprise the accompanying cuisine. Hot-pot and Western European food is also now available in some restaurants in Thimphu where French fries, pork or beef ribs, and pizza are served.
Transportation
Paro International Airport is the only entry point to Bhutan by air. It is located in the south west of the country and served by the country's flag carrier Druk Air and by the private airlines Bhutan Airlines. There are three land border crossings located along southern border to India only. Phuntsholing in the west, Gelephu in the central region and Samdrup Jongkhar in the east. No border crossings are open along the Chinese northern border. Road permits are also required; however, these are processed by your local tour operator, along with your visa. Buses into Bhutan are available from Kolkata, Siliguri, and Phuentsholing. The Tourism Council of Bhutan operates the daily tariff for all tourists entering the country. It is not possible to enter Bhutan as a tourist without paying this tariff except if you are from India, Maldives, or Bangladesh. For these three countries all the visitor requires is to produce their identity card of their country. The only other options for visiting the country are to receive an invitation by a Bhutanese citizen, where proof of the relationship must be presented on applying or through a NGO. Your local tour operator will provide a vehicle and driver for the duration of your stay. This cost is included in the daily tariff. However, traveling by local or inter-district bus or taxi can also be organized. As the public transport running between towns in Bhutan is infrequent, hitching is a very common way to get around. The thumb in the air symbol, however, is not recognized, and you will need to flag down a passing vehicle in order to get one to stop.
If you're on a trip with children, keep an eye out for restaurants that have a childrens' menu. This can be a great money saver since those dishes are usually priced lower. Some restaurants may not include kids' options on their menus, so it's best to ask the waiter beforehand.
Most hotels include breakfast in their rates, though some add it as an additional cost. The price and quality can differ widely depending on the hotel. Knowing this in advance can help you determine if the hotel buffet is worth it or if a cheaper option at a nearby bakery or café is more suitable.
Take a water bottle with you rather than buying drinks everywhere you go. It's also great for the planet.
If you're planning to join a tour, check in advance about which meals are included. You may have to cover some food expenses on your own, which can stretch your budget.
Sightseeing and Activities Budget in Bhutan
Calculated from travelers like you
-
Sightseeing activities, entertainment, and entrance tickets in Bhutan typically cost an average of $23 (BTN1,964) per person, per day based on the spending of previous travelers. This includes fees paid for admission tickets to museums and attractions, day tours, and other sightseeing expenses.
-
Entertainment1
Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
$23
BTN1,964
Local tours that last a few hours can be a great way to explore Bhutan. Prices vary by the type of activity or tour, the dates, and the size of the group. Here are a few of the highest rated tours by previous visitors:
- Photography Tour in Thimphu and Dochula Pass for $280 details
- Thimphu Private Walking Tour with a Local Guide for $45 details
- Feeling Bhutan- Private personalized tour of the capital city Thimphu for $51 details
- Thimphu City Tour for $244 details
Traveling in Bhutan
Bhutan
Bhutan is no ordinary place. It is the last great Himalayan kingdom, shrouded in mystery and magic, where a traditional Buddhist culture carefully embraces global developments. Bhutan, a Buddhist kingdom on the Himalayas' eastern edge, is known for its monasteries, dzongs (fortresses), and dramatic landscapes that range from subtropical plains to steep mountains and valleys. Bhutan offers amazing Himalayan landscape, where snow-capped peaks rise above shadowy gorges cloaked in primeval forests. Taking up prime positions in this picture-book landscape are the majestic fortress-like dzongs and monasteries. This unique architecture sets the stage for spectacular tsechus (dance festivals) attended by an almost medieval-looking audience. There's so much to see and do here, it's sure to be a trip you'll never forget.
Top Tourist Attractions
There are numerous sights and attractions to be seen in Bhutan, whether your interests are natural beauty, historic sights, or cultural wonders. Hundreds of monasteries dot the landscape in some of the most pristine and remote areas. Dzongs also dot the countryside and were built without the use of cement, nails or plans. The dzongs are ancient fortresses that now serve as the civil and monastic administration headquarters of each district. Apart from the architecture, which in itself makes a dzong worth visiting, they also hold many art treasures.
In addition to the amazing sights below, new visitors should check out this great guide to Bhutan here that covers a variety of travel topics.
Chendebji Chorten: This religious building was supposedly constructed to calm the evil spirit of a giant serpent.
Taktsang Monastery (Tiger's Nest), Paro: This temple, built beside a 1,200 meter cliff in 1692 is one of the most significant Buddhist sites in the world and one of the most visited sites in Bhutan. Guru Rinpoche visited here during his second visit to Bhutan in the 8th century. Legend says he arrived on the back of a winged tigress, giving the site its name of Tigers Nest.
Kurje Lhakhang, Jakar: This temple was built around a cave and it has a body print of Guru Rinpoche embedded in its wall.
Tashichho Dzong: This Buddhist monastery and fortress is located on the northern edge of the city of Thimpu. Thimpu is located on the western bank of the Wang Chu.
Regions
Western BhutanThe western area includes Thimphu, Paro, Haa, Wangdue Phodrang, Punakha and Gasa. In the western part of the country, you can attend the summer festival of Haa and delve into the wonders of the ancient living culture of the Haaps (People from Haa). You can also visit temples, dzongs and museums or attend a textile festival that brings to life the rich culture of Bhutanese weaving. Western Bhutan is home to some of the country's finest museums, and you'll not want to miss the opportunity to learn about our storied history and traditional culture. Paro museum (Tadzong), displays hundreds of artifacts revealing the history and culture of Bhutan, In Thimphu, let the Folk Heritage museum enthuse you with an in-depth look into a typical farmers' livelihood.
Central Bhutan
Central Bhutan is where you'll find a variety of historical and religious sites. You'll find many ancient temples and monasteries in the Bumthang district and the Trongsa district has much political significance. Popular landmarks in this region include Kurje Lhakhang, a temple dating back to 1652, Tamshing Lhakhang, dating back to 1501, and the sacred lake of Mebar Tsho.
You'll find much great natural beauty in the central part of Bhutan. There are many alpine and sub-tropical forests and the Thrumshingla National Park is known for its rare bird species.
Eastern Bhutan
Eastern Bhutan is a less visited part of the country, so it offers a truly authentic experience. If you're looking for adventure then this entire region has no shortage of natural beauty, beautiful cliffs, and untouched forests. You'll find a wide range of altitudes and climates, making for an unpredictable and varied experience. This region is also where you'll find some of the country's most ancient spiritual traditions including Animistic and Bon religious rituals. If you want to enjoy a longer trek or unmatched adventure, then this is the region to visit.
Activities
Trekking: Many people visit Bhutan for the impressive treks. Many are quite challenging but well worth the effort. As you get to the higher regions you'll find fewer places to stay or restaurants where you can eat, so make sure you travel with the proper equipment.
Festivals: Tshechu, held during the late summer and fall seasons, is the largest religious festival in Bhutan, but Thimphu Tshechu is the most famous festival, gather a crowd of nearly 30,000 people. The ceremonies are known for the dances of the masked monks.
In addition to the older festivals in Bhutan, there are also many newer festivals in the region like the annual Nomad's Festival and the Matsutake Mushroom Festival in Ura, Bumthang. The Haa festival illustrates many Shamanic rituals and a variety of folk dances. The rare Himalayan flowers are a unique sight as well. A trek to Nob Tsonapatra offers a unique perspective on the legends of the area. In Thimphu you can witness the newly introduced Takin Festival, MICE & GNH conferences, meditation and wellness facilities.
Archery: This is the national sport of Bhutan. You'll find many archery competitions all over the country each weekend.
Hot Stone Bath: this is a unique experience in Bhutan where riverside rocks are heated and then put into a wooden tub with Artemisia leaves. The rocks heat the water and fill it with minerals.
Read more: A guide to backpacking solo in Bhutan
We've been gathering travel costs from tens of thousands of actual travelers since 2010, and we use the data to calculate average daily travel costs for destinations around the world. We also systematically analyze the prices of hotels, hostels, and tours from travel providers such as Kayak, HostelWorld, TourRadar, Viator, and others. This combination of expenses from actual travelers, combined with pricing data from major travel companies, gives us a uniqe insight into the overall cost of travel for thousands of cities in countries around the world. You can see more here: How it Works.
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.