Bhutan Travel, How Much Does it Cost?

Cheaper Inclusive Holiday and Discounts in Himalayan Kingdom

Apr 8, 2009

Holidays in Bhutan incur a daily charge covering all basic expenses. With major increases on hold and discounts, this is no more than an average night in a London hotel.

Substantial increases planned by the Bhutanese government were recently postponed to sustain tourism during the recession. Anyone who thinks of visiting Bhutan would be wise to seize this opportunity for a cheaper inclusive holiday in the Himalayan kingdom.

The basic daily charge set by the government includes tax and cost of an inclusive holiday in the Himalayan kingdom. For groups of three or more, the charge is US $200 per person per night, a rate unchanged for years to which operators may add a discretionary 10%. A surcharge applies to single travelers and groups of two. Discounts in the Himalayan kingdom are available during the low season, July and August, and for students and children year round.

Longer stays are encouraged with further discounts, 10% for nights11 to 20 and 20% for 21 and above. Blue Poppy Bhutan offer discounts after 8 nights.

Bhutan’s Daily Charge, Good Value for Money

An all inclusive holiday in the Himalayan kingdom is good value for money. Once visitors have entered Bhutan, any extras are entirely at their discretion.

Accommodation is in medium range tourist hotels with full board and ample supplies of tea.

If a trek is included, the charge covers permits, equipment, porters or pack animals, cooks and guide.

Bhutan does not allow independent travel and the services of a qualified guide are included on all journeys. Airport transfers, sightseeing and festivals, entrance fees and private internal transport are also covered, either by car or minibus depending on group size, with experienced drivers. With a few exceptions, this applies to any itinerary, regardless of distance and duration.

Cost of Visa to Bhutan, Optional Extras in Inclusive Holiday to Himalayan Kingdom

Holidays to Bhutan should be pre-booked through a recognised operator who will make arrangements for a visa, collected on arrival. The cost of a visa to Bhutan is US$20 and covers the planned length of stay. It can be extended in Thimphu for a further US$15 to allow additional nights.

Optional extras include drinks, incidentals such as phone, internet or laundry, and spa treatments if applicable. Luxury accommodation is available at extra cost in some areas and should be requested at the time of booking.

It is usual though not compulsory to leave small donations in temples and tip guides, drivers and trekking staff. Local souvenirs can be expensive but quality is high.

Only Druk Air, the national carrier, flies to Bhutan which ensures skilled Himalayan pilots but keeps prices relatively high. The airline operates from Bangkok, Delhi, Calcutta and Kathmandu, and less frequently from Gaya and Dakha. Shorter flights from Calcutta or Kathmandu are the best way to minimise costs.

The alternative is to enter or leave Bhutan by land via Phuntsholing on the Indian border but visitors are requested to fly at least one way.

The copyright of the article Bhutan Travel, How Much Does it Cost? in Bhutan Travel is owned by Solange Hando. Permission to republish Bhutan Travel, How Much Does it Cost? in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.