How Much Does a Bhutan Trip Cost from India? Full Budget Guide

Have you ever dreamed of snow-covered mountains, monasteries in a peaceful sleep, fresh mountain air and beautiful Himalayan landscapes? Today, a visit to Bhutan is on the list of nearly every traveler. The “Land of Happiness” is an interesting place to visit because it has a very quiet and calm vibe and is very spiritual, and not at all like the overcrowded tourist places.

However, one question is always on the mind before planning a trip to Bhutan from India – What is the price of a Bhutan tour from India?

It's subject to various factors like travel style, length of stay, transportation, hotel accommodation and sightseeing itinerary. The upside is that there are plenty of options to travel light or luxuriously in Bhutan. This is a complete guide to all the major expenses in Bhutan for all your trips, from solo to a honeymoon, a family vacation or a group tour.

When it comes to Bhutan tour packages, people tend to have a lot of questions at Namaskar India Tour, including the average cost of a Bhutan tour package, what they're not told about, their Bhutan tour package permits, and how to save money while visiting Bhutan. This Bhutan tour guide is packed with information in straightforward terms so you can make your trip to Bhutan without any confusion.

Is Bhutan Expensive for Indian Tourists?

Bhutan is a tad pricey when compared to several Indian hill-stations, due to the Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) imposed for Indian travelers. But, Bhutan remains quite cheaper for Indians than for international tourists.

The price range for a normal tour trip to Bhutan with the Indian support for 5-7 days is between ₹25000 and ₹70000 per person. The budget traveler will spend less by opting for a road trip and cheaper hotels, whereas the luxury traveler may have to shell out more than the amount of ₹1 lakh for his/her hotel and airfare.

The best thing that the Indian tourists enjoy is that they don't need a visa to visit Bhutan. The procedure for Indian citizens to enter Bhutan has been made much easier as they can do so with a Voter ID card and/or a valid passport.

Bhutan Permit and SDF Cost for Indians

• The Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) is one of the most crucial components of your trip in Bhutan.
• Indian tourists have to pay about ₹1200 per person per night in Bhutan at present. Expenses directly related to this fee will affect the total trip cost.
• For instance, in case you are planning an 8 day Bhutan tour the SDF alone for this tour will cost you around ₹7,200 per person.
• In addition to this, travelers must also obtain permits for visiting some of the most popular destinations in Bhutan, including Thimphu and Paro. A majority of travelers like to make their travel bookings via travel companies such as Namaskar India Tour as permit arrangements become easier and also stress-free.

Transportation Cost from India to Bhutan
Another key factor that can help determine your Bhutan trip cost from India is transportation.

Traveling to Bhutan by Flight

Bhutan is easily accessible via the Tibet Airlines flight to Paro International Airport, which offers the most convenient and comfortable access. The flights are available from major cities in India such as Delhi, Kolkata, Mumbai, and Bangalore.

The season and the time of booking are major factors in the pricing of airfare. If you go in the tourist season, the flight ticket prices may be high. 

On average:

• The airfare from Delhi to Bhutan can range from ₹18,000 to ₹35,000.
• The fare of Kolkata to Bhutan flight can cost around ₹12,000 to ₹25,000.
• The Mumbai and Bangalore flights are slightly more expensive.
• If you wish to save some money on your Bhutan tour, flying at least 2 months in advance can be helpful.

Cheapest Way to Reach Bhutan from India

Tourists who like traveling on a budget prefer to enter Bhutan by road from Phuentsholing, which lies at the border with Jaigaon. This is a very popular trail among Indian backpackers as this minimizes the cost of the flight. The majority of visitors arrive at Hasimara or New Jalpaiguri train station and then proceed to the Bhutanese border via taxi. From here one can be transported to the rest of the country such as Thimphu and Paro. Road travel may save you ₹15,000-20,000 on your overall trip to Bhutan, as compared to air travel.

Hotel Prices in Bhutan

There are a variety of lodging choices available in Bhutan, with options ranging from budget-friendly to luxurious. There are guesthouses available that offer a comfortable stay for travelers who are looking for an affordable option as well as luxury resorts in the mountains for those who want to enjoy the luxury.

• The average price for budget hotels in Bhutan ranges from ₹1,500 to ₹3,000 per night. These hotels are clean, comfortable and perfect for budget-conscious travelers and backpackers.
• The mid range hotels stay in the price range of 4000 to 8000 rupees per night with better amenities, mountain view, spacious rooms.
• In Bhutan, luxury resorts range in price from ₹15,000 to ₹50,000 or even higher per night. The properties offer a high-end experience, including spa facilities, fine dining and stunning views of the Himalayas.
• The main tourist destinations like Paro, Thimphu and Punakha are close by, which make them preferred places to stay in by most tourists.
• Namaskar India Tour can offer a better hotel rate for complete Bhutan tour packages.

Food Cost in Bhutan

• One of the best things about travelling in Bhutan is the cost of food is not that high. Bhutanese and Indian food can be easily located in restaurants in big cities in India.
• The cost of a typical restaurant meal is from ₹300-800 per person, and local eateries and cafes are much less expensive.
• One of the well-known dishes of Bhutan is spicy and cheese based. Foods that you should definitely eat are Ema Datshi, momos, red rice, thukpa, etc.
• When you are traveling on an economical budget daily food costing can be maintained within ₹500 - ₹1,000.

Local Transport Expenses Inside Bhutan

To travel between the cities, it is necessary to hire private taxis or tourist vehicles as public transport is not very prevalent in Bhutan.
The cost of private taxis for the day varies from ₹3,000 to ₹6,000, depending on the route and type of taxi. Shared taxis are less costly and less convenient for sightseeing.
When you are in places such as Tiger's Nest Monastery, Dochula Pass etc., you need to take a car from the local people.
This is another reason why many travelers take Bhutan tour packages from Namaskar India Tour as transport, sightseeing and permits are generally bundled as a single package, which helps the travellers to save the last minute expenses.

Sightseeing and Entry Fees in Bhutan

Bhutan is known for its monasteries, dzongs, mountain viewpoints and cultural landmarks. There are also relatively low entry fees at most of the attractions, but getting there will also require a budget.
Some of the must-see sites are:

• Tiger’s Nest Monastery
• Punakha Dzong
• Buddha Dordenma
• Dochula Pass

The sightseeing and entry fees for a complete 5-7 day tour are approximately ₹2,000 – ₹5,000.

Best Time to Visit Bhutan on a Budget

The price of travelling to Bhutan varies by season. The high season of March to May and September to November is costlier due to the great weather and festivals, this is also the best season to visit Bhutan. During these months, flights and hotel accommodation are expensive. For those looking to have an inexpensive Bhutan tour, winter is the time to go. Hotels will have lesser tourists and lower rates. Winter is also spectacular for the magnificent snowy mountain landscapes.

Another best method to reduce the charges of a Bhutan tour cost from India is to travel during the off-season.

Total Estimated Bhutan Trip Budget from India

• If you are travelling with road transport and low cost hotels, then Bhutan could cost you approximately Rs 25,000 – 35,000 per person.
• Typically, passengers who want to travel comfortably, have to buy their tickets for travel from ₹50,000 to ₹70,000 and also choose better hotels.
• Those that are looking for luxury travel, in which they opt for the best resorts, flights and private holidays might shell out more than ₹1 lakh per person.
• The primary factor in your final budget is the type of travel and experience you are looking for.

Why Choose Namaskar India Tour for Bhutan Trips?

• Sometimes, it can be a stressful thing when planning an international trip, particularly when permits, travel arrangements, hotel accommodation, and local arrangements are required.
• Namaskar India Tour is providing the travelers with an easy and economical tourism experience in Bhutan with a customized Bhutan tour package from India.
• Their team will arrange permits, hotel accommodations, sightseeing arrangements and comfortable transportation so that visitors can enjoy the beauty of Bhutan.
• They can design a package for your budget and travel style whether you are going on a honeymoon, family vacation, solo trip or group tour.

Final Words

A Bhutan tour isn't merely for sightseeing, it's about peace, culture, nature and a slower life. Bhutan is not exactly a bargain but is worth every rupee for the experience of travelling there. It's possible to have an affordable and memorable trip to Bhutan with the right planning, smart budgeting and travel companion. In case you are looking for your next trip to the Himalayas then Namaskar India Tour is here to tailor the ideal trip to Bhutan package at the maximum comfort at a fairly discounted price.