Why is it so expensive to visit Bhutan?

In a nutshell: it’s not! On the surface, Bhutan seems like an expensive place to visit. In the off-season (June, July, August, December, January, and February) it costs $200 USD per person, per day; during the rest of the year (March, April, May, September, October, and November) it costs $250 USD per person, per day for groups of three or more. There may also be an additional charge for a group of fewer than three people. For groups of two, it costs $280 USD per person ($230 in off-season), per day; a solo traveler is $290 USD per day during high season and $240 USD in off-season. You will also be responsible for your visa ($40 USD) and your flight into and out of Bhutan.

But remember that this is ALL-inclusive: this fee includes 3-star hotel accommodations, a private guide, a private driver, entrance fees to sites, and all meals (including tea and coffee). While it’s more than you would spend on an independent trip to nearby India or Nepal, it’s completely on par with other guided tours around the world when you factor in everything it includes. 

It is important to understand the philosophy behind the mandatory minimum: making Bhutan a high-value/low-impact tourist destination. This developing country with a low GDP gets as much money as possible from tourism without the impact that tourists often cause. This said, Indian and Bangladeshi nationals do not have to pay that minimum charge and pay the hotels and restaurants directly, but many Bhutan nationals would like to see this policy change.

Can I visit Bhutan independently?

You cannot visit without purchasing a pre-arranged package. You can travel on your own with a completely private vehicle and guide (meaning you don’t have to be part of a group). And when you’re on your private tour, whether in your private vehicle or on your private hiking tour, you will enjoy flexibility and independence, although you will always have a guide with you [unless you’re from India or Bangladesh].

When is the best time to go to Bhutan?

Bhutan can and should be visited year-round. Though even in the busy seasons it is not terribly crowded with tourists, there are even fewer tourists in the off-peak seasons. My favorite time of year was June, although you aren’t able to see as many mountain peaks as during the cooler months from October until late May.

What are the passport and visa requirements or Bhutan?

All visitors require a passport, valid for at least 6 months longer than their journey, and an entry visa for Bhutan which must be pre-approved prior to your arrival. Your Bhutan visa will be arranged by your tour company and all they usually need is a quality scan (or photo) of your passport photo page. Please be sure you carry the same passport that you submitted for your Bhutan visa or you will be denied entry.

Bhutan visas generally cost $40USD but are sometimes built in to your travel package. A visa authority letter is issued after prepayment for your travel arrangements and the actual visa is entered into your passport on arrival at Paro Airport.

If traveling to India and Nepal please note visas are also required, though both countries now offer visa on arrival (VOA)

What are hotel accommodations like?

Most visitors to Bhutan take the standard tourist tour package which includes Bhutanese style 3-star hotel accommodation with private bathroom. In order for you to get the best from your Bhutan experience we urge you to consider the following points. Please don’t expect your hotel to be any more than a basic 3 star property, and you won’t be disappointed. Rooms with double beds are somewhat rare. We can request one for you but please expect twin beds in many hotel rooms. All hotels offer private bathrooms, however the hot water supply can be ‘erratic’ in some valleys in Bhutan.

Farm-stay accommodation offers shared western style toilet and very limited washing facilities (no showers!) and we do recommend you carry a hand towel with you on farm stays as towels are not always available.

It is possible to stay in very luxurious 4 and 5 star hotels, however; we can work with you to determine the level of luxury you’d enjoy on this trip!

Is there Internet & wifi in Bhutan? Can I get a SIM card in Bhutan?

Most hotels have wifi, even if only in the lobby area or business center. There are also often computers for use by guests. Some remote areas outside of western Bhutan have sparse Internet, if at all.

You can purchase a local SIM card that would give you connectivity outside the hotels when you’re in town and such, but most people don’t find that necessary for a short trip. Bhutanese SIM cards are available from a SIM counter located in the post office (to the right of the terminal exit door) at Paro Airport. Here you can purchase and get assistance for activating your new SIM cards in your devices as it is often necessary to call the local Telco HELP line for SIM activation. The cost for the SIM is approximately US$2.00 plus call credits.

What is it like arriving into Paro Airport?

When you check in at the airport to fly to Paro, you must show check-in staff your approved visa for Bhutan (that has been sent to you via email). When you arrive at Paro airport, all visitors are now required to provide fingerprints and a facial image. It’s a smooth process and you’ll get through quickly. You’ll then collect your baggage and run it through an X-ray scanner before walking outside to look for a sign with your name on it. It’s all a very easy process.

What is food like in Bhutan?

The typical Bhutanese person will eat rice, chillies and vegetables three times per day. Along with that they often have beef, poultry, and some dairy. Ema datshi (chillies and a mild cheese, seen below) is the national dish and prepared differently wherever you go. It’s spicy and is typically eaten every single day. Some say you haven’t really visited Bhutan unless you try it. Have your guide ask for it at your hotel or restaurant as it may not be served with your meals as it’s too spicy for many visitors.

Butter tea (suja or solza) is served on all social occasions. Chang (a local beer) and Arra (or Arak) is a clear alcohol distilled from various grains. Here is a good article about Bhutanese food (and culture) from my friend and well-loved food blogger Mark Wiens (and here is another of his articles about food in Bhutan).

The typical tourist class hotel serves a western style breakfast and quasi-Bhutanese style lunches and dinners (which are adjusted slightly for the western palette). Some hotels and restaurants, however, forego Bhutanese cuisine entirely for a more international fare. I happen to think that’s a shame as Bhutanese food is quite good!

While you are eating it will be rare that your guide or driver will eat with you. If you ask them to join you (sometimes you have to press the issue) they will join. Otherwise they’ll eat in a back room with the other drivers and guides at the hotel or restaurant.

How much do drinks cost in Bhutan?

As mentioned, any tour to Bhutan will not include drinks (beyond tea and sometimes coffee). Here are approximate costs in US$ at standard 3-star hotels for various beverages.

• Large bottle of Mineral Water:  US $0.75
• Local beers: US $2.50-2.75
• Imported Beer: US $2.50-3.50
• Bottle of imported red and white wines: US $35-40
• Bottle of local or Indian wine: US $10-15

Tuesdays have been declared ‘dry days’, as in alcohol-free, by the Bhutanese Govt. Although highly unpopular and, outside of the capital Thimphu, rarely adhered to it is important you are aware of this and that local bars, including your hotel bar, may well be closed on a Tuesday. We recommend you prepare in advance as you may only be permitted to consume alcohol in your hotel room on Tuesdays.

Can I take photos in a monastery?

Some dzongs and monasteries (lhakhangs) are not open for visits by tourists so that the monks can continue their practices without interruption. Parts of many monasteries and temples do not allow photography. Please be sensitive to never disturb someone while taking their photo and be sure never to take someone’s photograph without them acknowledging that it’s OK (usually just a nod–which most people will give you).

Are there stray dogs in Bhutan?

There are a LOT of street (stray) dogs in Bhutan. On the whole, they appear healthy and many have notches in their ear to indicate they have been spayed or neutered. It is extremely rare that they are aggressive and most won’t pay you much attention. They can often be noisy at night–especially in downtown Thimphu. You might want to bring earplugs if it’s bothersome. Rabies does exist throughout the sub-continent; if you intend to do any volunteering or playing with the dogs it is recommended to get a rabies vaccination.

What personal security issues should I be aware of? Is Bhutan safe?

Bhutan remains an extremely safe destination with an exceptionally low risk of theft or harassment. However we do recommend you keep all cash & valuables either on your person or in your vehicle where they will be safely managed by your driver whom you can trust implicitly. Please do not leave cash or valuables on display in hotel rooms.

What are the road conditions like?

Many sections of Bhutan’s windy roads are currently undergoing widening or repair. Road closures of up to 3+ hours are not uncommon. As a result your driver & guide will suggest best times for road travel to suit the conditions on the day.

Here are a few basic phrases to help you along the way. Your guide, along with most Bhutanese up to around 40 years of age will speak English very well.

Kuzuzangpo La –  Respected Greetings.
Tashi Delek – May all good things come to you. (use this as a farewell)
Kardenche La – Thank you.
Goempa – Meditation Centre.
Lhakhang – Temple.
Chapsa – Toilet.
Chuu – Water.
Bang Chhang – Beer.

Here is a video with some clear pronounciations of some Dzongka phrases.

What is trekking like in Bhutan?

You can trek most of the year (except mid June to late September when it is too wet) and treks range from 2 to 12 days with varying degrees of difficulty. Guides, horses, horsemen & a cook accompany and support trekking groups. Campsites are set up in advance and trekkers enjoy the magnificent scenery & culture with only a daypack to carry. Binoculars, camera, sunscreen, insect repellent (in summer), sunglasses, lip balm, a good pair of walking boots and warm clothing are essential. Winter trekking is kept to the lower altitudes in the valleys. Many treks take you to high altitudes and the air is thin. Altitude sickness is possible and should be taken into account when planning your itinerary. Many companies require that you bring your own sleeping bag and pad, so be sure to clarify that with your tour operator.

What are typical Bhutan cancellation charges?

The Drukair / Bhutan Airlines air flight component of your tour package will be totally non-refundable once tickets are issued soon after your deposit is paid. Your Bhutan land arrangements are subject to the cancellation fees dependent on the provider. Travel insurance should be purchased no later than the day you pay your deposit for your protection. We use and can strongly recommend World Nomads.

Do I need travel insurance?

It is mandatory for all visitors to Bhutan to hold a valid comprehensive travel insurance policy in order to be granted a visa. We recommend that you have your travel insurance in place at the time of paying your Bhutan travel deposit for your protection. Lauren and I use and can recommend World Nomads. For most activities (including trekking) you will only need the Standard Plan at World Nomads. But please check the activities you will be doing and verify that you will be covered with the Standard Plan. Otherwise you will require the Explorer Plan (which we like anyway due to the increased limits). You can check your rates in the box below.