Bhutan’s tourism sector is regarded as one of the most exclusive travel destinations in the world. Bhutan enjoys a reputation for its authenticity, remoteness and a well-protected cultural heritage and natural environment. With its culture and pristine scenery, there’s no question that Bhutan has everything it needs to be a world-famous tourist hotspot.
The tourism industry in Bhutan is founded on the principle of sustainability. To Bhutan, tourism must be environmentally and ecologically friendly, socially and culturally acceptable and economically viable. The Royal Government has adopted a very cautious approach to growth and development of the tourism industry in Bhutan. Bhutan adheres to a strict “High Value, Low Impact” tourism policy to avoid the effects of mass tourism. The objective is to develop and promote Bhutan as an exclusive travel destination based on the Gross National Happiness (GNH) development philosophy and values.
The policy has allowed Bhutan to welcome tourists in a manner that contributes to socio-economic development without compromising its identity and natural environment. In return, the “High Value, Low Impact” tourism policy has helped to nurture and preserve Bhutan’s unique cultural heritage and natural assets. As part of the policy, the government has implemented a daily tariff for all tourists visiting the country.
VISA APPLICATION
All tourists are required to apply for a visa through a licensed tour operator. The visa application fee costs USD40.
DAILY TARIFF
Bhutan implements a fixed daily tariff and the daily tariff depends on the number of travelers as well as the month of travel to Bhutan.
High Season: March, April, May, September, October, and November
-
$250 per person per night, for a group of three or more people.
-
$280 per person per night, for a group of two people.
-
$290 per night for single individuals.
Low Season: January, February, June, July, August, and December
-
$200 per person per night, for a group of three or more people.
-
$230 per person per night, for a group of two people.
-
$240 per day for single individuals.
|
Month |
Jan |
Feb |
Mar |
Apr |
May |
Jun |
Jul |
Aug |
Sept |
Oct |
Nov |
Dec |
|
Season |
Low |
Low |
High |
High |
High |
Low |
Low |
Low |
High |
High |
High |
Low |
The tariff covers the following cost and services:
-
All internal taxes and charges
-
USD65 sustainable development fee used by government to provide free education, healthcare and building infrastructure
-
3 meals a day
-
A licensed English speaking Bhutanese tour guide throughout your trip
-
All transport on the ground including driver (excluding internal flights)
-
A minimum 3 star accommodation (4 & 5 star will require additional premium)
-
Entrance fees to tourists attractions
-
Camping equipment and haulage for trekking tours (if applicable)
-
*Free loan of traditional costume (kira or gho)
-
*Free SIM card
*Only exclusively for Druk Asia’s guests. If you book your trip with Druk Asia, you’ll be given a set of traditional costumes (gho and kira) where you can return at the end of your trip. A free SIM card will also be prepared for you.
Do children have to pay the daily tariff?
Children below the age of 5 are exempted from the daily tariff. However, the visa application fee of USD40 is still applicable. For children between the ages of 6 to 12 years old, they are only required to pay 50 percent of the daily tariff.
Do I need to purchase travel insurance?
While travel insurance is not compulsory, it is always advisable to purchase travel insurance when you are travelling to protect yourself from any losses that may arise due to unexpected or unforeseen circumstances. If you do not have your own existing travel insurance, your tour operator should be able to purchase travel insurance on your behalf or refer you to an insurer.
Click here to estimate cost to Bhutan
