Planning a trip to Bhutan from India? Understanding the expenses involved is crucial for a smooth and enjoyable journey. This guide breaks down the costs and provides essential information to help you budget effectively for a 5-day, 4-night trip to Bhutan.
In this blog, we answer:
- Is Bhutan Expensive for Indian Tourists?
- Bhutan Travel Permits for Indians
- How to Reach Bhutan from India (Transport Costs)
- Accommodation Costs in Bhutan
- Food Expenses in Bhutan
- Sightseeing & Activities
- Total Bhutan Trip Cost from India (5 Days / 4 Nights)
- Budget Travel Tips for Bhutan
Is Bhutan Expensive for Indian Tourists?
Good news: Bhutan is quite budget-friendly for Indian travelers! Indians, along with Bangladeshis and Maldivians, enjoy certain travel privileges in Bhutan, including exemption from the mandatory $200/day Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) that applies to other foreign tourists.
However, since July 2020, a revised SDF of INR 1,200 per person per day has been introduced for Indians. So, it’s still affordable, but not completely free anymore.
Bhutan Travel Permits for Indians
Indian nationals do not require a visa to enter Bhutan but must obtain an Entry Permit upon arrival. This can be acquired at the Paro International Airport or at the Phuentsholing border crossing. Required documents include a valid passport with a minimum of six months’ validity or a Voter Identity Card, and two passport-size photographs. For children below 18 years, a birth certificate is necessary. Additionally, travel insurance that is valid for the duration of the trip is required.
- SDF Charges: ₹1,200 per day per person (as of 2025)
- Permit Application: Can be done online through https://visit.doi.gov.bt
- Required Documents:
- Valid Indian Passport or Voter ID
- Passport-size photos
- Travel itinerary & hotel bookings
How to Reach Bhutan from India (Transport Costs)
- By Air: Flights from Indian cities like Kolkata, Delhi, and Guwahati to Paro International Airport are available. Round-trip airfare ranges from INR 15,000 to INR 30,000, depending on the city and booking time.
- By Road: Traveling overland via the Jaigaon-Phuentsholing border is a cost-effective option. Buses and trains to nearby Indian cities like Hasimara are available, followed by a short taxi ride to the border. This method is generally cheaper but takes longer than flying.
Accommodation Costs in Bhutan
Accommodation options range from budget hotels to luxury resorts:
- Budget Hotels: Prices start from approximately INR 1,500 per night.
- Mid-Range Hotels: Average around INR 3,000 to INR 5,000 per night.
- Luxury Hotels: Can go upwards of INR 10,000 per night.
Food Expenses in Bhutan
Dining costs vary based on the type of establishment:
- Inexpensive Restaurants: A meal may cost around INR 250.
- Mid-Range Restaurants: A three-course meal for two can cost about INR 1,500.
- Street Food and Local Eateries: Offer meals ranging from INR 100 to INR 200.
Sightseeing & Activities
Many of Bhutan’s attractions, such as monasteries and dzongs, have entrance fees:
- Entrance Fees: Typically around BTN 1,000 (approximately INR 1,000) per site.
- Guided Tours: Prices vary; for example, a 5-day cultural tour can cost around INR 1,00,000 per person, including accommodation and meals.
Total Bhutan Trip Cost from India (5 Days / 4 Nights)
Here’s an estimated breakdown for a mid-range budget
- Transportation: INR 15,000 (round-trip flight)
- Accommodation: INR 12,000 (INR 3,000 per night x 4 nights)
- Food: INR 5,000 (INR 1,000 per day x 5 days)
- Sightseeing & Activities: INR 5,000
- Miscellaneous: INR 3,000
Total Estimated Cost: Approximately INR 40,000 per person
The people of Bhutan consider the environment sacred, a force that nurtures their culture, spirituality and wellbeing. But global warming is increasingly threatening the country’s ecosystems and way of life. https://t.co/mDLEm3a80g pic.twitter.com/w25EvV5R40
— 101 East (@AJ101East) February 10, 2025
Budget Travel Tips for Bhutan
- Travel During Off-Peak Seasons: Visiting during the off-peak months can result in lower accommodation and flight costs.
- Use Overland Routes: Traveling by road through the Phuentsholing border can be more economical than flying.
- Stay in Budget Accommodations: Opt for guesthouses or budget hotels to save on lodging expenses.
- Dine at Local Eateries: Enjoy local cuisine at smaller restaurants or street vendors to reduce food costs.
- Plan and Book in Advance: Early planning can help secure better deals on flights and accommodations.
Dream Himalayan Nepal-Bhutan Heritage Tour
If you’d rather skip the hassle of planning and simply focus on enjoying the beauty of the Himalayas, consider booking our Nepal-Bhutan Heritage Tour—a guided package that blends two incredible cultures in one unforgettable journey.
Starting in Nepal, you’ll explore ancient temples, bustling markets, and the majestic Himalayas before crossing into Bhutan, where peaceful monasteries, dramatic landscapes, and warm Bhutanese hospitality await.
With all logistics, permits, and transport taken care of, it’s the perfect stress-free way to experience both countries. Check out the full itinerary here: Nepal-Bhutan Heritage Tour and start your adventure today!