How much does a Bhutan trip cost in 2026?

Cost by Trip Length

The table below shows our current package estimates by trip length. They include the one-time USD 40 visa, SDF, accommodation, meals, licensed guide, driver, transport, permits, and entrance fees. Your written quote confirms the price available for your dates, party and itinerary.

Adult prices are for two travellers sharing. The nightly adult rate depends on how many of you travel: USD 325 solo, USD 290 for two, USD 275 for three or four, and USD 265 for five or more, because the guide, vehicle and rooms are shared.

These are current package estimates before international flights, tips, insurance, and optional hotel upgrades. Prices can change before booking. A custom journey is priced for its dates, party, itinerary and confirmed service scope.

Change the trip length, party or hotel level in the Bhutan trip cost calculator to see your own figures.

Worked example: 5-day trip

A shorter trip gives you fewer days for sightseeing and road travel. Check the route as well as the price.

• Standard adult package (5 days, 4 nights): $1,160
• International flight: ~$1,500
• Tips, insurance, extras: ~$300
• Example total with a $1,500 international flight and $300 in extras: ~$2,960 per adult

Doable but feels rushed; we generally recommend 7+ days. See the 5-day Bhutan itinerary for what fits.

Worked example: 10-day trip

Adds Punakha and Phobjikha to the standard western circuit.

• Standard adult package (10 days, 9 nights): $2,610
• International flight: ~$1,500
• Tips, insurance, extras: ~$500
• Example total with a $1,500 international flight and $500 in extras: ~$4,610 per adult

The most popular trip length for first-time visitors who want depth without going to central or eastern Bhutan. The 10-day Bhutan itinerary shows the full itinerary.

Worked example: 14-day trip

Includes central Bhutan (Bumthang), much deeper experience.

• Standard adult package (14 days, 13 nights): $3,770
• International flight: ~$1,500
• Tips, insurance, extras: ~$700
• Example total with a $1,500 international flight and $700 in extras: ~$5,970 per adult

Recommended for return visitors or travellers wanting to see beyond the standard western loop. The 14-day Bhutan itinerary adds Bumthang.

Cost by Country of Departure

International flights are usually the biggest variable. Bhutan has only one international airport (Paro), served primarily by Druk Air and Bhutan Airlines from a limited set of hubs. There are no direct flights from North America, Europe, or Australia, you connect via Delhi, Kathmandu, Bangkok, Singapore, or Hong Kong.

Approximate round-trip economy flight costs to Paro in 2026:

Compare live fares early; festival season (March-April, September-October) is the most expensive. Flying from North America? Our page on Bhutan tours from the US covers routings and timing.

A Special Case: Indian Nationals

Indian citizens have a fundamentally different cost structure:

• No visa fee (free entry permit instead)
• Reduced SDF: ₹1,200 per person per night (about $14 USD instead of $100)
• Cheaper flights: $400-700 round-trip from Delhi or Kolkata
• Guide and access requirements still apply; confirm these for the route

Indian nationals have a different SDF and permit framework, so they should request a nationality-specific quote rather than use the standard international package total.

Children and Family Trips

Children get a real break on the government fees: under-6s pay no SDF, and children aged 6-11 pay half rate ($50 per night). From age 12 the full adult rate applies. Beyond that:

• Children may have a lower package estimate because their government fee is lower; hotel rooms, meals, transport and guiding still form part of the price

For two adults and two children aged 6 to 11, a 7-day, 6-night package with Standard 3-star hotels is USD 5,700. Flights, tips, insurance and optional upgrades are separate. Your written quote confirms the price for your dates and rooms.

Tipping in Bhutan

Tipping isn't culturally mandatory, but it's expected from international visitors and is the main way to acknowledge good service. Standard guidance:

This is given in cash at the end of the trip. We can confirm local norms when you book.

Costs already included in the package

Compared to other destinations, Bhutan removes several costs you'd normally plan for:

• Restaurant meals: included in the tour cost; you rarely pay out of pocket for food
• Internal transport: included; no taxis, ride-shares, or train tickets to figure out
• Entry fees: all monastery and dzong fees are included in the tour cost
• Bottled water: usually included throughout the day
• Internet/data: most hotels include WiFi; you don't need a SIM unless you want one
• Tour-day excursions: the entire itinerary is bundled in the package price

Check the written quote for optional activities, drinks and any purchases you may want to make yourself.

Currency and Payments

• The local currency is the Ngultrum (BTN), pegged 1:1 to the Indian Rupee
• US dollars are widely accepted for tour costs and major hotels
• Credit cards work at most premium hotels and an increasing number of restaurants in Thimphu and Paro, but are unreliable elsewhere
• ATMs exist in Thimphu and Paro but are not always functional with international cards
• Bring some USD or INR cash for tips, souvenirs, and small purchases, we will advise on amounts

Comparing quotes

Check the total for the same number of nights, travellers and rooms. Confirm SDF and visa, meals, guiding, transport and entrance fees. Ask which activities or upgrades cost extra.

Get a live fare for every flight leg before deciding on the overall budget. The flight figures above are planning examples, not bookable fares. Insurance and optional tips also need their own allowance.

If you're comparing destinations, use complete itineraries with similar accommodation and activities. A long trek and a week of valley sightseeing can have very different costs even in the same country.

Choose a route for your budget

For a first trip focused on Paro, Thimphu and Punakha, start with the seven-day Essential Bhutan Journey. Its six nights cover the western route and Tiger's Nest. If valley walks and an overnight stay in Phobjikha matter to you, compare the ten-day option before fixing your budget.

Our seven-versus-ten-day comparison shows the extra nights, route choices and current package totals side by side.

Our standard adult package totals are:

• Essential Bhutan Journey: 7 days and 6 nights, USD 1,740 per adult
• Bhutan Culture & Nature Escape: 10 days and 9 nights, USD 2,610 per adult
• Tshechu Festival Group Trip: 9 days and 8 nights on set dates, with a small group
• Custom Journey: fully tailored to your dates, interests, and budget

All quoted prices include the SDF and visa. Add international flights from your country, ~$150 in tips, and travel insurance to estimate your full per-person budget.

Plan my Bhutan trip →

Or request a custom quote if you have specific dates, group composition, or budget targets.

Costs in this guide reflect public 2026 figures published by Bhutan's Department of Tourism and typical market rates as of writing. Tour package prices are confirmed at the time of your specific booking. Flight costs vary substantially by season and how far ahead you book.