If Bhutan has been on your mind, you’re not alone. It’s one of those rare places that still feels untouched—clean air, quiet roads, and a pace of life that forces you to slow down.
But before you commit, the obvious question is: how much will it actually cost?
This guide breaks it down in a simple, realistic way so you can plan properly—and avoid spending more than you need to.
Why Bhutan Feels Different from Other Trips
Bhutan isn’t a typical “checklist” destination. You’re not rushing between crowded attractions. Instead, you’re spending time in places like Paro, Thimphu, and Punakha—where the experience is more about how you feel than how many photos you take.
That also means your spending here is a bit different from other countries.
The Short Answer: What You’ll Spend
For a 7-day trip (or roughly a 6N/7D itinerary), here’s a realistic range for Indian travellers:
- Budget trip: ₹30,000 – ₹45,000 per person
- Mid-range trip: ₹45,000 – ₹75,000 per person
- Premium trip: ₹75,000 – ₹1,20,000+ per person
Most travellers fall somewhere in the middle, especially if they want a comfortable experience without compromising on key places.
Where Your Money Actually Goes
Understanding the cost becomes easier when you see how it’s divided.
1. Sustainable Development Fee (SDF)
This is a government fee charged per night.
- ₹1,200 per person per night
- For 6 nights: about ₹7,200
This fee supports Bhutan’s environment and infrastructure, which is why the country feels so well preserved.
2. Accommodation
- Budget hotels: ₹1,000–₹2,000 per night
- Mid-range hotels: ₹2,500–₹5,000 per night
- Premium stays: ₹8,000+ per night
For a week, this typically comes to ₹6,000 to ₹30,000, depending on your comfort level.
3. Food
Meals are reasonably priced, especially if included in your stay.
- ₹500–₹1,200 per day
- Total: ₹3,000–₹8,000
4. Transport and Sightseeing
This includes intercity travel (Paro–Thimphu–Punakha), local sightseeing, and driver costs.
- Shared travel: lower cost
- Private vehicle: more comfort, higher cost
Total: ₹8,000–₹20,000
5. Travel to Bhutan
- By road (via Bagdogra/NJP): most economical
- Flights: ₹15,000–₹40,000 depending on your city and timing
Complete Cost Breakdown (7-Day Bhutan Trip)
| Expense Category | Budget Range (₹) | Mid-Range (₹) | Premium (₹) |
| SDF (Govt. Fee) | 7,200 | 7,200 | 7,200 |
| Accommodation | 6,000 – 12,000 | 15,000 – 30,000 | 50,000+ |
| Food | 3,000 – 5,000 | 5,000 – 8,000 | 10,000+ |
| Transport & Sightseeing | 8,000 – 12,000 | 12,000 – 20,000 | 25,000+ |
| Travel (Flights/Road) | 5,000 – 15,000 | 15,000 – 30,000 | 40,000+ |
| Total Cost (Approx.) | 30,000 – 45,000 | 45,000 – 75,000 | 75,000 – 1,20,000+ |
Final Verdict
A 7-day trip to Bhutan is not as expensive as people assume—but it can quickly become complicated if you try to manage everything on your own.
Between permits, SDF, route planning, hotel selection, and transport coordination, most travellers either overspend or miss out on the best experiences.
That’s where booking through Rigel Travel makes a real difference.
Instead of piecing everything together, you get:
- A structured 7N/8D itinerary
- Stay, meals, permits, and transfers all included
- Local expertise that ensures you don’t miss key experiences
- Clear pricing with no last-minute surprises
In practical terms, you’re not just saving time—you’re getting better value for the same budget.