Bhutan is a great place to visit if you enjoy mountains, quiet monasteries, and exploring places with a different culture. You can walk around local markets, try Bhutanese food, visit famous sights, and enjoy the mountain views during your trip.
If you're planning a low cost Bhutan tour, your total expenses will depend on when you travel, where you stay, how you travel, and how many days you spend in Bhutan.
Before you set your budget, remember to include the Sustainable Development Fee (SDF), hotel costs, meals, and guide services wherever required.
You don't have to spend a lot to enjoy your trip, but it's worth checking prices before you book. Compare travel options and tour packages to find one that works for you.
What Is the Most Affordable Way to Reach Bhutan from India?
By Train and Road
If you're travelling from India, you can take a train to Hasimara in West Bengal and then travel by road to Phuentsholing. Once you reach the border, complete the required entry formalities before going into Bhutan. Check train fares and local taxi or bus prices to work out your travel costs.
By Bus
If you want to save money on your journey, always check whether you can take a bus to a nearby border town. From there, you can use local transport to continue your trip into Bhutan.
By Car
Going by car can be a good option if you're travelling with family or friends. You can share fuel costs and other travel expenses instead of paying everything yourself. Before leaving, check the rules, permits, and fees for taking your Indian vehicle into Bhutan.
By Flight
If you don't want to spend too much time on the road, you can check flights to Paro. Compare ticket prices and baggage charges before booking. If the airfare is high, travelling by train and road may work better for your budget.
By Shared Taxi
If you're travelling alone or with one other person, a shared taxi from Hasimara to Phuentsholing may help you save money. You share the fare with other passengers, so you may pay less than you would for a private taxi.
How Can You Find the Best Deals on Bhutan Tour Packages?
Compare Packages From Different Travel Agencies
Don't book the first package you find. Compare two or three options with similar itineraries. Check the hotel, number of nights, transport, meals, and places you'll visit. This makes it easier to see which package gives you better value for your money.
Ask About Extra Charges
Ask the travel agency to explain the full cost before you pay. Find out whether the SDF, permits, meals, sightseeing tickets, guide fees, transport, and taxes are included. Ask about extra charges for anything not included.
Check Group Tour Packages
If you don't mind travelling with other people, a group tour may help you save on transport and other shared costs. Before joining, check how many people are in the group, where you'll stay, and which places you'll visit. Make sure the travel dates work for you, too.
Pick a Package That Suits Your Budget
You don't need to book an expensive hotel or visit every tourist spot to enjoy Bhutan. Think about the places you really want to see and choose a package that fits your budget. If you prefer a relaxed trip, look for an itinerary that gives you enough time at each stop.
Check the Travel Agency Before Booking
Before paying an advance, read recent reviews and check the agency's business details. Ask for the complete itinerary and find out what happens if you need to cancel or change your travel dates. It's better to clear up these details before booking than deal with unexpected problems later.
How to Plan a Budget Trip to Bhutan
Set Your Travel Budget
Set a budget for your trip. Add up your travel fares, hotel costs, food, local transport, and sightseeing expenses. Keep some extra money aside in case you need to pay for something you hadn't planned for.
Choose Affordable Travel Dates
For an affordable Bhutan trip, compare prices across different travel dates. Hotel rooms and transport may cost more during peak holiday periods, so flexible dates can help you find better deals.
Choose Budget-Friendly Accommodation
You can enjoy a comfortable stay without booking an expensive hotel. Guesthouses, homestays, and budget hotels can be good options if you want to keep your expenses down. Before booking, read recent guest reviews and check the room, location, facilities, and total price.
Plan Your Route
If this is your first trip to Bhutan, you can plan to visit Paro, Thimphu, and Punakha. Check how long it takes to travel between these places before deciding how many nights to spend in each one. This will help you plan your days without spending too much time travelling.
Keep Some Money for Extra Expenses
You may want to buy souvenirs, try local food, or visit a place that wasn't on your original list. Keep some money aside for these expenses, local transport, and any last-minute changes to your plans.
Which Places Can You Visit on a Bhutan Tour?
Paro
● Tiger's Nest Monastery (Paro Taktsang)
● Rinpung Dzong
● National Museum of Bhutan
● Kyichu Lhakhang
● Drukgyel Dzong
● Chele La Pass
Thimphu
● Buddha Dordenma
● Tashichho Dzong
● Memorial Chorten
● National Textile Museum
● Centenary Farmers Market
● Motithang Takin Preserve
Punakha
● Punakha Dzong
● Punakha Suspension Bridge
● Chimi Lhakhang
● Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten
● Sangchhen Dorji Lhuendrup Nunnery
Phobjikha Valley and Gangtey
● Phobjikha Valley
● Gangtey Monastery
● Black-necked Crane Information Centre
● Gangtey Nature Trail
Other Places to Explore
If you have a few extra days, you can visit other parts of Bhutan, too.
● Haa Valley
● Bumthang
● Trongsa
● Wangdue Phodrang
● Mongar
● Trashigang
● Samdrup Jongkhar
● Gasa
● Samtse
● Gelephu
If you're visiting Bhutan for only a few days, it's better to stick to Paro, Thimphu, and Punakha. Adding too many places can mean spending more time on the road. Check travel times and permit requirements before changing your route.
Tips to Save Money on Your Bhutan Trip
Book transport early:
Once you've fixed your travel dates, compare ticket prices and book when you find a suitable fare.
Compare tour packages:
Check different tour packages from India to Bhutan and see which one includes the services you need without adding unnecessary costs.
Choose a hotel that fits your needs:
Look for a clean, comfortable room in a convenient location. There's no need to pay extra for facilities you won't use.
Share transport costs:
If you're travelling with family or friends, sharing taxi fares and other travel expenses can help reduce the cost per person.
Eat at local restaurants:
Try local dishes at nearby restaurants instead of spending on expensive meals for every day of your trip.
Visit nearby places together:
Plan your sightseeing around locations that are close to each other. This can save you both time and taxi fares.
Check what's included:
Before booking a package, ask whether meals, local transport, guide services, and entry tickets are covered in the price.
Keep some money aside:
Set aside an extra for unexpected expenses, shopping, or changes to your travel plans.
How to Choose Tour Packages from India to Bhutan
Compare prices:
Check different tour packages from India to Bhutan before booking. Compare what's included rather than choosing only by price.
Check the hotel:
Look at the room, location, and facilities to make sure you'll be comfortable during your stay.
Ask about transport:
Find out whether travel between destinations is included or whether you'll need to pay extra.
Check the sightseeing plan:
Make sure the package covers the places you want to visit and gives you enough time to enjoy them.
Read the booking terms:
Check the cancellation policy, refund rules, and advance payment requirements before confirming your trip.
Choose what works for you:
Pick a package that fits your budget, travel dates, and preferred way of travelling.
FAQs:
How much will a Bhutan trip cost?
A Bhutan trip may cost around ₹25,000–₹48,000 per person for 5–7 days. The total cost depends on your travel dates, hotel, transport, meals, SDF, and length of stay.
How many days are enough for a budget Bhutan trip?
Five to seven days can be enough to visit Paro, Thimphu, and Punakha. You'll have time to see some of the main attractions without trying to fit too much into each day.
Do Indian tourists have to pay the Sustainable Development Fee?
Yes, Indian tourists generally pay an SDF of ₹1,200 per person per night. Check the latest rules before travelling, as the amount may be affected by applicable concessions or exemptions.
Can Indians visit Bhutan without a visa?
Yes, Indian citizens don't need a visa to visit Bhutan, but you must obtain the required entry permit and carry an accepted travel document. Check the latest entry rules before travelling.
Conclusion
A low cost Bhutan tour is easier to plan when you know how much you can spend and which places you want to visit. Compare travel fares, hotel prices, and tour packages before making your bookings.
Remember to include the SDF, meals, local transport, and sightseeing expenses in your budget. Check your travel documents and any permit requirements, too, so you're prepared before you leave.
RS Travels can help you compare travel options and choose a Bhutan holiday that fits your budget and travel plans.
Before you confirm your booking, go through the package details and ask about any extra charges. That way, you'll have a clearer idea of your total expenses.
