Are you planning a trip to Bhutan and wondering how much it will actually cost? This is one of the most common questions I get from fellow travelers, and I completely understand why. Bhutan has this reputation of being an expensive destination, but let me tell you, for Indian nationals, Bhutan is genuinely one of the most affordable international trips you can take. With proper planning, a 5-day trip can be done for as little as INR 12,000 to INR 15,000 per person. Let me break it all down for you.
Last Updated: February 2026
Quick Answer: A budget 5-day Bhutan trip for Indians costs INR 12,000 to INR 15,000 per person (excluding travel to the border). This includes the INR 1,200/night SDF fee, budget hotels (INR 500-1,500/night), bus fares (INR 100-300 per route), and food (INR 300-500/day). The Indian Rupee is accepted throughout Bhutan at 1:1 with the Ngultrum.
Let's quickly dive into the details:
Why Is Bhutan Cheaper for Indian Travelers?
Before we get into the numbers, keep in mind that Indians have a massive advantage when it comes to visiting Bhutan. While international tourists pay USD 100 per person per night as the Sustainable Development Fee (SDF), Indian nationals pay only INR 1,200 per person per night. That is roughly USD 14, which is a fraction of what others pay. On top of that, Indians do not need a visa. You just need an entry permit, which is free of cost. Indian Rupees are accepted everywhere in Bhutan at par with the Bhutanese Ngultrum. So there is no currency exchange headache either.
Hence, if someone tells you Bhutan is expensive, they are probably referring to the cost for international tourists. For Indians, it is a different story altogether 🙂
What Is the Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) in 2026?
The SDF is a daily fee collected by the Royal Government of Bhutan from all tourists. As of 2026, the rates are as follows:
- Indian, Bangladeshi, Maldivian nationals: INR 1,200 per person per night
- All other international tourists: USD 100 per person per night
- Children 5 and under: Exempted
- Children 6-12 years: 50% discount
There is also a 24-hour SDF waiver if you are only visiting the border towns of Phuentsholing, Samtse, Gelephu, or Samdrup Jongkhar. So if you just want a quick day trip to the border, you will not pay any SDF at all. The SDF needs to be paid as part of your entry permit application. Keep in mind that this rate is fixed until August 2027, so you can plan accordingly.
How Much Does a 5-Day Bhutan Trip Cost for Indians?
Let me break this down into the main cost components. I will use a standard 5-day itinerary covering Phuentsholing, Thimphu, and Paro, which is the most popular route for first-timers. You can find the detailed day-by-day plan in my Bhutan road trip itinerary.
1. Sustainable Development Fee (SDF)
For a 5-night stay, the SDF comes to INR 1,200 x 5 = INR 6,000 per person. This is a mandatory government fee and there is no way around it. However, keep in mind that the first night in Phuentsholing may be exempt if you are only transiting through the border town for less than 24 hours.
2. Entry Permit and Documentation
The entry permit for Indians is free of cost. You will need either a valid Indian passport (with at least 6 months validity) or a Voter ID card. For children under 18, carry a birth certificate in English along with a legal guardian.
As of 2026, you can pre-register online at the Bhutan Immigration Services Portal. This generates a QR code that you present at the immigration counter in Phuentsholing. I have covered the complete permit process in my detailed Bhutan permits guide.
3. Travel to the Border (Kolkata to Phuentsholing)
If you are traveling on a budget, the cheapest way to reach Bhutan from Kolkata is by train. The Kanchankanya Express (13149) departs Sealdah (Kolkata) at 8:35 PM and arrives at Hasimara by 11:05 AM the next day. Hasimara is the closest Indian railway station to the Bhutan border.
As of 2026, the approximate train fares are:
- Sleeper Class: INR 400-500 one way
- 3rd AC: INR 1,000-1,200 one way
- 2nd AC: INR 1,800-2,000 one way
From Hasimara, take a shared auto to Jaigaon/Phuentsholing. The auto costs about INR 30-50 per person. Taxis at the station will try to charge INR 400-500, but there is no need to spend that much. Just walk out of the station and look for the shared autos.
If you are flying, you have two options. You can fly directly to Paro Airport from Delhi, Kolkata, or Bagdogra on Druk Air or Bhutan Airlines. Return flights typically cost INR 20,000 to INR 50,000 depending on the season and when you book. This is not the budget option, but it saves you 2 days of travel time.
4. Accommodation Costs
Hotel prices in Bhutan vary significantly by city. Here is what you can expect in 2026:
Phuentsholing (Border Town):
- Budget hotels: INR 800-1,500 per room per night
- Mid-range hotels: INR 2,000-3,500 per room per night
Thimphu (Capital):
- Budget hotels: INR 1,200-2,500 per room per night
- Mid-range hotels: INR 3,000-6,000 per room per night
Paro:
- Budget hotels: INR 1,500-3,000 per room per night
- Mid-range hotels: INR 4,000-8,000 per room per night
Paro tends to be the most expensive because of the proximity to Tiger’s Nest Monastery. I suggest booking hotels in advance, especially during the peak season (March-May and September-November). Hotels in Thimphu are pricier compared to Phuentsholing, but the quality is generally better.
Pro Tip: 4 is the magical number. Go with 3 more friends and split the room costs. A double room in a budget hotel costs INR 1,200, which is just INR 600 per person if you share. Do the math, my friend!
5. Bus and Local Transport
Public buses in Bhutan are the cheapest way to get around. You can now book buses online through the DrukRide app. Here are the approximate bus fares as of 2026:
- Phuentsholing to Thimphu: INR 250-300 (about 6 hours)
- Thimphu to Paro: INR 100-150 (about 1.5 hours)
- Paro to Phuentsholing: INR 300-350 (about 6 hours)
Keep in mind that the bus ticketing facility closes by 5 PM, and after 6 PM there are no buses. Taxis are significantly more expensive. A taxi from Phuentsholing to Thimphu costs around INR 3,000-4,000 one way. So I always suggest pre-booking buses whenever possible. You can read more about Bhutan bus schedules, routes, and fares in my detailed guide.
6. Food and Meals
Food in Bhutan is reasonably priced, especially if you eat at local restaurants and dhabas. Here is a rough estimate:
- Budget meals (local eateries): INR 150-300 per meal
- Mid-range restaurants: INR 400-700 per meal
- Hotel dining: INR 600-1,200 per meal
A budget traveler can comfortably manage food at INR 500-700 per day. Bhutanese food is similar to Indian food in many ways, so you will not have trouble finding something you like. Momos, thukpa, and ema datshi (chili with cheese) are must-tries. Also, if you drink, the alcohol in Bhutan is surprisingly cheap, starting from as little as INR 20 for local drinks.
7. Sightseeing and Activities
Most monasteries and dzongs in Bhutan have minimal entry fees, usually around INR 300-500 per person. Tiger’s Nest does not have an entry fee for the hike itself, but you will spend on the taxi to the base (INR 200-300 round trip per person) and food/water during the trek. The hike from the base to the monastery takes about 2-3 hours each way, so carry water with you.
Important: Tiger’s Nest Monastery is closed on Tuesdays. Plan your Paro days accordingly.
How Does the Day-Wise Budget Look for a 5-Day Trip?
Let me walk you through the expenses day by day. This is based on a budget itinerary starting from Kolkata. If you are starting from a different city, adjust the travel costs accordingly.
Day 1: Arrive in Phuentsholing
You reach Phuentsholing around noon after taking the train from Kolkata. Cross the border and head to the Immigration Office to complete your permit formalities. While they process your application, book a hotel and have lunch. In the evening, take a stroll in the market. Walk to the bus station to book the bus to Thimphu for the next day.
- Hotel: INR 400-750 per person (sharing)
- Food: INR 400
- SDF: INR 1,200
- Day 1 Total: INR 2,000-2,350
Day 2: Phuentsholing to Thimphu
Visit the Karbandi Monastery in the morning. The monastery sits on a hilltop and offers a wonderful view of both India and Bhutan. A round-trip taxi costs INR 200-300. Take the bus to Thimphu around noon. You will reach by evening. Businesses in Bhutan close early, around 9-10 PM, so find a hotel quickly.
- Bus fare: INR 250-300
- Local taxi: INR 150 per person
- Hotel: INR 600-1,250 per person (sharing)
- Food: INR 500
- SDF: INR 1,200
- Day 2 Total: INR 2,700-3,400
Day 3: Thimphu Sightseeing and Travel to Paro
Explore Thimphu’s key attractions during the day, including the Buddha Dordenma statue, the Memorial Chorten, Tashichho Dzong, and the local market. Catch the evening bus to Paro. Make sure you book the bus in the morning itself, since buses fill up fast.
- Sightseeing transport: INR 300-500 per person
- Bus to Paro: INR 100-150
- Hotel in Paro: INR 750-1,500 per person (sharing)
- Food: INR 500
- SDF: INR 1,200
- Day 3 Total: INR 2,850-3,850
Day 4: Tiger’s Nest Monastery
This is the highlight of any Bhutan trip. Take a taxi to the Tiger’s Nest base (INR 150-200 per person one way). The climb takes 2-3 hours and is moderately challenging. Carry water and snacks. After returning, explore the town of Paro and interact with the locals to understand more about the culture of the region. Remember to book the bus ticket from Paro to Phuentsholing for the next day.
- Taxi to Tiger’s Nest base: INR 200 per person
- Hotel in Paro: INR 750-1,500 per person (sharing)
- Food: INR 600
- SDF: INR 1,200
- Day 4 Total: INR 2,750-3,500
Day 5: Return to Phuentsholing
Board the morning bus from Paro to Phuentsholing. You will reach by evening. From there, repeat the process in reverse to get back to Kolkata (or wherever you started from).
- Bus fare: INR 300-350
- Food: INR 400
- SDF: INR 1,200
- Day 5 Total: INR 1,900-1,950
What Is the Total Budget for a 5-Day Bhutan Trip?
Adding it all up, the total budget for a 5-day Bhutan trip for an Indian traveler comes to approximately INR 12,200 to INR 15,050 per person (excluding travel to the border). If you add the round-trip train from Kolkata (INR 800-2,400 depending on class) and autos (INR 100), the complete cost comes to INR 13,100 to INR 17,550.
Budget vs Mid-Range vs Luxury: What to Expect?
Here is a quick comparison so you can plan according to your comfort level:
| Category | Budget (per person/day) | Mid-Range (per person/day) | Luxury (per person/day) |
|---|---|---|---|
| SDF | INR 1,200 | INR 1,200 | INR 1,200 |
| Accommodation | INR 500-750 | INR 1,500-3,000 | INR 5,000-12,000 |
| Food | INR 400-600 | INR 800-1,200 | INR 1,500-3,000 |
| Transport | INR 200-400 | INR 800-1,500 | INR 2,000-4,000 |
| Sightseeing | INR 200-400 | INR 500-1,000 | INR 1,500-3,000 |
| Daily Total | INR 2,500-3,350 | INR 4,800-7,900 | INR 11,200-23,200 |
| 5-Day Total | INR 12,500-16,750 | INR 24,000-39,500 | INR 56,000-1,16,000 |
How Can You Save Money on a Bhutan Trip?
- Travel in a group of 4: This is the magical number. Splitting rooms and taxis by 4 dramatically reduces per-person costs.
- Take buses, not taxis: The bus from Phuentsholing to Thimphu costs INR 250 versus INR 3,500+ for a taxi. The bus ticketing facility ends by 5 PM, so plan ahead.
- Eat at local restaurants: Skip hotel dining and eat where the locals eat. A full meal at a local eatery costs INR 150-300.
- Book hotels in advance: Walk-in rates are always higher, especially in Paro during peak season.
- Use Indian currency: You can use Indian Rupees directly in Bhutan. The Bhutanese Ngultrum is pegged at 1:1 with the Indian Rupee, so no exchange fees.
- Avoid INR 500 and INR 2,000 notes: Some shops in Bhutan prefer smaller denominations. Carry INR 100 and INR 200 notes for easier transactions.
- Travel in off-season: December to February and June to August have fewer tourists and often cheaper hotel rates.
What Documents Do Indians Need for a Bhutan Trip?
This is an important section, so pay close attention. As of 2026, Indian nationals need the following:
- Valid Indian Passport (with at least 6 months validity) OR Voter ID Card
- 2 passport-size photos
- Entry permit (free, processed at the border or pre-registered online at immi.gov.bt)
- SDF payment receipt
For children under 18, carry an original birth certificate in English. The child must be accompanied by a legal guardian. I have covered the complete permit process, including how to apply from Kolkata vs. Phuentsholing, in my Bhutan permits guide. Feel free to check it out for the step-by-step process.
The permit office in Phuentsholing remains closed on Sundays and Bhutanese public holidays. Keep this in mind when planning your arrival day. I recommend getting your permit from Phuentsholing itself, as the process usually takes 2-3 hours. Alternatively, you can get it from the Royal Consulate of Bhutan in Kolkata, but that takes about 8 working days.
Is Bhutan Safe for Solo Travelers and Women?
Absolutely. Bhutan is one of the safest countries in the region, and I would say traveling in Bhutan is even safer than in India, including for solo travelers. The people are incredibly hospitable, crime rates are negligible, and the country has a strong sense of community. Most people understand Hindi and English, so communication is not a problem at all.
In case you are a solo traveler or a woman planning your first international trip, Bhutan is genuinely a great choice. The country is small, well-connected by buses, and very walkable. You can read more about planning a solo trip in my detailed guide.
What Are the Best Months to Visit Bhutan on a Budget?
The peak tourist seasons in Bhutan are March to May (spring) and September to November (autumn). During these months, hotel prices are higher and buses fill up fast. If budget is your priority, consider traveling during:
- December to February: Winter months. It is cold but the skies are clear and there are far fewer tourists. Hotel prices drop by 20-30%.
- June to August: Monsoon season. There is rain, but it is green and beautiful. Fewer crowds and better deals.
You can read my detailed month-by-month guide on the best time to visit Bhutan for more specifics.
Can You Explore Eastern Bhutan on a Budget?
Yes, but it takes more time and more money. The standard 5-day itinerary covers the western circuit (Phuentsholing, Thimphu, Paro). If you want to explore the far eastern belt of Bhutan, you will need at least 10-12 days and a higher budget (around INR 25,000-35,000 per person). The eastern region is less touristy, more rural, and genuinely offbeat. Public transport is limited in the east, so you might need to rely on shared taxis which are more expensive. However, the experience is absolutely worth it if you have the time.
For a comprehensive itinerary covering central Bhutan and the western circuit, check my complete Bhutan road trip itinerary.
Pro Tips for Budget Travel to Bhutan
- Most people in Bhutan understand Hindi and English. Communication is not a problem.
- You can use Indian currency throughout Bhutan. The Bhutanese Ngultrum is equivalent to the Indian Rupee.
- Along with a passport, they accept Voter ID cards at the border. Call the Royal Consulate of Bhutan in Kolkata (033 4012 3999) to verify if other IDs are accepted.
- The bus ticketing facility ends by 5 PM. After 6 PM, no buses. Taxis are expensive, so always pre-book your bus tickets.
- At the border, hotels and facilities close by midnight. Border gates also close. No entry into India until morning.
- Tiger’s Nest Monastery is closed on Tuesdays. Plan accordingly.
- Although cigarettes are prohibited in Bhutan, there is an open drinking culture. Alcohol is very cheap, starting from INR 20.
- Carry a good pair of walking shoes. Paro and many attractions require walking and hiking.
Pro Travel Tip: If you are interested in exploring the wildlife in Bhutan, check out our detailed guide on Bhutan Wildlife Sanctuaries and National Parks.
Important Things to Know Before You Go
- Mobile network: Bhutanese SIM cards (TashiCell or B-Mobile) are available at the border for INR 200-300. Indian SIMs work in Phuentsholing but not deeper inside Bhutan.
- ATMs: ATMs are available in Thimphu and Paro, but they may not always work with Indian cards. Carry enough cash.
- Medical facilities: Basic medical facilities are available in Thimphu and Paro. Carry your own basic medicines.
- Internet: WiFi is available in most hotels. Data speeds can be slow in remote areas.
- Electricity: Same as India (230V, 50Hz). No adapter needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a 5-day Bhutan trip cost for Indians?
A budget 5-day Bhutan trip costs approximately INR 12,000 to INR 15,000 per person, excluding travel to the border. This includes the mandatory SDF of INR 1,200/night, budget hotels, bus fares, and food. If you include the round-trip train from Kolkata, the total comes to around INR 13,000 to INR 17,500.
Do Indians need a visa for Bhutan?
No, Indian nationals do not need a visa to visit Bhutan. However, you need a free entry permit, which can be obtained at the Phuentsholing border or pre-registered online at immi.gov.bt. You will need a valid passport or Voter ID card.
What is the SDF fee for Indians visiting Bhutan in 2026?
The Sustainable Development Fee for Indian nationals is INR 1,200 per person per night. This is significantly lower than the USD 100/night fee that other international tourists pay. Children under 5 are exempt, and children aged 6-12 get a 50% discount. This rate is fixed until August 2027.
Can I use Indian Rupees in Bhutan?
Yes, Indian Rupees are accepted throughout Bhutan. The Bhutanese Ngultrum (BTN) is pegged at 1:1 with the Indian Rupee (INR). However, carry smaller denominations (INR 100 and INR 200 notes) as some shops may not accept INR 500 or INR 2,000 notes.
Is Bhutan expensive for Indians?
No, Bhutan is one of the most affordable international destinations for Indians. Unlike other nationalities who pay USD 100/night as SDF, Indians pay only INR 1,200/night. Combined with the currency parity, no visa fees, and affordable public transport, a 5-day trip can be done for under INR 15,000 per person.
What is the cheapest way to reach Bhutan from India?
The cheapest route is by train from Kolkata (Sealdah) to Hasimara on the Kanchankanya Express (INR 400-500 in Sleeper Class), then a shared auto to Phuentsholing (INR 30-50). The total one-way cost is under INR 550 per person.
How many days are enough for a Bhutan trip?
A minimum of 5 days is recommended for the basic western Bhutan circuit (Phuentsholing, Thimphu, Paro). For a more relaxed trip including Punakha, plan for 7-8 days. If you want to explore eastern Bhutan, you will need 10-12 days. Check my complete Bhutan itinerary for day-by-day plans.
Is Bhutan safe for solo female travelers?
Yes, Bhutan is considered one of the safest countries in South Asia for solo travelers, including women. Crime rates are negligible, locals are hospitable, and most people speak Hindi and English. Read my Bhutan solo trip guide for detailed tips.
Conclusion
I hope this detailed budget breakdown helps you plan your Bhutan trip with confidence. Depending on how you travel and what you indulge in, the figure can be higher or lower. However, the basics are pretty much covered here. Bhutan is genuinely one of the most beautiful countries to visit, and as an Indian, you have the advantage of doing it on a budget without feeling like you are missing out on anything.
If you have any questions about planning your Bhutan trip or need help customizing your itinerary, feel free to ask in the comments section below. I will be happy to help. Also, if you know someone who is planning a trip to Bhutan, do share this article with them. It might save them hours of research 🙂 …
For trip discussions, finding travel partners, and more detailed queries, head over to the DwD Community. You can also check the DoW Travel Calendar from the link in the main menu of the website for upcoming group trips.
Have a travel question?? You can subscribe to my YouTube channel and leave a comment to ask your travel questions about traveling to the Himalayas.
