How Much Does It Cost to Visit Bhutan?
Average daily budget: $4000-4500
What Bhutan costs per day, by travel style. Most visitors stay 7-10 days. Local currency: BTN (Bhutanese Ngultrum, pegged 1:1 to INR).
Daily budget by travel style
Budget$150-200/day (SDF + budget package, basic guesthouse)
Mid-range$250-400/day (SDF + mid-range lodge, good guide)
Luxury$600-1500+/day (SDF + luxury lodge, Uma Paro-tier)
SDF: $100/day mandatory. Tiger's Nest hike: included in most packages. Ara (local spirit): 50-100 BTN ($0.60-1.20). International flights to Paro can be expensive, book 3+ months out.
Where to stay, by price level
Paro valley$$-$$$
Close to Tiger's Nest, quieter than Thimphu, rice paddy views, most international-standard hotels
Thimphu$$
Capital city, walkable, market access, slightly urban feel by Bhutanese standards
Punakha$$
Lower altitude, warmer, dramatic dzong setting, fewer accommodation options but more peaceful