How to Plan Bhutan Tour at Low Cost: Find the Best Deal

Bhutan is a unique place that has managed to avoid the heavy impact of modern tourism. In the region of the Eastern Himalayas, Bhutan is calm, deeply spiritual and surrounded by beautiful nature. 

Bhutan is referred to as “The Land of the Thunder Dragon” and presents a completely unique, other-worldly experience. The most fun part is that you can enjoy travelling without spending a lot of money with the Bhutan Tour at Low Cost.

Although daily tourism charges in Bhutan can suggest it is pricey, many visitors find low-cost options to travel there.

A bit of preparation, smart decisions, and the right tour operator can help you discover Bhutan at an affordable price.

Let’s see how the Bhutan Tour is suitable for visitors who travel on a budget but still want a memorable trip.

Is Bhutan a Place You Can Visit if You Are Trying to Travel Cheaply?

If you plan your trip correctly, Bhutan won’t cost as much as many people assume. You can do Bhutan Tour at Low Cost.

Bhutan is considered a special place for luxury travel. This is mainly due to the daily Sustainable Development Fee charged to all tourists.

However, most people don’t know that it’s possible to reduce your expenses and still explore and enjoy Bhutan’s Highlights Tour.

For starters, Bhutan is offering discounts to travellers staying for more than five days. If your visit is for a week or more, you can save a few days on your SDF payment. Those who want to spend time learning about a place slowly can use this option.

Bhutan travel can be enjoyed without spending on expensive hotels. Another option is to stay in homestays or guesthouses which are comfortable, tidy and do not cost much.

The cafes and restaurants in these places are known for making homemade Bhutanese food at affordable prices.

You can also keep your spending low by tours ranging from just two to five people. Having a group tour often means your accommodation, meals, transportation and necessary permits are arranged together, saving both time and expenses for you.

Yes, it is very possible to visit Bhutan without breaking the bank. Just be smart about your itinerary, visit outside of peak seasons and travel with a company that can give you a great time at a good price.

You can also explore Nepal Tour Packages along with Bhutan.

Choose the Right Season for Bhutan Tour at Low Cost

Choosing to travel when fewer people travel can be cheaper. Look into the most affordable times to visit Bhutan.

If you want to travel to Bhutan at a lower cost, consider the time you plan your vacation. The months of March to May and September to November are beautiful, but they tend to be much more expensive than other times.

You will notice that hotels, flights and tour packages are all more expensive these days.

If you are on a budget, the summer/monsoon and winter seasons are the best times to visit Bhutan. Since there are fewer travelers during this season, the costs for flights, hotels and tours tend to be reduced.

If you go on a trip during the monsoon, you’ll enjoy beautiful greenery and less congestion. In the winter, there are fewer crowds, and you can enjoy clear skies and peaceful valleys surrounded by fewer people. 

You can still enjoy great monasteries, explore lovely trails, and enjoy welcoming Bhutanese people, all without the extra cost.

So, to enjoy your Bhutan trip at a reduced cost, try visiting during the shoulder or off-season.

Bhutan Visa and the Daily Fee 

Unlike most places, Bhutan uses a special approach to travel. International tourists (except for Indian, Bangladeshi and Maldivian citizens) must book a visa with a licensed Bhutanese tour operator or their international partner.

The visa charges for Bhutan are USD 40 and are paid to the tour operator just once.

Apart from getting a visa, tourists in Bhutan must also pay a Sustainable Development Fee of USD 100 per person per night. This amount contributes to protecting the culture, nature and tourism in Bhutan.

You might initially think the SDF is expensive, but there are opportunities to cut it down.

You can enjoy discounts or a free day by choosing to stay for longer in Bhutan. For example, some people are given extra days without the SDF when they pay for a certain amount of days’ accommodation.

If you visit during the low season, see if the government is offering discounted SDF.

Look for a tour company that has great prices: Several tour providers have SDF specials such as covering the fee or including it in the cost of the tour.

Budget-Friendly Accommodations in Bhutan

Here, we share the finest low-cost options for those looking to stay in guesthouses or homestays.

You can experience Bhutan’s friendly people without going to fancy hotels. Sometimes, the stays you remember most in Bhutan are at friendly, budget-friendly and basic local places. 

You can enjoy affordable accommodation in various towns throughout Bhutan, including homestays or guesthouses. They make it possible to meet Bhutanese families, discover how they live and enjoy what they cook for you at home.

For as little as $15–$30 per night, you can get a place to stay in Thimphu, Paro and Punakha. Most of the time, these stays come with hot water, clean accommodation, Wi-Fi, and sometimes breathtaking scenery from the mountains or valleys.

Some homestays offer cooking lessons in Bhutanese dishes or the chance to try on the country’s traditional clothes at no extra cost. Not only is money saved, but you also get to experience more of the place you visit.

For great prices, book in advance and choose a tour operator with reasonable prices.

How can you save money on food in Bhutan?

Go for local meals, as they are both tasty and more affordable in Bhutan.

You can sense the flavour, spices and warmth in each dish of Bhutanese food. You can enjoy Chinese food in your own home without going to a pricy restaurant.

Notice that buying food from locals gives you the chance to taste real meals at a reasonable price.

For a traditional meal in Bhutan, you can visit local and roadside eateries for only around $3 to $5. Taking a bite of Ema Datshi (chili and cheese), Phaksha Paa (pork with red chilies), Momo (dumplings) or red rice will keep you satisfied.

If you choose a homestay or a guesthouse, most will serve breakfast and propose a tasty home-cooked meal for just a little extra. As a result, you get to enjoy quality food for a lower price.

When looking for snacks, local bakeries or tea shops are the place to go for a cup of butter tea or a bun, each for less than a dollar.

In general, choosing to eat at local restaurants allows you to experience Bhutanese culture and its food without costing a lot.

If you want to travel to Bhutan via Nepal then please check our Nepal Bhutan Tour.

Share Transportation to Cut Costs in Bhutan 

Using taxis with other people or joining tours with only a few people in Bhutan saves you a lot.

You can expect your transportation costs in Bhutan to be higher if you choose to rent a private cab while you are alone. Nonetheless, you can easily manage this by sharing your ride.

You can reduce travel expenses in Bhutan by becoming part of a group tour. Often, everyone in the tour split the cost of transport and the driver if the tours are in a group. You can do this for less money and meet new people along the way.

Alternatively, if you want to save money, you could share a taxi or hire a car with other passengers you meet on your travels. Taking a shared taxi or minibus is cheap and usual for many people in Paro, Thimphu and Punakha.

You can also try buses since riding them won’t drain your wallet. The journeys might take more time and be less comfortable, but they allow you to see the locals at an affordable rate.

If you request ahead, your Bhutan tour company can make sure you have access to shared transportation. Whenever you plan a trip, be sure to see if group travel is available. 

If you plan, you can see the valleys, cities and monasteries in Bhutan at a reasonable cost. 

Also, check out the Bhutan Short Tour if you are short on time.

Planning Your Packing for a Bhutan Tour at Low Cost

Being prepared in advance will save you the trouble of buying anything along the way.

Careful packing will save you both money and inconvenience when you’re on a budget trip. Packing should be light and well thought out because different areas in Bhutan have different weather.

Here’s a simple checklist for your Bhutan trip:

• It is helpful to wear shoes that are convenient for walking because you may have to hike occasionally.

• Bring warm clothing, even in the summer, because it can be cold early in the evening.

• Rain jacket or umbrella – Essential if you’re travelling during the monsoon season (June to August).

• Bring some painkillers, nausea tablets, and cold medicine with you so you won’t have to shop for them at high prices.

• A water bottle you can use multiple times – It will help you drink enough water and reduce plastic pollution. A lot of hotels give you a chance to refill.

• Power bank and universal adapter: if power is unreliable in the wild, these tools can help you.

• On trips or treks, fill your bag with energy bars, biscuits or bags of dried fruit.

• Bring your own toiletries since there might not be soap, shampoo and toothpaste at budget hotels.

Bhutan Tour Low-Cost Experiences You Shouldn’t Miss

Make a habit of seeing temples and monasteries, as well as going on cheap or free hikes.

Bhutan is beautiful and filled with cultural highlights and you can find many remarkable tours here for a low budget.

Kyichu Lhakhang in Paro and Chimi Lhakhang in Punakha are ancient temples you can enter for free or by donating a small amount. They are all peaceful, full of spiritual energy and rich in history.

Hiking is a big attraction in Bhutan, and you can enjoy several short hikes for free. For example, the hike to the famous Tiger’s Nest Monastery (Paro Taktsang) is one of the most popular. While it costs to enter, following the trail is free and allows you to see beautiful views.

If you love nature, there are plenty of scenic spots and walking trails around valleys like Phobjikha and Haa, where you can explore open landscapes, spot black-necked cranes (in winter), and enjoy quiet moments with no entrance fees.

Bhutan also hosts free local festivals (Tshechus), where you can watch masked dances, traditional music, and colourful parades. You have a great chance to experience Bhutanese culture at these festivals for free.

You can see and experience the authentic beauty of Bhutan by exploring what’s available at little or no cost.

Bhutan Group Tours vs Private Tours: Which Is Cheaper?

Be sure to weigh both the benefits and disadvantages of each method when you are on a budget.

You should consider the option of a group tour or a private tour when planning your trip to Bhutan, as it will affect both your costs and travel experience.

Group Tours tend to be cheaper than other tours. Since you and the other travellers split the expenses for transportation, guides and accommodations, the total price per person drops.

Taking a group tour allows you to meet new people and have experiences with them. On group tours, you usually stay to the planned itinerary, so you must compromise your own schedule.

Alternatively, Private Tours give you the ability to schedule as you like and visit any place you want. It’s up to you where to visit, how many days to spend there and what sights to discover.

Sure, things have become easier, but you must cover all the expenses yourself. Private tours are excellent for getting your own space, being comfortable or enjoying personal tours, but they are not the best choice if you worry about cost.

Budget travellers usually prefer to join group tours. You’ll save money while still seeing and learning about Bhutan with the help of local tour guides. Sometimes, companies provide small group tours that involve fewer people and save you money.

What you prefer and what you can afford are the main points to decide on. Joint travel is the easiest way to enjoy Bhutan without spending a fortune.

The Best Tour Company Offering Bhutan Trips at Affordable Prices

If you wish to explore Bhutan on a budget, Himalayan Trekking and Tours is the best option. You will find more than 10 different Bhutan packages based on your budget and travel preferences.

Those who choose Himalayan Trekking and Tours can rely on good service, experienced guides and well-considered itineraries that are also affordable.

They provide every permit, book your hotels, arrange transport and include meals, so your travels go off without a hitch and at a lower price.

When you select Himalayan Trekking and Tours, you are assured of enjoying Bhutan’s culture and sights at the highest level for the money you spend.

Helpful Tips for Having an Affordable and Easy Trip to Bhutan

• Reserve your trip and flights ahead of time to get the most affordable deals.

• Travel when fewer people are travelling to save money and time.

• Be sure to carry the necessary things to save yourself from paying high prices for tourists.

• Opt for shared rides whenever you are able to.

• Visit the neighbourhood restaurants and enjoy national street dishes.

• Pick places that are easy on the budget, such as guesthouses or homestays.

• Bring your own water bottle to cut down on buying drinks in plastic bottles.

• Follow local traditions to steer clear of anything that will cost you.

• It’s a good idea to have some cash on hand, since not all shops will accept cards in Bhutan.

• Himalayan Trekking and Tours is a reliable tour company that helps you plan without any issues.