Why Travel To Bhutan Is Expensive In 2022?
Travelling to Bhutan is more expensive today compared to the circumstances before the COVID outbreak. In the past, Bhutan's minimum daily salary was $200 per person per night during the low season, and $250 per person, per night during the peak season. But today, that has changed thanks to Bhutan's revision of its tourism tax and policy, which took effect on September 23. Bhutan's current daily rate and term for the regular package, which includes lodging in 3-star hotels, a guide, transportation, and sightseeing, ranges from approximately US$350 to US$2,500 per night per person. Travellers now have to pay a Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) of $200 per night when they arrive in Bhutan. Before the pandemic, it cost US$65 a night, but the Bhutanese government increased the SDF. A single rate valid all year round has replaced the previous low and high season tariffs. Bhutan aspires for a high-value, low-impact approach with this new tourism regulation.
How much does it cost to visit Bhutan?
The higher SDF fee and the approximative travel costs, which are as follows, are to blame for Bhutan's current high cost of living. However, this price is merely an estimate based on the services you choose, the hotels you stay in, etc.
Sustainable Development Fee-SDF
US$ 200 (Per Person Per Night)
Standard Tour Packages
US$ 350 – US$ 500 (Per Person Per Night with SDF)
Deluxe tour Packages
US$ 500 – US$ 900 (Per Person Per Night with SDF)
Luxury tour Packages
US$ 900 – US$ 2500 (Per Person Per Night with SDF)
Why is the Bhutan tour cost expensive?
The SDF charge recently increased from US$200 per person per night to US$65 per person per night. In addition, the government now charges a fee for entry to most previously free tourist attractions.
Discount on SDF
Children aged 6 to 12 can receive a discount; a day will cost about USD 100. The same holds for SDF-exempt children under the age of five. All other values based on visit length, student status, or tour guide status have been eliminated.
Indian, Bangladeshi, and Maldivian visitors to the region must pay an SDF of 1200 Nu (about 15 USD) per person each day. There are no discounts; even young children must pay the same.
Entrance fees in Bhutan
One must pay additional entrance fees to visit tourist attractions in Bhutan, including monasteries, dzongs, temples, dzong fortresses, and Taktsang Monastery, also known as the "Tiger's Nest," at places like Paro, Thimphu, Punakha, Gangtey, Trongsa, and Bumthang.
Is there a quarantine in Bhutan?
All travellers coming to Bhutan before September 23, 2022, must spend 24 hours in quarantine. They can begin their tour as scheduled after receiving a positive test result following quarantine. All quarantine costs, including lodging, meals, and covid tests, are extra and must be covered by the visitor. However, all quarantine will be lifted on September 23.
Are flights to Bhutan open?
Yes, there are currently flights available from Kathmandu, Delhi, and Singapore to Bhutan, but the flight schedule has altered and is now as follows:
Kathmandu/Paro/Kathmandu
Every Thursday in AUG 2022, Monday through Thursday in SEP and Saturday in OCT 2022.
Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday between NOV and DEC 2022.
Bhutan Airlines has also started operating, although only from Kathmandu, Kolkata, Delhi, and Bangkok.
The Conclusion
You would have three choices for tour packages if you planned to visit Bhutan: standard, deluxe, and luxury. Even though visiting Bhutan is pricey, it is still worth every penny. You can choose the Bhutan tour packages based on your trip budget.
