India To Bhutan Travel Cost In 2023 | Travel Guide | Bhutan Entry Permit For Indians | Immigration #BhutanTravel …
The cost of traveling from India to Bhutan in 2025 can vary significantly depending on your travel style, duration, and preferences. Here’s a breakdown of the key cost factors:
1. Sustainable Development Fee (SDF):
- Indian nationals do not require a visa but need an entry permit.
- A Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) of ₹1,200 per person per night is applicable for Indian tourists.
- Children between 6 and 12 years old pay a reduced SDF of ₹600 per night.
- Children below 5 years old are exempt from the SDF.
2. Travel Options & Costs:
- By Air:
- Flights are available from major Indian cities like Delhi, Kolkata, Bagdogra, Guwahati, and Mumbai to Paro International Airport (PBH) in Bhutan.
- Round-trip flight costs typically range from ₹15,000 to ₹30,000 or more, depending on the origin city, airline, and booking time. Flights from Kolkata tend to be more budget-friendly.
- By Road:
- The most common land border crossing is via Jaigaon (West Bengal, India) to Phuentsholing (Bhutan).
- You can reach Jaigaon by bus or train from various parts of India (cost ₹1,000 – ₹2,500 approx.).
- From Phuentsholing to other parts of Bhutan (like Thimphu or Paro), you can hire a shared taxi (₹500 – ₹1,000 per person) or a private car (₹3,000 – ₹5,000 per day).
- If you plan to drive your own Indian-registered vehicle beyond Phuentsholing, a Green Tax of Nu 4,500 (Bhutanese Ngultrum, equivalent to INR) per day is applicable.
3. Accommodation:
- Budget-friendly guesthouses and hotels can cost around ₹1,000 to ₹2,000 per night.
- Mid-range hotels typically range from ₹2,500 to ₹5,000 per night.
- Luxury hotels and resorts can cost anywhere from ₹8,000 to ₹25,000 or more per night.
- It is mandatory for Indian tourists to stay in Department of Tourism-certified accommodations.
4. Food and Dining:
- Budget for ₹500 to ₹1,000 per person per day for meals, depending on your choice of restaurants.
- Bhutanese cuisine is flavorful, and Indian food is also widely available.
5. Local Transportation:
- Hiring a taxi for local sightseeing can cost ₹2,000 to ₹4,000 per day, depending on the distance and locations.
- Shared taxis and local buses are more economical options for certain routes.
6. Sightseeing and Activities:
- Entrance fees for attractions can range from ₹300 to ₹1,000 per person per site.
- Trekking permits can cost between ₹1,000 and ₹3,000 depending on the trek.
- Guided tours can cost ₹2,000 to ₹5,000 per day for group tours.
Sample Budget for a 5-Day Bhutan Trip (per person):
- SDF: ₹1,200 x 5 nights = ₹6,000
- Flights (Round-trip average): ₹20,000
- Accommodation (Mid-range, 5 nights): ₹12,500
- Food: ₹2,500
- Local Transport: ₹5,000
- Sightseeing & Activities: ₹3,000
- Shopping/Miscellaneous: ₹2,000
- Total: ₹51,000 (This is an estimated cost and can vary)
Bhutan Tour Packages:
Many travel agencies offer Bhutan tour packages from India, which can sometimes be more convenient as they include accommodation, transportation, meals, and sightseeing. These packages in 2025 can start from around ₹26,990 and go up to ₹2,05,320 per person, depending on the duration, inclusions, and level of luxury.
Key Takeaways for Budgeting:
- The daily SDF is a significant component of your travel cost.
- Flight prices can fluctuate, so booking in advance and being flexible with travel dates can help save money.
- Accommodation choices will greatly impact your budget.
- Consider shared transportation for a more budget-friendly trip.
It’s recommended to research and compare prices for flights, accommodation, and tour packages to get the best deals for your Bhutan trip in 2025.
