On September 23, 2022, Bhutan opened its borders again after over two years. At the same time, the country unveiled a new national identity that shows growth and a positive attitude, meant to make people proud and inspire their creativity.
Sustainable Development Fee
The Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) is a meaningful contribution that visitors make daily to help Bhutan grow and develop. Your role as a visitor has been pivotal to Bhutan’s progress since the country started welcoming tourists in 1974.
Bhutan recently increased its Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) from USD 65 to USD 100 per person per night. This fee will support Bhutan’s economy, society, environment, and cultural projects. It will fund programs to preserve Bhutan’s traditions, improve infrastructure, and provide healthcare and education for all.
Indian nationals with a valid Indian passport or Voter ID card must pay INR. 1,200 per person per night.
Discounts
Children between 6 and 12 years old must pay USD 50 per night, but children under 6 don’t have to pay anything.
For Indian Nationals, children between 6 and 12 years old need to pay INR. 600 per night. Children under 6 years old don’t have to pay anything.
The Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) is refundable if the guest has to cancel the trip entirely or leave early by reducing the number of days. However, the transaction fee may be deducted from the refund.
Visa Processing Fee
When you apply for your visa, you must pay a one-time fee of US$40. This fee is paid along with your Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) as part of the application process. It covers the administrative costs of processing and maintaining the infrastructure.
Discounts
There are no discounts for the visa processing fees, and it’s non-refundable.
Tour Charges
Our tour organizer meticulously calculates the tour charges, ensuring you understand the comprehensive services included and excluded. This transparency ensures you receive the best value for your money during the tour.
Single room surcharges:
An additional surcharge of USD 30 will be levied on tourists requiring a single room.
The tour charges will include:
- Accommodations in 3-star rated hotels, homestays, and monastery stays inclusive of meals.
- Three daily meals are provided.
- Bottled water during the tour.
- Tea and Coffee with snacks.
- Comprehensive transportation services within Bhutan.
- Expertise as an English-speaking guide and driver.
- A schedule of prearranged activities.
- Exclusive complimentary experiences include dressing in traditional Bhutanese attire for a photo, tree planting, flag hoisting, archery, experiencing a hot stone bath, cooking demonstrations, astrology sessions, meditation and prayer.
- Park admission fees.
- Hiking permits.
- Visa processing fees.
- Sustainable development fees.
- All applicable taxes and surcharges.
- Airfare to Bhutan if it’s part of the package.
The tour charges will exclude the following:
- Wire transfer fees: $45 and/or credit card transaction fees: 4.99%
- Airfare to Bhutan.
- Travel Protection/Insurance.
- Alcoholic beverages.
- Activities not scheduled in the itinerary.
- Lunch and dinner on the departure day.
- Additional meals or drinks beyond what is included.
- Purchases made within Bhutan.
- Any other services not specified in the inclusions list.
In addition to the charges mentioned above, for travellers who visit Bhutan on trekking trips, an additional charge per person per day will be levied as a trekking supplement, which will be applied only to scheduled trekking days.
Here is a comprehensive list of what is included in the trekking supplement:
- Tents from Crua, Mountain Hardwear and NorthFace.
- Sleeping bags from Marmot, Mountain Hardwear that can withstand -30 Degree Celsius.
- Portable water filtration system from Sawyer.
- Sleeping mattress from Kilos Gear.
- Camping Lights.
- Head Lights.
- Flashlight or torch and spare batteries.
- Satellite Phones.
- Hot water bag.
- Hand sanitizer.
- Inner fleece.
- Dining and kitchen tents.
- Toilet tents and Shower tent from Kingcamp.
- European Style Toilet Pots.
- Tables and Chairs from Kilos Gear and Kingcamp.