Bhutan Trip Cost from India (2026) – Real Budget, SDF & Hidden Costs

Bhutan Trip Cost from India: Complete 2026 Budget Guide

Planning a trip to Bhutan from India but are confused about the actual cost? You are not alone. Most travel websites give you vague estimates or hide important costs that blow your budget at the last moment.

Whether you’re a solo traveler backpacking your way through Bhutan, a family on a holiday vacation, or a couple looking to find love among the dzongs, this guide is written specifically for you. We’ll discuss everything from the need-to-know Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) to unexpected border crossing fees, travel costs in individual cities, and even the cheeky daily expenditures for food and a cheeky drink. By the time we’re finished, you’ll have a foolproof plan for your Bhutan holiday.

Let’s get started!

Why Bhutan? A Quick Peek Before the Numbers:

Before we dive into the numbers, let's take a moment to envision this: Trekking to Tiger's Nest Monastery with prayer flags waving in the wind, enjoying spicy ema datshi at a cozy Thimphu restaurant, or exploring Punakha's riverbank trekking routes. Bhutan is more than a travel destination; it's an experience—Gross National Happiness, anyone? And for Indians, it's remarkably easy to reach by land from West Bengal or by flight to Paro.

The duration of travel is typically 5-10 days, covering popular spots such as Paro, Thimphu, and Punakha. But the cost? That depends on your travel preferences: budget trekking or package deals. Surprise, surprise: it's actually quite reasonable if you plan carefully.

*Detail Guide About Bagdogra To Bhutan Taxi

Minimum Money Needed For A Bhutan Trip From India:

Approx ₹15,000 per person for a 4-day budget trip from Siliguri

But here's the reality—this bare minimum only works if you're traveling during off-season, sharing rooms, taking local transport, and planning everything yourself. Most travelers end up spending between ₹25,000 to ₹35,000 per person for a comfortable 5-6 day trip.

In this guide, I'll break down every single expense you'll face—from the controversial Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) to the hidden border costs that catch everyone off guard. Whether you're planning from Siliguri, Kolkata, or Delhi, I'll give you city-specific budgets that actually make sense.

The Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) : 

Okay, let's get the SDF out of the way. It's like the price of admission to heaven, and it goes towards all the good stuff, like free education and protecting the forests. It's not a tax; it's a fee. And trust me, it's a small price to pay for the paradise that is Bhutan. Indians (and Bangladeshis and Maldivians) get a huge discount—no $200-a-day rip-off.

Here's the lowdown: For people 12 years and older, it's ₹1,200 per night. Kids between 6 and 11 get a 50% discount at ₹600 per night. And for kiddos under 6, it's free. So, for a family of four (two adults, one teenager, one toddler) on a 6-night holiday, it'll be ₹1,200 x 2 x 6 + ₹600 x 1 x 6 = ₹14,400 + ₹3,600 = ₹18,000. Easy peasy.

How does this impact your budget? It can add up quickly—20-30% of your overall budget for a short trip. Pay it upfront when obtaining your permit at Phuentsholing (land border) or Paro Airport. Non-refundable if you leave early, but you can stay longer by paying more. Why do travel agents give such different prices? Some include SDF in packages with a markup, while others lowball you to get your business and then charge you for "extras." Self-planners pay exactly what it costs—no frills. Tip: Always check to make sure SDF is included in your price quotes, and verify your receipts. It's non-negotiable, but it preserves Bhutan for future generations.

*Check out our latest guide on Bhutan Cab Booking

What Exactly is the SDF for Indian Travelers?

The Sustainable Development Fee is a daily charge that every visitor pays to enter Bhutan. Think of it as an entry fee that goes toward preserving Bhutan's culture and environment.

For Indian citizens:

• Adults: ₹1,200 per person per day
• Children (6-12 years): ₹600 per person per day
• Children below 6 years: Free

Here's the critical part most blogs don't explain clearly—this SDF is charged for every night you stay in Bhutan, not the total days. So a 5-night trip means 5 days of SDF.

Example calculation:

• 2 adults traveling for 5 nights = 2 × ₹1,200 × 5 = ₹12,000 just for SDF
• Add 1 child (8 years old) = ₹600 × 5 = ₹3,000 more

That's ₹15,000 in SDF alone before you've even booked a hotel or meal.

*Explore the latest guide on Sikkim Tour

Self-Planned Trip vs. Tour Package: A Side-by-Side Comparison

Confused between DIY freedom and package ease? You're not alone—many silently search for this showdown. Self-planning saves cash but needs effort; packages handle logistics but cost more. Here's a clear comparison for a 7-day trip (per person, excluding travel to border):

Bottom line: Go self-planned if you're adventurous and group-traveling (share taxis!). Opt for packages (from sites like MakeMyTrip or Thomas Cook) if you want zero stress—ideal for first-timers. Packages start at ₹35,000-₹55,000, but shop around; some include flights from India.

*Complete Guide On Phuentsholing Cab Booking

Reaching Bhutan: Prices from Major Indian Cities

This is where most travel blogs conveniently skip, but trust me, the entry point makes a huge difference. Bhutan has two entry points: by land through Phuentsholing (from Jaigaon in India) or fly into Paro. Now, let’s break down the prices from Siliguri, Kolkata, and Delhi, which are the major starting points. Prices are one way, per person, economy class, estimated for 2026.

From Siliguri (Closest and Cheapest)

Siliguri's your golden ticket—Bagdogra Airport and NJP Station are hubs. Distance to Phuentsholing: 160 km (4-5 hours).

• Taxi/Car Rental: ₹3,500-₹5,000 for a hatchback/sedan (shared: ₹800-1,200/person).
• Bus: ₹200-400 (local buses from Siliguri to Jaigaon).
• Total Minimum: ₹800 (bus + border walk). Add ₹500 for comfort. Why cheap? No flights needed. Perfect if you're in West Bengal.

From Kolkata

About 700 km to border; fly or train for ease.

• Flight to Paro (Direct): ₹15,000-₹20,000 (2-3 hours, via Druk Air or Bhutan Airlines).
• Train to Siliguri (NJP): ₹500-1,000 (12-15 hours, then taxi to border ₹3,500/car).
• Flight to Bagdogra + Taxi: ₹5,000-8,000 flight + ₹3,500 taxi.
• Total Minimum: ₹6,000 (train + taxi shared). Flight route: ₹15,000+. Bus option: 20+ hours, ₹1,000-1,500, but exhausting.

From Delhi

Farthest, so flights dominate.

• Flight to Paro (Direct): ₹17,000-25,000 (3-4 hours).
• Flight to Bagdogra + Taxi: ₹3,000-5,000 flight + ₹3,500 taxi to border.
• Train to NJP + Taxi: ₹1,000-2,000 (20+ hours) + ₹3,500.
• Total Minimum: ₹5,000 (flight to Bagdogra + shared taxi). Direct Paro: ₹17,000. Pro: Flights skip border queues. Con: Weather can cancel Paro landings.

Add return costs and buffer for delays. Land entry? Expect crowds at Phuentsholing.

Uncovering Hidden Border Fees:

Oh, the border—where the rush of entering blissful kingdom happiness awaits, with a few sneaky surprises thrown in. Crossing over at Phuentsholing? Indian taxis will leave you at Jaigaon; then, it's a walk across (free), followed by a line for permits.

• Taxi Switcheroo: Indian cabs can't roam freely in Bhutan without special permits (rare for tourists). Hire a Bhutanese taxi post-border: ₹3,000-4,000 to Thimphu (170 km, 5-6 hours). Small car for 2-3 people; SUVs ₹5,000+.
• Permit Delays & Extra Night: Processing takes 2-4 hours (bring ID, photos, hotel booking). Arrive post-noon? Might wait till next day, adding ₹1,000-2,000 for a Jaigaon/Phuentsholing hotel night. Tip: Start early (office opens 9 AM).
• Real Taxi Prices (No Approximates): Local rides: Start ₹70, ₹25/km. Inter-city: Phuentsholing-Paro ₹3,500-5,000; Thimphu-Punakha ₹2,500-3,500. Shared taxis: ₹500-800/person for major routes. Other gotchas: ₹200 permit fee (small), tips for helpers (₹100-200), and if driving your car, fuel surcharges or parking (₹500/day).

7Days Itinerary Expense Estimate: 

A 7-day itinerary (Phuentsholing entry, Thimphu-Paro-Punakha loop) varies by day. Here's the logic—expensive days involve travel/activities; cheap ones are chill.

• Day 1: Arrival & Border (Expensive: ₹3,000-5,000): Transport to border + taxi switch + permit wait. Overspend risk: Impulse snacks or extra hotel if delayed.
• Day 2: To Thimphu (Expensive: ₹4,000-6,000): Long taxi ride + first meals. High on transport; cheap if shared.
• Day 3-4: Thimphu Sightseeing (Moderate: ₹2,000-3,000/day): Free spots like Buddha Point, but ₹100-200 entries for museums. Overspend: Souvenirs (₹500-2,000) or guided tours (₹1,500/day).
• Day 5: To Punakha (Moderate: ₹2,500-4,000): Scenic drive + rafting (extra ₹1,000). Cheap day if skipping add-ons.
• Day 6: Paro & Tiger's Nest (Expensive: ₹3,000-5,000): Hike free, but pony ride ₹1,000 + entries. Overspend: Photoshoots in traditional gear (₹500).
• Day 7: Departure (Cheap: ₹1,000-2,000): Local wander + taxi back. Low-key unless shopping.

Pattern: Travel days spike on taxis (30-40% of budget); sightseeing days on fees/food. Unknowingly overspend? Alcohol evenings or unplanned adventures—budget ₹500/day buffer.

Best Time To Visit In Bhutan: 

Bhutan's weather dictates deals. Peak seasons jack prices; off-seasons slash them—but with risks.

• Peak (Mar-May, Sep-Nov): 20-40% cost jump. Hotels up 30%, taxis busier (add ₹500-1,000). Why? Festivals, clear skies. Total for 7 days: ₹35,000-60,000.
• Cheapest Months (Jun-Aug Monsoon, Dec-Feb Winter): 20-30% cheaper. Hotels ₹800/night, packages drop to ₹30,000. Risks: Monsoon—landslides, foggy views, canceled hikes; Winter—freezing highs (pack thermals), snow-blocked roads. Still magical for budget crowds, but prep for rain/cold.

Go off-peak if saving matters; peak for vibes.

Food & Daily Spend Ideas:

Bhutanese food is hearty—think rice, chilies, cheese. Average meal: Veg (ema datshi) ₹120-250; Non-veg (pork/chicken) ₹150-300. Local spots: ₹200/meal; hotels ₹300-600. Daily: ₹500-800 for three meals (veg/non-veg, similar pricing).

Alcohol? Sites hush it, but locals love ara (rice wine) or beer. Beer (Druk 11000): ₹65-90/can. Whisky (K5): ₹750/750ml bottle. Bar tabs: ₹200-500/night. Import brands pricier (₹2,000+). Daily spend truth: ₹300-600 on snacks/drinks/tips. Veg eaters save slightly; non-veg adds ₹50-100/meal for meat.

Final Words: 

For a minimum of ₹25,000 per person, it’s definitely doable without compromising on the magic. Plan your trip through Bhutantaxis.in, and then mix and match your planning with some smart splurges. Just remember to be open to the unexpected. Bhutan is not about luxury; it’s about happiness. Lighten up your bags, flash those smiles, and go chase your Himalayan highs. Safe travels—what’s your first stop?

FAQ:

1. What is the minimum cost of a Bhutan trip from India?

The minimum realistic cost of a Bhutan trip from India would be ₹25,000-₹30,000 per person for 5 days, if you are traveling by road, staying in budget hotels, and organizing the trip yourself. Anything less than that would mean that the cost of taxi, permit, or food is being hidden.

2. Is Bhutan expensive for Indian tourists?

Not at all. Bhutan is not an expensive destination, but it is certainly not a cheap one either.
Bhutan is cheaper than Europe but costlier than Nepal for Indians. The reason for this is the cost of hotel + local taxi, and not the cost of permits or food.

3. How much money should I carry for a Bhutan trip from India?

You would need to carry ₹3,000-₹4,000 per day per person in cash for the purpose of food, entry fees, tips, and emergencies. There are very few ATMs outside major cities, and UPI is not available everywhere.

4. What is the Bhutan SDF fee for Indian tourists and is it included in the trip cost?

Indian tourists have to pay ₹1,200 per person per night as Sustainable Development Fee (SDF).
Most tour packages do not specify the SDF charge. Always check if it is included or to be paid separately.

5. Is a Bhutan tour package cheaper than planning the trip yourself?

Not always.

Self-planned trips are cheaper for solo or couples

Tour packages are cheaper for families or groups (shared taxi + hotel packages)

People overpay when they don’t compare both options.

6. What is the cheapest way to travel to Bhutan from India?

The cheapest way is:

Train or bus to Siliguri

Taxi to Jaigaon–Phuentsholing

Bhutan local taxi after permit

Flying to Paro is convenient but can raise your expenses by ₹15,000-₹40,000.

7. Which month is the cheapest to visit Bhutan from India?

The cheapest months are January, February, June, and July.
Hotels and taxis are cheaper, but sightseeing and weather may not be the best. Peak seasons (March-May, Sept-Nov) raise the trip cost by 30-50%.