Bhutan on a budget: how to do it well
Short answer
Bhutan cannot be done cheaply: the US$100 nightly fee alone puts it out of backpacker range. A realistic minimum is about US$115 per person per day plus the fee, so roughly US$215 a day in total, with basic hotels, shared guide costs and simple meals.
A realistic daily budget
| Budget | Mid-range | Comfort | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bed (per person, sharing) | US$30 | US$75 | US$450 |
| Food & drink | US$20 | US$35 | US$100 |
| Sights & tickets | US$25 | US$45 | US$100 |
| Local transport | US$40 | US$60 | US$150 |
| Per person, per day | US$115 | US$215 | US$800 |
Approximate 2026 prices, two people sharing a room. From our Bhutan day-cost table.
Free things to do
- Walk circuits with locals around the National Memorial Chorten in Thimphu (check whether a fee now applies)
- Browse the Centenary Farmers' Market in Thimphu, Friday to Sunday
- Watch the traffic officer on Norzin Lam, Thimphu's main street
- Cross the Punakha suspension bridge over the Po Chhu
- Walk Paro's main street with its painted wooden shopfronts
- Watch archery matches, Bhutan's national sport, often held at weekends
Cheap eats
- Ema datshi (chillies in cheese) with red rice, about Nu 300-500
- Momos (dumplings) in local cafés, about Nu 100-200 a plate
- Kewa datshi (potatoes and cheese), about Nu 250-400
- Butter tea (suja) and snacks in a village tea house, a little over Nu 50
- Set buffet meals included in most tour packages, at no extra cost
Where to sleep for less
Budget travellers use government-certified 3-star hotels in Thimphu, Paro and Punakha, at about Nu 3,500-6,000 (US$40-70) a double, usually with meals. There are no backpacker hostels for international tourists.
Getting around cheaply
Transport is normally by private car and driver from your operator, the biggest fixed cost after the fee. Paro airport is about 1 hour by road from Thimphu; your operator will meet you. Overland entry via Phuentsholing from India is cheaper than flying but adds a long drive.
A sample budget day
- Morning: Buddha Dordenma and the Memorial Chorten in Thimphu
- Lunch: ema datshi and rice in a local restaurant, about US$5
- Afternoon: Takin Preserve and Folk Heritage Museum, about US$10 in fees
- Evening: walk Norzin Lam and a simple dinner, about US$10
- Total: about US$115 per person plus the US$100 Sustainable Development Fee
More ways to save
- Fly into Paro from Kathmandu, Delhi or Bangkok on a sale fare, booked early.
- Keep the trip short and focused on Paro, Thimphu and Punakha.
- Bring snacks and a water bottle to refill at hotels.
- Ask operators for an all-meals-included package so you are not paying twice.
- Pack warm layers instead of buying gear locally.
- Carry small Nu notes for tips, entrance fees and tea stops.
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Common questions
Can you visit Bhutan on a budget?
Not really: with the US$100 nightly fee, a realistic minimum is about US$215 per person per day.
How can I reduce the cost of a Bhutan trip?
Travel in a small group, choose 3-star hotels, keep the route short and compare several licensed operators.
Are meals included in Bhutan tours?
Usually yes; most packages include buffet meals at hotels, so ask your operator to confirm.