In Bhutan, the tourist tariff is set by the royal government in an all-inclusive package structure (Not Applicable for nationalities of India, Bangladesh, and Maldives).
Since first closing its boarder in March 2020, in response to strict COVID measures, Bhutan is cautiously opening its doors to tourists this fall! In a recent announcement, the Bhutanese Government published new guidelines for traveler entry. Visitors who are fully vaccinated and test negative with a PCR test upon arrival will no longer have to quarantine. As part of this announcement, the Government also reported that tourism would resume in full on September 23rd, when the country will officially open all borders for business.
As per the decades old tourism policy, visitors are required to pay Minimum Daily Package Rate (MDPR) to local Tour Operator. Depending on number of people in group and season, this MDPR could have been 250 USD to 290 USD per person per day. This cost also included the tourism tax called Sustainable Development Fee (SDF). Remaining amount was used for the services like lodging, guide, transportation, and meals.
Now the SDF is increased from 65 USD per person, per day to 100 USD per person, per day.
Children up to 5 years are exempted from SDF, and kids from 6 to 12 years pay a discounted SDF rate.
However, at the same time, MPDR would be completely abolished. So for example, If guest is coming to Bhutan and want to stay for whole period of time in one luxurious spa hotel or chain of hotels, he will only book accommodation and pay SDF to the government.
Only in case of sightseeing, guest is required to have guide and vehicle. This might now be arranged by virtually anyone, but quite likely it is still going to be Tour Operator or hotel.
Not all the details of the new policy and how it is going to be implemented is yet fully understood, so please mind, that some of our statements here might at the end slightly differ.
How much will tourists have to pay, now?
If visitor comes for sightseeing tour, trekking etc. the full package which includes standard lodging, guide, transportation, meals and SDF will cost approximately as follows:
Organized groups: 375 to 475 USD per person per day
Couples: around 475 to 500 USD per person per day
Solo travelers: 450 to 600 USD per day
Prices as above are our rough estimates and might differ depending on many factors, especially hotel rates, distances driven, number of days, etc. Price is subject of free market competition.
Please read the below terms and conditions before confirming reservation.
MINIMUM DAILY RATES INCLUDE
The minimum daily rates are inclusive of the following services:
i. Accommodation on twin sharing basis (in standard hotels).
ii. All transfers and sightseeing within Bhutan.
iii. English-speaking guides.
iv. All meals (in buffet).
v. Entrance fees to museums and monuments.
vi. Bhutan visa processing fee.
MINIMUM DAILY RATES EXCLUDE
The minimum daily rates are exclusive of the following services:
i. Airfares and taxes.
ii. Travel and medical insurance coverage and medical treatment.
iii. Drinks/beverages.
iv. Communication charges, laundry, tips, porters at hotels.
v. Other expenses of personal nature.
RESERVATION POLICY
a. All reservations have to be sent in written form, by fax or email. Bookings will be received for all dates irrespective of high season or low season at any time of the year.
b. For all festival dates, bookings have to be sent or confirmed on or before 100 days prior to the date of arrival in Bhutan. Bookings that are not confirmed after 100 days will be treated as canceled and the reservations will be released to avoid cancellation charges from the hotels.
Any bookings received/reinstated after the 100 days period will be accepted, depending upon the availability of air tickets and hotels.
CANCELLATION CHARGES
Tour programs booked and subsequently canceled shall be subject to cancellation charges as follows:
i. For cancellations received on or before 45 days prior to date of arrival—full refund.
ii. For cancellations received between 30 to 45 days from the date of arrival—50 percent refund.
iii. For cancellations received less than 30 days/no shows/early departures after arrival in Bhutan—100 percent nonrefundable.
Note: All cancellations have to be sent in written form (fax/email) before the stipulated time.
ITINERARY CHANGES
Every effort will be made to adhere to the planned itinerary. However, due to unforeseen circumstances such as weather and road conditions, changes in flight schedules, national holidays, and reasons beyond the control of BTCL, the staff and the management of BTCL will not be held responsible for any changes in the daily program/itinerary/missed sightseeing.
The management of BTCL will not be held responsible for any changes/rearranging the tour itinerary without prior notice. There shall not be any reimbursement for such unforeseen circumstances.
INSURANCE
There is no personal insurance of any kind included in the tour price. Travel insurance should be obtained from your place of residence, before commencement of your trip. BTCL will not be held liable for any illness, injury, or death sustained during a tour/trek.
PAYMENT PROCEDURE
All tour payments must be made in advance (at least 45 days prior to arrival date in Bhutan). Tour payment should be remitted through the Bhutan National Bank (BNB) accounts abroad payable to Bhutan Tourism Corporation Ltd. (BTCL). The bank information and account numbers will be supplied once the tour bookings are confirmed. Visas are approved by the Bhutan government upon confirmation of the tour payment only.
All rates and conditions above are subject to change depending upon the policies of the royal government of Bhutan; you will be informed of such changes as soon as our office is notified of them.
