Total Tour Cost Calculator
Operators quote $200–$250/day per person, and that's the visible number. The invisible totals are: SDF (Nu 1,200/day), international flights ($400–$1,300), tipping ($80–$120/trip), souvenirs ($100–$500), travel insurance, visas for transit, and trekking permits if applicable. This tool totals everything.
Build your budget
What this solves
Most Bhutan budget pages show the daily tariff number, which is misleading. The truth: for a 7-night 4-star trip from the US, you'll spend $4,500–$5,500 per person all-in. For Bangkok-origin travelers with a 4-person group in 3-star, you can do $2,200/person. This calculator exposes the real total.
How to read the result
Each line shows what's included. The bottom total is your realistic all-in per person. Compare with operator quotes — if their quote is below this line, ask what's excluded.
Limitations
- Souvenirs vary widely. A thangka can be $50 or $5,000.
- Tipping is culture-dependent — see Tipping Guide.
- This tool doesn't include alcohol or specialty dining (often $30–$80/person/evening).
FAQ
Are trekking permits extra on top of SDF + tariff?
Yes. Trekking permits (USD 20/day per pax) are separate from the standard tour permit and SDF.
How much should I budget for souvenirs?
$100 is realistic for stamps, magnets, keychains. $300 gets you textiles and small woodwork. $500+ for a serious thangka.
Sources
- Bhutan DoT — SDF rate and tariff floor
- Operator quotes cross-referenced from 6 major operators