Why a Trip to Bhutan can be Costly
If you’re looking at potential places to visit, Bhutan might be among the best suggestions. This country is so pristine and has a lot to offer. It’s one of the least visited places in the world, mostly because of restrictions and difficulty in reaching the place. It also costs a lot to get there. However, once you’re already there, it will be worth the price. Here’s why it’s expensive to visit Bhutan and why you should pursue your travel plans anyway.
You need to pay a daily fee to stay
Some countries have travel taxes. The amount is incorporated in other expenses and you will barely feel the cost. It’s not the same with Bhutan. You have to pay about $200-250 a day just to be there. It could easily blow up if you decide to stay there for much longer.
Of course, this amount goes to the right place. It pays for various services government projects and infrastructure. Some are related to tourism and in making sure the place remains fascinating.
You should be a part of a group tour
Unlike most countries, you can only visit Bhutan if you’re part of a group tour. You have to coordinate with authorized agencies before you’re given the opportunity to visit the country. The good thing is the agency will arrange your trip and you won’t have to worry about the details. The only thing left to do is show up and enjoy everything.
You might need multiple flights
There are only a few countries with direct flights to Bhutan. It means that you might have to pay more for your flight. If you’re coming from a more distant location, the amount can go higher. Check these details first before you finalize the flight ticket. You don’t want to be inconvenienced during the trip, but it’s something you should already expect.
Visa fees and travel insurance are also expensive
The daily fee to stay in the country doesn’t cover the visa fee yet. You have to pay separately for a tourist visa. Since Bhutan doesn’t have diplomatic ties in most countries, you might have to visit another country first where you can apply for a tourist visa. There’s also a good chance that your application gets denied if you can’t present the necessary documents. Of course, it’s like any other country’s regulations, so it shouldn’t be a dealbreaker.
Despite these reasons, pursuing the trip is still worth it. Bhutan is like no other. People who have visited the country can attest to it. Bhutan measures success through their Gross National Happiness instead of the GDP, a measure used in most countries. It shows that Bhutan values mental health and happiness more than anything else.
You will also be among the few people to have had the chance to explore Bhutan and its secrets. Marvel in its beauty and relax while you’re there. If you manage to pursue this trip once, you won’t have second thoughts doing it again. It’s good for your soul.
Photo Attribution:
1st and featured image from https://images.followalice.com/xfB43BuRdI1RTurKbZFTI/73be30e3a4ae1d7af8683cc1b114b09c/Follow-Alice-to-Bhutan-5-1024×683.jpg?q=80&fit=fill&f=center&w=800&h=534
2nd image from https://thelandofwanderlust.com/tour/bhutan-backpacker-blueprint-in-8-days/