Bhutan’s tourism policy operates on a strict “High Value, Low Impact” model designed to protect the country’s pristine environment, culture, and traditions. Instead of mass tourism, it focuses on sustainable, eco-friendly travel.
Key pillars of this policy include:
- Sustainable Development Fee (SDF)
All visitors (except young children and border-town day-trippers) must pay a mandatory daily SDF, which directly funds environmental conservation, cultural preservation, infrastructure, and free education/healthcare.
• International Visitors: $100 per person, per night.
• Indian Nationals: Nu./INR 1,200 per person, per night.
• Children: 50% discount for children aged 6 to 12; children 5 and under are exempt.
- Required Tour Operators and Guides
To ensure quality and monitor environmental impact, international visitors must book their travel through a licensed Bhutanese tour operator (either directly or via an international partner). Your trip requires a pre-planned itinerary with government-certified guides and accommodations.
- Sustainable and Responsible Practices
• Carbon-Negative Commitment: Bhutan is the world’s only carbon-negative country, and the tourism policy enforces minimal environmental footprint.
• Cultural Preservation: The policy ensures local architecture, religious sites, and daily traditions are not commercialized by over-tourism.
Planning Your Trip
To officially plan your visit, calculate your potential fees, and find licensed local agencies, use the official Tourism Council of Bhutan
https://services.bhutan.travel/
