For meals, transport, tips - whats the safe amount to carry in Bhutan ? Trying to plan a daily budget for a month long trip
I went with a boutique tour at $280/day, included three-star hotels, guided hikes, and monastery entries. Extra spend was just $20/day for souvenirs, tea, and additional tips. Bhutan is structured, so budgeting means mostly deciding how much above the package you want to spend.
For Indian, Bangladeshi, or Maldivian visitors, no package fee applies. I budgeted $60-$70/day: guesthouses in Thimphu $20-$25, meals $6-$10, taxis around town $3-$6. Intercity bus to Paro $3, entry fees rarely above $5. Tips aren’t mandatory but appreciated.
My tour cost $250/day, covering hotels, food, driver, and guide. Lunches were buffets (rice, ema datshi, curries), dinners at hotel restaurants. Extras: archery range session $10, beer $3-$Tips for guides/drivers suggested at $10-$20/day split. So daily out-of-pocket was only $15-$25.
Bhutan has a minimum daily package for most foreigners (often $200-$250/day including guide, meals, and hotel). On my trekking trip, all meals were included, so personal spend was just $10-$15/day for snacks, tea, or tips. Tiger’s Nest entry $8, but included in tour. If you’re on a package, budgeting extra for souvenirs and guides is enough.