Sustainable Development Fee (SDF)
To achieve high value low impact sustainable tourism, all tourists visiting Bhutan are subject to the sustainable development fee set by the Royal Government of Bhutan according to the Tourism Levy Bill of 2022. A mandatory USD 200 per person per night is levied on all tourist visiting Bhutan except Indian nationals. Indian nationals are charged Nu.1,200 for the next two years, w.e.f 2022. In addition, a USD 40 is charged per person per trip as a one-time non-refundable visa application costs.
Children 6-12 years old at the time of travel receives 50% discount on their SDF while children below 6 years are exempted from paying SDF. In addition, day guest to the Bhutanese towns bordering India is also exempt from paying the SDF until they reach a point designated by the Government.
Trip costs
In addition, to the compulsory SDF of USD 200, each trip cost varies depending on number of days and logistic specifics with prices ranging from a minimum of USD 250 per person per night.
Accommodation and food
Your stay in Bhutan will be booked at TCB valid hotels which are a minimum of 3-star rated hotels and local homestays. Occupancy is in double or twin rooms in a hotel and/or homestays. If you are interested in hotels higher than a 3-star, it can be arranged for an additional cost. All three meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) are included in your trip.
Services included
TCB certified tour guides with English proficiency and English speaking drivers will be arranged for you. Specific language guides options can be arranged at an additional charge. In addition, expert guides such as culture, birds etc can also be arranged. Entry fee to local attractions tailored to each trip will also be included in your trip.
Services excluded
Tips, alcoholic drinks, souvenir shopping, the use of horses or yaks or boats etc are considered additional costs.
Health and Travel insurance
It is mandatory for guests to have an appropriate international travel insurance that covers health emergencies and other unexpected expenses. Guests from India, Bangladesh, and the Maldives have the option to purchase domestic travel insurance at the port of entry to Bhutan. Health insurance should have coverage of accidents, illness and any unexpected events outside their home country.
Book a trip
You can book a trip advertised on our website or we can tailor trip to your requirements. Guests can book a trip by completing the registration form and emailing a scanned copy to the company. Their registration form should also be accompanied by a copy of their current and valid passport and a recent digital passport photo. We advise our guest to books trips at least six months in advance. We offer booking to flights to Bhutan from the nearest port of entry, i.e., Bangkok, New Delhi, Dhaka, and Kathmandu.
Payments
Payment for your trip can be made via bank transfer to Bhutan National Bank under the name ‘Uniquely Lhungye Travels’, the ultimate beneficiary of the funds. Full payment including the Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) for a booked trip must be paid at least four months prior to the planned date of the trip.
Trip cancellation
There will be no refund for any tour cancellation within 72 hours of planned trip. A refund of 20% will be provided for cancellation within 5 days of planned trip, refund of 50% for cancellation within 8 days of planned trip and full refund for cancellation within 10 days of planned trip. If the planned trip is cancelled by the company, a full refund will be made to guest.
Refund processing
Any trip refund applicable will be processed without delay once cancellation is confirmed by guest, and refund amount is agreed between company and guest. Any transfer costs/fees incurred due to cancellation by company will be covered by the company.
