Travel Info
Minimum Daily Package Rate
The Bhutan Government sets the minimum daily Package rate for a tour package for Bhutan with revised SDF(Sustainable Development Fund) for licensed Bhutan Tour operators. These must be paid
The rate is exclusive of Visa fees, Hotels, all Meals, transport, and Airfare(domestic & international) for more than three decades. The increase in the SDF, he said, was also in line with Bhutan’s ‘High Value, Low Volume’ tourism policy.
Bhutan has a minimum daily package rate for tourists that is set by the Bhutanese government. This rate is part of Bhutan’s policy to promote sustainable and high-value tourism while preserving its culture and environment.
The minimum daily package rate typically includes the following:
- Accommodation: Standard hotels and lodges depending upon the choice of client.
- Meals: All meals are included.
- Licensed Guide: A licensed Bhutanese tour guide.
- Transportation: Internal transportation within Bhutan.
- SDF: A daily royalty fee that goes towards funding healthcare, education, and other social services in Bhutan.
The minimum daily package rate can vary depending on the season and the number of travelers in your group.
Delayed Arrivals
There is no charge or damages to be paid for delays in arrival and departure because of weather conditions disrupting flights or roadblocks. The tourist must however bear the cost of food, accommodation, transportation, and other services required. We recommend every tourist traveling to Bhutan undergo insurance before they travel to Bhutan.
Cancellations
Different tour operators have their own cancellation policy. You can ask cancellation policy of the tour to Bhutan beforehand. You can discuss this further.
Wire Transfer
For your trip to Bhutan, you will be asked by us to wire the full payment. The client must do so because the Government will not issue a visa until and unless payment is not reflected in the book of account of the Department of Tourism.
You must transfer the payment Government account in favor of the tour operator account name calculated by us. After the transfer, you need to provide a scanned copy of the bank wire receipt copy.
FAQs
Questions about this
What are SDF charges in Bhutan?
Sustainable Development Fees(SDF) are levied by the Department of Tourism(TCB) on all tourists visiting Bhutan(Except Indian tourists).
What is included in SDF charges??
The fund goes directly to the government. You need to pay extra for hotels,
meals, insurance, entrance fees for all places of visit, guide charges, and transport including airfare.
Why are the Sustainable Development charges being raised?
Bhutan is the first country with carbon negative. The country also sequesters 9.4 million tons of carbon against its emission capacity of 3.8 million tons. With climate change taking place rapidly with glacial melting fast in the Himalayas it is important for Bhutan to conserve its environment.
Based on scientific and data calculations, we believe the revised SDF will put us in a good direction to maintain climate change and remain carbon-neutral in tourism. The SDF will benefit the country with more activities that offset carbon footprint and maintain the carbon sinks in Bhutan by replanting trees. It will also benefit Bhutan by reducing t fossil fuels enhancing its hydropower capacity and electrifying the transport sector.
Beyond protecting the country’s natural environment it will benefit to preserve Bhutan’s cultural heritage and traditional values.
The SDF will also ensure long-term economic goals which provide socio-economic benefits to all stakeholders of Bhutan.
Are there any tourists who can be exempted from the SDF?
The SDF applies to all tourists.
What is the minimum Daily package rate for Bhutan?
The minimum daily package rate for Bhutan tours and trekking depends upon the services you want from your Tour agency. Hotels/Accommodations, guide charges daily, internal transport, logistics used in trekking,travel insurance, meals and any type of expenses in Bhutan are not included in SDF.
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