Budget/Backpacker Travel Guide: Bhutan
Experience authentic local culture on a shoestring budget with hostels, street food, and public transport
Daily Budget: $70-170 per day
Complete breakdown of costs for budget/backpacker travel in Bhutan
Accommodation
$25-60 per night
Basic guesthouses and budget hotels with shared facilities, simple rooms with minimal amenities
Food & Dining
$15-35 per day
Local eateries, traditional Bhutanese meals, simple restaurants serving ema datshi and red rice
Transportation
$10-25 per day
Local buses, shared taxis, walking for short distances, occasional private transport
Activities
$20-50 per day
Temple visits, hiking trails, local festivals, basic sightseeing with minimal guide services
Currency: Nu Bhutanese Ngultrum (pegged 1:1 with Indian Rupee), USD widely accepted
Budget/Backpacker Activities in Bhutan
Curated experiences perfect for your budget/backpacker travel style
Money-Saving Tips
Travel during shoulder seasons (April-May, September-October) for 20-30% savings on accommodation
Eat at local restaurants outside tourist areas for 40-60% savings compared to hotel dining
Join group tours instead of private tours to reduce guide and transportation costs by 50-70%
Book accommodation directly with hotels rather than through tour operators for 15-25% savings
Focus on free activities like temple visits and hiking trails rather than paid cultural shows
Share transportation costs with other travelers when moving between cities
Pack warm clothing to avoid expensive gear rentals for higher altitude destinations
Common Budget Mistakes to Avoid
Underestimating the mandatory Sustainable Development Fee ($200 per day) which significantly impacts total trip cost
Booking only luxury accommodations without considering comfortable mid-range alternatives that offer 60-70% savings
Not accounting for tipping culture - guides and drivers typically expect 10-15% of service cost