July 29, 2025
Until recently, travel to Bhutan followed a very specific path: you paid a fixed package price, followed a set itinerary, and worked only through licensed Bhutanese tour operators. But since Bhutan reopened in 2022, the country has made it possible for travelers to enjoy greater flexibility, creativity, and customization—while still preserving its core values of sustainable and responsible tourism.
If you’ve dreamed of exploring Bhutan on your own terms—whether that means trekking off the beaten path, staying in luxury lodges, or engaging with local artisans—this is your guide to making that happen in 2025 and beyond.
The Shift: From Daily Tariff to Sustainable Development Fee
In the old model, all international tourists paid a minimum daily package rate of $250, which included accommodation, transport, meals, a guide, and the $65 Sustainable Development Fee (SDF). This fee ensured Bhutan earned revenue while limiting the number of tourists entering the country.
Post-2022, Bhutan introduced a flat SDF of $100 per person per night, while removing the minimum package requirement. This change opened the doors for more personalized and self-curated experiences—especially for those wanting to design their own routes and hand-pick accommodations or activities.
Why Personalize a Tour to Bhutan?
Bhutan is not a one-size-fits-all destination. Its appeal lies in the variety of experiences it offers:
- Spiritual seekers may want to visit sacred sites, receive blessings, or join silent retreats.
- Nature lovers may opt for overnight camping treks or botanical hikes in remote valleys.
- Photographers might focus on festivals and village life.
- Families may look for gentle cultural circuits with comfort, while
- Luxury travelers may want to stay at world-class hotels with curated dining and wellness.
Personalization allows you to match Bhutan’s uniqueness to your own pace and purpose.
How to Start Planning a Custom Trip
Despite the new flexibility, Bhutan still requires all visitors (except Indian, Maldivian, and Bangladeshi nationals) to apply for a visa through a licensed Bhutanese tour operator or a trusted international partner.
To book a personalized tour:
- Choose a reputable travel company with experience in tailor-made Bhutan travel.
- Share your interests, group size, travel dates, and preferences (comfort level, trekking vs touring, spiritual vs cultural, etc.).
- Work together to design an itinerary that suits your timeline and goals.
- Your tour partner will arrange accommodations, guides, transport, permits, and visa processing.
At Von Kathmandu Adventures, for example, we collaborate closely with Bhutanese partners to offer highly personalized journeys that blend comfort with cultural depth—whether it’s a wellness retreat, a monastery-to-monastery walk, or a luxury heritage stay.
What Can Be Customized?
Almost everything! In the current model, you can now:
- Select your preferred hotels (from homestays to luxury properties like Six Senses and COMO).
- Choose activity levels, such as easy touring or high-altitude trekking.
- Focus on specific themes—art, Buddhism, textiles, photography, hiking, or food.
- Travel in smaller, private groups.
- Adjust your pace—spend an extra night in Punakha, or skip the capital altogether.
You’re no longer tied to standard group tours or rigid schedules. Bhutan is encouraging travelers to engage more deeply, and the new model makes that possible.
How Do Costs Work Now?
While the SDF is fixed ($100 per person per night), the rest of your trip cost depends on:
- Choice of hotels and meals
- Number of people in your group
- Type of transport (private vehicle, domestic flights)
- Guide services and entry fees
- Trekking logistics if applicable
While Bhutan is still a premium destination, the new model allows for more value per dollar spent, especially for those who prioritize meaningful, tailor-made experiences over generic packages.
When to Book?
Bhutan’s peak seasons are spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November)—especially around festivals. But for travelers seeking solitude or lower prices, summer and winter also offer magical experiences, from wildflower valleys to snow-covered monasteries.
Given Bhutan’s limited infrastructure and high demand for boutique properties, it’s best to book at least 3–6 months in advance, especially for customized trips.
Bhutan isn’t a place you just visit—it’s a place you align with. By booking a personalized tour, you’re not just choosing where to go and where to sleep. You’re choosing how deeply you want to connect—with a culture, a philosophy, and a way of life that is rare in our fast-paced world.
Our team at Von Kathmandu can help co-create that journey with you, alongside our Bhutanese partners who understand how to make the country come alive in ways that suit your interests. Reach out to begin crafting your path into the heart of Bhutan.