If you’re already frustrated by tax in the UK, Bhutan might not be the next destination on your tourist bucket list.
International tourists, excluding people from India, must pay a tourist tax, or to give it its official name, a ‘sustainable development fee’ of £73 ($100) per day to go to Bhutan.
Despite this hefty fee, Bhutanese Prime minister Tshering Tobgay told a US news network that “most tourists are delighted that they can play a small part – a small meaningful part – in the sustainable development of Bhutan”.
The fee is imposed with the intention of keeping tourism numbers relatively low to preserve Bhutan’s heritage and culture, as well as to protect the environment from overcrowding and human damage. This is driven by Bhutan’s commitment to Gross National Happiness (GNH), a unique philosophy that guides the government in the country with the world’s highest tourist fee.
The remote Himalayan kingdom only opened itself up to tourism, reluctantly, in 1974. It has earned a reputation of being a beautiful and highly interesting travel destination, but one that will always come at a heavy price.
The $100 daily tax actually comes as a reduction from the previous fee, which loitered around the $250 mark in the couple years either side of Coronavirus.
Since September 2023, travel to Bhutan has become more accessible due to less restrictions post-coronavirus and the cheaper daily tax. A once in a lifetime experience, it is now a possibility for all and not just the high-flying elite.
Bhutan holds the honour of being the world’s first carbon-negative country, and plastic has also been banned in the Buddhist nation since 1999.
Especially popular with female and solo travellers, Bhutan is seen as a very safe destination. A high number of tour guides are women.
The local cuisine features chilli at the forefront, which is often paired with cheese; a combination not commonly seen in the West, but adored by locals and tourists. Potatoes are another staple of the diet, and hotel buffets have mostly been phased out for authentic Bhutanese food. Bhutan also boasts a flourishing craft-beer scene.
Big city Thimpu has busy nightlife for those wanting to get boozy, as well as providing a different type of city experience for those wanting to be closer to urban civilisation.
Altitude sickness can be tough for tourists, so make sure to visit for a reasonable duration to give yourself time to adjust to the climate and enjoy your magical Himalayan experience.