Bhutan is a scenic Himalayan Kingdom which is known for its cultural preservation, sustainability measures, breathtaking landscapes, and rich cultural heritage. Every tourist has a dream to discover all the hidden gems and tranquil mountain villages of the Land of Thunder Dragons. However, budget travellers don’t usually plan Bhutan travel due to the unique travel concept of high impact and low tourism of the country. By booking one of the affordable Bhutan travel packages, you can also fulfil your dream of exploring Bhutan and that too within your budget.
Local knowledge and strategic planning of the entire itinerary are some of the key factors that can enable you to curate a budget-friendly Bhutan trip. You must know that Bhutan is accessible to everyone and it is possible for you to discover the richness and natural beauty of the country without breaking your budget. Indulge in in-depth research today and don’t forget to contact a local travel agency to get the best and most affordable travel tips for a comfortable Bhutan trip under budget.
Here Are Some of the Important Tips to Explore Bhutan on Budget
1. Avoid travelling solo
We all dream of a serene solo travel amidst mesmerizing natural beauty and cool mountain breeze. However, travelling solo to Bhutan can be quite expensive which is not quite possible for budget travellers. This is why it is recommended to opt for group tours where the group members together share the costs and make the trip affordable. Some of the key benefits of opting for Bhutan group tours are-
- Cultural Exchange: Apart from reducing the cost, group tours in Bhutan can help you enjoy cultural exchange as the group members will be from different cultural backgrounds.
- Cost-friendly: The main benefit of group tours is cost-effectiveness. During your Bhutan trip, you can share your transportation and accommodation expenses with the group which eventually lowers per-person costs.
- Group discounts: There are certain places in Bhutan where you can avail of beneficial discounts if you’re travelling with a group. The discounts can be on accommodation, activities, or attractions which are only available for big groups.
- Improved safety: Travelling to a new place exposes you to an unfamiliar environment where you may pay more to feel safer. Herein, group travelling can offer you improved safety as you will always be surrounded by known people.
- Stress reduction: Group tours are arranged by the finest travel agency in Bhutan to reduce your travel stress. The decision-making and stress of planning the entire tour is solely taken by the agency which eventually reduces travel costs.
2. Eat from local dining options
Bhutan is surrounded by luxurious dining options where you can enjoy a lavish lunch or dinner with a magical view of the mountains. However, if you’re travelling under a restricted budget then it is advised to avoid luxurious dining and opt for local eateries. This can be a great option to save a huge amount every day while immersing yourself in the rich flavours of the country. You must know that discovering the local flavours is an ideal way to learn about the rich culture of Bhutan. Explore the benefits of eating from local shops-
- Healthy choices: Bhutanese cuisine always prioritizes healthiness where most of its foods are based on organic and fresh items.
- Supports local economy: Spending your money on local shops also improves the local economy which will eventually benefit small businesses.
- Authentic taste: Starting from traditional suja to spicy ema datshi, you can try all of these authentic tastes of Bhutan by exploring the local food stalls.
- Discovery of hidden flavours: Exploring the offbeat tracks of Bhutan to taste some delicious cuisine can help you discover some hidden food establishments that are loved by the locals.
- Cultural immersion: Dining in family restaurants and eating with local people can be the best way to mingle with Bhutanese people and learn about their culture.
3. Choose the right time
The time of travelling is an essential factor to consider while planning a Bhutan trip as it can influence both the experience and cost of the holiday. Budget travellers must always choose the time of travelling wisely and it is recommended to opt for off-peak seasons. During this time, the price of a minimum daily package of Bhutan may decrease while offering you a quieter experience.
- Festival opportunities: If you’re willing to experience a vibrant Bhutanese festival then it is important for you to book a package in advance. This is because during festivities Bhutan witnesses huge tourists which can hike your travel costs.
- Available accommodation options: Travelling to Bhutan during the off-season offers you affordable accommodation options. Herein, you can select one of them based on your needs and preferences.
- Less crowd: Most of the tourist attractions see less crowd on off-season which enables you to enjoy quieter experiences in the natural landscapes and cultural sites.
- Better flight prices: You can also get cheaper ticket prices on international flights to Paro airport during the off-season. This will further reduce the overall costs of the vacation.
- Flexibility: During the off-season, most travel agencies provide the opportunity to tailor the trip based on your interest. Getting a personalized package not only reduces costs but also makes the trip flexible.
4. Always use public transportation
Most tourists opt for private transportation while exploring the major sightseeing attractions of Bhutan. To stop wasting the majority of your budget on transportation, it is advised to opt for public transportation. This will also enable you to learn about the local lifestyle of the Bhutanese people while supporting the economy of the country. If you have booked one of the Bhutan travel packages with guided tours then you can use public transportation in your free time to save money.
- Increased local interaction: Using public transport can offer you the opportunity to contact local people. This will help you to know about their community and culture.
- Cost-effectiveness: Public transport in Bhutan is quite cheaper as compared to private cars or taxis. This can help you save money and invest those in additional exploration in the country.
- Authentic experiences: Travelling alongside the local people of Bhutan can help you develop a social connection which will offer you authentic travel experiences at minimal costs.
- Flexibility: If you’re travelling independently to certain areas of Bhutan then public transport can offer you flexibility. It will help you make spontaneous stops for further sightseeing.
- Environmental option: If you want to reduce your carbon footprint and promote the environmental conservation measures of Bhutan then you must opt for public transport. It is often considered the most sustainable way of travelling.
5. Explore free tourist attractions
From iconic landmarks to hidden cultural gems, Bhutan has a lot to offer to its tourists. You are eventually tempted to explore all of the tourist attractions but with this, it will be difficult for you to manage travel costs. This is because there are certain parks or museums in the country that have an entry fee. To manage your budget and indulge in sightseeing, you can consider discovering free tourist attractions that hold rich cultural and historical significance.
- Paro Taktsang: Paro Taktsang or Tiger’s Nest Monastery is the cultural icon of Bhutan situated in Paro. Indulging a short trek to this monastery doesn’t involve any charges and can provide you with remarkable experiences.
- Chele La Pass: You can take a drive to this mountain pass to cherish some amazing views of the snow-capped mountain ranges.
- Punakha Dzong: Punakha Dzong is another sightseeing location that has no entry cost. You can soak in the tranquil ambience and cherish the authentic Bhutanese architecture here for an amazing experience.
- Phobjikha Valley: Phobjikha or Gangtey Valley is a breathtaking offbeat location in Bhutan that you must explore during the trip. Spot endangered black-necked cranes or click pictures of the Black Mountains while exploring the valley.
6. Stay in guesthouses or homestays
Another fantastic way to make your Bhutan trip budget-friendly is to stay in homestays rather than staying at luxurious hotels. There are various comfortable homestays in the country operated by families that can offer you the perfect glimpse of the simple Bhutanese lifestyle. Herein, the authentic charm and warm hospitality of the locals will surely make your trip unforgettable.
- Discover local skills: Staying at homestays ensures a deeper connection with the Bhutanese traditions and culture. This will help you learn about the local crafts and daily activities.
- Cost-effective: Homestays are more affordable than luxurious hotels allowing you to enjoy unique experiences and hidden gem exploration under budget.
- Unique locations: Most of the homestays in Bhutan are located in a picturesque and unique locations. These accommodation options can help you get scenic views, a tranquil ambience, and offbeat locations.
- Local cuisine: Homestays serve homemade cuisine to the guests which enables you to enjoy authentic and local Bhutanese dishes. This will truly be an uplifting dining experience as compared to restaurants.
- Flexible option: As compared to hotels, homestays are more flexible. The accommodation arrangements offered by the homestays have a personal touch that can cater to all your travel needs.
7. Think twice before you shop
Travelling to Bhutan is a great opportunity to collect some beautiful souvenirs that hold a rich cultural heritage. There are various shops and markets in the country which you can explore to buy the best products at affordable rates. However, there are certain luxurious souvenirs in Bhutan that might attract you but buying those can definitely hurt your budget. This is why it is always recommended to think twice before buying something and don’t forget to test your bargaining skills.
- Use cash: Most of the shops in Bhutan accept credit cards but using cash can secure you a better deal with amazing discounts.
- Research thoroughly: Before visiting a shop, you must research the best things that you can buy during the trip. Some such items include traditional jewellery, textiles, and handicrafts.
- Prioritize quality: You must a fewer souvenirs that are of top-notch quality. This is because buying a lot of things with poorer quality will ultimately waste your money.
- Bargain respectfully: Bhutanese markets are known to check your bargaining power. However, while bargaining you should always be respectful to the locals and never hurt their beliefs or traditions.
- Buy from the local artisans: Buying from the local artisans who have made the product can be quite reasonable and authentic.
8. Discover unique cultural experiences
To make your Bhutan trip budget-friendly, you must try to enjoy some unique cultural experiences. The diverse cultural heritage of Bhutan can be perfectly experienced by interacting with the local people and involving them in daily activities. Visiting local villages, participating in traditional festivals, and knowing the Bhutanese lifestyle are some of the activities that you can do free of cost. While exploring the villages, don’t forget to follow the sustainable initiatives adopted by the country.
- Trekking: You can indulge in a unique trek experience in Bhutan to discover the forest covers and rich biotic resources. The natural splendour, rich birdlife, and diverse flora and fauna here will amaze you.
- Hot stone bath: By booking one of the best Bhutan travel packages, don’t forget to try a relaxing hot stone bath. This is an authentic cultural experience of Bhutan which you can try by visiting a local farmhouse.
- Learn Bhutanese crafts: To learn about the rich art and craft tradition of the country, you can visit the Choki Traditional Art School. The dedication to preserving the customs and values of the country here will surely mesmerize you.
- Exploring the nature trails: Another amazing and budget-friendly way to enjoy the culture of Bhutan is by discovering its nature trails. You can take a leisurely drive or a mountain bike ride to enjoy the fresh air and catch wildlife sightings.
9. Select the activities properly
Bhutan is well-known for its diverse options of thrilling activities. Starting from attending the traditional festivals to trekking, you can have fun during the Bhutan trip by trying adventure activities. However, including all the activities in your itinerary can make it quite expensive and this is why it is essential to select the activities wisely. Make smart choices during the trip and avoid overspending.
- Research options: Some of the activities in Bhutan can be quite costly and this is why you must research the most affordable ones before including them in the package. Assess the prices to create a perfect blend of fun activities and reasonability.
- Understand your interests: To stop wasting money on some irrelevant activities, it is vital for you to identify and prioritize your interests. Whether it is adventure sports or nature exploration, everything during the trip must be based on your interests.
- Ask locals: Locals know the best places and activities of a particular destination. You can communicate with the locals and develop a strong bond to learn about the best-hidden gems and amazing activities of the country.
- Look for an all-inclusive package: To try various engaging activities in Bhutan at discounted rates, you must look for an all-inclusive tour package. Packaged deals are quite affordable as compared to booking the activities on your own.
- Opt for group tours: Joining group tours can also be a great way to make the activities budget-friendly. As compared to private tours and separately selected activities, group tours with activities included can make your tour under budget.
Planning and booking one of the https://www.avholidayworld.com/bhutan-travel-packageshttps://www.avholidayworld.com/bhutan-travel-packages early can be another effective way to save money and explore the Last Shangri-La under budget. You must also be aware of the extra costs and gather all the information regarding sustainable development fees and entry permit costs of the country to create a perfect tour itinerary.
Comments (0)
