If Bhutan is on your travel list for 2026, there is a small change worth knowing about. From January 1, 2026, the country introduced a 5 percent Goods and Services Tax. This applies to some of the services travellers use while in Bhutan, such as accommodation, guided tours, local transport, and meals.
The new tax is part of Bhutan’s effort to modernize its tax system and bring it closer to international standards. It replaces the older sales tax structure and applies to most services consumed within the country. For visitors, this simply means that certain parts of a Bhutan trip will now include a modest additional tax.
Some of the biggest travel costs remain completely unchanged. The Sustainable Development Fee stays fixed at USD 100 per person per night and is not affected by GST. The one time visa processing fee of USD 40 also remains the same. International flights to and from Bhutan are not subject to this tax either.
You may notice a small difference in the cost of services used within Bhutan. Hotels, meals, transportation, and guided experiences will now include the 5 percent GST. Because of this change, Beyond the Clouds has adjusted prices slightly to reflect the new government tax. These prices will apply to any new bookings from January 2026.
This is not a price increase for the sake of it, but simply the result of a national tax policy. The quality of the experience, the focus on sustainability, and the overall character of travel in Bhutan remain exactly the same.
If you are visiting Bhutan in 2026, expect a small increase in overall trip costs, but no change to what truly matters. The culture, landscapes, and sense of peace that make Bhutan so special are still there, just as they always have been.
