Solo female traveler's guide to Bhutan

Is it possible to go solo in Bhutan for a female?

If the fact that flying to Bhutan alone and planning the whole solo-trip is the idea, then yes, it is possible for a female to travel alone to Bhutan. However, when it comes to exploring Bhutan, it is not possible for a solo female traveler to do it all alone (without a guide) unless she is a citizen of India, Bangladesh, or Maldives. The reason being the country’s tourism policy. Bhutanese government requires that a tourist visiting Bhutan should come in only through an authorized local tour agency and must be accompanied by a tour guide. This is to protect and preserve the country’s natural environment and unique culture.

Is it safe for a woman to travel alone in Bhutan?

Bhutan is unquestionably one of the most idyllic places to travel alone for a woman looking to discover herself and to explore different culture surrounded by pristine Nature. Bhutan was ranked 13th among 163 countries in the Global Peace Index (GPI) 2017 and was named as the most peaceful country among the South Asian nations. This can attest to the fact that Bhutan is the safest place for a solo female traveler.

Bhutanese people are generally hospitable, kind-hearted and respectful. Due to their strong Buddhist beliefs, they respect other people. They believe that all sentient beings are equivalent, related and everything is interconnected.

What can a solo female traveler experience in Bhutan?

The tour company will provide a pre-set itinerary which is more like a guideline than something that has to be sternly adhered to. Solo travelers will have complete flexibility of changes over the itinerary during the entire trip but do note that changes in hotel arrangement can be difficult as the refund policies for hotel reservations are strongly followed.

Solo female travelers can embark on adventurous hikes and treks, for instance; the hike to tiger’s nest (Taktshang) or wander about Paro town or shop for souvenirs and she can choose to relax with a rejuvenating spa experience. If discovering new culture is her thing she can also experience a farm-stay with a local family and acquire a feel of living at a farm, eating local meals with the family and listening to their stories by the hearth. Farmhouses also have open-air stone baths which are a great way to unwind the day.

Though the solo traveler will usually be accompanied by a guide, which is a mandate as per the tourism rule but the schedule together on an average will only take place between the hours of 8 am until around 4 pm each day. After which the guest can choose to relax in her hotel room or take strolls around the town or explore the city’s nightlife.

How much does it cost to travel alone in Bhutan?

Bhutan government promotes “high value, low impact” strategy which reasons for the standard daily fee per person. The standard Daily fee is US$250 per person, per night during the peak season( March, April, May, September, October and November) and US$200 during lean season (December, January, February, June, July and August). Single travelers have to pay a surcharge on top of the standard daily fee which weighs in at US$40. So in total the solo traveler will be paying US$290 per night during the peak season and $240 during lean season along with one-time travel visa fee of US$40. (Do reach out to us to find more information on the pricing and possible promotions)

With that considered, the daily travel fee covers all of the guest’s accommodation in a 3 star hotel, ground transportation with a chauffeur and a guide within the country, 3 meals a day, beverages (not alcohol), and entry fees for sightseeing. A large fraction of the fee called the sustainable development fee (SDF) goes to the country’s infrastructure development and providing free health and education to its people. The money is used towards a good cause.

Check our tour cost calculator to give you an estimate for your trip.