Bhutan travel by your own car: Are new rules exploiting tourists?

If you are arriving by air, you can not use public transport; you must hire a private taxi and guide

BHPian IP_Man recently shared this with other enthusiasts:

I had driven to Bhutan in my own car in the pre-covid era, and had paid absolutely minimal fees. I had just shown them a quote of the home stay and it was accepted.

But since 2022, if you want to take your own car/bike to Bhutan, rules have changed.

1. Green tax INR 4500/- per day for your car/bike
2. Speed limit of 50 km/h on highways and 30 km/h within city limits
3. Fastening seat belts is not mandatory
4. Have to hire a guide who will stay with you at all times
5. Guide fees are INR 2500 to 3500/- per day
6. SDF fees INR 1200/- per person per day
7. Have to book stay at a three star hotel at minimum: INR 2500/- to INR 4000/- per night
8. If you are arriving by air, you can not use public transport; you must hire a private taxi and guide
9. If you want to take your bike to Bhutan, you need to hire a backup van with mechanic that will follow your bike. If the guide refuses to sit on your bike, you need a hire a separate vehicle for him
10. Entry fees at almost all tourist attractions have been hiked

Conclusion: It has become exorbitantly costly to take your own car to Bhutan. Taking bike is out of question.

Here's what BHPian ninjatalli replied:

Thanks for sharing the list. Seems like there's a keen focus to target a specific segment of tourists who aren't that price conscious and okay to go by the book. Given there was a lot of noise around high # of tourists in Bhutan over recent years, this seems like a planned approach by the government enabling

1. Lesser load on the country roads/traffic
2. More revenue with the focus on (relatively) higher priced services
3. Guaranteed livelihood to locals / industries (guides, cab owners, hotels, etc.)
4. More 'control' to the local government agencies

Here's what BHPian saket77 replied:

Fragile ecosystem, their ever-conservative approach towards mixing with 'western culture', some tourists being insensitive towards their environment and culture are some of the reasons Bhutan has always been conservative on the idea of foreign tourists. Just for example, cable TV was allowed in Bhutan very recently and they have tight Govt control over the contents as well. Also, there is mandate in Bhutanese Constitution that at least a total of 70% land area will always remain forested, which means that the resources are also very restricted.

We visited Bhutan in 2012 and thankful to the place & people for making it a memorable visit. The place was expensive to visit even then except for citizens of Nepal, India and B'desh (I hope I have got the countries right). That would explain why one sees scanty tourist numbers from western countries in Bhutan. Some amount of restrictions is now being put on Indian tourists by making it expensive is what I believe.

Incidents like these added fuel to this move since 2019.

Here's what BHPian rishi.roger replied:

I have heard from drivers in hills against the idea of seat belts and it makes sense at low speeds but its a double edged sword.
Are the rules common for all the nations or do we as Indian tourist get some relaxation in pricing ? I think its very expensive affair to take a family there for a tour. I was hoping to visit Bhutan someday but its not happening anytime soon looking at the cost involved!
I appreciate their concern towards environment and culture, but I hope they're finding alternate means to sustain their economy.

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