As of November 12, 2026, the cheaper of the two for travelers is India: a mid-range day costs about $53 there, against $273 in the other (Bhutan), a gap of 415.1%. Over the past year the one that moved more in the US-dollar traveler's favor is India (+4.6% after inflation, against +4.0%). The lower US advisory belongs to Bhutan (Level 1, against Level 2).
| Measure | Bhutan | India |
|---|---|---|
| Mid-range day | $273 | $53 |
| Lean day | $146 | $21 |
| Comfortable day | $537 | $135 |
| Real change, 12 months | +4.0% | +4.6% |
| Exchange rate alone, 12 months | +5.8% | +5.8% |
| Versus 5-year average | +13.2% | +12.4% |
| US advisory | Level 1 · Normal precautions | Level 2 · Increased caution |
| Ease of travel | 3.4 · Workable | 3.6 · Workable |
| Index score | 52 | 75 |
| Best months | Mar, Apr, May, Oct, Nov | Oct, Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar |
| Shoulder months | Sep, Dec | Apr, Sep |
The better figure in each row is in bold. Costs are modeled estimates per person, excluding international flights.
A Himalayan kingdom that prices tourism by design: a daily fee keeps visitor numbers low.
The catchMost visitors pay a Sustainable Development Fee of $100 per night on top of everything else, which sets a high floor under any budget.
The highest ceiling and the lowest floor in travel: nothing is cheaper, nothing is more demanding.
The catchStomach trouble is close to a rite of passage, the heat from April to June is dangerous, and touts target new arrivals.
Source: Trip Arbitrage (triparbitrage.com), reading of November 12, 2026. How this is calculated.