It is highly unlikely that you can comfortably travel to Bhutan for a week, visiting only Thimphu and Paro, with a budget of just Rs. 7,000 as an Indian national in 2025.

Here's a breakdown of potential costs to consider:

Mandatory Sustainable Development Fee (SDF):

  • Indian nationals are required to pay an SDF of INR 1,200 per person per night.
  • For a 7-day trip, this would amount to INR 1,200 x 7 nights = INR 8,400.
  • This fee alone exceeds your total budget of Rs. 7,000.

Other Potential Costs (on top of SDF):

Even if we don't consider the costs below, the mandatory SDF itself makes your budget insufficient. However, for a complete picture, here are other expenses you would likely incur:

  • Travel to Bhutan: Flights: Round-trip flights from India to Paro can range significantly, from INR 20,000 to INR 50,000 or more, depending on the origin city, time of booking, and airline. Overland Travel: If you opt for a potentially cheaper overland route (e.g., train to Hasimara/New Jalpaiguri and then road to Phuentsholing, followed by onward travel to Thimphu and Paro), this will still involve costs for train tickets, local transport (buses, taxis), and time. The road journey from the Indian border to Thimphu and Paro is long and can be tiring.
  • Accommodation: Even budget-friendly guesthouses or homestays can cost around INR 1,500 to INR 3,000 per night. For 6 nights, this could range from INR 9,000 to INR 18,000 or more.
  • Food: Expect to spend at least INR 500 to INR 1,000 per day on meals if you eat at local eateries. This could be INR 3,500 to INR 7,000 for a week.
  • Local Transportation within Bhutan: Traveling between Thimphu and Paro, and for sightseeing within these cities, will incur costs for taxis or local buses. Shared taxis can be more economical than private hires. Expect to spend at least INR 500 to INR 1,000 per day on transport within Bhutan.
  • Entry Fees to Attractions: While some sites might have nominal or no entry fees, popular attractions like the Tiger's Nest Monastery (Paro Taktsang) have an entry fee of INR 1,000 per person. Other dzongs and museums can also have entry fees (around INR 500 per site).
  • Permits (Beyond SDF): While Indian nationals don't need a visa, you will need an entry permit, which is usually obtained upon arrival in Phuentsholing or at Paro Airport. There is no direct cost for this permit, but it's a necessary requirement. Traveling beyond Thimphu and Paro (e.g., to Punakha) might require additional permits.
  • Other Expenses: Miscellaneous costs like bottled water, snacks, souvenirs, and unforeseen expenses should also be factored in.

Possibility of a Trip on a Tight Budget (Highly Challenging):

It would be extremely difficult to manage a week-long trip covering Thimphu and Paro within Rs. 7,000. This budget might only cover the mandatory SDF for about 5-6 nights, leaving virtually nothing for travel, accommodation, food, and other essential expenses.

Recommendations for a Budget Trip (if you can increase your budget):

  • Travel during the off-season: Consider the winter months (December-February) for potentially lower accommodation costs, but be prepared for cold weather. Summer/monsoon (June-August) could also be cheaper but comes with the risk of rain and landslides.
  • Focus on budget accommodations: Look for guesthouses or homestays.
  • Eat at local eateries: Avoid tourist-centric restaurants.
  • Use local transport: Opt for buses or shared taxis.
  • Prioritize free or low-cost activities: Explore markets, walk around the cities, and enjoy the scenic beauty. The hike to Tiger's Nest is free (excluding optional pony ride).
  • Consider a shorter trip: A shorter trip of 2-3 days focusing on just one of the cities might be more feasible with a very tight budget, but even then, Rs. 7,000 would be very restrictive.

In conclusion, with a budget of Rs. 7,000, a week-long trip to Thimphu and Paro for an Indian national in 2025 is not realistically possible due to the mandatory SDF and other essential travel costs. You would need to significantly increase your budget to have a comfortable and fulfilling trip to Bhutan.

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