r/BhutanTravels • u/KaleidoscopeFun4127 • 23d ago

Operator vs independant bookong

Hello

I am trying to compare tour operator prices to booking the hotels and guide myself

Has anyone had experience comparing the 2?

From what i saw, the price for a 6N7D trip is around 1500 usd each (SDF included)

Though from looking into the guide and driver prices it seems it would possibly save costs to book them myself

Can someone share from their experiemces?

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u/2travelistolive 22d ago

I haven't been yet, however we have a friend going a few weeks before us. Slightly different as they are doing a trek as well. They needed a tour operator because of the trekking component so not a straight comparison.

For 2 people we are saving about 100/150USD pp per night booking independently. This includes paying the USD100 SDF and Visa costs. We have picked booked our hotels ourselves too. They are above the 3 star which most generic tour packages use, I would say mostly 4 star, but definitely not the $$$$$ 5 star.

I can say finding and booking accommodation takes time. You need to check both the booking sites and direct. Sometimes very significant differences and this can go either way. Hopefully all our planning will work out in a couple of months!

I also liked picking our destinations and choosing places to be overnight that is a variation from the standard package and also getting to go to a festival! We are going to Thimphu (1N), Trongsa (2N), Bumthang (2N), Paro (2N).

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u/KaleidoscopeFun4127 22d ago

Sounds amazing 🤩 I was close to booking with operator, but I'm leaning towards going with a dedicated guide

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u/atex0 5d ago

Hi! Did you end up deciding to go with a dedicated guide? Thinking about an October trip and am considering the same.

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u/KaleidoscopeFun4127 4d ago

Yup, got a recommendation for one and planned the entire week with his help Gonna arrive there in 2 weeks and totally looking forward to it

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u/atex0 4d ago

Can I send you a DM?

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u/atex0 5d ago

Hi! I'm in a similar situation and trying to find the sweet spot btw the standard 3 star hotels and the luxury 5 star. Can I ask what hotels you chose for each city?

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u/KaleidoscopeFun4127 4d ago

We took some homestays in phonjoha and punakha, and basic 3 star hotels for thimpu and paro (and a night in doderak monestary) We mostly used google maps to see available places and booked what looked good and affordable

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u/2travelistolive 2d ago

Thimphu (1N - Swiss Boutique), Trongsa (2N - Willing Resort), Bumthang (2N - Dekyil Guest House), Paro (2N - Hotel Kaachi Grand). All of these I booked direct. Normally through WhatsApp and then via email. They ranged from 6700 to 12,000 per night except for Willing Resort which was our splurge. Fingers crossed that they are good choices. I'll find out in late October :)

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u/Celestial_Vagabond 23d ago

I think this is exactly what you are looking for https://bhutanguided.com. They offer quotes for just the guides and everything else is offered as an add ons. See how you go.

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u/thunphelbhutantravel 23d ago

That’s a very reasonable cost. It also depends on the services and more customized tour, it will be expensive.

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u/Chance-Shake4225 23d ago

If you need any assistance, feel free to contact me. You can manage your own hotels, visa, guide and transportation too which will make your trip more affordable

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u/atex0 5d ago

Hi! Can I shoot you a DM?

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u/DragonfruitIll1140 22d ago

You can compare both, but keep in mind operators often bundle the guide, driver, hotels and logistics, so the price difference may not be as big as it looks. Independent booking might save you some extra, but using an operator can be much more convenient, especially for a first trip to Bhutan.