The National Monument Committee is currently evaluating additional sites for inclusion in the list of protected monuments

Chencho Dema

Punakha—In wake of the recent news of police personnel siphoning off large amounts of monument fees from Taktshang monastery, local tour operators are calling for a reduction or complete removal of the monument fees. 

Currently, tourists visiting the seven key cultural and historical sites in the country are required to pay additional fees on top of the Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) of USD 100 for international tourists and INR 1,200 for regional visitors.

These monuments include Taktshang and Kyichu Lhakhang in Paro, National Memorial Chorten, Changangkha Lhakhang, and Tashichhodzong in Thimphu, and Punakha Dzong and Chimi Lhakhang in Punakha. These sites have been chosen due to their cultural, historical, and architectural importance.

Speaking to Kuensel, Home Secretary Sonam Wangyel said that the SDF supports broader national initiatives such as free education and healthcare, whereas monument fees directly fund the maintenance and enhancement of the heritage sites. “These charges help sustain the sites and improve visitor experience, and ensure that Bhutan remains a high-end, exclusive travel destination.”

In March 2024 alone, the government collected Nu 6.6 million from Paro, Nu 4 million from Thimphu, and Nu 7 million from Punakha.

As of now, there are no plans to remove or reduce monument fees. In fact, the National Monument Committee is currently evaluating additional sites for inclusion in the list of protected monuments.

“Our ongoing assessments aim to preserve and showcase Bhutan’s rich cultural and historical heritage. New additions will be based on rigorous evaluations to ensure they meet conservation criteria and address the interest of both tourists and local public,” the home secretary said.

Except for Paro Taktshang, the entry fee for the monument sites is Nu 500 per person for all foreign visitors, including tourists, official guests, and personal guests. Students and youth aged 6 to 18 years receive a 50 percent discount while children five years old and under are exempt from the fee.

Some tour operators suggest that the fees should be reconsidered given that tourists already pay the SDF. They also complained about the lack of basic amenities at some monument sites.

A tour operator and cultural guide, Tshering Wangdi, said that the fees are high.

“Some tourists buy tickets for Taktshang but can’t reach the top, wasting their money. I believe the fee should be reduced to Nu 500. For dzongs and chortens, it could be lowered to Nu 300, as visitors mainly observe the architecture,” he said.

He said that while guests are willing to pay the fee, they expect services that match the cost—a standard that is frequently not met in Bhutan.

A 34-year-old cultural guide said that given the high SDF tourists already pay, they should be exempted from paying additional monument fees. And if fees must be charged, he suggested that it should be reduced to a more reasonable amount, such as Nu 100 to Nu 200.

Before the pandemic, the erstwhile Tourism Council of Bhutan used an online system for fee collection, which was discontinued in favour of manual counters, leading to significant financial losses due to misappropriation by tourist guides, fee collectors, and police personnel.

The Director of the Department of Tourism, Damcho Rinzin, said that there is a need for improved transparency and efficiency in fee collection. “We introduced an online payment system, but visitors preferred paying on-site for greater flexibility. We are now exploring options to make online payments mandatory and other measures to ensure fees are handled directly by tourists,” he said.

The monument fees were introduced from September 1, 2016, following the approval from the 113th Lhengye Zhungtshog. The goal was to secure funding for the conservation, maintenance, and enhancement of cultural and historical sites.

Last year, the National Monument Committee proposed adding eight more sites to the list, including Jampa Lhakhang in Bumthang, Jangtsa Dumtseg Lhakhang and Dobji Dzong in Paro, Rinchending Goenpa and Palden Tashi Choling Shedra in Phuentsholing, Buddha Dordenma, Semtokha Dzong, and Trongsa Dzong. However, this proposal is yet to be implemented.