So you want to go to Bhutan? Smart choice! And getting there from India isn't complicated at all.
You've got two main options. Take a flight from Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, or Bagdogra and you'll be in Paro before you know it. The landing alone is worth the ticket – those mountain views are insane.
Or if you like road trips, drive to the Phuentsholing border. Most folks go this route because it's connected from Siliguri. Takes longer, yeah, but the scenery makes up for it.
Here's the cool part – being Indian means no visa hassles. Just bring your passport or voter ID. Done. The only thing is that Bhutan makes everyone book through tour companies. Can't really do the backpacker thing there.
That's actually where our Bhutan Tour Packages help out. We handle the boring permit stuff and paperwork while you think about what monasteries to visit and which momos to eat. How to reach Bhutan from India comes down to this – pick your ride, find a good tour operator, and you're sorted.
How to travel to Bhutan from India- An Overview
The Bhutan trip from India is quite convenient, especially for Indian citizens. Indians do not need a visa to enter Bhutan. You just need a valid passport or a voter ID card. There are multiple options available to reach Bhutan, depending on your location, budget, and travel preferences. Whether you're looking for a scenic road trip or a quick flight, there’s something for everyone.
How To Reach Bhutan From India by Flight
One of the most popular and quickest ways to travel is by air. Flights to Bhutan from India are available from a few Indian cities to Paro, the only international airport in Bhutan.
Flights from India to Bhutan
Bhutan’s only international airport is Paro International Airport (PBH). Currently, Druk Air (Royal Bhutan Airlines)and Bhutan Airlines operate flights from several Indian cities:
- New Delhi (DEL) - approx. 2 to 2.5 hours
- Kolkata (CCU) - approx. 1.5 hours
- Bagdogra (IXB) - approx. 1 hour
- Guwahati (GAU) - limited schedule (about 1 hour)
Flights from Mumbai and Bangalore are not direct-they connect via Delhi or Kolkata, or Kathmandu before reaching Paro.
Booking & Prices
- Typical flight duration:
- Delhi - Paro: 2 h 30 min
- Kolkata - Paro: 1 h 15-1 h 30
- Bagdogra - Paro: 1 h
- Guwahati - Paro: 1 h
- Approximate one-way fares from Kolkata/Delhi: around USD 240-250 (₹20,000-₹22,000)
Booking early and checking with both carriers helps find lower prices and flexible schedules.
Paro Airport: What to Expect
- High‑altitude valley airport (2,235 m elevation) surrounded by peaks up to 5,500 m
- Only specially certified pilots are allowed to land; visual flight rules only during daylight.
- Flights can be delayed due to strong afternoon winds or unfavourable weather.
Tip: Sit on the left side of the plane for the best views of the Himalayas, including Everest, if flying from India
Documents required for Indian citizens to enter Bhutan
Who Needs What
- Indian citizens do not require a visa to enter Bhutan. Entry is facilitated under a visa-free agreement.
- Passport (valid for at least 6 months)
- Voter ID card with photo or Birth Certificate for minors under 18.
How to Get the Entry Permit
- Indian travellers flying into Paro receive their Entry Permit at Paro Airport upon arrival. No pre-booking is necessary.
- The permit covers visits to Paro and Thimphu only. For travel beyond those zones (e.g. Punakha or Bumthang), a Route Permit must be obtained in Thimphu after arrival.
Paro Airport is one of the most scenic airports in the world. As your plane descends, you’ll see beautiful mountains, valleys, and Buddhist monasteries. Flights to Bhutan from India are slightly expensive, but the breathtaking view makes it worth it. This is often considered the best way to reach Bhutan from India for those who want to save time and travel comfortably.
Road trip to Bhutan from India
Entry Route: Jaigaon-Phuentsholing
To reach Bhutan from India by road, the most common land route is via the Jaigaon (India) - Phuentsholing (Bhutan) crossing in West Bengal. Jaigaon is the Indian border town; Phuentsholing lies directly opposite on the Bhutan side.
Additional Borders
Secondary crossings include Samdrup Jongkhar (eastern Bhutan) and Gelephu/Samtse, though these handle fewer tourists and have varied opening schedules. Indian nationals can enter Samdrup Jongkhar, but tourists from other countries often cannot.
Internal (Route) Permit:
- Visiting destinations beyond Thimphu or Paro (e.g. Punakha, Bumthang) requires a Route Permit, which can be issued at the immigration office in Thimphu.
Sustainable Development Fee (SDF)
- Indian nationals must pay an SDF of INR 1,200 per person per night (children 6-12 years: INR 600; under 6: free).
- If you stay in border towns (Phuentsholing, Gelephu, Samtse, Samdrup Jongkhar) for under 24 hours and don’t pass designated points (e.g., Rinchending Check Post in Phuentsholing), SDF is waived.
- After 24 hours or travel beyond those zones, SDF applies, and penalties may be charged.
Vehicles & Driving Rules
Indian-Registered Vehicles:
- Indian vehicles may enter Bhutan up to the Rinchending Check Post in Phuentsholing without fees.
- Beyond that point, the Green Tax of INR 4,500/day applies.
- Mandatory vehicle registration via the Check Post Management System (CPMS) is required before crossing.
Required Documents:
- Original valid driving licence
- Vehicle Registration Certificate (10 years old)
- Insurance, fitness certificate, and PUC
- The owner must drive, or carry an authorisation letter if driver ≠ owner.
Guide Requirement:
- If entering India to Bhutan by road, travellers must hire a certified Bhutanese guide who accompanies them throughout the trip - a stricter rule than for air arrivals.
- Guides handle permits, schedules, and compliance checks
Public Transport Options
Government & Private Buses:
- Siliguri - Phuentsholing: Daily buses (approx. 5-6 hrs), fare ₹ 200
- Kolkata - Phuentsholing: Government buses depart from Esplanade Terminal Tues, Thurs, Sat at 7 PM, travel time 18 hrs.
Taxi & Shared Cabs:
- From Bagdogra, Siliguri, Hasimara, hire a taxi or shared cab to Jaigaon/Phuentsholing. Typical fare: ₹500-₹1,500 depending on distance.
- Travel time: Bagdogra - Phuentsholing 4-5 hours
Road Conditions & Scenic Drive
- The border area lies on NH 317A, part of Asian Highway 48 (AH48), connecting Hasimara to Jaigaon and onwards to Phuentsholing and Thimphu via Bhutan’s Lateral Road.
- Road quality: largely smooth, though winding with hairpin bends at higher altitudes. Monsoon season (June-Sept) may cause delays due to landslides.
- Fuel stations are available in major towns; remote areas may lack service - avoid night driving.
Travel Tips & Local Advice
- Practice hill driving if new to mountain roads: use engine braking, respect right-of-way uphill vehicles, avoid overtaking on bendy roads.
- Carry only INR 100/200/500 notes, as ₹2,000 notes are often refused in Bhutan.
- Reserve Department of Tourism-certified accommodation ahead-random lodgings may not qualify for permit approval.
- Though travel insurance is not mandatory, it is highly advisable for unforeseen events.
Train routes to Bhutan from India
Although there are no direct train routes to Bhutan from India, you can still travel part of the way from India to Bhutan by Train and then continue by road. This is a budget-friendly and scenic option for those who prefer a more relaxed journey. Here’s a detailed explanation of how to travel to Bhutan from India by train, including the best stations, onward connectivity, and travel tips.
Train Route to Jaigaon (India-Bhutan Border Town)
The most commonly used entry point into Bhutan from India is Phuentsholing, which is located just across the border from Jaigaon, a town in West Bengal, India.
To reach Jaigaon, you can take a train to Hasimara Railway Station, which is the nearest railhead to the Bhutan border.
Nearest Indian Railway Stations for Bhutan Entry
Hasimara Railway Station (HSA), West Bengal
- Closest station to Bhutan - about 17-18 km from the Phuentsholing border zone
- Popular trains: Kanchankanya Express (Sealdah-Hasimara), Kamakhya-Alipurduar Intercity Express
- Kanchankanya Express (13149) departs Sealdah at 20:30, arrives Hasimara around 10:46 the next day.
- Connects you directly to Jaigaon/Phuentsholing for border crossing
New Alipurduar (NOQ) (60 km away)
- Well connected by trains like Brahmaputra Mail and Padatik Express.
- After arrival, the onward road journey to Phuentsholing takes about 2 hours.
New Jalpaiguri (NJP), Siliguri (150 km away)
- Serves major long-distance trains, including the North East Express, the Darjeeling Mail
- From NJP, you can take road transport to Bhutan via Jaigaon.
Guwahati to Hasimara
- Around a 288 km journey (5h) on trains like Capital Express, Karmabhoomi Express, and Siliguri-Dhubri DEMU.
- Average fare between ₹300-₹700 depending on class
Delhi to Hasimara - Train Options
- Mahananda Express (15484) departs Delhi at 07:35, arrives Hasimara at 18:20 the next day (duration: 34h 45m); fare approx ₹660-₹675 in Sleeper/3AC.
From Hasimara or NJP to Phuentsholing (Bhutan Border)
Once you arrive at Hasimara, New Alipurduar, or NJP, you'll transition to road transport to reach Jaigaon (Indian side) and cross to Phuentsholing.
- Hasimara - Jaigaon/Phuentsholing: 30-40 minutes by taxi/shared jeep. Fares typically ₹100-₹300.
- NJP/Siliguri - Jaigaon: 4-5 hours drive; fares ₹600-₹1,500 depending on shared or private vehicle
How To Go To Bhutan From India - Best Travel Tips
If you're still unsure about how to go to Bhutan from India, here are some travel tips:
- Book flights in advance. Paro is a small airport and flight seats are limited.
- If going by road, try to reach Phuentsholing early in the day, as the immigration office closes by 5 PM.
- Carry multiple copies of your ID and passport-size photos for permit processing.
- Indian currency is accepted in Bhutan, but ₹500 and ₹2000 notes are sometimes not accepted in remote areas. Carry smaller denominations.
- SIM cards are available in Bhutan, but you can also activate international roaming if needed.
Best time to visit Bhutan from India
Choosing the right time to visit Bhutan can make your trip more enjoyable. Here are the best seasons and what to expect:
Spring (March to May)
- Weather: Mild, 15°C to 25°C (59°F to 77°F), perfect for sightseeing and outdoor activities.
- Blooming Flowers: Valleys and hills are full of rhododendrons, magnolias, and wildflowers, creating colourful scenery.
- Clear Skies: Great visibility of the Himalayan mountains, ideal for trekking and photography.
- Festivals: Festivals like Paro Tshechu feature mask dances, music, and cultural shows.
Autumn (September to November)
- Weather: Pleasant, 10°C to 20°C (50°F to 68°F), perfect for exploring.
- Harvest Season: Green landscapes with beautiful scenery.
- Clear Air: Crisp and clear air, excellent for trekking and sightseeing.
- Festivals: Major festivals like Thimphu Tshechu and Wangdue Phodrang Tshechu showcase Bhutan’s culture and traditions.
Bhutan Trip Cost From India
The Bhutan trip from India depends on your mode of travel, duration, and stay preferences. Here’s a rough estimate for a 5-day trip:
- Daily Tariff: Regional tourists from India are required to apply for a permit and pay 1200 INR/night. You can also arrange your trip through a licensed Bhutanese tour operator such as Druk Asia, where we will assist in your permit application and customise your private guided tour based on your preferences.
- Flight Costs: The cost of flights from India to Bhutan varies depending on the departure city and season. On average, round-trip airfare ranges from INR 15,000 to INR 30,000. Book in advance so you can secure better rates.
- Accommodation: Bhutan has different accommodation options, from budget hotels to luxury resorts. The cost of accommodation depends on the type of lodging you choose. Budget hotels typically range from INR 2,000 to INR 4,000 per night, while mid-range hotels cost between INR 5,000 to INR 8,000 per night. Luxury accommodations can exceed INR 10,000 per night.
- Transportation: Local transportation costs include hiring a private car and driver, which can range from INR 4,000 to INR 7,000 per day, depending on the vehicle type and distance travelled.
- Meals: Meals in Bhutan are generally affordable. Budget around INR 500 to INR 1,500 per day for food, depending on your dining preferences. Many tour packages include meals, which can help manage costs.
- Entry Fees and Permits: Entry fees for various attractions and permits for restricted areas should be factored into your budget. These costs are typically included in tour packages arranged by your tour operator.
- By Flight (round trip): ₹25,000-₹35,000 per person
- By Road + Train: ₹8,000-₹15,000 per person
- Mid-range hotel stay: ₹1,500-₹3,000 per night
- Meals and transport: ₹500-₹1,000 per day
So, the total Bhutan tour cost from India can range between ₹20,000 to ₹60,000, depending on your travel choices.
Now you know everything about how to reach Bhutan from India. Whether you choose to fly directly to Paro, enjoy a beautiful road trip via Phuentsholing, or travel by train and road combined, reaching Bhutan is simple and stress-free for Indian travellers.
So pack your bags and get ready to explore this peaceful Himalayan paradise!
