How to Travel from India to Bhutan: Complete Guide
Traveling from India to Bhutan is a journey that honours natural beauty, culture, and the spiritual self. Whether you visit the Himalayas and enjoy the beautiful mountain ecosystem, or spend time in the monasteries built in the middle Ages, a blend of peacefulness and awe-inspiring landscapes that the India to Bhutan travel journey promises.
At AV Tour and Travels, we will tell you everything you need to know about the trip from India to Bhutan such as visa documents, the ideal time to visit, and other travel essentials. Book your trip with us today and make it seamless with all the travel necessities. Being an Indian national from the neighboring country, traveling to Bhutan is not a big deal though there are a few things you must educate yourself with before.
1. Entry Requirements for Indian Nationals
One of the biggest reasons for anyone to visit Bhutan is that you don’t need a visa to visit the country as an Indian citizen. Nevertheless, there are some detailed entrance conditions which the visitors should meet:
Passport or Voter ID: Indian citizens can visit Bhutan by presenting either their passport or voter identity card. Aadhar cards and driving licenses are not accepted for entry.
Permit for Travel: You do not need to get a visa, but you will have to obtain a travel permit for Bhutan in advance. Indian tourists are issued two types of permits by the Royal Government of Bhutan:
Thimphu and Paro Permit: The specific time of your visit to the city of Thimphu and the lovely town of Paro is already pointed out in the permit which is otherwise referred to as ‘Thimphu and Paro permit’. The permit can be obtained easily on arrival at the border.
Restricted Area Permit: Travelers who want to go to other places like Punakha, Wangdue and those in the region needing approval as they are near the Indian border will need to get a permit.
The permit application process does not involve a lot of hassle, and you can get it before or at the border entry points upon your arrival.
2. Best Time to Visit Bhutan
The best time & best places for you to visit Bhutan is determined by your objectives. Although, the temperate climate lets you visit it amidst every season as each season offers differing practices:
- Spring (March to May): This time is when Bhutan is at its best and inviting with pleasing weather and colorful flora. Paro’s most famous Tshechu festival takes place in April, typically, which is a landmark of this season.
- Summer (June to August): Even if during the summer there is some rainfall in Bhutan, the conditions are so good that a few visitors come and find a green heaven in the summer months. Trekking might be easy but you should be ready to tolerate the rain here and there.
- Autumn (September to November): From September to November, Autumn is the best season to be in Bhutan, the capital of the Land of the Dragon. Once again, the skyline is blue, the air is exhilarating due to the climate, and the whole snow-capped Himalayan ridges around the time.
- Winter (December to February): If you love the cold winds and the snowy mountains, then winter in Bhutan is a place where you find the most peaceful and happiest in Bhutan. Although it is the most beautiful season in Bhutan, and the hills are covered with snow, you still need warm clothes to resist the extreme cold of the place.
3. Travel Routes: How to Get to Bhutan from India
Bhutan can be visited in multiple ways from India and the one that will be the best choice for you is the one you are interested in, the one that fits your budget and the time you have. The main and most interesting route options are as follows:
By Air
Traveling with Druk Air, the only Bhutan-based airline, is the fastest route to Bhutan the most from India, so it is the best.
Kolkata (CCU): This is the most popular route you can ever come across. You can take the flights to Paro (PBH), the only international airport in Bhutan from here.
Delhi (DEL): Another well-loved point for flights to Bhutan.
Guwahati (GAU): The fastest and most convenient way to get to Paro in Bhutan is from Guwahati.
Bagdogra (IXB): You can fly to Bhutan from North Bengal extremely easily. At Bagdogra, you can take the flight and go to Bhutan within an hour.
Flying in by air at Paro is one of the most wonderful ways to get an initial glimpse of Bhutan. The final descent is a truly spectacular experience as the Himalayas, the most majestic mountain range, show up out of thin air to welcome you.
By Road
Among the people who find the beauty of nature and are interested in culture, the most popular way to travel is via road. Indian travelers can go to Bhutan by car through the border towns of India. The most common border entry points are:
Phuentsholing: It is situated in the West Bengal region. It is the most popular land border crossing point in Bhutan. The distance between the city from Kolkata is about 15-16 hours and the majority of Indian travelers use it as the usual way to the country.
Gelephu: The border town has a good location that connects the southern part of Bhutan. But it is not so frequent compared to Phuentsholing.
When you come to the point of border entry, it is possible to get the compulsory entry permit there and after that continue your journey into Bhutan.
By Train
There is still no direct train service to Bhutan, but one can choose to get via a train from the nearest station such as the New Jalpaiguri (NJP) or Hasimara in West Bengal. Being driven by a taxi or a local bus serving the route are some other ways to your next stopping place at the Phuentsholing border to do the final formalities before entering Bhutan.
4. Travel Tips for Indian Nationals
Currency: Although the Bhutanese currency is Ngultrum (BTN) of Bhutan, Indian rupees are available in all forms of transaction in the country. To carry both amounts of money is an idea for better choice.
Language: The official language in Bhutan is Dzongkha. However, most people can speak English almost everywhere in the country.
Health: You must carry essential medications just in case as the healthcare infrastructure is not going to be much in the remote areas.
Respect the Culture: Bhutanese people are highly religious and are closely related to the culture of Buddhism. Show respect by following local customs, dressing appropriately in the vicinity of monasteries, and getting permission to take pictures at religious places.
Ensure Seamless India To Bhutan Travel With AV Tours
An India to Bhutan travel plan is an experience that you will never forget. It is a combination of cultural discovery, adventure, and peace. India nationals get into the country with an entry permit, it is a perfect place that you can go with so many transport options to enable you to dive into a peaceful and unique way of life. Whether you’re trekking through the Himalayas or participating in traditional Bhutanese festivals, the country is bound to have you amazed by the beauty of nature and its rich heritage.
Book your holiday plan with AV Tour and Travels, and have the opportunity to take an amazing ride that will make you live through one of the most beautiful and distinct countries in the world.
