Bhutan, also known as the Land of the Thunder Dragon, is a magical destination for Indian travelers. With its peaceful monasteries, breathtaking mountain views, and unique culture, many Indians dream of visiting this beautiful country. But the big question remains: how to reach Bhutan from India? Don’t worry we have got you covered. Whether you prefer flying, taking a train, or enjoying a road trip, this guide will help you plan your journey from India to Bhutan.
Different Ways To Travel From India To Bhutan
Knowing how to reach Bhutan from India is the first step in planning your trip efficiently. Read on to know details of every available option you can choose while traveling to the country of dragons and Buddhism.
Flights to Bhutan From India
Flying is the fastest and most convenient way to travel from India to Bhutan. Druk Air and Bhutan Airlines are the only two airlines that operate flights between India and Bhutan. Indian cities like Delhi, Kolkata, and Guwahati have direct flights to Paro, which is Paro International Airport, the only International airport in Bhutan. The average flight duration is 1 to 2.5 hours, depending on the departure city. The airport is approximately 47.1 km ( 1 hour 16 minutes) away from Thimphu, Bhutan’s capital city. The best part about Paro is that it is also surrounded by mountains and it is at a height of 7300 feet above sea level. Taking a flight to Paro from India can be spectacular as you can enjoy the mountain views to make the start of your trip memorable.
Moreover, if you are taking a flight from Nepal to Bhutan, then you can see 4 of the highest mountains in the world from the airplane, which includes Mt. Everest, Makalu, Lhotse, and Kangchenjunga). Flights to Bhutan from India generally operate 3 to 5 times a week, depending on the city. So, it is advisable for you to book in advance as the Paro is one of the world’s most challenging airports to land at.
Popular Routes and Prices
| Departure City | Arrival Airport | Approx Ticket Price (INR) One Way | Duration |
| Delhi | Paro | 20,472 – 25,469 INR | 2 hours 20 minutes |
| Kolkata | Paro | 17,000 – 19,000 INR | 1 hour 30 minutes |
| Guwahati | Paro | 11,893 – 15,000 INR | 55 minutes |
Documents Required
For Indian travelers flying to Bhutan from India do not require a VISA to visit Bhutan. However, you need to carry a valid passport with at least 6 months of validity or a Voter ID card issued by the Election Commission of India as proof of identity and citizenship. These documents are required to obtain the entry permit, which is mandatory for all foreign traveling entering Bhutan. The permit is usually issued at the Paro International Airport upon arrival. It is advisable to carry a few photocopies of your passport or Voter ID and a couple of passport-sized photographs to speed up the process.
Additionally travelers are advised to carry a copy of their flight tickets as per Bhutan’s latest travel guidelines. While no travel insurance is mandatory, having one for health and unforeseen circumstances is highly recommended. Indian citizens below 18 years or those traveling with children must carry a birth certificate or a school identification card as proof of age and identity. Ensure all documents are neatly organized for a hassle-free journey.
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India To Bhutan By Train
While there is no direct train to Bhutan from India, you can travel by train to the nearest railway station in India and then continue by road. The Hasimara Railway station in West Bengal is the closest railway station option which is 17 km from the Bhutan border (Phuentsholing). New Alipurduar and New Jalpaiguri are the other alternatives.
You need to take a train from your city to one of the nearest railway stations. From the station, you need to hire a taxi or take a shared cab to reach the border town of Phuentsholing. Here, complete your immigration formalities and enter Bhutan.
If you are traveling from the capital city of India, then you should know that the Delhi to Bhutan train ticket price is approximately INR 750 – 1,200, depending on the class. You can board the Mahananda Express from New Delhi Railway Station to Hasimara Railway Station as the Bhutan distance from Delhi is approximately 1937.4 km, which takes 36 hours to cover.
Other Train to Bhutan from India Routes
- You can also book the New Delhi to Siliguri train, which runs on a weekly basis. The average duration of trains on these routes is 20 hours approx. After reaching Siliguri, you can hire a private car taxi or choose from one of the regular buses to Bhutan, which will take another 12 hours.
- Another option is to take the train from New Delhi to Guwahati, which takes an average time of 40 hours, depending on the train you choose. From Guwahati, it can take another 12 hours to reach Bhutan via bus, taxi, or a private car.
Similarly, if you are planning to book a Mumbai to Bhutan train. You can take the train to any of these destinations: Kolkata, Siliguri, New Jalpaiguri, New Alipurduar, Hasimara, Bongaigaon, and Guwahati, and then complete the formalities to obtain the permit to cross the border to enter into Bhutan.
How to reach Bhutan from India by Road
Traveling to Bhutan by road from India is an adventurous and scenic option for Indian travelers, especially for those residing in cities like Siliguri, Kolkata, or Guwahati. At the same time, it might not be the cheapest or quickest way to reach Bhutan if you are traveling from distant cities like Delhi or Mumbai. Indian citizens can drive their own vehicles to Bhutan, making road trips a popular choice.
To enter Bhutan with a private vehicle, you must obtain a Vehicle entry permit from the Regional Transport Office in Phuentsholing, the main border town. Here are the requirements for the permit:
- A valid driver’s license
- The vehicle’s registration certificate (RC)
- An insurance policy for the vehicle
- A Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificate.
The permit costs around 200 Ngultrum (approximately 200 INR). Once you get approval the permit allows you to drive your vehicle across Bhutan for the duration of your stay following designated routes.
Click here for the Best Road Trip to Bhutan…
Traveling By Bus
For those who prefer public transport, a direct bus service from Kolkata to Phuentsholing is operated by the Royal Bhutan Government. These buses depart daily from Esplanade Station in Kolkata and take around 18 hours to reach Phuentsholing. These buses are comfortable and equipped with basic amenities like reclining seats and onboard toilets. Tickets cost approximately INR 1,000 – 1,200.
Another option is to reach Siliguri by train or flight and then take a bus or shared cab to Phuentsholing. From Siliguri, the journey takes around 4-5 hours by road, covering a distance of about 147 km.
Traveling by Shared Cabs or Taxis
From Siliguiri Bagdogra or Hasimara shared cabs and taxis are readily available to Phuentsholing. These options are faster than buses and cost around 300 – 500 INR per seat for shared cabs and 2000 to 3000 INR for a private taxi. The primary border crossing for Indian travelers who are wondering about how to go to Bhutan is through Jaigaon (India) to Phuentsholing (Bhutan).
Ensure you carry all required documents, including a valid passport or voter ID, for obtaining the entry point at the border. Plan your route based on your starting city and preferred mode of travel. Make sure that you avoid night travel, as the roads can be challenging in certain areas.
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How to Reach Bhutan FAQs
How to enter Bhutan from India?
You can enter Bhutan from India by air or road. Flights are available to Paro from major cities like Delhi and Kolkata. By road, you have to cross the border at Jaigaon-Phuentsholing, where you will get your entry permit. Indian citizens need to carry a valid passport or Voter ID to have a smooth entry process.
Which is the nearest airport Bhutan?
The nearest airport to Bhutan is Paro, which is the only International airport in the country. Paro Airport is situated at a height of 7300 feet above sea level. The airport is served by Druk Airlines which is the national airline of Bhutan. National carriers and other airlines operate flights to Paro from New Delhi, Kolkata, Kathmandu, Bangkok, etc.
Does Indian SIM work in Bhutan?
Airtel and Vodafone do work in Bhutan but have weak signals. However, it is advisable for you to buy a local SIM, which will cost you around INR 200 at Phuentsholing to contact local agencies and stay connected with people.
Can I visit Bhutan without a passport?
Yes, Indian citizens can visit Bhutan without a passport. Instead of a passport, you can use your Voter ID card, which is issued by the Election Commission of India, as a valid travel document to obtain an entry permit at the border or airport.
How much does a trip to Bhutan cost from India?
A trip to Bhutan from India can cost you between 25,000 INR to 50,000 INR per person, depending on the travel mode and itinerary. Check JustWravel packages for affordable Bhutan tour plans that cater to budget travelers and premium experiences as well.
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