You’re sitting there wondering how the hell you actually get to Bhutan from India without breaking the bank or your sanity.
Everyone talks about this mystical kingdom, but nobody tells you the real deal about getting there.
I’ve done this journey multiple times, and I’m about to break down exactly how to go to Bhutan from India – no BS, just the facts you actually need.
The Reality Check: What Nobody Tells You About Bhutan Travel
Here’s what I wish someone had told me before my first trip.
Bhutan isn’t like hopping on a train to Goa.
This place has rules. Lots of them. And they’re serious about enforcing them.
First off, you can’t just rock up at the border with your backpack and a smile.
You need:
- A valid passport (obviously)
- A visa (which you get through a tour operator)
- A confirmed tour booking
- Proof of sustainable daily package payment
Yeah, Bhutan makes you pay a daily fee. It’s called the Sustainable Development Fee. Currently sits at $100 per day for most tourists.
But here’s the kicker – if you’re Indian, Bangladeshi, or Maldivian, you get special treatment. You can enter visa-free. Just need your voter ID or passport.
Lucky you.
Your Three Options: Road, Train, or Flight
Let me break down your actual options for getting to Bhutan from India.
Option 1: Flying to Bhutan (The Fast Track)
Route: Any Indian City → Paro Airport
Paro Airport is your only option. It’s the only international airport in Bhutan. And it’s a proper adventure just landing there.
Airlines that fly to Paro:
- Druk Air (Bhutan’s national carrier)
- Bhutan Airlines
Direct flights from India:
- Delhi to Paro (2 hours)
- Mumbai to Paro (2.5 hours)
- Kolkata to Paro (1 hour)
- Bagdogra to Paro (30 minutes)
- Guwahati to Paro (45 minutes)
What it costs: Expect to drop ₹15,000 to ₹35,000 depending on season and how early you book.
The reality: Flying is expensive but saves you 2-3 days of travel time. If time is money for you, this is your move.
I flew from Delhi last year. Smooth as butter. But my wallet felt it for months.
Option 2: Train + Road Combo (The Budget-Friendly Route)
Most Popular Route: Your City → New Jalpaiguri → Phuentsholing → Thimphu
This is how most budget travellers do it.
Step 1: Get to New Jalpaiguri (NJP) NJP is your gateway station. Trains from major cities:
- Delhi to NJP: Padatik Express (24 hours)
- Mumbai to NJP: Kamrup Express (36 hours)
- Chennai to NJP: Guwahati Express (40 hours)
- Kolkata to NJP: Darjeeling Mail (12 hours)
Step 2: NJP to Phuentsholing
- Distance: 170 km
- Time: 4-5 hours by taxi/bus
- Cost: ₹300-800 depending on transport
Step 3: Cross the border Phuentsholing is right on the India-Bhutan border. Walk across. Literally.
Step 4: Phuentsholing to Thimphu
- Distance: 170 km
- Time: 6-7 hours (mountain roads are slow)
- Cost: ₹1,500-3,000 by taxi
Total journey time: 2-3 days depending on connections Total cost: ₹3,000-8,000 (excluding accommodation)
Option 3: Pure Road Trip (For the Adventurous)
Popular driving routes:
From Delhi: Delhi → Siliguri → Phuentsholing → Thimphu
- Distance: 1,400 km
- Drive time: 24-30 hours (spread over 2-3 days)
From Kolkata: Kolkata → Siliguri → Phuentsholing → Thimphu
- Distance: 700 km
- Drive time: 12-15 hours (spread over 2 days)
What you need:
- Valid driving licence
- Vehicle registration papers
- Insurance papers
- Petrol money (lots of it)
- Patience (even more of it)
Border crossing tips:
- Carry all original documents
- Vehicle permits required at Phuentsholing
- Fuel up in India (petrol is expensive in Bhutan)
The Smart Way: Which Route Should You Pick?
Here’s my honest take after doing all three routes.
Pick flying if:
- You value time over money
- You’re travelling for a short trip (5-7 days)
- You hate long journeys
- You can afford the extra cost
Pick train + road if:
- You’re on a tight budget
- You enjoy the journey as much as the destination
- You have 10+ days for your trip
- You want to see the countryside
Pick driving if:
- You love road trips
- You’re travelling with family/friends who can share driving
- You want complete control over your schedule
- You don’t mind mountain driving
My personal favourite? Train + road. Yeah, it takes longer. But you see so much more. And your bank account doesn’t hate you.
Border Crossings: The Real Talk
There are four main entry points to Bhutan from India:
1. Phuentsholing (West Bhutan)
- Connects to: Jaigaon (India)
- Best for: First-time visitors, main tourist circuit
- Infrastructure: Good roads, hotels, restaurants
2. Gelephu (Central Bhutan)
- Connects to: Kokrajhar (India)
- Best for: Central Bhutan access
- Infrastructure: Basic facilities
3. Samdrup Jongkhar (East Bhutan)
- Connects to: Darranga (India)
- Best for: Eastern regions, fewer crowds
- Infrastructure: Limited but improving
4. Samtse (Southwest Bhutan)
- Connects to: Chamurchi (India)
- Best for: Less touristy areas
- Infrastructure: Very basic
My recommendation: Stick to Phuentsholing for your first visit. It’s the most developed crossing point. Better roads. More facilities. Less chance of getting stuck somewhere random.
Money Matters: What This Journey Actually Costs
Let me break down the real numbers.
Budget Breakdown (Per Person)
Flying Route:
- Flight: ₹15,000-35,000
- Airport transfers: ₹500-1,000
- Total transport: ₹15,500-36,000
Train + Road Route:
- Train ticket: ₹800-3,000
- NJP to Phuentsholing: ₹300-800
- Phuentsholing to Thimphu: ₹1,500-3,000
- Total transport: ₹2,600-6,800
Driving Route:
- Petrol: ₹8,000-12,000
- Tolls: ₹500-1,000
- Vehicle permits: ₹500-1,500
- Total transport: ₹9,000-14,500
These are just transport costs. Add accommodation, food, and Bhutan’s daily fee on top.
Timing Your Trip: When to Go to Bhutan from India
The weather makes a massive difference to your journey.
Best months: March-May & September-November
- Clear mountain views
- Good road conditions
- Pleasant weather for travel
Avoid: June-August (Monsoon)
- Landslides block roads
- Flights get cancelled
- Miserable driving conditions
Winter (December-February):
- Cold but clear
- Some high passes might be closed
- Cheaper accommodation
I learned this the hard way. Went in July once. Spent 3 days stuck in Siliguri waiting for roads to clear. Not fun.
Essential Documents & Permits
Don’t mess this up. Seriously.
For Indians:
- Voter ID card OR Passport
- No visa required
- Entry permit issued at border
For other nationalities:
- Valid passport
- Bhutan visa (arranged through tour operator)
- Tour confirmation letter
- Travel insurance
For vehicle entry:
- Driving licence
- Vehicle registration certificate
- Insurance papers
- Temporary vehicle permit (issued at border)
Keep everything in a folder. Make photocopies. Border officials love paperwork.
Accommodation Along the Way
Siliguri/New Jalpaiguri:
- Budget: ₹800-1,500/night
- Mid-range: ₹2,000-4,000/night
- Options: Hotel Sinclairs, Hotel Mainak, OYO properties
Phuentsholing:
- Budget: ₹1,000-2,000/night
- Mid-range: ₹2,500-5,000/night
- Top pick: Hotel Druk or Lhayul Hotel
Pro tip: Book accommodation in advance during peak season. These border towns fill up fast.
Food & Fuel Stops
Best stops on the Siliguri-Phuentsholing route:
- Alipurduar: Good dhabas, clean restrooms
- Cooch Behar: Multiple restaurant options
- Jaigaon: Last Indian town, stock up on snacks
Fuel strategy: Fill up your tank in India. Petrol is 30-40% more expensive in Bhutan.
Food tips:
- Carry water bottles
- Pack some Indian snacks
- Try local momos at border towns
- Keep antacids handy (mountain food can be rich)
What to Expect at Border Crossings
Border crossings can be smooth or a nightmare. Here’s how to make them smooth.
Peak hours to avoid:
- 10 AM – 2 PM (lunch rush)
- 5 PM – 7 PM (office closing time)
Best crossing times:
- Early morning (8-9 AM)
- Late afternoon (3-4 PM)
What happens:
- Park/get off at Indian immigration
- Get exit stamp
- Walk 100 metres to Bhutan immigration
- Get entry permit
- Continue journey
Average waiting time: 30 minutes to 2 hours
Tip: Be polite, patient, and have all documents ready. These guys deal with hundreds of people daily. Don’t be that person who argues about procedures.
Safety & Health Considerations
Mountain roads are no joke.
Road safety tips:
- Don’t drive at night
- Keep warm clothes handy
- Carry motion sickness tablets
- Stay hydrated
- Keep emergency numbers saved
Health preparations:
- Consult doctor about altitude
- Carry basic first aid kit
- Pack any regular medications
- Get travel insurance
Emergency contacts:
- Bhutan emergency: 112
- Tourist helpline: +975-2-323251
Local Transport in Bhutan
Once you’re in Bhutan, here are your options:
Taxis:
- Most expensive but convenient
- ₹15-25 per km
- Book through hotels
Local buses:
- Cheapest option
- Can be crowded
- Fixed routes and timings
Rental cars:
- Need international driving permit
- ₹3,000-6,000 per day
- Driver included in most packages
Cultural Tips for Indian Travellers
Bhutan might be our neighbour, but it’s a different world.
Do:
- Dress modestly at temples
- Remove shoes before entering homes
- Respect local customs
- Tip service staff appropriately
Don’t:
- Point with your finger
- Touch someone’s head
- Wear revealing clothes at religious sites
- Bargain aggressively (it’s not Indian market style)
Language: Most locals speak Hindi or English. You’ll be fine.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I enter Bhutan without a tour package?
If you’re Indian, yes. You can travel independently. Other nationalities need a tour package.
How much cash should I carry?
Carry Indian rupees. They’re accepted everywhere. ₹20,000-30,000 should cover a week-long trip.
Is mobile network available?
Yes, but patchy in mountains. Get a local SIM at Phuentsholing for better connectivity.
Can I use my Indian bank cards?
Limited ATMs accept Indian cards. Carry enough cash.
What’s the food like?
Similar to Indian food but with Bhutanese twists. Lots of cheese and chilies. Vegetarian options available.
Is it safe for solo female travellers?
Bhutan is very safe. One of the safest countries in the world actually.
What should I pack?
Layers. Weather changes fast in mountains. Warm jacket, comfortable walking shoes, rain gear.
How’s the internet?
Decent in main towns, spotty in remote areas. Don’t expect streaming quality everywhere.
Can I drink the tap water?
Stick to bottled water to be safe. Your stomach will thank you.
What’s the currency?
Indian rupees widely accepted (except ₹2000 notes).
Final words
Getting to Bhutan from India isn’t rocket science.
But it needs planning.
Choose your route based on your budget, time, and adventure appetite.
Book everything in advance during peak season.
Carry proper documents.
And most importantly, keep realistic expectations about journey times.
This isn’t a quick weekend getaway.
It’s a proper adventure that starts the moment you leave your house.
The good news?
Every minute of the journey to reach this incredible mountain kingdom is worth it.
Trust me on this one.
Ready to start planning your trip? The journey to go to Bhutan from India begins with that first booking – whether it’s a flight ticket, train reservation, or fuel tank fill-up.
