How To Reach Bhutan

Reaching Bhutan depends on your starting location. Here’s a detailed guide on how to reach Bhutan by air and land.

By Air (Easiest & Fastest)

Bhutan’s only international airport is Paro International Airport (PBH). The national carrier Druk Air and Bhutan Airlines operate flights from the following cities:

  1. India: Delhi, Kolkata, Guwahati, Bagdogra
  2. Nepal: Kathmandu
  3. Thailand: Bangkok
  4. Bangladesh: Dhaka
  5. Singapore (Limited flights)

Important Note: Only a few airlines fly to Bhutan, and Paro Airport has challenging terrain, so flights operate under strict weather conditions.

By Land (From India)

Bhutan shares three border entry points with India:

  1. Phuentsholing (Main & Most Popular) – Entry from Jaigaon, West Bengal (Nearest railway station: Hasimara, 18 km)
  2. Samdrup Jongkhar – Entry from Assam (Nearest railway station: Rangia)
  3. Gelephu – Entry from Assam (Nearest railway station: Bongaigaon)

How to Reach These Borders from India:

  1. By Train: Nearest railway station to Bhutan is Hasimara (HSA), just 18 km from Phuentsholing. You can take a taxi from here.
  2. By Road: Private taxis and buses run from Siliguri, Bagdogra, and Kolkata to Jaigaon/Phuentsholing.

Visa & Permits

  1. Indian nationals: No visa required, but an entry permit is needed at the border (carry passport/voter ID).
  2. Other foreign nationals: Need a visa, which can only be obtained through a registered Bhutanese tour operator.

More in How To Reach Bhutan

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. Indian nationals: No visa required, but you need an entry permit issued at the border. A passport or voter ID is mandatory.
  2. Other foreign nationals: Yes, a visa is required, and it must be obtained through a registered Bhutanese tour operator.

  1. Spring (March-May): Best for nature lovers, blooming flowers, and clear skies.
  2. Autumn (September-November): Ideal for festivals, pleasant weather, and scenic landscapes.
  3. Winter (December-February): Cold but great for snowfall in certain areas.
  4. Monsoon (June-August): Rainy, but lush green landscapes.

  1. By Air: Fly to Paro International Airport from India, Nepal, Thailand, Bangladesh, or Singapore.
  2. By Land: Enter through Phuentsholing, Samdrup Jongkhar, or Gelephu from India.

  1. Indians: ?1,200 per person per night.
  2. Other foreigners: $100 per person per night.
    (SDF is for sustainable tourism and development in Bhutan.)

  1. The official currency is Ngultrum (BTN), which is equivalent to the Indian Rupee (?).
  2. Indian Rupees (except ?2,000 notes) are widely accepted.

  1. Paro: Tiger’s Nest Monastery, Paro Dzong
  2. Thimphu: Buddha Dordenma, Memorial Chorten, Tashichho Dzong
  3. Punakha: Punakha Dzong, Suspension Bridge
  4. Phobjikha Valley: Black-necked Crane Sanctuary
  5. Bumthang: Cultural heart of Bhutan

  1. For Indians, it can be budget-friendly, but the SDF adds cost.
  2. For foreign tourists, Bhutan follows a “High Value, Low Impact” policy, requiring a pre-booked tour with daily minimum expenses.

  1. Yes, Bhutan is one of the safest countries with low crime rates.
  2. People are friendly, and the environment is peaceful.

Dzongkha is the official language, but English is widely spoken, especially in tourist areas.

  1. Traditional Bhutanese dishes like Ema Datshi (spicy chili cheese), Suja (butter tea), Momos, and Red Rice.
  2. Indian, Chinese, and continental food are also available in most restaurants.
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