Bhutan is a small country between India and Tibet, just east of Nepal and north of Bangladesh. Bhutan is known for its natural beauty, forest conservation, gross national happiness, great culture & heritage.

There are two ways to reach Bhutan from India.

1. By Road Via Phuentsholing Border
   

   This is the most common route taken by Indian tourists and also the cheapest way to reach Bhutan.Connectivity

   • Nearest Airport: Bagdogra Airport (IXB) 160 KM to Phuentsholing
   • Nearest Railway Station: Hasimara Railway Station (HSA) 18KM to Phuentsholing
   • New Jalpaiguri Junction (NJP) 150 KM to Phuentsholing

   Bhutan has 2 more entries via Road i.e. Gelephu & Samdrup Jongkhar, but these routes are very less taken due to connectivity and far distance to major tourist places in Bhutan.

2. By Air Direct Flight to Paro
   

   Only 2 Airlines operates in Bhutan i.e. Druk Air and Bhutan Airlines. No other airlines fly to Bhutan. Bhutan has only one International Airport located in the beautiful town Paro. Paro airport has connectivity with the below airports.

P.S. Paro (PBH) is a small airport and flight frequency is very limited. Some cities have flights to Paro only in particular seasons.

Indian tourists do not require any Visa to travel to Bhutan. In Fact, there are only 3 countries’ tourists who can travel to Bhutan without a Visa i.e. India, Bangladesh and Maldives. Tourists from other countries have to pay a minimum of $250 per day for a Visa Including their accommodation and transportation.

However Indian tourists have to take a permit to travel to Bhutan which can be taken from Phuentsholing Immigration Office if you are coming via Road. If you are arriving in Paro by flight then you can get a tourist permit at Paro airport only.

This permit will be applicable to Travel to Thimphu & Paro, if you are planning to go to Punakha or another part of Bhutan, you have to take another permit from the Thimphu immigration office.

For tourists above 18 years of age either a Passport with a minimum of 6 months of validity or a Voter ID card is required.

For tourists below 18 years, a birth certificate along with a school/college ID would be valid for a permit.

You must carry at least 4 passport sized photographs with a plain background for each traveller.

Note: Aadhaar card is not valid for a travel permit to visit Bhutan.

Indian Tourists coming by Road to Phuentsholing Border.

Tourists can apply for a travel permit at the Phuentsholing Immigration office.

• You need to fill the immigration form (Click here to download form)
• Need to submit the Travel Itinerary you will follow in Bhutan on a registered travel agent’s Letterhead.
• Hotel reservation booking voucher.
• Xerox copy of Passport or Voter ID Card.
• 2 Passport Size Photographs.

Indian Tourists arriving at Paro airport by flight.

• You need to fill the form along and need to present the Passport or Voter ID Card.

Phuentsholing Immigration office opens from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM from Monday to Friday. Immigration offices remain closed on Saturday & Sunday and on Bhutanese National holidays e.g. festivals, elections etc.

Don’t worry! You are not required to have any permit to enter Phuentsholing in addition you can roam around up to 5 KM in Phuentsholing without a permit. Phuentsholing is a border area in southern Bhutan. It is a very unique and great experience crossing the Bhutan border by walking.

Yes! You can stay in Phuentsholing without a permit. In fact, we suggest you keep a night halt in Phuentsholing when you are coming from Bagdogra Airport. The reason for an overnight stay in Phuentsholing is that most of the flights land at Bagdogra airport in the afternoon and therefore by the time you reach Phuentsholing from Bagdogra airport, there are high chances that the Immigration office will be closed. So it’s better to keep a night halt and apply for the permit the next morning. You can explore Phuentsholing and try some delicious food.

Pro Tip: If you are coming via Bagdogra airport, start your trip between any day from Sunday to Thursday so that the next day you can apply for a permit.

It is suggested to travel in a group of 2 or more. Phuentsholing Immigration office may refuse to give permits for travelling solo.

Yes!! Bhutan is one of the safest countries to travel to. The crime rate is very low in Bhutan. 

Yes! Women who travel solo can choose Bhutan and roam freely around the places. Though basic safety precautions are still advised.

Dzongkha is the official language, mainly spoken in the west. Hindi & English are commonly spoken in major towns, also commonly used in education in schools in the country.

Always wear a proper dress when you are visiting government offices or any religious monuments. Please do not wear skirts, sunglasses or hats while visiting any religious place.

No! In fact, Bhutan is the only country to completely ban the production and sales of tobacco. So smoking is not allowed in public places in Bhutan. Tourists coming from India can carry 2 packets of cigarettes by paying 200% duty on it. However, people do smoke in Bhutan in private or closed places.

Bhutan’s Time zone is GMT +6. Bhutan time is 30 mins ahead of India Time e.g. at 7:00 PM IST = 7:30 PM BST

Indian currency Rupee is widely accepted in Bhutan. Bhutan’s national currency is Ngultrum. There is no need to exchange Indian Rupees for Bhutanese Ngultrum.

Indian National Rupee (INR) is equivalent to Bhutanese Ngultrum (Nu).

1 Rupee = 1 Ngultrum

Indian National Rupee (INR) is equivalent to Bhutanese Ngultrum (Nu).

1 Rupee = 1 Ngultrum

All Indian currency notes are accepted in Bhutan except Rs 500 & Rs 2000 Notes. However, as per our practical experience Rs 500 notes have worked at all places except Punakha Dzong Monument.

We suggest you do not rely on the ATM at Phuentsholing please carry sufficient cash.

Credit or Debit cards are accepted at very few shops in the main regions of Bhutan. Bhutan has a very basic infrastructure and most of the shops don’t have card payment machines. We advise you to carry sufficient cash for your trip.

Note: Rs 2000 Notes are not valid in Bhutan.

In Bhutan charging sockets are the same as in India. No need to carry plug converters.

The local cuisine has been able to maintain its unique character. It’s less oily than Chinese or Indian food and spicier than most Tibetan dishes.

Six must-taste foods to sample at least once.

1. Ema Datshi – (Chilies and Cheese) – Veg 
2. Jasha Maroo or Maru – (Spicy Chicken) – Non-Veg
3. Phaksha Paa – (Pork with Red Chilies) – Non-Veg
4. Momos – (Dumplings) – Veg & Non-Veg 
5. Red Rice – Veg
6. Drink Specialties- Ara (or arag), a fermented drink made from rice, maize, millet, or wheat. Ara tastes a bit like extremely, extremely strong sake. Cheers! – Alcohol

We suggest you get a local sim card for calling and Internet, which can be issued by presenting your tourist permit, Identification document and a Passport Size Photograph. Some Indian networks provide international roaming services in Bhutan but the pricing for Bhutan International Roaming is quite high.

In Bhutan, there are 2 Network operators i.e. Bhutan Telecom & Tashi Cell. Both networks are good in connectivity and coverage. Both have similar plans and pricing.