How to Get to Bhutan From India? By Air, Train, Car, Bus

Reaching Bhutan from India today involves a few important considerations: what documentation you may need, whether you can cross by road or fly, what fees you will incur, and what permits are required for travel. 

Winds of change are in the air: new entry permits, Sustainable Development Fees (SDF), vehicle and visa requirements, and protocols to manage the borders with varying impacts on what we once thought of and called a “simple” border trip. But if you know how to navigate the changes. In that case, your journey can be seamless, and, above all, you can focus on what really counts: experiencing the deep valleys, misty mountains, colourful monasteries, and warm people of Bhutan. 

Bhutan, “the Land of the Thunder Dragon”, will still be one of the most popular places to travel to in South Asia. It blends varied and dramatic landscapes, Buddhist history, and a controlled tourism agenda for a rewarding travel experience that will live long in memory.

For Indian travellers, Bhutan has always held a special place. Not only are travel arrangements comparatively easy, but the culture has a resonance, and a border is not just a line, but an opening to a different pace of life.

With the approach of 2025–2026, rules and routes, and conveniences will continue to evolve. It is a great time to prepare in advance and know how you can make your journeys smooth, safe, and not without value.

The upcoming sections deal with the different alternatives of travelling, such as flights, car journeys, and border crossings. It will provide the traveller with the necessary documents required by the authorities, allowing them to know some of the costs that might be involved, such as entry permits or SDF, and giving recommendations for selecting paths that fit their budget and travel style. By using this guide, it is possible for anyone travelling alone, a family, or a person having a limited amount of time to get to Bhutan from India in the years 2025-26 in the best way possible, that is, without facing any difficulties and being well-informed.

How to reach Bhutan from India in 2025 2026?

Travelling overland to Bhutan from India in 2025-26 is still quite easy, and you are free to choose a flight or road travel as well. In fact, Paro is the only international airport of Bhutan, and it is accessible by direct flights from cities like Delhi, Kolkata, Bagdogra, and Guwahati, which Druk Air and Bhutan Airlines operate.

If you are planning on taking a flight, it is good to book your flight in advance. The number of flights is limited, and sometimes they are only available under certain weather conditions or seasons.

There are multiple border crossings by land. The Jaigaon (India) ↔ Phuentsholing (Bhutan) route in West Bengal is, by far, the most popular and also the most used. In addition, there are the Gelephu and Samdrup Jongkhar, which are the two entry points for travellers coming from the east, i.e., Assam and the eastern part.

A long drive from Phuentsholing to Thimphu or Paro takes a few hours. The required documents for Indian nationals are either a passport (valid for 6 months) or a Voter ID card.

Once you get there (airport or land), an entry permit (for Paro and Thimphu) is given to you. To go to other towns (like Punakha, Bumthang), you will have to get a special route or area permit from the Bhutanese Immigration Office.

In addition, there is also a Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) that Indian tourists are required to pay, which is approximately INR 1,200 per night. Some small border towns are exempt if you only stay for a short period.

Reach Bhutan from India Option 1: By Train

Travelling to Bhutan from India by train is a relaxing and scenic way to do so for those who like train travel. For foreign nationals, there are trains to Hasimara, which is the closest train station to the border with Bhutan at Jaigaon/Phuentsholing.

From cities like Kolkata, Delhi, or Mumbai, Indian trains to Hasimara include Kanchankanya Express and Karmabhoomi Express. Train ticket prices vary from ₹900-₹5,800, depending on the class. Upon reaching Hasimara, the border is a 30 to 50 minutes road transfer and Indian nationals will get an Entry Permit there with a valid ID or passport.

When you reach Phuentsholing, there are bus or taxi options to Bhutan's main destinations Thimphu or Paro. All-in-all, while it can be a little more complex, this train plus road approach to arrive in Bhutan is inexpensive, easy, and practical, with the added vista and natural backdrop you'll get to enjoy the whole way.

How to reach Bhutan by train from India?

1. Plan Your Starting Point & Choose Your Nearest Major Railway Station

• Start off by determining the city from which you intend to make your journey (for example, Delhi, Kolkata, Mumbai, Guwahati, etc.).

• Next, you need to find a railway station in India among the following, which is the closest to the Bhutan border in terms of distance, train frequency, and connections.

• Hasimara (HSA), West Bengal: 17-18 km from Phuentsholing/Jaigaon (the Indian-Bhutan land border town).

• New Alipurduar (NOQ), West Bengal: 60 km from the Phuentsholing border.

• New Jalpaiguri (NJP), Siliguri, West Bengal: 150 km from Phuentsholing border. Convenient if you can reach NJP by long-distance train.

2. Booking the Train & Travelling to the Border Station

• After choosing your station from Hasimara, NOQ, or NJP, your next step will be to check out the train times from your home city to that station. A few of the trains going to Hasimara are Kanchankanya Express (Sealdah-Hasimara), inter alia.

• Pay attention to the type of train (Sleeper, 3AC, 2AC, etc.), travel time, and if it is an overnight train. If you are coming from a very distant place, you might have to plan your arrival the day before (or very early) to make the connection onward.

3. From the Railway Station to the Border (Jaigaon / Phuentsholing)

• Once you get to Hasimara, NOQ, or NJP, then by road (taxi, shared jeep, local bus), you can get to Jaigaon/Phuentsholing. For example, the time taken from Hasimara to Phuentsholing (via Jaigaon) by car/taxi is about 30-40 minutes.

• It takes longer to get to Phuentsholing by car from NJP or Siliguri (around 4-5 hours).

Example Trains to Hasimara & Timings

(Note: These ticket prices also vary greatly depending on your class: Sleeper, 3A, 2A, 1A; always check IRCTC or a train booking site for live rates)

4. Immigration / Entry Permit Formalities

• Once you arrive in Jaigaon (on the Indian side), you will cross over to Phuentsholing (in Bhutan). At the border, Indian nationals will need to show a valid ID (passport or Voter ID) OR provide some other documentation accepted by Bhutan as an Indian national entry document. Permits are issued at the border/checkpoint. 

• You may want to look into any fees (if applicable) or rules, as Bhutan sometimes has a Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) + one other charge and entry fees. (Overall, as documented for many Indian visitors, a visa is not required, BUT a permit + ID/documentation/satisfactory entry conditions are still required.) 

5. From Phuentsholing Into Inner Bhutan (e.g. Thimphu, Paro, etc.)

• Once you successfully cross into Bhutan from Phuentsholing, from here, you can take buses, shared taxis, or hire private cabs to transport you to other major towns (Thimphu, Paro, etc.). The length of time and distance of travel will change depending on the road conditions and destination. 

• We are mentioning mountain driving again; the winding roads can be slow going at times (especially during monsoon season and other adverse weather), so it will take time.

Total Cost of Reaching Bhutan from Indian By Train 

Taking a train from India to Bhutan is an economical option, as fares vary depending on the class of travel and how the road transfer from the nearest rail station to the Bhutan border is organised. A trip to Bhutan by train generally starts in large cities in India like Kolkata, Delhi, or Mumbai. Some train services have Hasimara, which is the rail station closest to the Jaigaon/Phuentsholing border.  

The Kanchankanya Express takes passengers from Kolkata, with the following fares, approximately: Sleeper Class (₹900), 3rd AC (₹1,500), 2nd AC(₹2,300), and 1st AC (₹3,500).

Passengers taking trains from Mumbai will have fares that can fall between ₹930 in Sleeper Class, somewhere around ₹1,720 in 3rd AC, to ₹4,645 in 2nd AC and ₹5,800 in 1st AC, depending on availability and the travel class (for example, the Karmabhoomi Express).

After you arrive at Hasimara, you will next have to travel to Phuentsholing via road, which is about 17 km away. Also, you can choose to take a private taxi for ₹3,000 to ₹5,500, a shared jeep of ₹100–₹300 per person, or an auto-rickshaw of about ₹120 per person. 

If you take the cheapest combo of Sleeper Class train and a shared jeep, the expected cost for one person to travel from India to Bhutan is around ₹1,000 to ₹1,200 or up to ₹5,000–₹6,000 for a more comfortable trip, based on the class of the train and which private transport you decide to take.

Reach Bhutan from India Option 2: By bus

Travelling to Bhutan is a convenient, inexpensive option, especially for Indian travellers travelling via land. Buses run from locations in India (e.g. Guwahati, Siliguri, or Kolkata) to Phuentsholing, the main entry point into Bhutan, on at least some days of the week. Travelling to Bhutan is largely scenic – you travel through the plains and later, the foothills of the Himalayan range.

This travel option is likely to be among the cheapest for budget travellers. Notably, travellers departing from Jaigaon/Phuentsholing and entering through an immigration post can also secure an Entry Permit fairly effortlessly as an Indian national with a passport or a Voter ID for further travel within Bhutan. At Phuentsholing, there are shared taxis or buses to each of the main cities (e.g. Thimphu or Paro), if needed.

Travel to Bhutan is a fairly simple process/option and provides the traveller with the convenience of easy border crossing for natural landscapes combined with a cultural change from India to Bhutan.

How to get To Bhutan From India By Bus?

1. Choose your starting city in India

First, pick a city in India from which you will start your trip. Common starting points are Kolkata, Siliguri, or somewhere in Northeast India (e.g., Assam). Where you start from will have an impact on your trip to the border, as well as on the time of travel, whether overnight buses will be used or not.

2. Travel to the border region: Jaigaon / Phuentsholing

• Jaigaon, a town in West Bengal, India, is the place where the Indian land meets Phuentsholing, Bhutan. This is the main land exit point for road transport between India and Bhutan.

• If you start from Siliguri, you should take a bus or shared taxi to Jaigaon. Besides, Royal Bhutan Government buses (or Bhutan-administered ones) that run from Siliguri to Phuentsholing are available.

• There are also long buses from Kolkata that go straight to Phuentsholing. They depart from Esplanade Bus Terminus (Kolkata) only on particular days.

3. Book your bus

• Kolkata to Phuentsholin: Buses run on Tuesdays, Thursdays & Saturdays with departures at 7:00-7:30 pm. Depending on the number of stops and road conditions, the trip takes around 18-22 hours. The cost of a ticket is ₹600-₹700 (or close) for a non-AC service.

• Daily buses to Phuentsholing / Jaigaon from Siliguri leave Tenzing Norgay / Hill Cart Road bus terminal at 7:30 am and 1:30 pm. The trip duration is five to six hours.

Bus to Bhutan Timings and stops

4. Arrive at Jaigaon / Border

• Once you are in Jaigaon (which is right before the border), you might be required to walk or take a short vehicle to cross into Bhutan at the Phuentsholing border gate.

• Border crossing hours: typically, the border is accessible by cars from early morning to 9 pm. However, crossings can still cross until 10 pm. It is advisable to get there early before the closure of the border.

5. Complete formalities at the border/immigration

• Indian citizens have to get an entry permit at the Phuentsholing Immigration Office after they have crossed the border.

• If you are going to a place outside the main towns (Thimphu, Paro, etc.), you have to get a Route Permit, which can only be issued in Bhutan (commonly at Thimphu or other immigration offices inside Bhutan).

• The Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) is applicable: Indian citizens have to give about INR 1,200 per person per night (children 6-12 years: half; under 6 quite often exempt). If one is only in the border towns for less than 24 hours, likely, the fee is not charged.

6. Continue onwards inside Bhutan

• Buses run by Bhutan are available for the journey from Phuentsholing to other cities such as Thimphu, Paro, Punakha, etc. These buses have daily runs from Phuentsholing. For instance, Thimphu can be reached by car in about 5-7 hours.

• Bus fares inside Bhutan (Phuentsholing → Thimphu, Paro, etc.) are not fixed and might be different for each trip; for instance, the cost of the journey from Phuentsholing to Thimphu is BTN 180 (roughly) for a 6-7 hour trip.

Total Cost of Reaching Bhutan from Indian By Bus

Taking a bus from Kolkata to Phuentsholing on the Royal Bhutan Government bus will cost about ₹650- ₹700 for one way. 

If you start from Siliguri, then the bus fare would be significantly lower, around ₹180 to Jaigaon/Phuentsholing. 

Once in Phuentsholing, if you take a bus onward to Thimphu, it is around BTN 180 (≈ ₹200-₹250 depending conversion rate) for a 6-7 hour bus ride.

In addition to the bus fare, there is a Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) you will need to pay, which, for Indian nationals, is INR 1,200 per person per night. Children ages 6-11 pay half fare, and those under 6 stay free.

So if, for example, you have a 2-night trip (1 night Phuentsholing or border town + 1 night Thimphu), you would pay: 

• Bus (Kolkata to Phuentsholing):  ₹650 

• Bus (Phuentsholing to Thimphu):  ₹200 

• SDF 2nts at ₹1200: 2 × ₹1,200 = ₹2,400  

Other misc (local transport, snack, permit, etc): maybe  ₹300-₹500 

Total  ₹3,500-₹4,000 (approx) for a very simple trip for one adult using the bus. 

If you consider travelling from Siliguri, the starting cost is less (Bus ₹180), so you might have a level of comfort determining a total of  ₹3,000-₹3,500 for the similar trip lengths (2 nts), providing your accommodation or costs, etc, are modest.

Reach Bhutan from India Option 3: By flight

For tourists from India, flying is the fastest and easiest option to enter Bhutan. Paro International Airport is Bhutan's only international airport that connects to major Indian cities such as Delhi, Kolkata, Guwahati, and Bengaluru on local airlines, namely Druk Air and Bhutan Airlines. You will normally be treated to beautiful views of the Himalayas while descending into the valleys in Bhutan. 

Once you land in Paro, Indian nationals will need either a passport or a Voter ID to obtain a Visa Entry Permit, if applicable, and possibly pay the Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) based on your planned travel. From Paro, taxis or buses will take you to Thimphu, Punakha or beyond. Flying into Bhutan is good for a traveller who desires comfort, speed, and efficiency, along with beautiful scenery from the air.

How to Reach Bhutan From India By Air?

Step 1: Choose Your Departure City in India

Airlines that operate flights to Bhutan generally depart from major cities in India, mainly from Delhi (Indira Gandhi International Airport - DEL), Kolkata (Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport - CCU), and Bagdogra (Bagdogra Airport - IXB).

Delhi has the greatest number of flights operating, and also the most direct flights. There will be flights from Kolkata and Bagdogra operating disproportionate to the flights from Delhi. Your departure airport will depend on what is most convenient for your travel formalities. 

Step 2: Book Your Ticket

The main (and only airline flying to Paro is Druk Air and Bhutan Airlines. Flights from Delhi to Paro are about 2 hours and 30 minutes. Out of the three locations, flights from Delhi operate every day, while flights from Kolkata and Bagdogra operate less frequently.

To get the best airfares and availability, be sure to book your flight at least two months early. 

India to Bhutan flight time and stops

Step 3: Landing at Paro International Airport (PBH)

Paro International Airport is located in Paro, and is around 65 kilometres from the country’s capital, Thimphu. The IATA code for Paro is PBH, and its ICAO code is VQPR. All arrivals and departures at the airport can only occur during day hours because of the difficulty in location and terrain, versus Visual Meteorological Conditions (VMC).

The airport contains basic facilities such as duty-free shops, currency exchange, and some restaurants. 

Step 4: Immigration and Entry Procedures

Indian citizens are required to have a valid passport or voter ID with them to enter the country. Indian citizens will be able to have a “free” entry permit available at the airport. There will be a Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) for INR 1200 per person, per night, which will need to be paid at the airport.

The overall process for immigration and the permits will last between 30 minutes and 1 hour on a good day. 

Step 5: Baggage Allowance

Druk Air Baggage Allowance

Bhutan Airlines Baggage Allowance

Step 6: Transportation from Paro Airport to Thimphu

Thimphu is located approximately 65 kilometres from Paro Airport, requiring about 1.5 to 2 hours to reach by road. Depending on how you wish to travel, you can book a taxi at the airport. You may also arrange for your transfer in advance through your tour operator.

Another option is to take a public bus, though public buses are not as frequent and will require you to pre-arrange travel before your arrival.

Estimated Costs of Reaching Bhutan From India

Travelling to Bhutan for Indians, by air in 2025-2026, will have numerous flight options, fares will vary greatly, but will be determined mainly by your departure city and airline. For flights departing from Delhi to Paro, Druk Air has the only non-stop flights that operate out of the Indira Gandhi International Airport daily.

The one-way ticket fare for a flight is approximately ₹24,000 to ₹30,000 and travels for approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes. From Kolkata to Paro, Druk Air and Bhutan Airlines will also offer direct flights to either city departing from Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport.

Economy class fare is similarly between ₹19,000 and ₹25,000 and will take about 1 hour and 45 minutes. An alternative option if travelling from Bagdogra to Paro, Druk Air has direct flights from Bagdogra Airport for ₹8,000 to ₹12,000 for approximately 1-hour flight.

In addition, Indian nationals are required to pay a Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) to enter Bhutan of ₹1,200. 

For economy class baggage allowance, checked luggage will be 30 kg or less and cabin allowance of 5 or 7 kg, depending on the airline. Fares will be dependent on season and available seats. It is highly recommended to pre-book your fares.

Reach Bhutan from India Option 4: By Car

Driving from India to Bhutan by car provides a delightful journey through beautiful landscapes and a good degree of flexibility. The most popular route from India is via the Jaigaon–Phuentsholing border that connects the Indian state of West Bengal with West Bhutan.

The border crossing is quite easy, as everything is well organised with signage and customs processes. Other travel options are the Gelephu or Samdrup Jongkhar border crossing from Assam, for access to central or eastern Bhutan, respectively.

Indian citizens can drive in Bhutan if they have a valid Indian driving license. If you are driving beyond Thimphu and Paro, you must obtain some additional permits, such as a vehicle permit, an entry permit, and a route permit. These permits can be obtained at customs/immigration procedures at the border or through the transportation authority.

The road conditions are generally good, especially on the main highways, but occasional rough patches do appear, especially near borders. It is prudent to carry the necessary documents, such as an Indian passport or voter ID, vehicle registration, vehicle insurance, and pollution control certificate, when crossing the border.

Step wise Guide to Reach Bhutan From India By Car

Step 1: Choose Your Route

Indian travellers normally choose the Jaigaon–Phuentsholing border as the most accessible and the best entry point. West Bengal's Jaigaon is a town that borders Phuentsholing, Bhutan's border town. This path is suitable for both Siliguri and Bagdogra, as well as those coming from Kolkata.

Besides Jaigaon, there are various access points, including Gelephu and Samdrup Jongkhar. However, these are still experimental alternatives that can be used depending on where you are and where you plan to go.

Step 2: Prepare Your Vehicle and Documents

Make sure you possess the following items if you want to bring an Indian vehicle into Bhutan.

• Vehicle Documents: Registration Certificate (RC), Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificate, and insurance.

• Driver's License: A valid Indian driving license.

• Fitness Certificate: A document proving the good condition of the vehicle for driving on the road.

• Entry Permit: A permit allowing you to enter Bhutan. You can get this at the border.

• Authorised Letter: An authorised letter from the vehicle owner if you are not the owner of the vehicle.

• Registration with RSTA: The Royal Bhutan Road Safety and Transport Authority (RSTA) at the border, where you arrive, you register your car there.

Note: The vehicle should be in good condition, and it is only the owner of the vehicle who has the right to drive. 

Step 3: Fuel Requirements

The distance from Jaigaon to Thimphu is about 170 kilometres, with an approximate driving time of 4 to 5 hours. Depending on your car, you will consume about 12 to 15 litres of petrol for the round trip if you are averaging 12 to 15 km/litre.

Additionally, the price of petrol in Bhutan is marginally cheaper than in India and costs ₹ 65 per litre. 

If you plan to drive over the border, it is advisable to fill your petrol tank while in India, as there are not many petrol stations to fill up in Bhutan, particularly in sparsely populated areas.

Step 4: Crossing.

When you arrive at the border, the first thing to do is go to the Phuentsholing Immigration office to get your entry permit. Then allow some time to go to the Road Safety and Transport Authority (RSTA) to get registered and to pay the applicable fees.

They will also inspect your vehicle to ensure all safety regulations comply. Entry permits are usually provided for 14 days, so be mindful of this when planning your travels.

Step 5: Road Conditions and Travel Tips

The roads in Bhutan are generally very narrow and winding, especially in the mountains; therefore, it is necessary to drive cautiously. Always be ready for sudden weather changes. The best seasons to visit are spring (March to May) and fall (September to November) when the climate is nice.

Booking a place to stay ahead of time, especially during the high tourist seasons, is highly recommended for a hassle-free and pleasant trip.

What is the Total cost of Reaching Bhutan By Car?

Travellers driving from India to Bhutan will need to budget for various key expenses in order to help the trip go as smoothly as possible. The biggest cost you will incur is the vehicle registration. Travellers must pay to register their foreign vehicle in order to drive in Bhutan.

As of the time of writing, the cost for vehicle registration is approximately Nu 4,500 per day, which allows you to legally travel your vehicle on the roads in Bhutan. Vehicle registration occurs at the Royal Bhutan Road Safety and Transport Authority (RSTA) at the border prior to entering Bhutan. 

The second largest expense will be fuel. For a trip from Jaigaon (Indian border town) to a bigger town in Bhutan like Thimphu or Paro, you will end up averaging 12-15 litres of petrol depending on your mileage. From Jaigaon to Thimphu, this petrol will cost approximately ₹800-₹1,000 for one way based solely on fuel prices in that area.

Regardless of whether you fill your tank before crossing the border or not, it's beneficial you know that there are generally fewer fuel stations inside Bhutan, particularly in the country.

Accommodation prices are another factor to consider. If you are travelling in a private vehicle to Bhutan, you must stay in a registered hotel or lodge. The lowest cost begins at about ₹2,500 and can go up to ₹4,000 or more, depending on the standard of accommodation. If you are travelling for several days in Bhutan, accommodation costs can add up rapidly. 

In total, for an average trip from India to Bhutan by car for a short one-way trip, you should expect to spend ₹8,000–₹12,000. This covers the vehicle registration, fuel, and accommodation.

How many Hours is it from India to Bhutan?

Travel time between India and Bhutan may vary, depending on what kind of travel you will be using and which city in India you will depart from. With air travel, times will depend upon the location of departure:

1. Direct flights from Delhi to Paro, Bhutan, are about 2.5 hours.
2. Direct flights from Kolkata to Paro are shorter, at about 1.5 hours.
3. A flight from Mumbai to Bhutan takes about 3.5 hours via a direct flight.
4. Lastly, flying from Guwahati (eastern India) takes about 55 minutes (direct) to Paro.

All of these flights will land at Paro International Airport, which is the only international airport in Bhutan and is serviced mostly by Druk Air and Bhutan Airlines. Air travel is the quickest and most practical way to move about India and Bhutan.

Travel duration on the ground, whether by road or by train, will take significantly longer than air travel to Bhutan. For example, if you were to take a train from New Delhi to Hasimara (near the Bhutan border), that trip would take approximately 36 hours. Travel time by road will also depend on the starting point, but it will take many hours, sometimes up to a day, to reach Bhutan.

Bhutan from India Distance

The distance from India to Bhutan is different based on the exact locations in both countries. The shortest direct air distance is about 1395 km (867 miles) between the midpoints of India and Bhutan. A direct flight of this distance usually takes about 1.5 hours, if we consider the average speed of the plane to be about 560-570 mph.

The distance from New Delhi, the capital of India, to Thimphu, the capital of Bhutan, is around 1,941 kilometres (about 1,200 miles). This trip by car can take two to three days. One can cover a distance of about 1,641 kilometres (approximately 1,005 miles) to the border towns like Phuentsholing, which is the main road entry point of Bhutan from India.

Distance and time to travel are not the same if one wants to go from India to Bhutan. These are some examples:

• The distance between Mumbai and Bhutan is approximately 2,021 kilometres. The time of the journey is more than 7 hours if one has to take a connecting flight.

• The duration of the flight from Kolkata or Guwahati (two cities in eastern India) to Paro Airport, Bhutan, is usually not more than 40 minutes to an hour and a half.

So, the travel time between India and Bhutan depends on the means of transport and the starting point and can be anywhere from about 1.5 hours by air to several days by road.

Routes to Bhutan From Major Indian Regions and Cities 

Jaigaon (India, West Bengal) ↔ Phuentsholing (Bhutan)

This is the most heavily trafficked and popular land border crossing between India and Bhutan. The town of Phuentsholing, which is located in the southwestern part of Bhutan, is just across the border from the West Bengal community of Jaigaon. Most of the time, it is the main gateway for the travellers who are coming from Kolkata, Siliguri, and other nearby places.

There are several means of transport available to get to the location: bus, car, and private vehicle. Indian citizens need an entry permit, which can be obtained at the Phuentsholing immigration office, and ID proofs like Aadhaar or Voter ID are acceptable.

Samdrup Jongkhar (Bhutan) ↔ Eastern Assam (India)

Samdrup Jongkhar is the gateway to the southeast of Bhutan and thus links Eastern Assam with it. It is a less crowded crossing point than Phuntsholing and thus, is suitable for the travellers coming from Guwahati, Dibrugarh, and other northeastern Indian cities.

The roads coming from Assam are alright. The shared transport or private vehicles can be used. Indian citizens are required to have an entry permit, which is issued at the Bhutanese immigration office. This route is also used for trade and regional transportation between the two countries.

Gelephu (Bhutan) ↔ Bongaigaon (Assam, India)

Gelephu is a town located in the middle of Bhutan and is one of the three main border crossings, the other two being Phuentsholing and Samdrup Jongkhar, especially for the people of western Assam. The journey from Bongaigaon to Gelephu takes about 230 km by road.

It is a less crowded place in comparison to Phuentsholing and Samdrup Jongkhar, but it has been there for a long time for tourism and local trade.

People from India must go to the Gelephu immigration office to get a valid permit to enter Bhutan. Also, a valid identification document will be required. The trip is usually made by shared taxis or private cars.

Kolkata, West Bengal, to Bhutan

One of the ways to get from Kolkata to Bhutan is to take a plane to Paro, and the other is a long road trip that goes through Siliguri and Jaigaon. The Phuentsholing road is about 1020 km, and several hours are needed to travel by direct buses, approximately 18 hours.

Therefore, the first goal in the journey by road will be to reach either Siliguri or Bagdogra. In that case, Indian citizens are required to get an entry permit at Phuentsholing, and at that time, Aadhaar or Voter ID should be their valid identification. Both tourists as well as business people often go through this route.

Siliguri / Bagdogra / New Jalpaiguri, West Bengal, to Bhutan

The way that travellers from North West Bengal take and the route that is most convenient is this one. As far as the distance is concerned, it is around 150–170 km from Siliguri, Bagdogra, or New Jalpaiguri to Jaigaon and Phuentsholing, which can be covered by a car in 4–5 hours.

Shared taxis, buses, and private vehicles are widely available. What is essential for Indian citizens is to have a valid entry permit to show at the border, where it can be obtained, and a valid ID is compulsory. It is popular due to being very simple and accessible.

Assam / Northeast India (e.g., Guwahati, Bongaigaon) to Bhutan

Entry points used by the visitors from Assam and the northeast to enter Bhutan are Samdrup Jongkhar and Gelephu border crossings. First of all, they could go by plane to Bagdogra, then continue by car, or they could make a flight to Paro if it is accessible.

It is approximately 230 km from Bongaigaon to Gelephu, but the distance from Guwahati to Samdrup Jongkhar varies. If Indian citizens are neither carrying a valid entry permit nor aware of which less-frequented crossings are open for tourists, then they are a step away from being misguided. On these routes, shared transport or private vehicles are most commonly used.

Delhi / Mumbai / Other Major Indian Cities to Bhutan

It is best to take a flight if you want to get to Bhutan from the biggest cities like Delhi or Mumbai. Direct or connecting flights to Paro are available, with the flying time being roughly 2–3 hours. On the other hand, they may take a flight to Guwahati or Bagdogra and then proceed by road.

Anyone who wishes to fly to India must have a valid passport and a visa or a permit in case of air travel. In contrast, land travel for Indian citizens is carried out with entry permits and authorised border crossings. Non-Indian nationals are subject to stricter Bhutanese entry requirements.

Other/Newer Entry Points

Bhutan has officially recognised new points that are primarily for trade, transport, and customs purposes. The new points consist of Nagarkata and Agartala Land Customs Stations, Pandu port (Guwahati Steamer Ghat), Jogighopa port, Birpara, and Kamardwisa.

Most of them are situated along Asian Highway 48, which allows for easier cross-border commercial transport. They are virtually closed off to travellers but do allow very few tourists to enter. If travellers want to go to Bhutan through these unorthodox ways, then they must check the regulations and get the proper permits first.

What Permits and Documents are Required to Enter Bhutan From India?

In 2025, citizens of India do not need a visa to enter Bhutan but must carry the appropriate permits and documents. A valid Indian passport with at least six months' validity or a Voter ID card is required for Indian nationals as identity proof. Children under 18 years of age travelling in Bhutan should have their original English birth certificate along with their parents' documents or a valid passport.

Some of the important documents and permits are:

Valid Travel Documents:

• Original Indian Passport with at least 6 months validity, OR

• Original Voter ID card (physical laminated card, not photocopies)

• For children under 18 years: an original birth certificate in English is required along with a parent or guardian.

Entry Permit:

• Granted without any fee when one arrives at Paro Airport or border points like Phuentsholing.

• It allows the movement not only in Thimphu, but also in Paro.

• Special Area Permit:

• It is necessary to go further than Thimphu and Paro.

• The Royal Government of Bhutan Immigration Office in Thimphu is the place to get it.

• Sustainable Development Fee (SDF):

• The amount of INR 1,200 per night, payable at entry (children aged 6-12 half price).

Note: Permit-office timing matters: On weekdays, immigration/permit offices have their hours of operation only at certain times. They are closed on Saturdays, Sundays, and Bhutan's government holidays. Besides, lunch breaks may also occur (often around 1-2 pm BST). If you come late in the day or just before a non-working day, you might have to wait for the next working day.

Can Indians go to Bhutan without a passport?

Indians can enter Bhutan without a passport by showing their acceptable travel documents, which can include a valid Voter ID card. From 2025, Indian nationals are allowed to enter Bhutan with either a valid Indian passport with at least 6 months validity OR a laminated Voter Identity Card issued by the polity/ state of residence. Children under age 18 will be able to enter Bhutan with their original birth certificate, originally, in English. They may need to accompany their parents or guardians.

Appointments for entry permits can be issued on arrival at places like Paro Airport or at the Phuentsholing border. The entry permit limits movement within Thimphu and Paro; to travel to other areas, a special permit is required. Indian citizens will also need to pay a Sustainable Development fee of INR 1200 per night.

To clarify, Indians technically do not need a passport if they have a valid Voter ID card; however, it is best to travel with a passport for easier processing and in case of travel beyond the main visiting cities.

How much does a trip to Bhutan cost from India?

If you want a 5-6 day trip with a budget/low-cost of about ₹20,000–₹30,000 per person, then it is possible.

It would include a trip by road or booking flights during nonpeak hours, accommodation in guesthouses or basic hotels, food from local restaurants, use of shared taxis, and inexpensive sightseeing.

To enjoy a comfortable mid-range trip (hotels with good quality, more flights, private transfers, increased activities), the cost of a similar duration goes from about ₹35,000 to ₹50,000+ per person.

If you want a first-class or long journey (luxury hotels or resorts, private guides, more remote trekking, etc.), then the price can be as high as ₹60,000–₹1,00,000+ per person.

Bhutan Tour Package 1 Cost: Bhutan Tour 8 Nights 9 Days – US$ 2170 Per Person Starting Price

This comprehensive 9-day journey in Bhutan offers an ideal combination of cultural understanding and natural bliss. The Cost for an Indian traveller is around INR. 191620 For Person. Travelers can explore iconic destinations, including Paro Taktsang (Tiger’s Nest), the historic sites of Thimphu, stunning Punakha Dzong, and beautiful valleys with the Himalayas as a backdrop.

The package includes comfortable accommodations, sightseeing with a guide, and transfers to help assure a trouble-free travel experience. Great for someone who wants to have a deeply immersive Bhutan holiday that satisfies their interests in tradition, spirituality, and scenic vistas.

Bhutan Tour Package 2 Cost: Bhutan Tour 4 Nights 5 Days at US$ 1050 Per Person starting Price

Ideal for a brief but enriching holiday to Bhutan, this 5-day itinerary showcases the very best of Paro and Thimphu. Visitors will have the opportunity to visit holy monasteries, experience the culture of Bhutan, and enjoy some of the best views of the Himalayan Mountains.

The present proposition made it possible to have a package that includes organised travel, accommodation, and visits with a guide that will allow for a low-cost way to experience the marvel of Bhutan's culture and nature! Here are our group prices: