Bhutan, a Buddhist kingdom on the Himalayas’ eastern edge, is known for its monasteries, fortresses (or dzongs) and dramatic landscapes that range from subtropical plains to steep mountains and valleys. In the High Himalayas, peaks such as 7,326m Jomolhari are popular trekking destinations. Paro Taktsang monastery (also known as Tiger’s Nest) clings to cliffs above the forested Paro Valley.
Bhutan is the only country with a happiness Index! Tourist from all over the globe visit Bhutan for either cultural trips or trekking expeditions.
This post of mine will let you know how to reach Bhutan. Here are some recommendations and suggestions which you can consider during your trip. Also its a small guide for a road trip to Bhutan.
Bhutan can be reached via different routes and via different mode of transport depending on your budget and comfort you are looking for.
If you are looking to go via flight, check out Skyscanner. They have extensive details about flights from Indian cities to Bhutan ones.
Delhi to Bhutan distance by road is (1964)kms via NH27, 38 hours approx.
Best way to reach Bhutan is via train. Here are some train schedules from Delhi to NJP (New Jalpaiguri) and fares
Del - NJP (DBRT rajdhani 12424)
16:10 - 13:10 (travel time 21 hrs)
Fare :- 2445 3AC
Mahananda Exp (travel time 31 hrs)
6:35 - 13:30
Fare :- 1580 3AC
North East Exp 12506 (travel time 25 hrs)
6:45 - 8:20am
fare :- 1680 3AC
Another route is to go via Hasimara. Its a small town in Jalpaiguri district of West Bengal. The town is situated at a distance of 17 Kms from the Indo-Bhutan Border and hence is one of the best options to reach Bhutan.
Del - Hasimara (Mahananda Exp 15484) Best option
6:35am - 17:20 (travel time 34hrs)
Fare :- 1665 3AC, 2445 2AC
You can visit https://www.irctc.co.in for train timings and bookings.
Jaigaon is the Indian town touching Indo-Bhutan Boarder. All the formalities to acquire permission to enter Bhutan, will be carried out here at Immigration office. Every Individual will have to acquire permission. Every Individual will have to acquire permission to enter Bhutan. Jaigon is like an average indian
There are 2 ways to go to Jaigaon :-
From NJP :- Bus from NJP/Siliguri to Phuentsholing/Jaigon (4 hours). Near Heritage hotel @ 7:30am & 1:30pm daily. Ticket cost Rs62 approx. You can also take a taxi from NJP to Bhutanese boarder.
From Hasimara :- Hasimara - Phuentsholing/jaigaon bus stand (15kms) 30 mins. You can take a bus which will cost you Rs 15. A rickshaw will charge Rs 100. A shared auto from Jaigon going to Bhutan Boarder will charge Rs 10/-.
Enter permit at Phuentsholing immigration office. Immigration clearance can take 2 -3 hours. No fee for Indians.
Documents you need to carry - You required either a passport or Voter's ID and carry some passport size photos. Because of the friendly relations between India and Bhutan you would not required a Visa. or you can carry any other Identity proof ex :- driving license/ Pan card/ Aadhar card. When you will reach the Immigration office they will assist you with how to obtain the permission.
You can also obtain information about permit from India: Royal Bhutanese Embassy - Chandragupta Marg, Chanakyapuri,
New Delhi 110 021. Tel: 609217/ 609218, Fax:6876710
In case you reach "Phuentsholing" by afternoon and as immigration process takes some time you can stay that day in "Phuentsholing". hotel recommendation Hotel Bhutan, Goeden Lam. Tel:+975 5 252-576. - A modern and centrally located hotel.
Excellent value at 300Nu for a basic single, 450Nu for a double.
Last bus from Phuentsholing to Thimphu/ Paro will leave at around 3pm (Bhutanese time).
Phuentsholing to Thimphu (175 kms) 6 hours journey
Bus fare from Phuentsholing - thimphu 230 rs
Taxi - shared 600/-, reserved taxi 2500
Phuentsholing to Paro (by road) 4 hr 25 mins 160kms. Approximately same fare as above.
Some hotel recommendation in Thimphu
Khamsum Inn - 5348 2 nites
Gakyil - 5682 2 nites
•In Thimpu I stayed in hotel run by Ambient Cafe. Its called Penjor Lodge at Norzin Lam. Rate was around 700 per day
Best place to visit in Thimphu is "Changangkha Lhakhang"
Best places to visit In Paro :-
Paro Taktsang (Tiger's nest) guru Rinpoche
entry time :- 8:00am - 1:00pm & 2-5pm (Oct - Mar)
Rinpung Dzong Monestary
Tachogang temple
Tachog Lhakhang Dzong waterfall bridge
Kyichu Temple
For hotel booking you can use this link :- http://www.booking.com/
Hope this small travel guide will help you planning your trip to Bhutan.
