Traveling to Bhutan from India is relatively easy and hassle-free for Indian nationals due to the strong cultural and historical ties between the two countries. Bhutan is a beautiful Himalayan destination known for its pristine landscapes, ancient monasteries, and unique culture and traditions. It is a unique country with the first in the world with carbon negative in the world.
Here are some guidelines for travelers traveling to Bhutan from India. You need to know before traveling to Bhutan from India:
Indian nationals with passport holders or voter cards do not require a visa for Bhutan to enter Bhutan. However, you will need to obtain an entry permit at the border immigration office upon arrival. To avoid any difficulties it is worth contacting a local Bhutan Tour agency. The tour agency will provide an e-permit before your arrival. It is hassle-free. The tour agency will provide you with a complete package tour package before you travel to Bhutan from India. The permit is usually issued for a specific duration, and you need to carry a valid passport or voter ID card for identification.
Bhutan has several entry points for travelers traveling from India, including Phuentsholing, Samdrup Jongkhar, Gelephu, and Paro. Phuentsholing is the most commonly used entry point, especially for travelers coming from West Bengal en route even to Bagdogra Airport.
As of now the entry point Indian traveling to Bhutan are following two options which are commonly used by Indian Tourists.
Paro International Airport is Bhutan’s only international airport for traveling by Air from destinations like Bagdogra, Kolkatta, and New Delhi. Bhutan Airlines and Druk Air Airlines operate from Paro to India.
If you are traveling overland from India, you can enter Bhutan(Phuentsholing) through the border town of India(Jaigaon).
Please note for every traveler traveling to Bhutan from India to look after the local Tour Agency to check the status of entry points and travel restrictions. It may change over time, so it’s crucial to check with a local tour agency, the Royal Bhutanese Embassy, or the Consulate in India. You can browse the official website of the Department of Tourism to get the latest updates.
It’s important to plan your trip well in advance and ensure you have all the necessary documents and arrangements in place before traveling to Bhutan from India.
You should know restricted areas while traveling to Bhutan from India. It is better to contact the local Tour Agency in Bhutan to find out the right updates from them. You might require special permits to visit the places. Make sure to check the restricted areas and obtain the necessary permits accordingly.
Bhutanese currency is known as the Bhutanese Ngultrum (Nu). Indian Rupees are also widely accepted in Bhutan, but denominations above 500 are not accepted as per the legal tender norms applied by the Royal Monetary Authority of Bhutan. It’s a good idea to carry smaller denominations or exchange currency at banks or authorized exchange counters.
The official language of Bhutan is Dzongkha, but English is widely spoken, especially in tourist areas. You will not face problems speaking the Hindi language. Some of the Bhutanese know how to speak Hindi.
Bhutan climate weather varies with altitude, so pack accordingly. In the lower regions, the climate is subtropical, while it gets colder in the higher mountain areas. Always carry appropriate clothing for varying temperatures.
Bhutan is known for its rich cultural heritage and deeply rooted culture and traditions. It’s essential for travelers traveling to Bhutan from India to respect local customs and traditions. For example, removing your shoes before entering temples or monasteries, and wearing long sleeves shirts and jackets. Guide of Bhutan will guide you accordingly to the places of visit.
Bhutan has a well-developed road network throughout Bhutan. You can easily travel between towns and cities by road. Even you can fly from Paro Airport to Central Bhutan Bumthang Airport. You can fly to Yanphula domestic airport. However, road conditions may vary, especially in remote areas of Bhutan. We have 3 domestic airports in Bhutan. Paro Airport is the only International Airport
Bhutan offers a range of accommodation options, from luxury hotels, 4-star, 3-star, Budget, and Bhutan Homestays. It’s advisable to book your accommodation in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons.
If you plan to go trekking in Bhutan, you’ll need a special trekking permit. These permits can be obtained through registered tour operators in Bhutan.
Remember that Bhutan follows a “High Value, Low Impact” tourism policy, which means visitors must book their trips through authorized tour operators. Independent travel is not allowed in Bhutan, and visitors must have a pre-arranged itinerary during their stay.
Before traveling, it’s a good idea to check for any updated travel advisories and regulations, as these can change over time. Enjoy your journey to the enchanting kingdom of Bhutan!