Bhutan is one of South Asia's most tranquil and unique nations, surrounded by China and India. Travelers' ideal vacation, Bhutan is best celebrated for its captivating Himalayan scenery, Buddhist temples, trekking trails, and a beautiful philosophy of happiness and sustainable living.
Taking a road journey from India to Bhutan is, for many Indian visitors, the most thrilling and economical way to explore this remarkable country. Get all the guidance you need from the top Bhutan tour operator for a more secure and exceptional trip.
Along with being cost-effective, it lets you visit border communities, take in the natural beauty, and enjoy the trip in the best possible way. Information that you may require to travel by road from India to Bhutan, including entrance points, permits, routes, advice, and expenses, is in this blog.
Why Take a Road Trip to Bhutan? – An Overview
Road travel has its own brilliance, but taking a flight is the most comfortable way to get to Bhutan. Many Indian tourists choose this option (road travel) for the following reasons:
- Cost-effective: Driving is less expensive than flying. By taking public transportation, booking a car rental with a tour guide, or using shared cabs, you may keep costs more under control.
- Spectacular Scenery: The journey from India to the Land of Thunder Dragon is a mesmerizing experience, full of deep valleys, steep mountain roads, picturesque towns, and verdant surroundings.
- Flexibility: You may visit several towns along the way, check out the local markets, and eat the regional cuisine when you travel to Bhutan by road from India.
- The Sense of Adventure: Traveling by road gives your trip to Bhutan a more thrilling feel.
Do Indian Citizens Require a Visa to Explore Bhutan?
Indian nationals can enter Bhutan without a visa (visa-free for Indian citizens). They must, however, have legitimate travel documentation with them:
- A passport valid for at least six months OR
- An ID card for voters issued by the Indian Election Commission
Before entering Bhutan, you must also get an entry permit at the border. However, you must pay a daily Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) of INR 1,200 per person and get your entry.
Points of Entry for Road Travel from India to Bhutan
Phuentsholing (Border Town of Bhutan)
- Phuentsholing and Siliguri City distance: some 156 km (4–5 hours)
- Phuentsholing to Bagdogra Airport (within Siliguri): some 170 km (5 hours)
Gelephu (Assam Border)
- The location is in the Kokrajhar district of Assam.
- Perfect for exploring central Bhutan, it's less congested than Phuentsholing.
- About 250 kilometers away from Guwahati.
Samdrup Jongkhar (Assam Border)
- The eastern area of Bhutan is well-linked to this border town.
- Ideal if you intend to travel to locations such as Trashigang.
- Nearly 150 kilometers (4–5 hours) from Guwahati.
How to Reach the Bhutan Border by Road from India
From neighboring Indian cities, you can use shared cabs, buses, or private cars to go to the border towns of Bhutan.
From Bagdogra/Siliguri (to Phuentsholing)
From Guwahati (to Gelephu or Samdrup Jongkhar)
- Here, you might take a bus or hire a taxicab in Guwahati. Beautiful vistas of the Assamese countryside may be seen during the journey.
- It's affordable since shared cabs are also an option.
Permits Required for Indian Tourists in Bhutan
Permit of Entry
- Permit issued at either the Phuentsholing, Gelephu, or Samdrup Jongkhar border town immigration office.
- One passport-sized picture and a valid passport or voter ID are required.
- There is no charge for the permission.
- Only applicable to Paro and Thimphu.
Route Permit (Beyond Thimphu & Paro)
- You must apply for a Route Permit in order to go to other areas, such as Punakha, Haa Valley, Bumthang, or Trongsa.
- You may get this from the Thimphu immigration office.
Know the Best Time to Travel to Bhutan by Road
Rhododendrons are in bloom, and the temperature becomes more comfortable during spring, starting from March to May.
- Autumn (September to November): Best time to enjoy festivals, clear sky, and excellent hiking.
- Monsoon (June to August): Avoid the monsoon season as the heavy rains can cause the roads to become slick.
- Winter (December to February): Snow fans will enjoy the winter months of December through February, but certain mountain passes may be blocked.
An Overview of Your 7-Day Bhutan Trip from India by Road
Itinerary Suggestions for Road Trip
This is a basic seven-day road trip plan from India that you can personalize at your convenience:
- Day 1: Bagdogra/Siliguri -> Phuentsholing (overnight stay)
- Phuentsholing to Thimphu on Day Two
- Day 3: Visit the Clock Tower Square, Tashichho Dzong, National Memorial Chorten, Simply Bhutan, and Buddha Dordenma while in Thimphu.
- Day 4: Thimphu to Paro Valley drop-off by cab.
- Day 5: Tour Paro (Paro Dzong, Tiger's Nest Monastery).
- Day 6: Punakha Valley excursion (Punakha Dzong, Suspension Bridge, River Rafting) is optional.
- Day 7: Departure
Your reliable Bhutan tour operator will manage the A to Z of your itinerary, ranging from permits, pickups, transfers, hotel booking, meals, to adventure.
The specialty of road travel is that it gives you a more personal look into Bhutan. In addition to exploring the changing landscape and avoiding the increased expense of flying, you may make stops at quaint Indian settlements close to the border. You may also customize your itinerary when you travel by road, which adds to the uniqueness and privacy of your journey.
