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The best way to reach Bhutan is by air. The only international airport in Bhutan is in Paro and it is called Paro International Airport. It is around 7 kms from the city. It has connecting flights from various cities such as Mumbai and Guwahati.

How can I go India to Bhutan?

How to reach Bhutan by road? – Want to go on a road trip to Bhutan ? Here is all you need to know on how to reach Bhutan by road. Indians who wish to travel to Bhutan by road need to acquire an ‘entry permit’ from the Immigration Office of Royal Government of Bhutan in Phuensholing, which is located on the Indo-Bhutan border opposite Jaigaon, West Bengal.

But this ‘entry permit’ allows an Indian tourist to visit Paro and Thimphu only. If you wish to go beyond Thimphu and Paro then you need to obtain a ‘special area permit’ from the Royal Government of Bhutan Immigration Office in Thimphu. It is also possible to arrange the visa from Kolkata at Royal Bhutan Consulate Office.

It is better to apply 10-12 days prior to your visit. Must Read – Top places to visit in Bhutan To reach Bhutan by road, you have to go through three border points in India. They are a) Jaigaon – Phuensholing Border, b) Gelephu and c) Samdrup Jongkhar.

1. The Jaigaon – Phuentsholing border is preferred by most of the travellers as it is easily accessible and can get you the entry permit easily.
2. If you are on tight budget, you can travel by local buses or else can hire a car or jeep to travel within Bhutan.
3. It takes 4 hours to reach Phuensholing from Bagdogra Airport and around 6 hours to reach Thimphu from Phuensholing.

Private taxis and buses are also available from Bagdogra, New Jalpaiguri and Siliguri which connects National Highway NH31 at Sevoke road and will take you to Thimphu. Also Read – Why Bhutan’s Druk Trek should be on your wish list

How much does a trip to Bhutan cost from India?

Bhutan Packages

Bhutan Packages	Day/Night	Price
Bhutan, Land of Gross National Happiness (Luxury Hotels) Package	7 Days/6 Nights	₹1,50,539
Bhutan via Bagdogra Package	8 Days/7 Nights	₹54,287
A Short Break in Bhutan Package	6 Days/5 Nights	₹43,864
Experience 3 Cities in Bhutan with Haa Valley Package	9 Days/8 Nights	₹60,100

How long does it take to reach Bhutan from India?

Paro International Airport is the only international airport in Bhutan and has air services to many Indian cities like Delhi, Kolkata, Bagdogra, Guwahati and Mumbai. The flight from Delhi to Paro will take approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes.

Can Indians go to Bhutan without visa?

Indian Nationals Travelling to Bhutan – Guidelines for Indians visiting Bhutan Indian nationals visiting Bhutan do not require visa. However, they will be issued an entry permit. ‘Entry Permit’ will be issued by the Department of Immigration in the Pedestrian Terminal at Phuentsholing on the basis of a valid Travel Document.

Original Indian Passport (with minimum six months validity) or Original Voter ID card;For children below 18 years, Original birth certificate (in English language) or passport, and must be accompanied by a legal guardian;02 passport size photographs are required.Tourists should have travel insurance for the duration of the trip. There is also an option to purchase domestic travel insurance from Bhutanese insurance providers at the Pedestrian Terminal at Phuentsholing. Details are available on Bhutan Insurance Limited website: https://www.bhutaninsurance.com.bt/index.php?Page_id=112,

For more information, visitors can visit the website of Department of Immigration: https://www.doi.gov.bt/?lang=en and Department of Tourism website: https://www.tourism.gov.bt/,2. Indian tourists : Indian tourists can enter Bhutan either by planning their own trip or they can avail the services of local tour operators to process the travel documents & plan a trip Accommodation: It is mandatory to stay in Department of Tourism certified accommodation for the whole duration of trip.A tour guideTravel insuranceTransportation around the country

3. Sustainable Development Fee : India tourists are required to pay Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) of INR 1,200/- per person per night. Children aged 5 years and below are exempted of SDF and children between the age of 6-12 years are given 50 % concession on SDF.4.

Indian-registered vehicles : Indian-registered vehicles will be allowed within the designated zone without any charges. However, if any vehicle goes beyond Rinchending Check Post in Phuentsholing, they will be required to pay Nu 4,500 per day as Green Tax. They further need to register on Check Post Management System (CPMS) to cross the RBP check points.

Documents required:

Original driving licenseOriginal Registration Certificate (Vehicle Registration shall not be more than 10 years from date of registration).Vehicle insuranceVehicle emission and road worthiness certificateOwner of the vehicle must be the same person. If driver and owner are different, an authority letter from owner to driver is required.

5. Requirement of vaccination : There are no Covid-19 vaccination requirements for adults or children to enter Bhutan from September 23, 2022. However, it is advised to carry the Vaccination Certificate. Individuals above 12 years may be randomly subjected to RT-PCR testing at points of entry.

No fee shall be charged for the RT-PCR testing for surveillance.6. Pedestrian Terminal at Jaigaon-Phuentsholing border : The Pedestrian Terminal at Jaigaon-Phuentsholing border remains open from 6 am to 11 pm daily. Entry Permit is not required for daily visitors who will be visiting Phuentsholing only.

An online pre-registration system has been developed to pass through the pedestrian terminal at website https://bms.doi.gov.bt, On successful registration, a QR code will be generated. The registered person is required to present the QR code at the immigration counter along with the required identity document.

Pre-registration is one time and there is no need to register again. Daily visitors can visit until Rinchending Check Post. SDF will be applicable beyond this point and they will also have to obtain a permit from the Regional Immigration Office. Casual visitors who make night halt in Phuentsholing will have to pay SDF.

For daily visitors, a User Fee of Nu.10 per person (Bhutanese as well as foreigners) is charged for entering and exiting through the Pedestrian Terminal each time.7. Other entry/exit points : Other entry/exit points on the southern Indo-Bhutan border are in Samtse, Samdrup Jongkhar, Sarpang/Gelephu.

Is Bhutan expensive for Indian?

Travelling to Bhutan is relatively expensive, because Bhutan is very preoccupied with sustainable tourism.

Which is better Nepal or Bhutan?

Nepal and Bhutan are two of the countries that border the mighty Himalayas, the vast mountain range that stretches in a curve from northeastern Pakistan all the way around to southwest China. Both countries lie on the southern edge of the Himalayas, bordering with the Tibet Autonomous Region of China on their northern borders.

Two of the hugely popular destinations for international tourists heading to the Himalayas for climbing, trekking, and sightseeing, both Nepal and Bhutan are excellent places in which to spend your time. As they both lie on the southern side of the Himalayas, their climates and geography are very similar, with high mountains in the north and lowland plains and sub-tropical jungles in the south.

However, despite their similarities, they are very different countries, with vastly differing religions, cultures, and ways of life. Nepal is mainly Hindu, with a small Buddhist population, while Bhutan is a devout Buddhist nation where the religion and culture are intertwined.

• Nepal is also an easier location to get to, with minimal requirements for tourists and the ease of being able to travel almost anywhere you want, however you want.
• On the other hand, Bhutan has a more defined policy on tourism, and its ecological and environmental policies mean that tourists can only travel to this beautiful kingdom on an organized tour.

Each country has its own unique beauty and culture, and while they may differ in their tourist resources, both are worth visiting as two of the last Himalayan kingdoms in the world. Which you travel to depends on you, your budget, and what interests you most about the Himalayas,

Why travelling Bhutan is expensive?

Cost for Different Travel Seasons And People of Different Nationalities – You’ll also pay different amounts of money per day depending on the season that you visit Bhutan in. During low season months such as December to February and June to August, you can expect to pay $200 USD per person per day. Travelling with a larger group will cut down the cost of Bhutan tour. Solo travellers have to pay the most for a trip to Bhutan, with a total of $290 USD, Large groups of people travelling together can usually expect a small discount, depending on exactly how many people are embarking upon the trip.

How many days are enough for Bhutan?

Bhutan in 7-10 days – Buddhist monks at prayer One week to 10 days is an ideal time to spend in Bhutan and permits you to explore more of its natural beauty and distinctly preserved culture. With this seven-day culture and outdoor adventure in Bhutan, you can explore the best of the country’s natural wonders and cultural highlights in depth.

Start in Thimphu, including the Memorial Chorten and giant Buddha Dordenma statue, then head to Punakha for rafting down the Po Chu River and an evening prayer ceremony at a local Buddhist nunnery. You’ll also hike through rhododendron forest to Lungchutse Goemba temple and Trashigang Goemba monastery, cycle via the cliffside temples of Dzongdrakha to Paro, and hike to the Tiger’s Nest Monastery to round out this exciting active adventure.

Ornithologists can opt for this 10-day Bhutan Birding itinerary, featuring guided trips to the country’s top avian habitats, including in the Thimphu, Punakha, Paro, and Phobjikha valleys. Expect to spot such species as Rufous-bellied woodpeckers, Nepal house martin, Himalayan mona, and red-rumped swallows.

In-between birding, you’ll visit Tashichu Dzong and the Giant Buddha Statue in Thimphu, Punakha Dzong, and Lungchutse Monastery in Punakha, plus the Black-Neck Crane Center and Gangtey Monastery in Gangtrey, among other top sites. You’ll also get to hike to the Tiger’s Nest Monastery, of course. This 10-day Bhutan Trails, Wildlife & Culture itinerary provides a complete perspective of this Himalayan Shangri-La.

You’ll take in the top sites around Thimpu, then head over the Dochu La Pass to Gangtrey for hiking in the Phobjikha Valley, including to the Black-necked Crane Centre and Gangtey Gompa. Then explore Punakha’s top sites before a day hiking to Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Monastery —a prelude to a longer hike from Chele La Pass down through rhododendron forest to Kila Goemba nunnery and the Paro Valley.

Can I wear jeans in Bhutan?

4. Dress code for entering a dzong – A dzong is an ancient fortress with towers, courtyards, temples, and administrative offices. Before entering a dzong you need to dress appropriately. You can’t wear jeans, wrap your jacket around your waist, or have your jacket unbuttoned or unzipped. Inside a monastery in Bhutan. Photo credit: Dat Vu

Is it worth going to Bhutan?

Did We Enjoy Bhutan? – Yes, we enjoyed it, very much. Bhutan was very different from my expectations. It was modern, developed and slick with a landscape that reminded me of mountainous parts of Europe more than Tibet or Nepal. We loved Bhutan’s ancient monasteries, dzongs and remote, totally unspoiled, places.

I don’t think I’ve ever seen a country with so little deforestation. We felt that a lot of time was wasted on our tour. You pay the tourist fee for every day, or part day, you are in Bhutan. This meant that on our first and last days, where basically we saw nothing, also cost us the set fee. We spent a lot of time driving, looping back along the same roads several times.

It felt as though the tour was deliberately longer than necessary to keep us paying that fee for as long as possible. There was also a feeling of only seeing what the government wanted us to see. There were quite a few retail opportunity stops, we weren’t buying souvenirs but, of course, we had to wait while other group members went shopping. Bhutan certainly has a lot to see and we’re very glad to have finally been. It’s been my life-long dream to visit Bhutan and my bucket list is now fairly complete. It’s my job as a travel blogger to visit these places so that I can comment knowledgeably, so for work purposes, of course, I’m glad to have been.

We weren’t in any way disappointed in Bhutan, it was a great trip, but it wasn’t so mind-blowing that I’ll tell you to book your tickets right now. I do enjoy organised and small group tours and having a local guide is generally gold for most destinations. Our guide was fantastic and having insights from a Bhutanese person was priceless.

I think the very organised nature and regulation of tourism in Bhutan were what slightly spoiled the trip. Only very slightly. It may surprise you that we found our Tibet tour far less regulated. To book your flight to Bhutan, visit Druk Air here If, like me, you’ve always wanted to see Bhutan, go.

Is it worth visiting Bhutan, yes, if your interest level is high and your pockets deep. To cut costs you could try to find a shorter tour, be sure that your tour includes the Tiger’s Nest if you are physically able to walk there, either the way we went, or up from the bottom. It’s very close to Paro airport, so if a tour doesn’t include it, it’s not because it is remote.

There are many treks to enjoy in Bhutan, you can also look at motorbike or cycle tours, it’s possible to see Bhutan in many different ways. We hope you found our honest Bhutan travel blog useful. If you’d like to hire a car during your stay, use this car rental comparison tool to find the best deal! We also suggest you take a look at this company to get a quote for all kinds of travel insurance.

What is the best month to visit Bhutan?

Best time to visit Bhutan – Bhutan is one of the blessed countries to have seasonal variations. You can find distinct months of summer, winter, spring and fall, making the climate in Bhutan magical and a perfect year-round destination. Perfect for travel in any season, Bhutan offers something unique to visitors depending on the time of their arrival.

The best time to visit Bhutan is during the spring months of March to May when the valleys come alive with flowers in bloom. Be it in its festivals or festivities, clear skies and glimpses to the Himalayan peaks, flourishing Himalayan flora and fauna, or simply beautiful snowfall. Bhutan ensures you have a great time amidst nature and all its beautiful offsprings and take back home a memory you will preserve for your lifetime.

June to August is considered the low season due to the rains, which makes trekking less of an option. The three regions of Bhutan experience significantly distinct climatic conditions, where in the northern regions of Bhutan remains perpetually cold and frosty with snow-capped peaks and mountains, the central region fluctuates between dry summers and cool winters and the southern Bhutan that witnesses a sub-tropical climate with hot and humid climatic conditions that remains constant throughout the year.

Bhutan also witnesses travelers from around the world at different times of the year for diverse purposes. From those who intend to know more about Buddhism and monasteries and those who simply want to unwind on the lap of the Himalayas to the ones escaping the European summers and winters, Bhutan becomes a temporary home to visitors and travelers, accommodating them with great zeal of compassion.

So regardless of when you arrive, you are always at the right time at home you can call Bhutan.

How to get to Bhutan cheaply?

Getting to Bhutan The cheapest option to reach Bhutan from Kolkata is by train. Kanchankanya Express leaves Kolkata at 8:30 PM and arrives at Hasimara, the closest railway station to Bhutan, at around 10: 30 A.M. From here, you can fetch an auto to Phuentsoling/Jaigaon.

Which Indian city is nearest to Bhutan?

By Bus – Siliguri in West Bengal is the nearest Indian metropolitan city to Bhutan. Visitors planning bus journeys to reach Bhutan can take buses from Siliguri to reach the town of Jaigaon, which shares international border with Phuentsholing (Bhutan).

• The duration of this journey is around 4hours, is quite comfortable, and offers some of the best views of scenic tea gardens, mountainous landscapes, remote villages, and much more.
• Visitors who wishes to reach Bhutan by bus from or around Kolkata (India), can board direct buses to Phuentsholing (Bhutan) from Esplanade Station in the City of Joy.

These buses are operated by the Royal Bhutanese Government, and it takes around 18hours for the visitors to reach the Land of Thunder Dragons from Kolkata via these Bhutanese buses.

Is 3 days enough for Bhutan?

How Long to Spend in Bhutan: Great Bhutan Itineraries For many decades, Bhutan was frozen in time, an isolated kingdom up in the cold Himalayas. But that was then. Today, Bhutan is enthusiastically, but carefully, welcoming the world, and it remains a land of great wonder, vibrant cultures, and a proud past.

• The country has numerous highland hamlets like Lobesa and Ura that seem to be frozen in time and are steeped in Buddhist traditions.
• Similarly, its mountainous landscapes, especially in places like Punakha and the Haa Valley, are still largely untouched.
• Monasteries, such as Tiger’s Nest and the 17th-century Chagri, and dzongs like Tashichho, which was built in 1216, add a stark, surreal beauty to the stunning vistas.

Bhutan might be the ‘last Last Shangri-La’ but it is ready to share its secrets with you. Thimphu, being the capital of the country, is the most modernized city in Bhutan You might also want to drive through the Chele La Pass, the country’s highest motorable road, and go deeper into Bhutan’s beautiful countryside How many days to spend in Bhutan? This is a common query among first-time travelers heading for this enigmatic country.

If you are planning a Bhutan itinerary, we suggest spending a minimum of five to seven days to visit the major monasteries, dzongs, and temples as well as to explore Thimphu, Punakha, and Paro. If you have anywhere between ten to 14 days to spare, you can add remote and spectacular valleys such as Phobjikha to your Bhutan itinerary.

With enough time at your disposal, you might also want to drive through the Chele La Pass, the country’s highest motorable road, and go deeper into Bhutan’s beautiful countryside. Punakha Dzong oldest Dzong and one of the most beautiful shrines in Bhutan Enjoy a visit to the Tiger’s Nest monastery in Bhutan It is surprising how much of this beautiful country can be covered in five days or less if you choose the right Bhutan itinerary. For short trips, focus on the main sights. A Bhutan itinerary will probably be incomplete without Tiger’s Nest monastery.

1. Constructed in 1692, this sacred Buddhist site in Paro consists of four temples, residential quarters for monks, and a functioning monastery.
2. You can combine a day trip here with visits to other historic sites in Paro and even get a brief overview of Thimphu in around four to five days.
3. Alternatively, devote more time to Thimphu and its surrounding areas during your five-day stay in the country.

See the resplendent thousand-armed Avalokitesvara in the 12th century Changangkha Monastery before heading for Punakha Dzong. Discover one of Bhutan’s most idyllic fortifications located at the confluence of two rivers. To get there, you will have to cross the 3,116-meter Dochu La Pass. Punakha Suspension Bridge in Bhutan is known as one of the oldest bridges in the world Monasteries in Bhutan offer a peaceful time away from the hustle and bustle of cities A one-week Bhutan itinerary gives you interesting options to push the envelope and discover some hidden gems of this amazing land. Explore every nook and cranny of Thimphu.

1. Visit the National Memorial Chorten, which was built in honor of the late King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck, and browse through the collection of the capital city’s folk heritage and textile museums as you immerse yourself in Bhutanese culture and tradition.
2. Up next on your itinerary should be Punakha, the ancient capital of Bhutan.

From there you can drive to the country’s central valleys. A stunning, seven-hour trip on road is all that it takes to reach Bumthang, the spiritual heartland of Bhutanese Buddhism. You can also include the beautiful valley of Phobjikha as well as a quick in a seven-day itinerary. Dochula pass boasts a stunning 360-degree view of the Himalayan mountain range Bhutan is home to numerous monasteries that offer a peaceful experience to visitors Add spectacular driving trips, breathtaking Himalayan landscapes, and a wee bit of trekking to your ten-day Bhutan itinerary. The, considered by many to be the epitome of trekking in this country, connects Paro and Thimphu.

• It takes you through dense rhododendron and pine forests, past ruined fortresses, serene lakes, and idyllic yak pastures.
• An unforgettable experience for many, this trek is a great option for those planning to spend ten days in Bhutan.
• Alternatively, you can also spend your time soaking up all the superb sights of Thimphu, Paro, and Punakha without feeling rushed during a ten-day stay in the country.

You also have the option to combine the best of both worlds if you want to. Spend a couple of days trekking through Bhutan’s mountainous terrain and tiny villages. Done with your hike, you can then spend the remainder of your time exploring Paro and Thimphu. Phobjikha Valley is a dream come true for history enthusiasts and budding ornithologists alike One of the oldest temples, Kyichu Lhakhang is located in the Paro district of Bhutan Two weeks in Bhutan is a sufficient duration to experience the length and breadth of this magical country and tick off most of its cultural and religious sites. Build on top of the ten-day options above as you delve into the country’s extraordinary spiritual heritage.

• Located to the east of Thimphu, the Phobjikha Valley is a dream come true for history enthusiasts and budding ornithologists alike.
• This place holds a lot of significance among the adherents of the Nyingma sect of Tibetan Buddhism as it is home to Gangteng Monastery, while its marshlands provide refuge to more than a dozen endangered avian species, including the graceful black-necked cranes that fly down from the Tibetan Plateau during winter.

If you still find yourself with some time to spare, head out to see Bhutan’s oldest nunnery, Kila Gompa, and learn more about the country’s traditional arts and crafts at the National Institute for Zorig Chusum. Other destinations worth your attention are Royal Botanical Park in Lampelri—on the outskirts of Thimphu—and Ogyencholing Museum.

Is Hindi spoken in Bhutan?

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Languages of Bhutan
Sign in Dzongkha and English at the National Library of Bhutan
Official	Dzongkha
Recognised	Tshangla (Sharchop), Nepali, Dzala, Kheng, Bantawa
Minority	Brokkat, Brokpa, Chocangacakha, Khams Tibetan, Lakha, Sikkimese, Bumthang, Chali, Dakpa, Nyenkha, Gurung, Kiranti, Lepcha, Newar, Tamang, Gongduk, Lhokpu, ‘Ole
Foreign	English, Hindi
Signed	Bhutanese Sign Language
Keyboard layout	Dzongkha keyboard layout

There are two dozen languages of Bhutan, all members of the Tibeto-Burman language family except for Nepali, which is an Indo-Aryan language, and Bhutanese Sign Language, Dzongkha, the national language, is the only native language of Bhutan with a literary tradition, though Lepcha and Nepali are literary languages in other countries.

How safe is Bhutan for tourists?

Is Bhutan Safe. Bhutan is a very safe country to visit, crime is uncommon, even petty crime! The country has no traffic lights, there are traffic wardens instead and the locals love it. The production and sale of tobacco are illegal, as are hunting and fishing (except for catch and release).

Do Indians have to pay to enter Bhutan?

After keeping its borders closed for 30 months because of the Covid-19 pandemic, Bhutan lifted restrictions on entry of foreigners on Friday, officials posted at the Himalayan country’s border with India said. Bhutanese nationals were also allowed to cross the border into India. beautiful Punakha Dzong Monastery and the Mo Chhu river in paro Bhutan (Getty Images) The cost of visiting Bhutan – a popular destination among Indians and people from other nations – also went up from Friday as the government brought into force a decision taken by the Parliament in January 2020 to impose a sustainable development fee on visitors.

• The new policy was kept on hold during the pandemic.
• Every person going to Bhutan from India, Bangladesh and Maldives will have to pay a daily fee equivalent to ₹ 1,200 (INR) during their stay, said Pasang Dorje, district magistrate of Samtse in Bhutan.
• For citizens of other nations, the fee will be $200 (US) a day.

“Bhutan has opened its borders. People can come over and enjoy its greenery and clean air. Indians will have to pay ₹ 1,200 a day as sustainable development fee,” Dorje said. A few hundred Indian and Bhutanese nationals were found waiting in long queues on both sides of the border gate at Jaigaon-Phuntsholing in north Bengal’s Alipurduar district on Friday.

Bhutan has also imposed some other regulations on Indians, officials said. Online registration prior to a visit is mandatory from now on. Only passports and voter identity cards will be accepted as proof of Indian citizenship if original documents are produced for inspection. Earlier, Aadhaar cards and driving licences were allowed but now the rules have changed.

Also, Indians below 18 years of age will have to produce original birth certificate as identity proof, officials said. A few days ago, Indian officials and businessmen from Jalpaiguri and Alipurduar districts of Bengal held a meeting with their counterparts in Bhutan to discuss the modalities before reopening of the international border.

• Alongside businessmen, hundreds of skilled and unskilled labourers from India also travel to Bhutan in search of employment.
• Bhushan Sherpa, additional executive officer of Bengal’s Jaigaon Development Authority, said: “A meeting was held on Thursday at Jaigaon between Indian and Bhutanese officials.

Customs, police and Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) officers were also present.” Tshering Namgyel, an advisory member of Bhutan-India Friendship Association, said: “Reopening of the border will strengthen old ties between the two countries.” Some emotional scenes were witnessed by officers at the Jaigaon-Phuntsholing border on Friday.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR I am working with Hindustan Times since 2001 and am posted in Siliguri, West Bengal, as Principal Correspondent. I have been regularly covering vast area of northern parts of West Bengal, Sikkim and parts of Nepal and Bhutan.

Is Bhutan friendly to India?

Bhutan-India Relations Diplomatic relations between Bhutan and India were established in January 1968. The Golden Jubilee of the establishment of formal diplomatic relations between the two countries was celebrated in 2018. Major General Vetsop Namgyel is the Ambassador of Bhutan to India, and H.E.

• Mr. Sudhakar Dalela is the Ambassador of India to Bhutan.
• Bhutan and India enjoy strong bonds of friendship based on genuine goodwill, trust and mutually beneficial cooperation.
• His Majesty Jigme Dorji Wangchuck, the Third King of Bhutan, and India’s first Prime Minister, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, were the chief architects who laid strong foundations for Bhutan-India relations.

Successive leaders of the two countries have nurtured and further strengthened the special relations over the past many decades, and it is today a model of friendly bilateral relations between two neighbours. India provides significant assistance to Bhutan’s socio-economic development, the scope and substance of which have grown substantially since 1961 when Bhutan embarked on the process of planned development with the launching of its first Five Year Plan (FYP).

1. Areas of engagements encompass collaboration in both multilateral arena and bilateral fields such as cultural exchanges, education, trade, hydropower and socio-economic development.
2. Cooperation in the development of the hydropower sector in Bhutan is the centrepiece of the mutually beneficial economic cooperation between Bhutan and India.

Today, India is Bhutan’s largest and most important development and most important trading partner both as a source and market for its trading goods and commerce. Moreover, as a landlocked country, all its third-country imports and exports transit through India.

India is the biggest market for several of Bhutan’s exports, including electricity, dolomite, ferrosilicon, and semi-finished products. One of the hallmarks of Bhutan-India relations is the tradition of regular exchange of high-level visits. His Majesty The King has undertaken several visits to India.

In the recent past, His Majesty The King visited India as Chief Guest for the Republic Day celebration in 2013. In 2014, at the invitation of the President of India, His Majesty The King and Her Majesty the Queen were the first State Guests to stay at the refurbished wing of the Rashtrapati Bhavan.

Among the most remarkable of these visits was the Special Visit in November 2017 to India when His Majesty and Her Majesty were accompanied by His Royal Highness Gyalsey Jigme Namgyel Wangchuck. At the invitation of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, H.E. Lyonchhen Dr. Lotay Tshering visited India twice: State Visit from 27-29 December 2018, and to attend the Swearing-in-Ceremony of Prime Minister Modi on 30 May 2019.

Bhutan also receives, at regular intervals, visits at the levels of Head of State and Head of Government from India. It was a deep honour for the people of Bhutan to welcome H.E. Shri Narendra Modi, Prime Minister of India, for his second visit to Bhutan from 17-18 August 2019.

How much does 10 days in Bhutan cost?

10 Days Bhutan Tour cost: Solo Traveler: US $ 3775 per person.2 Persons: US $ 3505 per person.3 Persons or more: US $ 3235 per person.

Is Bhutan cheaper than Maldives?

The average cost of living in Bhutan ($411) is 66% less expensive than in Maldives ($1222). Bhutan ranked 192nd vs 42nd for Maldives in the list of the most expensive countries in the world.

Are Indian tourists allowed in Bhutan?

Visitor Questions and Answers 1. Do visitors need a visa to visit Bhutan? 1.1. Yes, all visitors will need a visa to visit Bhutan, except for visitors from India, who will require a permit.1.2. Nationals of Bangladesh and the Maldives shall be eligible for a visa on arrival at the port of entry.1.3.

Nationals of Switzerland and Thailand holding diplomatic and official passports shall be eligible for a visa on arrival at the port of entry.1.4. Visitors from India will need a permit to visit Bhutan. This applies to anyone holding an Indian passport, or an Indian voter ID card. For Indian nationals aged under 18 years, a passport or a birth certificate will suffice, and they must be accompanied by legal guardians.2.

How can visitors process their visa or permit? 2.1. Visitors can process a visa or permit online from the website of the Department of Immigration. Visitors can also engage tourism service providers (see www.bhutan.travel for more details) to process the travel documents and plan a trip.

1. The Department of Tourism (DOT) will also offer customer service to help answer questions regarding visa applications and to answer questions about travel within the country.2.2.
2. Although visitors from Bangladesh and Maldives can process visas on arrival and visitors from India can process permits on arrival at the port of entry, it is recommended that these be applied online to reduce wait time and for faster clearance at the port of entry.3.

What are the documents required to process the visa? 3.1. A passport copy is required. The passport must be valid for six months from the intended date of departure from the Kingdom; 3.2. Travel insurance valid for the duration of the trip; and 3.3. A recent passport size photograph.4.

How much is the visa fee and how long does it take to issue? 4.1. The visa fee is USD 40 per person and it is non-refundable. While the process to issue the visa is usually quick, the visa can take up to five working days to process.5. What are the documents required to process the permit (for Indian guests)? 5.1.

Visitors from India can use a passport or voter ID card. Children under 18 years of age can use a birth certificate or passport, and must be accompanied by a legal guardian.5.2. Passport size photograph is also required.5.3. Travel insurance is required and should be valid for the whole duration of the trip.6.

Can we go to India to Bhutan by train?

By Rail: One of the cheapest ways to reach Bhutan from India is by rail. Hasimara is the nearest railway station to Jaigaon, an Indian town on Indo-Bhutan Border. It is situated at a distance of 17 kms from Jaigaon.

Can I visit Bhutan by road from India?

Embassy of India Thimphu (Consular Section) Subject: Advisory for all prospective travellers to Bhutan from India The Kingdom of Bhutan has put restrictions for international arrivals due to the outbreak of COVID-19 pandemic.2. As per the RGoB’s current protocol, the period for mandatory institutional quarantine for incoming travellers who are fully vaccinated is fixed for 02 weeks, and 03 weeks for all other inbound travelers.

All those who want to visit Bhutan must carry an RTPCR Negative report that was done within last 72 hours. As such, the Indian nationals are being facilitated for their entry into Bhutan after securing / seeking the approval / permission of National Covid Task Force (NC19TF) of Bhutan.3. Accordingly, those Indians who wish to visit Bhutan for tourism purpose can do so by agreeing to mandatory quarantine for 14 days with following additional conditions : – (a) Pay the Sustainable Development Fees (SDF) and the Minimum Daily Package Rates according to the seasons during the 14 days or 21 days quarantine period; (b) Pay the minimum daily package rate for the entire travel after quarantine; (c) Pay for all tests as per COVID-19 requirement; (d) Strictly follow COVID-19 Protocol; and (e) Have insurance coverage.4.

It is therefore, advised to please coordinate with NC19TF of Bhutan for your entry in Bhutan prior to leaving India on email id [email protected]. Further, please be advised to also visit Ministry of Health, RGoB website www.moh.bt for the update Notification dated 5th September 2020 about the requirement of Covid19 Negative certificate for all incoming individuals in Bhutan.

• For further queries, please be advised to contact with the Ministry of Health, RGoB – Phone lines 975-2328095, 321842, 322602, 328091.6.
• It is also expected of you to keep yourself updated on the latest advisories / travel restrictions etc.
• Issued by the Royal Government of Bhutan as well.7.
• Indian nationals intending to visit Bhutan are required to carry any of the two valid ‘Travel Documents’ (a) Valid Indian Passport having validity of minimum 6 months; and/or (b) Voter Identity Card, issued by the Election Commission of India.

No Visa is required to visit Bhutan.8. Indians coming to Bhutan by road are required to obtain an ‘Entry Permit’ on the basis of valid Travel Document from the Immigration Office of Royal Government of Bhutan at Phuentsholing, located on the Indo-Bhutan border opposite Jaigaon, West Bengal.

Similarly, Indians coming by air must posses any one of the above mentioned Travel Document and get the Entry Permit at the Paro International Airport. The ‘entry permit’ allows an Indian tourist to visit Thimphu and Paro only. However, any tourist going beyond Thimphu and Paro need to acquire a ‘special area permit’ from the RGoB Immigration Office at Thimphu on any working days (Monday to Friday).

xxxxxx Indian nationals intending to visit Bhutan are required to carry any of the two valid ‘Travel Documents’ (a) Valid Indian Passport having validity of minimum 6 months; and/or (b) Voter Identity Card, issued by the Election Commission of India.

1. No Visa is required to visit Bhutan.
2. Indians coming to Bhutan by road are required to obtain an ‘Entry Permit’ on the basis of valid Travel Document from the Immigration Office of Royal Government of Bhutan at Phuentsholing, located on the Indo-Bhutan border opposite Jaigaon, West Bengal.
3. Similarly, Indians coming by air must posses any one of the above mentioned Travel Document and get the Entry Permit at the Paro International Airport.

The ‘entry permit’ allows an Indian tourist to visit Thimphu and Paro only. However, any tourist going beyond Thimphu and Paro need to acquire a ‘special area permit’ from the RGoB Immigration Office at Thimphu on any working days (Monday to Friday) Climate: During winter (November to March) the minimum temperature drops to minus 10 in the Thimphu valley.

Is flight available from India to Bhutan?

If you are travelling from India, then Bhutan Airlines and Drukair are your best options to reach Paro Airport, the only international airport in Bhutan. Most of the international airlines which serve flights to Bhutan are direct flights, which take you to your destination in a matter of few hours.