There is something magical about Bhutan, the simple yet mesmerizing land somehow manages to touch your soul, balm it with peace, and even mend the broken heart. The salubrious climate, the breathtaking views, and the majestic monasteries may seem a cliched way to describe the beauty of Bhutan, but each word used for this gorgeous country is in its purest form. Visiting and exploring Bhutan can be a wonderful experience, something you will never forget. So, do you also want to have this unforgettable experience? Yes, well, then this blog is for you. Allow me to help you with the finest Bhutan travel guide that will let you plan your Bhutan tour from India in the best possible way. Below is the step by step guide that will help you plan your tour without any hassle or confusion to this land of Thunder Dragon. So, let’s get started!
Flying to Bhutan from India is quite easy. There are two direct airlines, namely, Drukair and Bhutan Airlines that operate flights from Delhi, Gaya, Bagdogra, Kolkata, Mumbai and Guwahati to Paro, Bhutan’s only international airport. Indian travellers can be offered special fares in Drukair, if the airline is contacted through email. 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. There are trains to Hasimara from Kolkata (690 kms), Delhi (1663 kms), Ranchi (749 kms), and Kanpur (1197 kms). Another station that offers a decent connectivity is situated in New Jalpaiguri. The tickets and timetable is available on Indian Railway’s IRCTC Website.
Though trains take longer but are quite cost efficient and are ideal for budget travellers. The most common way to enter Bhutan from India by road is from Jaigaon town in West Bengal. It is only 4.3 kms from the border town of Bhutan, Phuentsholing. Private cabs are available between the two places. People getting down at Bagdogra (by flight) or at New Jalpaiguri (by train) can also avail cab services. The airport at Bagdogra have prepaid taxis as well. However, for those travelling on budget can hire the cab by directly cracking a deal with the cab drivers.
The Bhutanese currency is called Ngultrum, which is equivalent to the value of Indian currency, i.e., INR 1 = Ng 1. The notes of 5, 10, 20, 50, and 100 of Indian denomination are used widely in Bhutan, however, notes of 500 and 2000 are not valid in the country. On a normal Bhutan Tourist Permit, you can visit three tourist destinations, i.e. Thimphu, Paro and Punakha, along with the exception of Phuentsholing, which you can explore without the permit as well. Let us discuss these four destinations and which can be visited on normal tourist permit.
