Welcome to the Kingdom of Bhutan
How to reach Bhutan
Paro is the only international airport situated at the Kingdom of Bhutan. Druk Air is the only flight company of Bhutan, which operates regular flights to and from Paro connecting major international cities nearby like Delhi, Kolkata Bangkok. Phuntsholing, or Phuentsholing, located at a distance of approximately 146 kilometres from Siliguri town and 57 kilometres from Alipurduar of West Bengal, India is the only entry point for Indian citizens to enter the Kingdom of Bhutan.
Entry Procedure
There are 2 (two) kinds of permits issued by the Regional Immigration Officers in Bhutan, namely- Entry Permits and Route Permits. Entry Permits are issued to allow the tourists to travel to Paro and Thimphu whereas route permits are issued to the travellers willing to visit other tourist destinations like Wangdue, Gantey, Trongsa and Bumthang etc.
Indian citizens willing to travel Bhutan does not need a Tourist Visa. Instead, every Indian traveller needs either a Voter ID Card issued by the Election Commission of India or an Indian Passport having validity of minimum 6 months and 4 passport sized photographs for identity and address proof to get an entry permit issued. Submitting a photocopy of PAN Card may be an added advantage for any tourist, but it does not prove validity of residential address. Please note that, driving license, ration card, telephone bill and electricity bill etc. are not considered as valid document by immigration officials to issue entry permit.
The tourists entering Bhutan by flight need to issue entry permits at the immigration office in the Paro airport by filling up the official permit form available in the office. The entry permits must be surrendered to the immigration officer at the time of departure by return flight from Paro Airport.
The tourists intending to visit Bhutan by land transfer need to get issued their entry permits at the immigration office in Phuentsholing. The whole process takes 3 hours in maximum. The entry permits ought to be surrendered to the immigration officer in Phuentsholing at the time of departure.
Immigration office issue the entry permits and route permits only on the working days. The office remains closed on Saturdays, Sundays and Government Holidays.
Road Map
(Click in the image)
Advisory Information
Indian currency notes of the denomination of INR 100/- and below are accepted in Bhutan. However, Indian citizens travelling to Bhutan are advised not to take Indian currency notes of INR 500/- and INR 1000/- with them to Bhutan. The value of Bhutan's currency is same as Indian Currency i.e., 1 Bhutanese Ngultrum equals to 1.00 Indian Rupee. Indian currency is widely accepted everywhere in Bhutan. But automated teller machines or ATMs are very limited in numbers. So tourists are suggested to carry enough hard cash for your tour.
Languages Spoken
Linguistically, Bhutan is a rich country with over nineteen dialects spoken by the Bhutanese people. Geographical isolation of its natives due to high altitude mountain passes and deep valleys attributed in richness of linguistic diversity. The national language of Bhutan, 'Dzongkha' literally meaning the language spoken in the Dzongs (i.e., massive forts which served as the administrative centres and monasteries) is the native language of the Ngalop people of western Bhutan.
'Tshanglakha' and 'Lhotshamkha' are the two other major languages widely spoken around the country. 'Tshanglakha' is the native language of the Tshangla people of eastern Bhutan while 'Lhotshamkha' is spoken by the southern Bhutanese people of Nepali origin. Other dialects widely spoken are 'Khengkha', 'Bumthapkha' and 'Cho Cha Nga Chang Kha' by the Khengpas, Bumthap and Kurtoeps people respectively. 'Mangdepkah' is spoken by the people of Trongsa. The Sherpas, Lepchas and the Tamang people in southern Bhutan also speak their own dialects. Recently, two less popular dialects 'Monkha' and 'Gongduepkha' are on the verge of extinction.
Tourism Season
Peak Season:
March, April, May, September, October and November.
Lean Season:
December, January, February, June, July and August.
Bhutan Itineraries
Bhutan Tour (3 nights / 4 days)
Day 01: Arrival Hashimara train station and Drive to Thimphu
Meet & Greet on arrival at Hashimara train station & transfer to Phuentsholing – The Gateway of Bhutan by Road from India, Pheuntsholing (also sometimes spelled Phuentsholing) is the second largest town in Bhutan (population around 40,000) and is located on the Indian border, next to the town of Jaigaon . After reaching Phuentsholing we will proceed for immigration office and then we will drive to Thimphu. Overnight will be at Thimphu.
Day 02: Thimphu Sightseeing and afternoon drive to Paro
After breakfast proceed for sightseeing (Approx Time Frame: 9:00 a.m to 1:00 p.m) includes National Memorial Chorten- This stupa was built in 1974 in the memory of Bhutan's third King, His Late Majesty, King Jigme Dorji Wangchuk, who is popularly regarded as Father of modern Bhutan ; Buddha Point (Kuensel Phodrang), visitors can get a good overview of the Thimphu valley from here; Chang Gangkha Monastery, the oldest temple in the valley.
In the afternoon we will drive to Paro and Visit Rinpung Dzong (also known as Paro Dzong) which has a long and fascinating history.
Day 03: Paro Sightseeing
After breakfast we will proceed for sightseeing which includes Drukgyel Dzong, the ruined fortress from where Bhutanese repelled several invasion by Tibetan armies. Later visit Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest and most sacred shrines of the Kingdom.
Evening stroll at Paro town and peep into some local handicrafts stores.
Or,
Day 03: Paro (Hike to Taktsang)
Today after the leisurely breakfast we will proceed for an excursion to the famous place called Taktsang Monastery (5hrs hike)
Taktshang Monastery (Tiger Nest) is located at top of about 800 meter cliff in Paro. It takes slightly more than an hour and a half to reach the monastery on foot from the nearest road point. Taktshang or the Tigers lair as the monastery is widely regarded is one of the most important in Bhutan. Its history is associated with the visit of Guru Padmasambhava, the Indian saint who came to Bhutan in the 8th century AD. The cave was named Taktshang after Guru Rinpoche flew into the cave from KurtoeSingyeDzong in eastern Bhutan riding on a tigress. Later in 1692 the fourth DrukDesi Tenzin Rabgye started to construct monastery and finally completed after three years in 1694.
On the way back into town visit: Drugye lDzong, this Dzong, with a delightful village nestling at its foot, was built in 1646 by ZhabdrungNgawangNamgyal to commemorate his victory over Tibetan invaders.
Day 04: Paro - Hashimara Railway Station / Bagdogra Airport
Later, take transfer to airport / railway station for your onward destination.
Tour terminates here
Package Inclusions:
# All transportation including pickups and drops # Accommodation # Breakfast # Dedicated vehicle # All sightseeing programmes as per itinerary # All Immigration Formalities # Mineral water throughout the tour (1 bottle per day per person) # All internal taxes # Tour Guide charges (if required) # 1 tourist local sim card
Package Exclusions:
# Evening tea and snack # Lunch and dinner # Travel insurance # Sim voucher # All monument entry fees # Any other expenses of personal nature i.e, camera fee, laundry, telephone, tips, portages, travel & medical insurance, liquor etc. # Emergency evacuations # Anything else that is not included above
Bhutan Tour (4 nights / 5 days)
Day 01: Arrival at /Alipur duar Hashimara train station and Drive to Thimphu
Meet & Greet on arrival at Alipurduar train station & transfer to Phuentsholing – The Gateway of Bhutan by Road from India , Pheuntsholing (also sometimes spelled Phuentsholing) is the second largest town in Bhutan (population around 40,000) and is located on the Indian border, next to the town of Jaigaon . After reaching Phuentsholing we will proceed for immigration office and then we will drive to Thimphu. Overnight will be at Thimphu.
Day 02: Thimphu Sightseeing. Transfer To Paro
After breakfast proceed for sightseeing (Approx Time Frame: 9:00 a.m to 1:00 p.m) includes National Memorial Chorten- This stupa was built in 1974 in the memory of Bhutan's third King, His Late Majesty, King Jigme Dorji Wangchuk, who is popularly regarded as Father of modern Bhutan ; Buddha Point (Kuensel Phodrang), visitors can get a good overview of the Thimphu valley from here; Chang Gangkha Monastery, the oldest temple in the valley.
In the evening transfer to Paro and check in the hotel and overnight will be at Paro.
Day 03: Paro Sightseeing
After breakfast proceed for sightseeing, visit Rinpung Dzong (also known as Paro Dzong) which has a long and fascinating history.
Then proceed to Drukgyel Dzong, the ruined fortress from where Bhutanese repelled several invasion by Tibetan armies. Later visit Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest and most sacred shrines of the Kingdom. Evening stroll at Paro town and peep into some local handicrafts stores. Return at hotel. Overnight at Paro.
Day 04: Paro (Hike to Taktsang)
Today after the leisurely breakfast we will proceed for an excursion to the famous place called Taktsang Monastery (5hrs hike)
Taktshang Monastery (Tiger Nest) is located at top of about 800 meter cliff in Paro. It takes slightly more than an hour and a half to reach the monastery on foot from the nearest road point. Taktshang or the Tigers lair as the monastery is widely regarded is one of the most important in Bhutan. Its history is associated with the visit of Guru Padmasambhava, the Indian saint who came to Bhutan in the 8th century AD. The cave was named Taktshang after Guru Rinpoche flew into the cave from KurtoeSingyeDzong in eastern Bhutan riding on a tigress. Later in 1692 the fourth DrukDesi Tenzin Rabgye started to construct monastery and finally completed after three years in 1694.
Day 05: Paro - Hashimara Railway Station / Bagdogra Airport
Later, take transfer to airport / railway station for your onward destination.
Tour terminates here
Package Inclusions:
# All transportation including pickups and drops # Accommodation # Breakfast # Dedicated vehicle # All sightseeing programmes as per itinerary # All Immigration Formalities # Mineral water throughout the tour (1 bottle per day per person) # All internal taxes # Tour Guide charges (if required) # 1 tourist local sim card
Package Exclusions:
# Evening tea and snack # Lunch and dinner # Travel insurance # Sim voucher # All monument entry fees # Any other expenses of personal nature i.e, camera fee, laundry, telephone, tips, portages, travel & medical insurance, liquor etc. # Emergency evacuations # Anything else that is not included above
Bhutan Tour (5 nights / 6 days)
Day: 1 Arrival Hashimara Train station / Bagdogra airport
Meet & Greet on arrival at Alipur/Hashimara & transfer to Phuentsholing – The Gateway of Bhutan by Road from India , Pheuntsholing (also sometimes spelled Phuentsholing) is the second largest town in Bhutan (population around 40,000) and is located on the Indian border, next to the town of Jaigaon. After reaching Phuentsholing we will proceed for immigration office and Overnight will be at Phuentsholing.
Day 02: Pheuntsholing to Thimphu ( Approx 178 km/6-7 hrs drive)
Breakfast at the hotel. On 09 a.m onwards permit has to be obtained at Department of Immigration ( Permit procedure may take times ). After Permit , drive to Thimphu. On the way, visit Kharbandi Gumpha, Confluence of Paro Chu & Thimpu Chu. On arrival at Thimphu check in at the hotel. Overnight in Thimphu.
Day 03: Thimphu sightseeing
After breakfast proceed for sightseeing (Approx Time Frame: 9:00 a.m to 1:00 p.m) includes National Memorial Chorten- This stupa was built in 1974 in the memory of Bhutan's third King, His Late Majesty, King Jigme Dorji Wangchuk, who is popularly regarded as Father of modern Bhutan ; Buddha Point (Kuensel Phodrang), visitors can get a good overview of the Thimphu valley from here; Chang Gangkha Monastery, the oldest temple in the valley.
Afternoon proceed for sightseeing (Approx Time Frame: 2:00 p.m to 5:00 p.m) includes Changlimthang Stadium & Archery ground ; The Jungshi handmade paper factory ( Closed on Saturday, Sunday & Govt. Holiday), that uses traditional methods to produce the authentic Bhutanese paper known as Deh-sho and local crafts shops. Overnight in Thimphu.
Day 04: Drive to Paro and Hike to Taktsang
Today after the leisurely breakfast we will proceed for an excursion to the famous place called Taktsang Monastery (5hrs hike)
Taktshang Monastery (Tiger Nest) is located at top of about 800 meter cliff in Paro. It takes slightly more than an hour and a half to reach the monastery on foot from the nearest road point. Taktshang or the Tigers lair as the monastery is widely regarded is one of the most important in Bhutan. Its history is associated with the visit of Guru Padmasambhava, the Indian saint who came to Bhutan in the 8th century AD. The cave was named Taktshang after Guru Rinpoche flew into the cave from KurtoeSingyeDzong in eastern Bhutan riding on a tigress. Later in 1692 the fourth DrukDesi Tenzin Rabgye started to construct monastery and finally completed after three years in 1694.
Later, check in at the hotel. Overnight in Paro.
Or,
Day 04: Day excursion to Chele La Pass
After breakfast proceed for an excursion to Chele La (pass) ( Alt. 3988 meters /13084 ft) , considered to be one of the highest motor able passes in Bhutan. After driving through blue pine & rhododendron forest for 45 km ( Approx 1.30 hrs drive one way), reach Chele-la pass. Where on a clear day from this point one can have a superb views of Mount- Chomolhari & Jichu Drakey. This is a very good place to walk around for few minutes enjoying the view.
Day 05: Paro sightseeing and drive to Phuentsholing
After breakfast we will visit Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest and most sacred shrines of the Kingdom.
Rinpung Dzong (also known as Paro Dzong) which has a long and fascinating history. Then we will drive to Phuentsholing and overnight stay at Phuentsholing.
Day 06: Phuentsholing - Hashimara Railway Station / Bagdogra Airport
Later, take transfer to airport / railway station for your onward destination.
Tour terminates here
Package Inclusions:
# All transportation including pickups and drops # Accommodation # Breakfast # Dedicated vehicle # All sightseeing programmes as per itinerary # All Immigration Formalities # Mineral water throughout the tour (1 bottle per day per person) # All internal taxes # Tour Guide charges (if required) # 1 tourist local sim card
Package Exclusions:
# Evening tea and snack # Lunch and dinner # Travel insurance # Sim voucher # All monument entry fees # Any other expenses of personal nature i.e, camera fee, laundry, telephone, tips, portages, travel & medical insurance, liquor etc. # Emergency evacuations # Anything else that is not included above
Bhutan Tour (5 nights / 6 days)
Day 01: Arrive Paro airport. Transfer to Thimphu hotel (Approx 65 kms – 1.15 hrs drive)
Pick-up from Paro airport & transfer to Thimphu (Alt.2400m/7875ft), Check in at the hotel. Afternoon you can relax in the hotel or you can visit interesting weekend market (The Centenary Farmer’s market) (Open only from Friday to Sunday) -Vegetable vendors from different pockets of the country come to sell their products. In the evening you can explore the city by walk or visit Tashichho Dzong, presently houses the throne room and offices of the king, the secretariat and the ministries of home affairs and finance. We will also visit Samtokha Dzong Overnight in Thimphu.
Day 02: Thimphu sightseeing
After breakfast proceed for sightseeing (Approx Time Frame: 9:00 a.m to 1:00 p.m) includes National Memorial Chorten- This stupa was built in 1974 in the memory of Bhutan's third King, His Late Majesty, King Jigme Dorji Wangchuk, who is popularly regarded as Father of modern Bhutan; Buddha Point (Kuensel Phodrang), visitors can get a good overview of the Thimphu valley from here; Chang Gangkha Monastery, the oldest temple in the valley.
Afternoon proceed for sightseeing (Approx Time Frame: 2:00 p.m to 5:00 p.m) includes Changlimthang Stadium & Archery ground ; The Jungshi handmade paper factory ( Closed on Saturday, Sunday & Govt. Holiday), that uses traditional methods to produce the authentic Bhutanese paper known as Deh-sho; Institute for Zorig Chusum Commonly known as 13 Arts & Crafts School or Painting School ( Closed on Saturday, Sunday & Govt. Holiday),where students learn 13 different arts used predominantly in Bhutan and local crafts shops. Overnight in Thimphu.
Day 03: Thimphu to Punakha / Wangdue via Dochula pass (Approx 70 kms / 2.30 hrs)
After permit (Permit is not issued on Saturdays, Sundays & Govt holidays) drive to Punakha/Wangdue, with a stop en route at Dochu La Pass ( 3,100 meters), where on a clear day you can get spectacular views of the highest mountains of Bhutan. After a photo break, drive to warm valley of Punakha. Visit Punakha Dzong built at the confluence of the Po and Mo Chu Rivers in the 17th Century by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyel and served as capital of Bhutan until 1955. (Note: The Punakha Dzong is closed in winter months when the monk's body is in Punakha) Also visit Chhimi Lhakhang in Punakha. Overnight in Punakha / Wangdue.
Day 04: Punakha / Wangdue to Paro (Approx 160 kms / 4 hrs)
After breakfast drive to Paro (Alt. 2200 m/7,300 ft). On the way enjoy the view of Shaba River Point and Paro airport view. Check in at the hotel. Visit Rinpung Dzong (also known as Paro Dzong) which has a long and fascinating history. Overnight stay will be in Paro.
Day 05: Paro (Hike to Taktsang Monastery)
Today after the leisurely breakfast we will proceed for an excursion to the famous place called Taktsang Monastery (5 hrs hike)
Taktshang Monastery (Tiger Nest) is located at top of about 800 meter cliff in Paro. It takes slightly more than an hour and a half to reach the monastery on foot from the nearest road point. Taktshang or the Tigers lair as the monastery is widely regarded is one of the most important in Bhutan. Its history is associated with the visit of Guru Padmasambhava, the Indian saint who came to Bhutan in the 8th century AD. The cave was named Taktshang after Guru Rinpoche flew into the cave from KurtoeSingyeDzong in eastern Bhutan riding on a tigress. Later in 1692 the fourth DrukDesi Tenzin Rabgye started to construct monastery and finally completed after three years in 1694.
On the way back into town visit: Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest and most sacred shrines of the Kingdom. Evening stroll at Paro town and peep into some local handicrafts stores. Return at hotel. Overnight at Paro.
Day 06: Paro departure
After breakfast, take transfer to Paro airport for your onward destination.
Tour terminates here
Package Inclusions:
# All transportation including pickups and drops # Accommodation # Breakfast # Dedicated vehicle # All sightseeing programmes as per itinerary # All Immigration Formalities # Mineral water throughout the tour (1 bottle per day per person) # All internal taxes # Tour Guide charges (if required) # 1 tourist local sim card
Package Exclusions:
# Evening tea and snack # Lunch and dinner # Travel insurance # Sim voucher # All monument entry fees # Any other expenses of personal nature i.e, camera fee, laundry, telephone, tips, portages, travel & medical insurance, liquor etc. # Emergency evacuations # Anything else that is not included above
Bhutan Tour (6 nights / 7 days)
Day 01: Arrive Paro airport. Transfer to Thimphu hotel (Approx 65 kms – 1.15 hrs drive)
Pick-up from Paro airport & transfer to Thimphu (Alt.2400m/7875ft), Check in at the hotel. Afternoon you can relax in the hotel or you can visit interesting weekend market (The Centenary Farmer’s market) (Open only from Friday to Sunday) -Vegetable vendors from different pockets of the country come to sell their products. In the evening you can explore the city by walk or visit Tashichho Dzong, presently houses the throne room and offices of the king, the secretariat and the ministries of home affairs and finance. We will also visit Samtokha Dzong Overnight in Thimphu.
Day 02: Thimphu sightseeing
After breakfast proceed for sightseeing (Approx Time Frame: 9:00 a.m to 1:00 p.m) includes National Memorial Chorten- This stupa was built in 1974 in the memory of Bhutan's third King, His Late Majesty, King Jigme Dorji Wangchuk, who is popularly regarded as Father of modern Bhutan; Buddha Point (Kuensel Phodrang), visitors can get a good overview of the Thimphu valley from here; Chang Gangkha Monastery, the oldest temple in the valley.
Afternoon proceed for sightseeing (Approx Time Frame: 2:00 p.m to 5:00 p.m) includes Changlimthang Stadium & Archery ground ; The Jungshi handmade paper factory ( Closed on Saturday, Sunday & Govt. Holiday), that uses traditional methods to produce the authentic Bhutanese paper known as Deh-sho; Institute for Zorig Chusum Commonly known as 13 Arts & Crafts School or Painting School ( Closed on Saturday, Sunday & Govt. Holiday),where students learn 13 different arts used predominantly in Bhutan and local crafts shops. Overnight in Thimphu.
Day 03: Thimphu to Punakha / Wangdue via Dochula pass (Approx 70 kms / 2.30 hrs)
After permit (Permit is not issued on Saturdays, Sundays & Govt holidays) drive to Punakha/Wangdue, with a stop en route at Dochu La Pass ( 3,100 meters), where on a clear day you can get spectacular views of the highest mountains of Bhutan. After a photo break, drive to warm valley of Punakha. Visit Punakha Dzong built at the confluence of the Po and Mo Chu Rivers in the 17th Century by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyel and served as capital of Bhutan until 1955. (Note: The Punakha Dzong is closed in winter months when the monk's body is in Punakha) Also visit Chhimi Lhakhang in Punakha. Overnight in Punakha / Wangdue.
Day 04: Day excursion to Phobjikha (Gangtey) valley. Evening back to Punakha
After breakfast excursion to Gangtey (Phobjikha)- [alt. 3000m] : The valley of Gangtey is one of the most beautiful spots in Bhutan. The surprise of finding such a wide, flat valley without any trees after the hard climb through dense forests is augmented by an impression of vast space. On the valley floor lays the village of Phobjikha which is famous for Black Necked Cranes. The cranes migrate here from Central Asiatic plateau to escape its harsh winters. Return at Punakha/Wangdue. Overnight in Punakha/Wangdue
Day 05: Punakha / Wangdue to Paro (Approx 160 kms / 4 hrs)
After breakfast drive to Paro (Alt. 2200 m/7,300 ft). On the way enjoy the view of Shaba River Point and Paro airport view. Check in at the hotel. Visit Rinpung Dzong (also known as Paro Dzong) which has a long and fascinating history. Overnight stay will be in Paro.
Day 06: Paro (Hike to Taktsang Monastery)
Today after the leisurely breakfast we will proceed for an excursion to the famous place called Taktsang Monastery (5 hrs hike)
Taktshang Monastery (Tiger Nest) is located at top of about 800 meter cliff in Paro. It takes slightly more than an hour and a half to reach the monastery on foot from the nearest road point. Taktshang or the Tigers lair as the monastery is widely regarded is one of the most important in Bhutan. Its history is associated with the visit of Guru Padmasambhava, the Indian saint who came to Bhutan in the 8th century AD. The cave was named Taktshang after Guru Rinpoche flew into the cave from KurtoeSingyeDzong in eastern Bhutan riding on a tigress. Later in 1692 the fourth DrukDesi Tenzin Rabgye started to construct monastery and finally completed after three years in 1694.
On the way back into town visit: Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest and most sacred shrines of the Kingdom. Evening stroll at Paro town and peep into some local handicrafts stores. Return at hotel. Overnight at Paro.
Day 07: Paro departure
After breakfast, take transfer to Paro airport for your onward destination.
Tour terminates here
Package Inclusions:
# All transportation including pickups and drops # Accommodation # Breakfast # Dedicated vehicle # All sightseeing programmes as per itinerary # All Immigration Formalities # Mineral water throughout the tour (1 bottle per day per person) # All internal taxes # Tour Guide charges (if required) # 1 tourist local sim card
Package Exclusions:
# Evening tea and snack # Lunch and dinner # Travel insurance # Sim voucher # All monument entry fees # Any other expenses of personal nature i.e, camera fee, laundry, telephone, tips, portages, travel & medical insurance, liquor etc. # Emergency evacuations # Anything else that is not included above
