The Himalayan kingdom of Bhutan is known for its raw, unspoiled natural beauty. Covered in pristine valleys, thick green cover, and unique culture, it is truly a one-of-a-kind holiday experience. The perfect place to go for a memorable honeymoon or with your family to explore the hidden secrets this place holds. Going there is sure a privilege since they have extremely strict rules for tourists arriving from foreign lands. Once you get there every effort and every step seems worth it.
They have opted for a very aggressive approach towards keeping the ethnicity of the local Bhutanese people alive. Keeping this in mind there are only 2 ways to reach Bhutan which further filters out the tourists. If you are in the middle of planning a holiday in this scenic country wedged in between India and China then here is how you can do it:
By Flight
Paro International Airport is the only airport here that caters to flights from places like Delhi, Bagdogra, Guwahati, and Mumbai. If you are arriving in Kolkata then you can choose to go via a flight from here. In fact, the frequency of flights connecting Bhutan and Kolkata is higher as compared to anywhere else.
Druk Air is the national airline company that operates to and from Bhutan. It can only be booked online through its official website online. This exclusivity all points towards the strict regulations against regular tourists and ensures that only a few numbers of tourists arrive.
We suggest you book the direct flight from Kathmandu in Nepal to Paro. This will be one of the most memorable flight journeys of your life as you will be flying over 4 of the highest mountains in the world.
Did you know that only 8 pilots are certified to fly the plane for Bhutan? This is because of the strong winds that blow past the aircraft making flying extremely difficult and tests the skills of the pilot.
By Road
If you are planning on a road trip then you will have to be in India for the purpose. Get your paperwork done. Your first step would be to acquire your ‘entry permit’ from the immigration office of the Royal Government of Bhutan located in Phuentsholing. This is situated on the Indo-Bhutan border just opposite Jaigaon in West Bengal.
This permit will allow you to enter and explore only Thimpu and Paro. To explore more places you will be required to get the ‘special area permit’ from the same office located in Thimphu. The VISA can be easily attained from Kolkata at the Royal Bhutan Consulate Office. Remember to file for these permits around 10 to 12 days prior to your date of departure.
A Bhutan road trip sounds like the perfect idea to get together with the Ganga or spend some peaceful time with your family and nature. In order to reach Bhutan by road, you will have to cross 3 border points which are – Jaigaon – Phuentsholing border; Gelephu, and Samdrup Jongkhar. The Jaigaon – Phuentsholing border is the border that is mostly preferred by travelers due to its easy accessibility and the permit is also granted easily for this route.
If you are traveling on a budget then you can choose to go via a local bus service or hire a cab from one of the many available taxi services in Bhutan. The distance between Bagdogra to Phuentsholing by road is 4 hours and from Phuentsholing to Thimpu, it takes 6 hours. It’s quite a journey but believes us, every bit will prove to be worth it. Buses and private taxi services can be booked from Bagdogra, Siliguri, and New Jalpaiguri.
Frequently Asked Questions About Bhutan
When Should I Travel to Bhutan With My Family?
Spring is undoubtedly one of the best times to visit Bhutan. The Himalayan flowers are in full bloom and the forests sway with their lush green leaves. Although it is one of those rare places that you can visit throughout the year experience Bhutan during the Spring season is a whole different and charming experience. Another factor is the festivals. Numerous festivals take place here all during the months of February to June and you will also get to experience the culture and traditions of the local Bhutanese people in a closer manner.
Is Solo Travel In Bhutan Safe
One word, YES! Bhutan is the safest place in the world to travel solo. It is also the perfect place to go with your family, loved ones, or friends. The place is so beautiful that it doesn’t matter if you go solo or with someone, the time of your life is guaranteed. This doesn’t mean that you can be hasty. Stay safe and take all the measures to ensure your safety while traveling solo. Keep your loved ones informed about your whereabouts and you are good to go.
What Kind Of Food Can I Expect In Bhutan?
If you are an Indian then get ready to taste some of the most flavor-packed cuisines you may have ever tasted. Be a bit adventurous and try out the mouthwatering local dishes. Bhutanese cuisines are known for being extremely spicy and the people here use a lot of chilies to prepare their food. People normally indulge in food that keeps them warm from the inside for a longer period of time like pork, beef, and chicken. They pair it up with the choicest of vegetables and steamed rice. A wholesome nutrition-packed rich dish is what you can expect here.
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