Bhutan Travel Guide for Indian Tourists (Permit, Cost, Tips)

It is one of the easiest international tourist trips for Indians to make a trip to Bhutan from India, but it should be planned correctly. Bhutan is near, the culture is rich, the country extremely peaceful and lush with Himalayan beauty, but there are certain rules of entry, permits and costs that every traveller needs to be aware of before embarking on the journey. From permits to travel expenses, everything is explained in a simple and easy way in this complete Bhutan Travel Guide, which will help you to plan the trip smoothly and memorable. This guide will help you plan your trip to Bhutan whether you are on a honeymoon, a trip with your family, a solo trip or are travelling on a group tour. When traveling to Bhutan, many questions are asked at Namaskar India Tour such as permits, budget and how to get to Bhutan. All those details are talked about in this blog in a practical and easy to understand manner.

Understanding Bhutan Entry for Indian Tourists

One of the best things about visiting Bhutan is that Indian citizens do not require a visa. In contrast to other countries, Bhutan permits Indians to come in with easy travel documents, including a valid passport or a voter ID card. However, entry is not completely free-flowing. An official entry permit by the Bhutanese authorities is still required. The permit system is implemented to control tourism and preserve the environment and culture of the country. The major border town with Phuentsholing is Jaigaon from which most Indians cross into Bhutan. On this point permits for Bhutan are issued for movement within the country.

Bhutan Travel Permits for Indian Tourists

You should check with the border authority or the airline when arriving at the border or flying in through Paro to get an entry permit. It is a permission to visit certain areas within Bhutan, including Thimphu and Paro, by Indian tourists. It's typically an easy process, but it does involve some paperwork, including identification and passport photos, hotel information, and more. This permit is issued at Phuentsholing immigration office for travelers coming by road. For those who wish to venture beyond Thimphu and Paro to restricted and remote areas, there's still the need for further permits, and they can be readily obtained from registered tour operators like Namaskar India Tour. Most tourists will opt for package tours as they eliminate a lot of paperwork and make travel a lot smoother.

Bhutan Travel Cost for Indian Tourists

The travel expenses in Bhutan vary according to how you travel, how long you stay and what form of transport you use. The average price of a 5-7 day Bhutan tour from India is ₹25,000 to ₹70,000 per person. 
One of the largest compulsory costs is the Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) which currently stands at approximately ₹1200 per person per night for tourists from India. 
This is a large proportion of your travel budget if you're traveling for 6 days. The only thing that will not be included in your total cost other than SDF is transportation, accommodation, food and sightseeing. 
Those who opt not to fly and instead take a road trip, as well as those who are willing to pay for overnight lodging in luxury resort properties, will find that their costs will be significantly lower or higher, respectively.
The prices of flights from Indian cities to Paro can range from ₹12,000 to ₹40,000, which vary by season.

Best Way to Reach Bhutan from India

Bhutan is opened to visitors in two ways - by air or road. The flights are quicker and more comfortable, but they cost more. Indian tourists prefer road transport the most as it is affordable and offers the opportunity to explore the foothills of the Himalayas. From the major Indian cities, the majority of the travelers travel by train to Hasimara/New Jalpaiguri and then travel to Phuentsholing using a taxi. From there, it is on to the journey in Bhutan. Family trips and group tours are particularly favored, as this lessens expenses and provides flexibility of travel.

Best Places to Visit in Bhutan

Upon arrival in Bhutan, you will be greeted with breathtaking nature. The most popular places are Paro with its valleys and monasteries and Thimphu, the quiet capital city nestled amongst mountains. The other must-visit is Punakha, which is known for the beauty of its rivers, rice fields, and beautiful dzongs. It is also a popular destination for travellers who look forward to visiting iconic landmarks such as Tiger's Nest Monastery and Dochula Pass, which provide a spectacular view of the Himalayas. Every place in Bhutan is peaceful, pure and deeply connected with nature.

Food and Accommodation in Bhutan

Bhutan has an extensive choice when it comes to accommodation, ranging from budget guesthouses to luxurious resorts. The average price of budget hotels is approximately ₹1,500–₹3,000 per night, and for mid-range hotels, it is around ₹4,000–₹8,000 per night. There are luxury stays that can reach farther heights based on location and comfort. The food in Bhutan is simple, fresh and cheap. Vegetarian and non-vegetarian foods are easily available in most towns in India. A normal meal is priced at approximately ₹300 – ₹800 in restaurants. Ema Dtshi, Red Rice and Momos are readily available in the local restaurants.
The people who make a booking with Namaskar India Tour frequently receive full packages that incorporate lodging and food making it simpler to arrange finances.

Important Travel Tips for Bhutan

It is recommended to plan travel to Bhutan by taking into account the weather and seasonal conditions. Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) are the best seasons for visiting, as it is pleasant weather and clear skies. Valid ID proof is required (passport or voter ID card). Cash is also advised as card payments may not be accepted in remote areas. Bhutan is a land of high altitude and it is important to stay hydrated and take it easy while sightseeing. It is also really important to respect local culture, particularly when visiting religious places and monasteries.

Final Thoughts

It's not a vacation, it's a tranquil adventure to nature, culture and simplicity in Bhutan. Bhutan is one of the best international tourist destinations adjacent to India with its simple visa process, well-managed tourism systems alongside its wondrous landscapes. Whether you are on a budget or a high dollar vacation, planning is key. But with the proper direction, your trip to Bhutan can be painless, inexpensive and make for a truly memorable experience. For a hassle-free stay in the Himalayas and ease of arranging permits, hotel accommodation, transport, tour packages for your Bhutan tour from India, Namaskar India Tour offers you complete customised Bhutan tour packages.