In this guide, we’ll provide you with all the information about how to reach Bhutan by road, including helpful tips through the process of planning. If you’re driving your own car or you rent a car, the Bhutan Travel by Road will make trips of your lifetime memorable experiences.
The road connection of Bhutan is not extensive, but the country does get to drive through some of the most picturesque and diverse landscapes in the world. If you are interested in knowing how to reach Bhutan by road, then it starts from the northeastern part of India. As you ascend into Bhutan’s valleys, you'll experience:
Pristine Natural Beauty:Bhutan being a less discovered country, an India to Bhutan road trip can provide you with a delightful journey . From eastern Himalayan beauty to lush green forests, white rivers, and old monasteries, a Bhutan trip is a memorable experience.
Cultural Immersion: If you are planning an India to Bhutan road trip, you can spend some time with
Simple living locals and interact with them and experience richer cultural experience. Also, you can visit monasteries and temples.
Adventure: The ground is composed mainly of mountains, which makes driving along the road more exciting for thrill seekers. Traveling through Bhutan means to ride along the serpentines, cliff edges, and along high mountain ridges. A self-drive India to Bhutan road trip is ideal for people who love risky adventures and those who love to take charge.
How to Reach Bhutan by Road From India
The most popular main gateway to Bhutan via the road is from the starting point at Phuentsholing, the border town, situated in the south-western part of Bhutan. This is one of the most important towns to attract Indian tourists visiting Bhutan by their own or rented four-wheelers and bikes.
Jaigaon - Phuentsholing , the western Bhutan Border from India: If you're thinking about how to go Bhutan from India by road, this is the most convenient route to reach Bhutan. This Indo-Bhutness border is around 170 km away from the closest airport, Bagdogra in India, and 150 km from NJP railway station. Once you arrive at the southern entrance of the Bhutan-border Phuntshilong, you can either drive towards Thimphu (172 km) or Paro (160 km), two of the most popular destinations.
Gelephu, the Central Bhutan Boarder from India: One more important entry point could be Gelephu, situated to the east of Phuentsholing. This is one of the recommended routes for tourists wishing to travel the central part of Bhutan. The Gelephu border is about 250 km from Guwahati in Assam, and from there tourists can proceed to places such as Trongsa and Bumthang.
Samdrup Jongkhar, the Eastern Bhutan Boarder from India: The last in usage is the entry point of Samdrup Jongkhar, which is situated in the eastern region of the country. This route is preferred by travelers who are in a Satyandsa kund travel Bhutan to explore and discover new parts of this country and the world. It is about 150 km from Guwahati, and another major route connects the district with Trashigang, one of the most remote zones in Bhutan.
Before starting your India to Bhutan road trip, make sure you have the necessary entry permits and original documents:
Required Documents for Indian Nationals:
Indians don’t need visas to travel to Bhutan but need entry permits, which are issued at the Immigration Office in Phuentsholing. For an E-Permit, you have to pay a Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) of INR 1200/- per person per day and require a 6-month validity original passport or voter ID card and a photo identical to the passport size. If you are traveling with your own vehicle, then a different vehicle permit is needed. This can be obtained from the Road Safety and Transport Authority (RSTA) office in Phuentsholing for a Nu:300/- fee.
Required Documents for International Travelers:
Visitors originating from other countries are required to obtain their visa in advance from one of the licensed Bhutanese tour operators. Foreign visitors have to agree and pay a Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) of 200 USD per individual per day to receive all services, including accommodation, meals, and transportation.
Required Documents for Vehicle:
If you’re planning an India to Bhutan road trip, it is very important that the vehicle is insured; the insurance, the registration, and even the pollution control department certificates must be valid. Keep a driving license and insurance documents of the car with you. Self-drive trips require applying for a special permit for your vehicle from RSTA at the entry point.
If you are concerned about how to go Bhutan from India by road, then you don’t need to worry!
You can enter Bhutan by road; the most popular route is via Phuntshilong, located in the southwestern part of Bhutan. This Bhutan border town serves as a major gateway for Indian tourists entering Bhutan by car and bike.
Bhutan experiences four distinct seasons, and the best time for a Bhutan road trip depends on what kind of experience you’re looking for:
Spring (March to May): This is the most popular season as the weather is good and the flowers are in bloom. It is perfect to drive through the valleys that have been painted in rhododendrons and wild flowers.
Autumn (September to November): Another great time for a drive because the skies are usually clear and the mountains are breathtaking. It is also the time for festivals such as the Thimphu Tshechu festival.
Winter (December to February): Winter is cold, though if people want to chill and look at snow-covered landscapes, and if they want to meet no other cars on the way, it is perfect for adventurous drivers.
Monsoon (June to August): The season is not suitable for traveling by car because of frequent rainfalls and landslides, most so on the mountains.
Once you’ve crossed into Bhutan, here are some must-visit stops on your journey by road:
Phuntshilong: Phuntshilong is not a Tousit destination, but while you plan for an India to Bhutan road trip, you will be going through Phuntshilong. So when you proceed towards Thimphu via the wonderful mystic town-Gedu and enjoy enroute sightseeing Chukha Dam, Kharbandi Gufa, and Wangkha waterfalls.
Thimphu: Thimphu is the administrative capital of Bhutan and is like a reference to modernity and the processes of its impact on tradition. Tour the Buddha Dordenma, the largest Buddha statue in the world, with a bird's-eye view of the valley, and meet Tashichho Dzong, a king’s fortress and monastery.
Paro: It is the location only international airport in Bhutan. In Paro, the most visited attraction is Tiger Nest Monastery, or Taksang Monestry. A Paro driving route offers stunning views of rice fields and traditional Bhutanese houses.
Punakha: Recognized with majestic Punakha Dzong, this valley town becomes the winter home of Bhutan’s revered religious monarch. The drive to Punakha from Thimphu includes the high Dochula Pass and Suspension Bridge, which provides excellent views of the eastern Himalayas.
Phobjikha Valley: A picturesque valley surrounded by snow-capped mountains, Phobjikha is a birding and nature lovers’ delight, popular for the black-necked cranes that nest in this valley during the winter. You can visit Gantey Monestry enroute of Punakha to Pobjikha road travel.
Bumthang: It is one of the most historical areas with many religious monasteries. The Bumthang Valley Road has the most beautiful routes of mountain passes and is for those who are interested in the deep culture of Bhutan.
Bhutan's road network is well-maintained but challenging, specially for first-time drivers in the Himalayas. Here are some tips to keep in mind:
Drive Slowly: The driving road system in Bhutan is mountainous with narrow roads and sharp curves at certain intervals. A fast and furious pace should never be entertained.
Watch Out for Landslides: This is an image that depicts the expansive slippage that occurs during the monsoons to result in a landslide. Be careful when driving, specially in the rainy season/weeks; ensure you’re on the lookout for any weather changes.
Fuel Stations: Petrol stations can be found in almost any town. You are recommended to top up your tank as much as you can, specially if you are heading for Eastern Bhutan like Phobjikha Valley or the Bumthang area.
If you are planning an India to Bhutan road trip by your own car, you can do it, but you have to pay the green taxes of INR 4500 per day per vehicle; this is excluded from your SDF of INR 1200 per person per night. There are some formalities to obtain a car permit and a driving permit in Bhutan. If you book with our Bhutan tour packages, we will take care of all these responsibilities with on-ground assistance. We are one of the best Bhutan tour operators based in Kolkata. Our India to Bhutan road trip packages start from Bagdogara, New Japaiguri, New Alipurduar, and Hasimara. These all Bhutan tour packages come with transportation, accommodation, and online permit facilities for a properly arranged comprehensive holiday experience.
Conclusion:
India to Bhutan road trip offers you the kind of experience that really connects with the beauty of the country and also provides an opportunity to explore the unseen traditions of Bhutan. Regardless of whether you are driving at high altitudes or visiting magnificent monasteries, traveling through Bhutan will remain pleasantly memorable. So, gear up, check your vehicle, and get ready for the India to Bhutan road trip of a lifetime through the heart of the Himalayas. Book Now! Your Bhutan Tour Packages via Road Travel with My Trip Navigator.
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