Yes, Bhutan is open to Indian tourists, and it is one of the easiest international trips you can make from India. You can fly straight into Paro or go overland through the border towns. This guide covers the flights, documents, fees and guide rules, the road alternatives, sample itineraries and practical tips for Indian travellers.
Flights from India to Bhutan
Bhutan's two airlines, Drukair and Bhutan Airlines, fly to Paro from Indian cities including Delhi and Kolkata, with some services from cities such as Bagdogra and Guwahati. Routes and frequencies change by season, so check current schedules before you book. Paro is Bhutan's international airport, set in a narrow valley between high ridges, and the descent into it is one of the most memorable landings anywhere.
Flights are fewer than on busy domestic routes in India, and seats can sell out in the peak spring and autumn seasons and around festivals. Book as early as you can once your dates are fixed, and keep your plans flexible by a day where possible, because mountain weather can delay flights in and out of Paro.
Prefer to drive? Fly to Bagdogra and continue by road with our Bagdogra to Bhutan car hire, or see the Paro Airport transfers page for arrivals.
Arriving in Paro
Paro airport is small and easy to navigate. After immigration, where your entry permit is processed or checked, your guide and driver meet you outside the terminal. Paro Dzong, also called Rinpung Dzong, overlooks the valley close to the airport and is often the first place visitors explore. Thimphu, the capital, is about an hour's drive away.
Documents for Indian nationals
- A valid Indian passport or a Voter ID card.
- An entry permit, issued on arrival or arranged in advance.
- Route permits for districts beyond Thimphu and Paro, arranged by your guide.
- Your hotel bookings and itinerary, which help the permit process go smoothly.
Carry the same document you used to enter Bhutan throughout your trip, as it is checked at road checkpoints and when route permits are issued. If you are travelling with children, ask us in advance which documents they need.
Fees and guide
Indian nationals pay a Sustainable Development Fee of INR 1,200 per person per night, and no visa is needed. Under current rules a licensed guide is required beyond Thimphu and Paro. Read more about hiring a guide and use our Trip Cost Calculator.
Going overland instead
Many Indian travellers combine a flight with a road journey, or go entirely by road. The main options are:
- Bagdogra to Phuentsholing: about 165 km, roughly 4.5 to 5 hours by road from Bagdogra airport near Siliguri in West Bengal.
- Phuentsholing to Thimphu: about 5 to 6 hours on a winding mountain road, climbing from the plains into pine forest.
- Via Assam: Guwahati gives access to the southern and eastern gateways, Gelephu and Samdrup Jongkhar, subject to the gates being open to tourists. See our Guwahati to Bhutan car hire page.
A popular combination is to fly into Paro and leave by road through Phuentsholing to Bagdogra, or the reverse. That way you see both the high valleys and the dramatic descent to the plains, without retracing your steps.
Phuentsholing: the border town
Phuentsholing sits directly across from Jaigaon in West Bengal, and its traditional gate is the classic entry point by road. Travellers entering by road complete their entry formalities here. Allow time for formalities, especially in peak season, and we usually recommend an overnight stay in Phuentsholing so that the drive to Thimphu begins fresh the next morning.
Sample itineraries
5 nights: fly in and out of Paro
- Day 1: Fly into Paro, drive to Thimphu and settle in.
- Day 2: Thimphu: the Buddha Dordenma, the Memorial Chorten and the local markets.
- Day 3: Over the Dochula Pass to Punakha, with Punakha Dzong in the afternoon.
- Day 4: Drive back to Paro, with Paro Dzong and the National Museum.
- Day 5: Hike to Taktsang (Tiger's Nest).
- Day 6: Fly home from Paro.
7 nights: fly in, drive out
- Day 1: Fly into Paro. Easy afternoon in the valley.
- Day 2: Day trip over the Chele La pass towards Haa, for mountain views on clear mornings.
- Day 3: Hike to Taktsang (Tiger's Nest).
- Day 4: Drive to Thimphu for sightseeing.
- Days 5 to 6: Punakha and the Dochula Pass.
- Day 7: Drive south to Phuentsholing.
- Day 8: Cross to Jaigaon and drive to Bagdogra for your flight home.
For more ideas, read how to visit Bhutan from New Delhi or try our free Bhutan trip planner.
Best time to go
Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) are the most popular seasons, with pleasant days and, in autumn especially, clear Himalayan views. Winter (December to February) is cold but often bright and quieter, a good choice if you dislike crowds. The monsoon (June to August) brings rain and occasional road delays, though the valleys are lush and green. Many Indian families travel during school holidays, so book early for those dates.
Practical tips for Indian travellers
- Indian rupees are widely accepted in Bhutan alongside the ngultrum, which is pegged to the rupee. Carry some cash, as card acceptance can be limited outside the main towns.
- Indian mobile roaming may be expensive or patchy. A local SIM card, which your guide can help you buy, is often the easiest option.
- Dress modestly at dzongs and temples: long sleeves and long trousers or skirts, no caps inside.
- Paro and Thimphu are above 2,000 metres. Take it easy on the first day, especially with elderly parents or young children.
- Pack warm layers in every season, as mornings and evenings are cool even in summer.
Getting around inside Bhutan
There are no trains in Bhutan, and travel between valleys is by road. Distances look short on a map, but mountain roads wind and climb, so journeys take longer than you might expect. Under current rules your licensed guide travels with you beyond Thimphu and Paro, and most visitors travel with a car and driver arranged with their guide. See our car rental with driver and guide page.
Travelling with family
Bhutan is a rewarding trip for families from India: short flights or a manageable drive, familiar food options alongside Bhutanese dishes, and a culture that welcomes children warmly. Plan shorter driving days for young children and elderly parents, and leave the Tiger's Nest hike as an option rather than a must, as it is a steep climb. Pony rides are sometimes available for part of the way up. Hotels can usually arrange connecting rooms or extra beds if you ask in advance.
How we help
We arrange everything from the moment you land or reach the border: entry and route permits, licensed guides, cars with drivers, hotels and an itinerary that suits your family or group. We can also help you choose between flying and driving, depending on your home city and budget.
More guides for Indian travellers
- How to travel to Bhutan from India: complete guide
- How to visit Bhutan from New Delhi
- Car rental with driver and guide
Planning a trip from India? Message us on WhatsApp +975 17661648 or email [email protected].
Frequently asked questions
Is Bhutan open for Indian tourists?
Yes. Indian nationals can visit Bhutan with a passport or Voter ID, pay an SDF of INR 1,200 per person per night and need no visa.
How do I go to Bhutan from India by flight?
Drukair and Bhutan Airlines fly to Paro from Indian cities including Delhi and Kolkata, with some services from Bagdogra and Guwahati. Check current schedules, as routes change by season.
Do Indians need a guide in Bhutan?
Under current rules a licensed guide is required for travel beyond Thimphu and Paro, including for Indian visitors.
Do Indians need a visa for Bhutan?
No. Indian nationals need an entry permit, issued on arrival or arranged in advance, and a valid passport or Voter ID.
How far is Phuentsholing from Bagdogra?
About 165 km, roughly 4.5 to 5 hours by road. From Phuentsholing to Thimphu is a further 5 to 6 hours.
Can I use Indian rupees in Bhutan?
Yes, Indian rupees are widely accepted alongside the Bhutanese ngultrum, which is pegged to the rupee. Carry some cash for smaller towns.
Is it better to fly or drive from India to Bhutan?
Flying into Paro saves time and gives a spectacular arrival. Driving through Phuentsholing suits travellers from eastern India. Many people fly one way and drive the other.
More guides: Bhutan trip from Kolkata; from Mumbai; from Bangalore; from Delhi; money and ATMs; SIM cards and Wi-Fi.
