Coming from Assam or north-east India? Two southern border towns lead into Bhutan from the Guwahati side: Samdrup Jongkhar, about 3 hours from Guwahati, and Gelephu, roughly 6 hours away. We pick you up in Guwahati or at the border and drive you through central and eastern Bhutan, a part of the kingdom few visitors see.
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Most visitors enter Bhutan in the west, through Paro or Phuentsholing. Starting from Guwahati turns the map around. You see a quieter Bhutan of long valleys, weaving villages and small towns, and you can still finish in the west if you have the time.
Two ways in
- Samdrup Jongkhar: the gateway to eastern Bhutan and the long, scenic road north to Trashigang.
- Gelephu: the southern-central gateway, with the road north towards Zhemgang, Trongsa and Bumthang.
Before you plan around these crossings, check with us that the entry point is open to your nationality on your dates. Border arrangements in the south can change.
Via Samdrup Jongkhar
The drive from Guwahati to Samdrup Jongkhar, about 3 hours, runs across the green plains of Assam. Samdrup Jongkhar is a small, friendly town and the start of the road north into eastern Bhutan. From here the road climbs steadily into the hills and on towards Trashigang, the largest town in the east, through forest, small settlements and wide views.
Eastern Bhutan is known for its handwoven textiles, its festivals and its warm village hospitality. Distances between towns are long and the roads wind a great deal, so this is a route for travellers who enjoy the journey as much as the destination. We plan sensible daily stages so that you are not on the road all day.
Via Gelephu
Gelephu, roughly 6 hours from Guwahati, is the gateway to central Bhutan. From the warm southern lowlands, the road heads north through Zhemgang, one of the most forested districts in the country, towards Trongsa and Bumthang. It is a beautiful way to reach the cultural heart of Bhutan without going through the west first.
Royal Manas and the southern forests
Along Bhutan's southern edge lies Royal Manas National Park, a lowland area of forest and rivers that borders Manas in India. It is home to a rich variety of birds and wildlife and feels very different from the high valleys. Whether a visit fits your plan depends on access and permits for your dates, so ask us and we will advise.
Central Bhutan by road
Trongsa Dzong sits on a ridge above a deep gorge and was once the key to controlling travel between east and west. Bumthang, a little further on, is a group of valleys full of old temples, including Jambay Lhakhang and Kurjey Lhakhang, and some of the most important sacred sites in the kingdom. From here you can continue west over the passes to Phobjikha, Punakha and Thimphu.
Sample route ideas
Seven days: Gelephu to Bumthang and back
Enter at Gelephu and drive north through Zhemgang. Spend time in Trongsa, then two or three days exploring the Bumthang valleys, their temples and villages, before returning south at an easy pace.
Nine days or more: east to west
Enter at Samdrup Jongkhar and travel north to Trashigang. Then head west across the country through Bumthang, Trongsa, Phobjikha and Punakha to Thimphu and Paro, leaving by air from Paro or by road through Phuentsholing. This is a long journey and best with plenty of days.
Vehicles
| Vehicle | Best for | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| Hyundai Creta SUV | Couples and small families | Five-seat SUV with good ground clearance for mountain roads |
| Kia SUV | Families wanting extra comfort | Roomy SUV for long days on the road |
| Toyota HiAce | Groups and large families | Group van with space for everyone and their luggage |
| Taxi | Short trips and transfers | City rides, airport runs and one-way drops |
For long days on eastern and central roads, an SUV such as the Hyundai Creta or Kia gives comfort and good ground clearance. Groups often prefer the Toyota HiAce so that everyone can travel together. See all options on our Bhutan car rental page.
Guide and permits
Under current rules, every tourist, including visitors from India, needs a licensed Bhutanese guide to travel beyond Thimphu and Paro, and a route permit for districts such as Punakha, Haa, Wangdue and Bumthang. Your guide arranges the route permits. Rules change from time to time, so we confirm the latest position for your travel dates when you book.
Because almost all of this route lies beyond Thimphu and Paro, plan on a licensed guide for the whole journey. Ours speak English, Hindi and Nepali, with Bengali subject to availability. Indian nationals pay a Sustainable Development Fee of INR 1,200 per person per night, and most other nationalities pay USD 100 per adult per night, confirmed until 31 August 2027. Estimate your total with our Trip Cost Calculator.
Road and season tips
- Seasons: spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) are the most comfortable times for long road journeys.
- Monsoon: from June to September, heavy rain can cause landslides and fog, particularly on the climb from the southern plains. Allow spare days.
- Heat and cold: the border towns can be hot and humid while the high passes are cold, so pack layers.
- Comfort: roads are winding; travellers prone to motion sickness should sit at the front and take any medicine early.
Whichever route you choose, we confirm your entry point, nationality requirements and route permits before you book anything else. Southern border arrangements can change, so please check with us for your dates rather than relying on older travel reports.
Who this route suits
Starting from Guwahati works well for travellers from Assam, Meghalaya and the rest of the north-east, and for anyone who has already seen western Bhutan and wants something new. It suits people who are happy with long, winding road days in return for quiet valleys, village life and very few other tourists. If you only have a few days, the western routes through Paro Airport or Bagdogra may be a better fit, and we are glad to help you choose.
What to pack
- Documents: passport or, for Indian nationals, Voter ID, with copies and passport photos.
- Light and warm layers: you may start in heat and end the day in cool mountain air.
- Rain gear: a compact umbrella or rain jacket is useful in any season and essential in the monsoon.
- Road snacks and water: some stretches have few shops, so carry a little extra.
How to book
Send us your start point, dates, nationality and number of travellers. We first confirm which entry point works for you on those dates, then the vehicle, driver, guide and route permits, and send a clear quote.
Starting from Assam? Message us on WhatsApp on +975 17661648 or email [email protected]. Your quote lists exactly what is included, so there are no surprises later.
For more planning help, see our free Bhutan Trip Planner and the festival calendar.
Frequently asked questions
How far is Samdrup Jongkhar from Guwahati?
Samdrup Jongkhar is about 3 hours by road from Guwahati.
Can we enter Bhutan at Gelephu?
Gelephu is one of Bhutan's southern entry points. Ask us to confirm that it is open to your nationality on your travel dates before you book flights or trains.
Do you provide a guide for eastern Bhutan?
Yes. Our licensed guides speak English, Hindi and Nepali (Bengali subject to availability) and travel with you for the whole route.
How long does Guwahati to Gelephu take?
Guwahati to Gelephu is roughly 6 hours by road, depending on traffic and stops.
Can we enter from Assam and leave from Paro or Phuentsholing?
Yes. Many travellers cross the country from east to west and leave by air from Paro or by road through Phuentsholing. It needs enough days, so tell us how long you have.
When is the best time to drive through eastern and central Bhutan?
Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) are usually the most comfortable. From June to September the monsoon can bring landslides and fog, so allow extra days if you travel then.
Can we visit Royal Manas National Park?
Possibly. Access and permits depend on your dates and the current rules, so ask us and we will advise what is possible.
