Bhutan – A Paradise on Earth You Must Visit Once in a Lifetime

Bhutan is what heaven may look like up above the sky. Tucked happily between India and China; it is not like any commercialized hill station of India where you can enjoy piping hot Maggi, chilled Coke and a sutta at the top of a hill. Bhutan is raw. It has taken the global development very carefully to keep its ancient culture and customs intact in the society. Bhutan believes more in the growth of Gross National Happiness (GNH) than Gross National Product (GNP).

Bhutan is also the only country in the world with no traffic signals. Public smoking and consumption of tobacco are illegal in Bhutan and so is hunting and fishing. Surprisingly, climbing high peaks is also forbidden as spirits might catch you. Not popular on the list of travellers, Bhutan is like a dream which can’t be seen by everyone.

Coated with lush green forests and woods, Bhutan’s developed landscape is dominated by massive monasteries where monks can be seen playing board games, chatting and laughing.

Thanks to more than friendly relations with India, Indians don’t need a passport to visit this Himalayan Buddhist nation. Even a valid voter ID card is sufficient to get an entry permit of Bhutan. In case, if you don’t have Voter ID or passport, you can ask Indian Consulate Office to generate an identification slip to travel to Bhutan.

 

How to Reach Bhutan?

Traveling from India to Bhutan can be accomplished via air or road, each offering unique experiences.

By Air:

Bhutan’s primary international airport is located in Paro. The national carriers, Druk Air and Bhutan Airlines, operate flights connecting several Indian cities to Paro. As of 2025, direct flights are available from:

• Delhi (DEL): Average flight duration is approximately 2 hours and 9 minutes.

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• Kolkata (CCU): Flights take about 1 hour and 20 minutes.

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• Bagdogra (IXB): This route provides a convenient option for travelers from the northeastern regions of India.

• Guwahati (GAU): Druk Air operates flights on this route approximately twice a week.

It’s advisable to book flights well in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons, to secure the best fares and preferred dates.

By Road:

For those preferring an overland journey, Bhutan can be accessed through multiple border points shared with India. The most frequented entry points include:

1. Phuentsholing: Adjacent to Jaigaon in West Bengal, this is the most popular and convenient entry point. Travelers can reach Jaigaon from Siliguri (approximately 150 km) via bus or shared taxi, typically a 4-hour drive.

2. Gelephu: Located in Bhutan’s Sarpang district, accessible from Assam.

3. Samdrup Jongkhar: Situated in southeastern Bhutan, also accessible from Assam.

Upon entering Bhutan, Indian travelers should obtain an entry permit at the border. For those driving their own vehicles, a vehicle permit is required. It’s important to note that self-driving within Bhutan is not permitted for tourists; therefore, hiring a registered Bhutanese driver and vehicle is mandatory for travel beyond border towns.

Local Transportation:

Within Bhutan, taxis and public buses are readily available for local travel. For a more personalized experience, hiring a private vehicle with a driver is recommended, allowing greater flexibility and comfort during your journey.

Before planning your trip, it’s essential to check the latest travel advisories and entry requirements, as policies may change. Consulting with authorized travel agents or official Bhutanese sources will provide the most accurate and up-to-date information.

 

What to do in Bhutan?

Bhutan is a treasure trove of archaeological and natural miracles. From ornate temples to dzong fortresses, the entire landscape of Bhutan is covered with natural beauty and soaked in the Buddhist culture. For travelling in Bhutan, it is advisable to use a registered local agent who will provide you a car, driver, and agent. Bhutan is not densely populated. This means that you should travel with your food and drinks supplies as you may not find food shops everywhere.

While the entire nation reflects the incredible beauty of Himalayas, some significant places which you must visit are Chele La Pass for scenic drives, Tiger’s Nest, Punakha Dzong, Buddha Dordenma, Punakha Suspension Bridge and Tango Buddhist Institute among others.

If you are a traveller and really want to explore something miraculous in life, then you must include Bhutan in your travel list.

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