Bhutan, the "Land of the Thunder Dragon", is a small Himalayan kingdom bordered by Tibet to the north and India on the other three sides. It is famous for its fortress-monasteries (dzongs), forests, festivals and its idea of Gross National Happiness. For travellers already in Sikkim or Darjeeling, Bhutan's southern border town of Phuentsholing is only a few hours away by road.
Entry rules for Indian travellers
Indian citizens do not need a visa for Bhutan but must get an entry permit. You will need a valid Indian passport (recommended) or voter ID card; driving licences and Aadhaar cards are not accepted. Carry passport-size photos and your hotel bookings. Children should carry a birth certificate.
Bhutan also charges a Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) per person per night. Indian travellers have been paying ₹1,200 per adult per night, with reduced or no fees for children. Visitors from other countries pay a much higher fee in US dollars. Rules and fees change, so always check the latest with Bhutan's Department of Tourism or with us before travelling.
How to get to Bhutan
By road
The main land border is at Jaigaon (India) – Phuentsholing (Bhutan). Bagdogra Airport is about 3–4 hours away by road, so it combines well with Sikkim and Darjeeling. From Phuentsholing to Thimphu is roughly a 5–6 hour drive through the mountains. There are also crossings at Gelephu and Samdrup Jongkhar in the south and south-east.
By air
Paro is Bhutan's only international airport, about an hour from the capital, Thimphu. Druk Air and Bhutan Airlines fly from cities including Delhi, Kolkata, Bagdogra and Guwahati, as well as Kathmandu and Bangkok.
Best time to visit Bhutan
October to December is ideal: the air is clear and fresh with sunny skies and great mountain views. March to May is also excellent, with rhododendrons in bloom. The monsoon (June to August) brings rain and occasional landslides, and January–February is cold at higher altitudes but fine in valleys like Punakha.
Combining Bhutan with Sikkim and Darjeeling
Bhutan fits naturally at the end of a Sikkim and Darjeeling tour. From Darjeeling or Siliguri you drive to Jaigaon and cross into Phuentsholing, complete the entry formalities, and continue to Thimphu the next morning. At the end you can either drive back to Bagdogra or fly out of Paro. Allow at least one full day for the border crossing and the long drive to Thimphu.
Bhutan's culture
Bhutan has carefully protected its culture and environment. People wear the national dress – the gho for men and the kira for women – in offices and at religious sites. The country measures its progress by Gross National Happiness, and more than half of it is covered by forest. Archery is the national sport, and colourful festivals (tsechus) with masked dances take place at dzongs throughout the year, especially in spring and autumn.
Places to include
- Thimphu – the capital, with the giant Buddha Dordenma statue, Tashichho Dzong and the weekend market.
- Paro – the cliffside Tiger's Nest (Taktsang) Monastery and Paro Dzong.
- Punakha – the beautiful Punakha Dzong at the meeting of two rivers, reached over the Dochula Pass.
- Phobjikha Valley – home of the black-necked cranes in winter.
A typical first trip is 5–7 nights: Phuentsholing, Thimphu, Punakha and Paro. Read our Bhutan travel advice for money, food and etiquette tips.
Frequently asked questions
Do Indians need a visa for Bhutan?
No, but they need an entry permit, using a valid passport or voter ID.
What is the SDF for Indians?
Indian travellers have been paying ₹1,200 per adult per night. Check the current rate before you travel, as it can change.
Can Bhutan be combined with Sikkim?
Yes. Phuentsholing is about 3–4 hours from Bagdogra, so Bhutan fits well at the start or end of a Sikkim and Darjeeling tour.
Read next
Updated October 2026 by the Tip Top Group team.