Trip to Bhutan from Bangalore
How to Travel to Bhutan from Bangalore: Detailed Guide
If you’re planning a trip to Bhutan from Bangalore, here’s a comprehensive guide covering visa requirements, flights, road travel, and accommodation options.
Visa Requirements for Indian Citizen travel Bhutan from Bangalore
- Indian citizens do not need a visa to visit Bhutan. However, you must carry either a valid passport (with at least 6 months of validity) or a Voter ID card.
- While Indian nationals don’t need a visa, they need to obtain a permit for entry into Bhutan, which can be done at the airport or at the border if travelling by land.
- The permit can also be pre-arranged by a Bhutanese tour operator to save time.
Travel Options from Bangalore
Flights to Bhutan from Bangalore
- Direct Flights: Currently, there are no direct flights from Bangalore to Bhutan’s Paro International Airport. However, you can take connecting flights from Bangalore with layovers in Delhi or Kolkata, where Bhutanese airlines operate flights to Bhutan.
- Bhutan’s two airlines, Druk Air and Bhutan Airlines, operate flights to Paro International Airport from major Indian cities like Delhi and Kolkata.Flight Route Options:
- Bangalore (BLR) → Delhi (DEL) → Paro (PBH)
- Bangalore (BLR) → Kolkata (CCU) → Paro (PBH)
- You can book your Bangalore to Delhi/Kolkata flight through major airlines like IndiGo, Air India, or Vistara.
- From Delhi/Kolkata to Paro, you will fly on either Druk Air or Bhutan Airlines.
By Land (Road Trip)
- If you prefer to travel by road, fly from Bangalore to Bagdogra (IXB) in West Bengal. Bagdogra is the closest Indian airport to the Bhutanese border.
- From Bagdogra, you can drive or take a taxi to Phuentsholing, the border town between India and Bhutan. The drive from Bagdogra to Phuentsholing is around 4-5 hours (approximately 160 km).
- At Phuentsholing, you can obtain your entry permit at the Immigration Office and continue your journey into Bhutan to cities like Thimphu or Paro.
Road Route to Bhutan from Bangalore:
- Bangalore → Bagdogra (by flight) → Phuentsholing (by taxi or bus)
- From Phuentsholing, you can continue by road to Thimphu (170 km) or Paro (143 km).
How to travel to Bhutan from Bangalore By Train and Road
- Another option is to take a train from Bangalore to a station near Bhutan’s border, such as Hasimara or New Jalpaiguri (NJP) in West Bengal.
- From Hasimara, the drive to Phuentsholing is about 30 minutes (17 km).
- From NJP, it’s around a 4-hour drive (150 km) to Phuentsholing.
Permits and Entry Formalities
- Phuentsholing is the main point of entry for Indian tourists travelling by land. You can obtain your entry permit here.
- If you are arriving by air at Paro International Airport, you can also get your entry permit at the airport. Documents Required:
- Passport or Voter ID (original and photocopies)Passport-sized photographsHotel booking details and travel itinerary
Hotels in Bhutan
- Bhutan offers a wide range of accommodation options, from luxurious five-star hotels to budget-friendly guesthouses.
- Luxury Hotels:
- Amankora (in multiple locations, including Thimphu and Paro)Taj Tashi (Thimphu)Le Méridien (Thimphu and Paro)
- Mid-range and Budget Hotels: Bhutan has several comfortable, reasonably priced hotels in Thimphu, Paro, and other cities, like Hotel Druk, Hotel Phuntsho Pelri, and Olathang Hotel.
- Tips to Book Bhutan Trip: Many travellers book accommodation through their tour operators as part of their travel package, which includes hotels, meals, and transportation.
Best Time to Visit Bhutan from Bangalore
- The best times to visit Bhutan are during the spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November) seasons.
- Spring: You’ll experience mild weather, blooming flowers, and several festivals like Paro Tshechu.
- Autumn: Clear skies and ideal weather for trekking, and this season also hosts important festivals like the Thimphu Tshechu.
Bhutan Tour Packages from Bangalore
- Indian tourists are exempt from Bhutan’s Minimum Daily Package Rate applicable to most foreign tourists. However, it’s still advisable to book your tour through a licensed Bhutanese operator.
- A typical tour package includes accommodation, meals, transportation, a guide, and sightseeing tours.
Transportation in Bhutan
- Bhutan has good road infrastructure connecting major towns like Thimphu, Paro, and Punakha. You can travel by:
- Private Car: Most tours provide private transport with a driver.
- Buses: There are intercity buses, but they are less comfortable than private transport.
Traveling to Bhutan from Bangalore is relatively easy by either air or a combination of flight and road travel. With proper planning, you can enjoy Bhutan’s stunning landscapes, rich culture, and warm hospitality. Whether you fly directly or travel via the border, Bhutan’s tranquil charm awaits!
