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.
Druk Air Flight Details and Fare
- Kolkata to Paro KB211Dep: 0840 Arri: 1040 and return Paro to Kolkata KB210 Dep: 0700 Arri: 0800
- Round trip fare is INR 30000 per person
- Delhi to Paro KB203 Dep: 0600 Arri: 0800 and return Paro to Delhi KB202 Dep:1155 Arri:1345
- Round trip fare is INR 38500 per person
Note: Flight Schedule is valid till March 2025 and Schedule and Fare is subjected to change
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 photographs, Hotel 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)Pemako (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 (2nd to 4th October 2025)
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.
Travelling 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!
12 Days Tour Itinerary for Bangalore Citizens
- Day 01: Arrival at Paro Airport and drive to Thimphu. Distance 60KM | Driving Time 1 Hour | Altitude 2400M.
- Day 02: Thimphu City Tour. Altitude 2400M.
- Day 03: Thimphu to Punakha. Distance 72.8KM | Driving Time 2 Hours 8 Minutes | Altitude 1200M.
- Day 04: Punakha to Phobjikha. Distance 78.3KM | Driving Time 2 Hours 26 Minutes | Altitude 3000M.
- Day 05: Phobjikha to Trongsa. Distance 81KM | Driving Time 2 Hours 9 Minutes Via Pelela Pass | Altitude 2108M.
- Day 06 Trongsa to Bumthang. Distance 78.2 KM | Driving Time 2 Hours 17 Minutes | Altitude 2800M.
- Day 07: Bumthang Tour. Altitude 2800M | Visit the Temples and Dzongs.
- Day 08: Bumthang to Ura valley Excursion. Distance 58.9KM | Driving time 1 Hour 56 Minutes | Altitude 3100 meters above sea level.
- Day 09: Bumthang to Paro via flight. Flight Time 25 minutes. Altitude 2300M.
- Day 10: Paro City Tour. Altitude 2300M.
- Day 11: Paro Tiger Nest Hike. Distance 15 KM | Walking time 4 hours.
- Day 12: Paro to Airport and see off. Altitude 2300M.
Tour Packages from Other places in India
- Tour Packages from Kolkatta
- Bhutan Tour Packages from Guwahati
- 8 Days Bhutan Tour Itinerary from India
- 6 Days Bhutan Itinerary from Bagdugra
- 5 Days Bhutan Tour
- Bhutan Entry from Samdrup Jongkhar
- Bhutan Cycling Tour
- Bhutan Tour Packages
FAQ
Do Bangalore citizen need visa to visit Bhutan?
No, citizens of Bangalore (India) do not need a visa to visit Bhutan. Indian nationals can enter Bhutan without a visa. However, they must carry valid identification, such as a passport or an official government-issued ID (like an Aadhar card) for entry
What is the best way to travel from Bangalore to Bhutan?
The most common route is to fly from Kempegowda International Airport (Bangalore) to either Paro International Airport in Bhutan (via connecting flights) or to a nearby hub like Kolkata or Bagdogra, and then take a connecting flight to Paro.
How long does the journey take?
The total travel time can vary depending on layovers, but the flight duration from Bangalore to Kolkata is approximately 2 hours, followed by a 1.5-hour flight from Kolkata to Paro
Are there any local festivals I should try to attend while in Bhutan?
Bhutan hosts several colorful festivals (Tshechus) throughout the year, featuring traditional music, dance, and rituals. Festivals like the Paro Tshechu and Thimphu Tshechu provide a fantastic opportunity to experience Bhutanese culture firsthand, with stunning masked dances and local celebrations.
How can I immerse myself in the local culture during my trip?
To immerse yourself in Bhutanese culture, consider participating in traditional activities such as archery, cooking classes, or textile weaving workshops. Staying with a local family can also provide deeper insights into daily life in Bhutan.
