Fly into Paro
A good choice when time is limited. Start in western Bhutan and spend 4–7 days visiting Paro, Thimphu and Punakha.
- Less road time
- Good for a short trip
- Tiger’s Nest works well near the end of the trip
BHUTAN FOR INDIAN TRAVELLERS
Bhutan, without the planning headache.
Fly into Paro or travel overland from India. We’ll explain the permit, SDF and travel options, then help plan a private Bhutan trip around your dates.
No visaIndian nationals use a permit
INR 1,200Current adult SDF per night
Air or roadParo or land-border entry
Guide requiredFor travel around Bhutan
TRAVELLING FROM INDIA
Bhutan is easy to reach from India.
Indian citizens need a permit rather than a visa and currently pay the Indian SDF rate. You can fly into Paro or enter by road through one of Bhutan’s southern border towns.
Travel rules shown here are based on Bhutan’s official tourism guidance and were reviewed in September 2026. Rules and fees can change before travel.
Enter by road
A good option if you are coming through Bagdogra, NJP, Jaigaon or northeast India. Phuentsholing is the main western gateway.
- Can avoid international airfare to Paro
- Works well for longer trips
- You see the landscape change as you travel north
CURRENT INDIA BASICS
Permit, SDF and documents.
Use this as planning guidance, not as a substitute for checking the final rules before travel.
Indian nationals need a permit
You can apply before travel, or through a tour operator/hotel. Bhutan also allows applications at the point of entry, though official guidance warns that waits can be long.
Nu/INR 1,200 per adult per night
Children aged 6 to under 12 currently pay Nu/INR 600 per night; children under 6 are exempt.
Passport or Voter ID
For Indian nationals under 18, the current official FAQ permits a passport or birth certificate when accompanied by a legal guardian.
INDIA ROUTE IDEAS
Start with the way you want to enter.
These are sample trips. Prices depend on your dates, group size, hotel level and services. Ask us for a current quote.
5–6 days from Paro
A straightforward first trip for travellers flying into Bhutan.
- Paro & Thimphu
- Optional Punakha
- Tiger’s Nest
6–7 days: Paro, Thimphu & Punakha
The classic western Bhutan circuit with enough time to avoid rushing.
- Private vehicle and guide
- Dochula and Punakha
- Choose your hotel level
7–8 days by road from India
Enter via Phuentsholing and continue north towards Thimphu, Punakha and Paro.
- Help with India-side arrival
- Phuentsholing gateway
- Return by road or fly out
COMMON QUESTIONS
India-specific FAQ.
Do Indians need a visa for Bhutan?
No. Under current Bhutan guidance, Indian nationals require a permit rather than a visa.
Can I take my own Indian car into Bhutan?
Yes, subject to Bhutan’s current vehicle requirements and charges. Bhutan’s official FAQ currently states Nu. 4,500 per car per day, with a guide mandatory. See our road guide for the details we would verify again before travel.
Do I still need a guide?
Yes. Bhutan’s official FAQ currently says visitors must be accompanied by a guide while travelling around Bhutan, including land-border visitors travelling beyond the border towns.
Can BhutanGo arrange a package from Bagdogra or NJP?
Yes. We can help plan the trip with our Bhutan travel partner. India-side transfers can be added once we confirm the service and price for your dates.