Getting to Bhutan
By Land
The land borders open for entry for tourists are Phuntsholing, Gelephu and Samdrup Jongkhar in the south west, south and south east respectively.
Phuntsholing is located approximately 170 km east of the Indian national airport Bagdogra (IXB). From Phuntsholing, your journey then begins its mountainous climb through endless turns and hair-pin bends till you enter Thimphu, the capital city. The travel time for the 176 km stretch can be more than 6 hours.
Gelephu in South-Central Bhutan is another entry point to Bhutan. It is approximately 250 kms from Thimphu and the journey will take you through the sub-tropical areas of Bhutan before entering the alpine zone and then finally into Thimphu. One will have to traverse across three Districts and the travel time
will be about ten hours.
Samdrup Jongkhar is the only entry point in eastern Bhutan. The town borders the Indian district of Darranga, Assam and is approximately 150 kms away from Guwahati, the capital city of Assam. The journey from Guwahati is about three hours. Tourists entering Bhutan through Samdrup Jongkhar will take you to
Trashigang, the largest District in the country, and from there over the lateral route to Mongar, Bumthang, Trongsa, Wangde Phodrang and then finally intocapital, Thimphu. The distance is about 700 kms and will take you a minimum of three days to reach Thimphu.
By Air
The National carrier of Bhutan is called Druk Air. It connects to Bagdogra (IXB), New Delhi, Kolkata, Dhaka, Kathmandu & Bangkok. The flight schedule changesperiodically and is updated on its official website. For flight schedule click here
Entry for Overseas Visitors / Foreigners
Overseas Visitors / Foreigners must book the journey through a registered travel agent. Himani Himalaya can ensure its expert assitance for your travel to Bhutan. The Royal Government of Bhutan has laid its tourism regulation through the Tourism Council of Bhutan where a minimum tariff is USD 250 (per person per night) beginning January 1st 2012. There is also a one time Visa Fee and Tourism Development Fund.
Entry for Indian Nationals
You will be endorsed by the immigration officers upon your arrival before you are issued with a permit. Make sure you go personally. You may have to carry your passport (also some passport photographs) or voter’s registration card. If you plan to travel by road, the endorsement is done at the entry points in Phuentsholing, Samdrup Jongkhar, and Gelephu. If by flight, you will enter from the Paro Airport.
Staying in Bhutan
In the last few years the accomodations in Bhutan have increased both in number and quality. You can find all kinds of hotels and resorts. Overseas Visitors / Foreign Tourists will be accomodated accordingly as per the daily tariff quoted by Tourism Council of Bhutan with a minimum of 3***Star Grade Hotels and Resorts. For Indian Nationals you can find lodgings from INR 1000 onwards. It is advisable to stay in tourist grade hotels for a comfortable and hassle free holiday.
Traveling around
For Foreign Tourists, Transport will be provided by your travel agent and currently Hyundai Tucson, Santa Fe, Toyota Prado, Mitsubishi etc are in fashion. For bigger groups Toyota Coaster are preferred.
For Indian National, there is a huge choice from traveling on share taxis, Government buses (Toyota Coasters too!), or hired vehicles ranging fro Marutis, Tatas and so on. You can also book Hyundai Tuscon, Santa Fe, Prado if it suits your budget.
Eating out
The best places to eat are in the capital city of Thimphu, Paro, Phuentsholing & Samdrup Jonkhar. Although, the Capital city has the most number of modern eateries and dining restaurants. Pizzerias, Steakhouses, BBQ restaurants are mushrooming everywhere in Thimphu.
Expenses
Bhutan is expensive for the locals but visitors may not really find Bhutan so expensive. One reason is there isn't much you can spend on in Bhutan. Although, you can find really nice souvenirs like hand crafted wood artifacts, Thankas, beads and traditional jewellery.
Money Value
The currency of Bhutan is called 'Ngultrum' and is at par with Indian Rupees. You can pay in Indian Rupees if you are traveling via India, however, be advised to carry notes only in INR 100 and below. For other travelers arriving directly you can change money in your hotel or pay in US Dollars & Euro in souvenir shops. Payment by Credit Card in Bhutan is limited to some star hotels and curio shops
