PopularThe Essential Bhutan Journey
7 daysEffort: ModerateCulture
Two nights each in Thimphu, Punakha and Paro.
From $1,740 per adult
Bhutan tours from India
Indian nationals use an entry permit rather than a tourist visa and have a separate SDF rate. Compare flights with the road route through Phuentsholing, allowing for the extra driving time. Ask for a nationality-specific quote that lists the services you want.
- Travel time
- 1–3 hours flight; 1–2 days by road
- Return flights
- INR 25,000–40,000 round trip in economy ($300–500)
- Entry permit
- No visa required, entry permit only
- Trip length
- 5–7 days for first-time visitors
Getting to Paro from India
Druk Air and Bhutan Airlines both operate from major Indian cities to Paro. Bagdogra and Guwahati are the cheapest hops (under 1 hour). The road route via Phuentsholing is popular for groups bringing their own vehicle, but adds 1–2 days each way. For first-time visitors flying is simpler and the views on landing into Paro are part of the experience.
Common routes:
- Direct Delhi (DEL) – Paro
- Direct Kolkata (CCU) – Paro
- Direct Mumbai (BOM) – Paro
- Direct Bagdogra (IXB) – Paro
- Direct Guwahati (GAU) – Paro
- Road via Phuentsholing (border crossing)
Popular with travellers from India
Visa and fees
Entry permit
No visa required, entry permit only
Indian nationals don't need a visa. You need an entry permit, which can be processed online before travel or at the border on arrival. A valid Indian passport (or voter ID for adults) is required. Permits are typically issued for up to 7 days for Phuentsholing/Thimphu/Paro circuits and longer for other regions.
Full visa requirementsSustainable Development Fee
₹1,200 per adult per night
Indian nationals pay a reduced Sustainable Development Fee of ₹1,200 per adult per night (vs $100 USD for foreign visitors). This is the single biggest cost difference. A 7-day, 6-night Indian trip pays ₹7,200 SDF per adult, while most foreign visitors pay $600. Children typically pay reduced rates; confirm at booking.
SDF explained in fullBest time to visit
March–May or September–November. Many Indian families plan trips around Durga Puja (October) or summer school holidays (May–June, though monsoon affects late June). Booking 3–4 months ahead is comfortable for non-festival weeks; longer for Paro Tshechu in March/April.
Recommended trip length
5–7 days for first-time visitors. The 7-day Essential Bhutan Journey is the most popular shape for Indian travellers, Paro, Thimphu, Punakha, and Tiger's Nest in a comfortable week.
Practical tips for travellers from India
- No visa needed, just an entry permit (online or at border)
- Reduced SDF (₹1,200/night) is the major cost advantage vs international visitors
- Direct flights from 5 Indian cities; Bagdogra and Guwahati are shortest
- Carry a valid Indian passport or voter ID, both work for entry
- INR is widely accepted alongside Bhutan's ngultrum (BTN), same value
- Tipping is expected, budget ₹3,000–5,000 cash per traveller for guide/driver
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