How to start planning your trip to Bhutan

Decide your ideal point of entry into the country

• You can enter Bhutan by air or by road from the southern border. Paro International airport is the only airport in the country that operates international flights. There are only two airlines operating in and out of the airport. Druk Air, the national airline and Bhutan Airline. The airlines operate an inbound flight from New Delhi, Kolkata, Bodh Gaya, Bagdogra and Guwahati in India and Dhaka in Bangladesh. Visit their website for flight schedule and bookings.
• If you wish to travel by road, the most preferred point of entry is from Phuntsholing, a border town in the south west. The town is located approximately 170 kilometers east of the Indian National Airport Bagdogra. The New Jalpaiguri (NJP) station in Siliguri, West Bengal is the closest Indian railway station to the border town.  Travelers can then take a taxi or bus to Phuntsholing.
• Tourist can also enter through Samdrup Jongkhar in south eastern Bhutan that link with the Indian state     of Assam. Samdrup Jongkhar is approximately 150 kilometers away from Guwahati International Airport. This route is preferable if travelers plan to explore eastern Bhutan.

Decide on which places you want to visit

• Thimphu, Paro and Punakha in the western region and Phobjikha and Bumthang in central Bhutan are most visited destinations by travelers. Your selection should be determined by the cultural sightseeing and activities you would like to engage in during your trip to Bhutan. Click here to see the top must see attractions and top activities in Bhutan.

Make airline and hotel reservations after confirming your itinerary

• Once you have finalized the above details, you should confirm the reservations. Airlines sell their tickets online and most local hotels have good website to consider your options. At BookMyTour we offer great local hotel options at competitive rates which you can book online and receive instant confirmation. Book your hotel now

Decide on your ideal mode of transportation within the country

• Car rental service – You can hire an SUV or a mid-size coach as per your preference. This is the most preferred option among the independent travelers as it provides convenience and better experience.
• Taxi – If you can negotiate a better deal with the taxi driver, most taxi driver can understand and speak Hindi.
• Driving into Bhutan – You may drive your own car; however it involves additional paper work on your arrival at the entry point.
• Domestic flights – limited to only 3 other local airports (Bumthang in central Bhutan, Tashigang in the east and Gelephu in the south) Tashigang and Gelephu airport are not operational at the moment. Click here to learn more

Visa and Immigration

• Indian, Bangladeshi and Maldivian nationals referred to as regional travelers are exempted from the USD 250 dollars per day tariff set by the Tourism Council of Bhutan. They need not apply for visas however are required to process an entry permit. While this permit can be processed upon arrival, the processing can take up to 5 hours for tourist travelling by road and service is offered only during office hours and may cause unanticipated delays. Therefore it is advised to process your permit in advance. Click here to learn more
• International tourists are subject to a minimum daily tariff travelers must arrange their trip including visa application through a local tour operator certified by Tourism Council of Bhutan. Click here to learn more