Me and my friend and our family, we are planning to drive to Bhutan in our own cars from Kolkata, India. We want to visit Thimphu, Paro and Punakha and maybe Phobjikha too within a week. Is there anyone who has driven to Bhutan recently? How are the roads in Bhutan? Also, how is the road from Kolkata to Bhutan? Is it better to fly to Bhutan and hire a vehicle/taxi, although we'd prefer our own cars. Any info will be appreciated. thanks.
Self driving to Bhutan
Dear Anil,
If you wish to drive to Bhutan, your ideal point of entry to Bhutan would be from Phuntsholing Bhutan. The border town in south western Bhutan links with the Indian plains of West Bengal. This point of entry is 176 kilometers away from the capital city Thimphu, which is about 5 hour drive. The town is located approximately 170 kilometers east of the Indian National Airport Bagdogra.
Road conditions along the Phuntsoling Thimphu highway, Thimphu Paro highway, Thimphu Punakha highway are well maintained and travelers can expect to enjoy a pleasant drive. However if you wish to visit Phobjikha, the road is under widening phase at the moment and the road conditions can get really bad in certain areas.
If you wish to come to Bhutan by air, Paro International Airport is the only point of entry and exit for all travelers by flight to Bhutan. Only two airlines operate in and out of Paro International Airport, Druk Air, the national airline and Bhutan Airlines. The airlines operate an inbound flight from New Delhi, Kolkata, Bodh Gaya, Bagdogra and Guwahati in India and Dhaka in Bangladesh.
Travelers entering via Paro airport will get entry permit on arrival without any hassle while travelers entering via the border town needs to apply for entry permit. Please note that the permit is only processed during work hours and may take up to 4 hours. For further information on permits and authorization on driving your own car, please read https://www.bookmytour.bt/travel-guide/visas-immigration
If you wish to drive to Bhutan, your ideal point of entry to Bhutan would be from Phuntsholing Bhutan. The border town in south western Bhutan links with the Indian plains of West Bengal. This point of entry is 176 kilometers away from the capital city Thimphu, which is about 5 hour drive. The town is located approximately 170 kilometers east of the Indian National Airport Bagdogra.
Road conditions along the Phuntsoling Thimphu highway, Thimphu Paro highway, Thimphu Punakha highway are well maintained and travelers can expect to enjoy a pleasant drive. However if you wish to visit Phobjikha, the road is under widening phase at the moment and the road conditions can get really bad in certain areas.
If you wish to come to Bhutan by air, Paro International Airport is the only point of entry and exit for all travelers by flight to Bhutan. Only two airlines operate in and out of Paro International Airport, Druk Air, the national airline and Bhutan Airlines. The airlines operate an inbound flight from New Delhi, Kolkata, Bodh Gaya, Bagdogra and Guwahati in India and Dhaka in Bangladesh.
Travelers entering via Paro airport will get entry permit on arrival without any hassle while travelers entering via the border town needs to apply for entry permit. Please note that the permit is only processed during work hours and may take up to 4 hours. For further information on permits and authorization on driving your own car, please read https://www.bookmytour.bt/travel-guide/visas-immigration