Did you know Bhutan’s economic and social policies are driven by Gross National Happiness (GNH) than GDP?

It was a well-deserved vacation for all of us and this time we have chosen to have a week-long trip to the country of thunder dragons – Bhutan. It always has its own way to attract tourists – Royal Heritage, Nature at its best, Architectural wonders, overall a peaceful spiritual heaven.

Snap from Chang Gankha Monastery @ Thimpu

Best time to be there

October – December, March – April

How to reach Bhutan

Train: Hasimara (HSA) is the nearest railway station. You could easily reserve cab from Hasimara to Phuntsholing, takes around an hour to reach.

Cabs are available from New Jalpaiguri (NJP) railway station too, the journey is around three hours.

Bhutan permit cabs can be booked either to Paro or Thimphu from Phuntsholing. Based upon the road conditions, Paro may take up to 8-9 hours to reach. Similar for Thimphu too.

Flight: There are services of Druk Air from several international airports of India/Singapore/Bangkok/Bangladesh/Nepal, takes you directly to Paro. Landing experience in the city of Dragons can be a treat to your eyes. This option may be costlier than the earlier one, but worth each penny.

Tourist immigration procedure for Indian travelers

Bhutan immigration permit can be obtained from any Bhutan consulate office. For Indians any identity proof consists of DOB, address and photo identity should suffice to get the permit. It normally takes few days to get the permit from the consulates but it reduces the waiting Time @ Phuntsholing border.
Otherwise, the permit can also be obtained from the Bhutan office located at Phuntsholing but it does add to wait time. In rush hours it can make you wait a day at the place.

Currency

Bhutanese Ngultrum and Indian Rupee (sometimes they prefer Rs. 100 or lower denominations) are widely used. US Dollar, British Pound and Euros are also accepted at places.

Bhutan Trip Itinerary

Below itinerary may suit if you are looking for a relaxing trip for a week:

Notable places in the gateway of Bhutan – Phuntsholing

• Bhutan Gate: Situated at the Indo – Bhutanese border is the first glimpse of Bhutanese Architecture one would experience during the trip. You can go inside the gate by foot, generally, don’t require a prior permission. One would notice visible differences between two neighboring countries.
• Amo Chhu Crocodile breeding center: This small and entertaining park is a home for large crocodiles and can be viewed from a close range. If you are lucky, can experience Crocodile Eggs too.
• Karbandi Monastery: If you stay at Phuntsholing for a day, this is a recommended site to visit. Located around 400 meters height, it’s one of the winter residences of Royal family. Garden located just outside the monastery would offer you an amazing hill top view of Phuntsholing city.

Suggestions while in Bhutan

• Keep your travel documents and Bhutan immigration permits handy at all time.
• Have a heavy breakfast and take dry foods with you along the journey.
• Hilly roads and forest alongside is always a treat to your eyes, but don’t forget to take medicines while traveling on hills.
• Carrying necessary cash while on travel (On Hilly road) is always a good idea which can help you.
• You also may want to buy a local SIM card by producing the immigration permit. Generally, this traveler sim card is valid up to 30 days.
• Permit for Punakha is available either from Paro or Thimphu
• Always carry set of winter-wears. Paro and Thimphu will require them whereas Punakha is bit warm.