Planning your Bhutan itinerary? Here is your complete and stress-free guide to securing the mandatory Bhutan travel permits as an Indian tourist.
While Indian tourists do not need a visa to enter Bhutan, an entry permit is mandatory. This guide breaks down the online and on-arrival options to get ready for your trip.
This process requires a valid travel document, proof of accommodation, and payment of the Sustainable Development Fee (SDF), which costs ₹1,200 per night for Indians.
Choosing a certified tour operator in Bhutan is the easiest way to handle your mandatory entry permits and unlock a stress-free Himalayan vacation.
They will not only take care of the necessary documents and permits for your successful trip to Bhutan, but also design your personalized itinerary.
Here is everything you need to know about the required documents, costs, and securing your entry permit, as an Indian traveler.
Bhutan As A Travel Destination
Bhutan, also known as the Land of the Thunder Dragon, is a carbon-negative sanctuary in the Himalayas, which is famous for its policy of Gross National Happiness.
Combining untouched trekking trails, deep spiritual wellness, and sacred monasteries, Bhutan offers an immersive travel experience.
Bhutan offers a serene, highly spiritual escape free from mass tourism and is ideal for slow travel, wellness, and eco-adventures.
It protects itself from mass tourism. You must plan and pre-book your trip through authorized operators, so independent travel to this country isn’t available.
Here are Some Highlights of Bhutan
Beautiful Destinations of Bhutan For Travellers
You will get to see a lot of serene views of the mountains, rivers, and Bhutan’s rich Bhutanese culture while travelling here.
And most of the famous travel destinations of Bhutan cover exactly that, making it a dream destination for many, but mostly travel enthusiasts.
1. Paro:
Paro is nestled along the banks of the Paro Chhu river and is a historic, scenic valley town in western Bhutan.
This town serves as the ultimate gateway to the country because it houses the Paro International Airport, which is the only international airport in Bhutan.
As a tourist destination, it serves as a unique blend of its pristine alpine landscapes, vibrant terraced rice paddies, traditional Bhutanese wooden architecture, and an exceptional density of ancient sacred monasteries.
2. Thimphu:
Thimphu is the capital city of Bhutan, which features the massive Buddha Dordenma statue and the vibrant Tashichho Dzong.
This is a captivating travel destination that perfectly blends ancient Himalayan traditions with a slow-paced modern life, and is located about 1.5 hour drive from Paro.
It also includes many serene and scenic destinations for its tourists to travel to, like the Buddha Dordenma, famously known as the Buddha Point, Tashichho Dzong, National Memorial Chorten, and many more.
3. Punakha:
Punakha is the former capital of Bhutan, which is known for the spectacular Punakha Dzong sitting perfectly at the confluence of two rivers, situated in a subtropical valley about a 2.5-hour drive further east from Thimphu.
As a travel destination, it offers warm summers, mild winters, and lush landscapes defined by emerald green terraced rice fields, cactus groves, and banana trees.
This is because it sits at a much lower altitude of 1,200 meters or 3,900 feet, and is home to famous spiritual travel destinations like Punakha Dzong, the Palace of Great Happiness, Chimi Lhakhang, the Fertility Temple, and many more.
The Best Time For Visiting Bhutan
The best time to travel to Bhutan is the seasons of Spring and Autumn, between the months of March, May, September, and November.
These seasons offer the clearest skies, pleasant mountain weather, and vibrant cultural festivals, such as Tshechus.
Some Tips & Culture of Bhutan
1. Cuisine of Bhutan:
The local cuisine of Bhutan includes Ema Datshi, a hearty and spicy stew made of local chili and cheese.
Kewa Datshi, which is a milder dish perfect for tourists. It features sliced potatoes cooked in melted cheese and butter, usually with just a few chilies for flavor.
And the Shamu Datshi, a flavorful stew combining local wild mushrooms cooked in a rich, creamy cheese gravy, is a must-try.
2. Dress Code of Bhutan:
Bhutanese culture is deeply spiritual, so you must dress modestly when visiting dzongs and monasteries.
Your shoulders and knees must be covered. This is a way to show respect for their culture and traditions.
How Can You Get Bhutan Travel Permits for Indian Tourists?
Indian tourists do not require a visa to visit Bhutan, but you must obtain a mandatory Entry Permit.
This permit can be acquired through two primary methods: online in advance, or on arrival at the port of entry.
Here is a step-by-step guide on learning how can an Indian tourist can secure Bhutan travel permits.
1. Step 1: Choosing Your Application Method
Option A: A Highly Recommended Option, Applying for an Online e-Permit
This reduces the waiting time and helps you secure it before you arrive in Bhutan.
It is highly recommended because you never know how long the line for an entry permit is going to be once you arrive in Bhutan, but it also saves time.
- Start by going to the website of the Bhutan Immigration Services Portal or the official Bhutan Department of Tourism.
- Then create an account, fill out the tourist permit application, and add individual traveler details.
- Then upload the required identity and travel documents.
- After this, pay the required Sustainability Development Fee or SDF electronically.
- After this, you will receive your approved digital e-permit via email within 2 to 3 working days.
Note: You can also have a licensed Bhutanese tour operator or certified hotel apply for this online e-permit on your behalf.
Option B: On-Arrival Entry Permit
This option is for travellers who choose not to apply online, so you can secure your permit at the border entry points.
- Travelling By Air: When travelling by air, you can secure an entry permit at the immigration counter at Paro International Airport.
- Travelling By Road: If you’re traveling by road, you can process your entry permit at the land border immigration offices in Phuentsholing, the West Bengal border, Gelephu, or Samdrup Jongkhar, the Assam border.
Crucial Warning:Land border immigration offices are closed on weekends and Bhutanese public holidays. So plan your itinerary accordingly to avoid getting stranded at the border.
2. Step 2: Preparing Mandatory Documents Needed
The second step is preparing your mandatory documents needed for securing your entry permits.
Ensure you have clear scanned copies, for online, and physical copies, for on-arrival, of the following.
- Required Identity Documents: For this, you require an original Indian Passport with a minimum validity of 6 months, OR an original Voter ID Card issued by the Election Commission of India.
Note: Aadhaar cards, PAN cards, or driving licenses are not accepted as primary travel documents for entry.
- For minors under 18: For minors travelling to Bhutan, you need an original Passport or an official Birth Certificate in English, accompanied by a legal guardian.
- Required Photographs: You require a recent passport-sized photograph for securing your entry permits.
- Hotel Vouchers: Ensure a confirmed booking confirmation at a Department of Tourism-certified hotel for your entire stay.
- Tour Guide Details: Proof of hiring a certified local Bhutanese tour guide, which is mandatory for all Indian tourists traveling past local border zones.
- Travel Insurance: There is a need for valid travel insurance covering the duration of your trip.
- Onward Journey:Details of your return flight tickets or land travel itinerary.
3. Step 3: Understanding the Sustainable Development Fee or SDF
While the permit itself is free, Bhutan levies a mandatory daily tax to fund sustainable tourism and cultural preservation.
- Adults: SDF for adults inINR is ₹1,200 per person, per night.
- Children From Ages 6 to 12: They are eligible for a 50% concession, that is INR ₹600 per night.
- Children aged 5 and under: They are fully exempt from the fee.
4. Step 4: Route Extensions & Vehicle Permits
- The Geographic Limits of Bhutan:
The standard Entry Permit only grants access to Thimphu and Paro. If you intend to visit other valleys like Punakha, Wangdue, or Bumthang, you must apply for a Special Area Permit and the Route Permit at the Immigration Office in Thimphu on a weekday.
- Bringing an Indian Vehicle to Bhutan:
You can drive your own car or bike into Bhutan by paying a Green Tax of Nu./INR 4,500 per day at the port of entry. You must present your original driving license, vehicle registration certificate, that is RC must be under 10 years old, insurance, and pollution certificate.
Conclusion
Indian tourists do not need a visa to enter Bhutan, but you must obtain an Entry permit.
You can apply for it in two ways, one of which is getting an e-entry permit online via the Bhutan Immigration Services Portal, and another one is receiving it in person after you land here.
The process requires your valid ID, hotel bookings, and payment of the Sustainable Development Fee or SDF.
You can also book through an official tour operator in Bhutan to process your entry permit and manage the daily Sustainable Development Fee or SDF clearance.
You can book your Bhutan trip with Dooars Bhutan Tours to get the best and most effortless travel experience.
