By Road from India enterring Bhutan
It is also possible to travel to Bhutan by road and through the process people traveling will find it quite attractive especially to the dare devils and to those who are seeking scenic routes. India and Bhutan are neighbours by a long land border; overland travel is therefore easy, especially from the east of India. However, the entry-point of Bhutan mostly used by road is through the town of Jaigaon in West Bengal. This town is immediately next to the Bhutanese town of Phuentsholing. This border can be legally crossed, by Indian citizens and other travelers, if the right travel documentation is used.
Path to Bhutan by a motor vehicle
The easiest land-route is from Kolkata or Siliguri in West Bengal. From Kolkata, one can get a train or bus to go to Siliguri. From Siliguri, transports such as a taxi or bus can take you to Jaigaon, about 150 kilometers away. It takes about 4–5hours driving time from Siliguri to Jaigaon depending upon the road condition. Upon reaching Jaigaon, there is access to Phuentsholing on foot or using the vehicle. This border is open everyday all day long and it is well prepared to cater for the tourist movement.
Required Documents to Enter Bhutan
Indian nationals do not need visa to visit Bhutan but they need valid documents. A Voter ID card or a passport is a prerequisite for the Indian citizens. Those foreigners destined to enter Bhutan through India will need to apply for Bhutanese visa ahead of time and also have the passport in their hands. In addition, permits are granted at the immigration office in Phuentsholing so that tourists can go beyond this entrance town to such places as Thimphu and Paro.
Travel Time and Road Conditions
The Indian-Bhutan road journey, on the other, is well known for its natural beauty although at times it can be very winding and steep, particularly after one had crossed into Bhutan. Phuentsholing is approximately 165 km from Thimphu, and it’s a 5-6 hours drive by road. Roads in Bhutan are not crowded but are narrow, hence, careful driving is needed. There are shared taxis and buses which are offered to tourists who are going deeper into Bhutan from Phuentsholing.
Train-Bus Interconnectivity from the Major Cities of India
There is no direct train facility to Bhutan however the nearest railway station is Hasimara about 18 km from Jaigaon. Hasimara is well linked with important towns including Kolkata, Delhi, and Guwahati. Local taxis and buses from Hasimara will allow you to reach Bhutanese border. For visitors who are arriving from other parts of India, the most effective option is to arrive to New Jalpaiguri (NJP) or Bagdogra Airport (if flying within India) making use of trains or flights and then using a road trip.
Conclusion
And travelling to Bhutan from India via ground is completely possible without any flight and it’s a rewarding travel. Through the land border at Jaigaon–Phuentsholing, the travelers will be able to experience the lovely voyage into the Himalayan kingdom. With due travel planning and documentation, this overland journey offers a budgetary and culturally enriching alternative as opposed to flying.
