Itinerary for Bhutan
Bhutan is one of only a few countries which have been independent throughout their history, never conquered, occupied, or governed by an outside power (notwithstanding occasional nominal tributary status).
This itinerary is for people who are traveling from India to Bhutan. Approximate cost would be 30,000/- INR per person.
1. You can take a flight to Kolkata (which can cost you 6k-8k if you book tickets 2months before departure)
2. Take a train to Hasimara from Sealdah station (the trains were neat enough). Make sure you book the tickets a month prior for the confirmed tickets. Also the journey is for at least 12hrs.
3. Once you reach Hasimara take a taxi to Phuentsholing/Jaigaon (costs around 800/-).
4. Make sure you stay one night in Phuentsholing and be there at permit office by 8am (permit office is open only from Monday to Friday between 9AM to 5PM) – Getting Permit with the passport is much easier.
5. In Bhutan you get general permit for 2 cities – Thimphu and Paro (any place beyond these 2 you will need extra permit from Thimphu)
6. Thimphu is the capital of Bhutan and has very beautiful places to visit like Buddha’s Point, Tashichhodzong, evening market in Norzim Lam.
7. In Bhutan to travel from one city to another you get shared taxis (250/- to 350/- per person). Travel from Phuentsholing to Thimphu – may cost 600/- per person and Thimphu to Paro is around 350/- (depends on which season you’re traveling).
8. The speciality in Paro is Tiger’s Nest – It’s the most amazing place to visit, trek is for 2.5hrs (one way). You can even reach there by taking mule – which will take you halfway only , but Trek is much more fulfilling. Make sure you start early in the morning.
9. If you would like to visit Punakha please take the permit from Thimphu – Punakha is a very small village in Bhutan very pretty as well. You can visit Punakha Dzong, suspension bridge, Yul-le Namgyal, Talo Monastery.
10. People in Bhutan are very friendly and they speak English and Hindi. There is nothing special about food there.
Do not travel in monsoon as most of the roads are blocked. Best time to visit is in winters.
Tip – traveling during off season is much cheaper.
Note – Indian currency is accepted everywhere.
