Bhutan

Bhutan is truly the last Sharngri-la. It is one of the last un-spoilt paradises on earth. The country is growing at a phenomenal rate, especially Thimpu.

• Jomolhari Trek

• Paro Thimpu trek

• Jakar, Bhutan

Getting there


By road :

There are two land crossings from India. The most popular route is through the western border crossing at the Indian town of Jaigaon. From there cross over into the Bhutanese town of Phunsoling. There are buses between Thimpu and Paro. Share taxis are much more convenient and even late evening taxis can be found for even places like Paro. 

      There is a second border crossing from the eastern Indian state of Assam. Sandrup Jankar border crossing is 3 hours away from Indian town of Gauhati. My initial plan was to use this route to Trashigang, but since my visit was very close the elections national elections of 2013, the route was closed for travelers - unless they were accompanied by an official tour guide. I found it impossible to get a travel guide and hence decided to use the route through Jaigaon.

By Train

NJP (New Jalpaiguri) is the most popular station for getting to the border at Phunsoling (Jaigaon). Private taxis can be arranged from the station. However if you are adventurous and want to see & feel the hustle and bustle of public transport, head to Mittal Bus Station on the outskirts of town. There are a few buses that ply directly between Mittal   Alternatively, there take a bus to Birpara. From Birpara, take the next bus to Jaigaon. Finally take the share auto-rickshaws to the border crossing. Allow 4-5 hours for the trip. I took this route while entering Bhutan. I arrived in NJP by 7 am. I was able to reach Phonsheling, make my permit and reach Paro on the same day by using only public transport.
Bus station and Jaigaon

    

Hasimara is the closest rail station from Jaigaon, but there are fewer trains here as compared to NJP. Share auto-rikshaws ply regularly between Hasimara and the border crossing point and cost only Rs.25. The trip takes 45 Minutes. I took this route returning  from Bhutan and is certainly advisable to traveling to NJP. Definitely better then travelling via NJP.

By Avion

Druk airlines is the only airlines to fly to Bhutan. Paro is the only international airport. I recommend the window seats on starboard side while arriving in Bhutan for spectacular views while landing at Paro.
Domestic flights are available to Jakar. Domestic flights to Transhigang may start in 2016.

• Visa and Permits

Dochu La

Indian tourists can get visa at the border. Passport and Election ID are accepted as proof of Indian nationality. Allow about 2 hours for obtaining a permit at Phonsheling. Foreign tourists (other than Indians) have to get their visas before arrival through their travel agent. Indian tourists do not have to pay the mandatory daily travel charge, unlike others.To proceed further east from Thimpu, permits have to be obtained form Thimpu