Did you know Bhutan is called “The Land of Thunder Dragon”? That’s why they say “Druk Yul la chin shuk su shuk,” which means “Welcome to the land of thunder dragon.” Bhutan is a beautiful country with lush greenery all around and mesmerising mountains. The country attracts Indian tourists every year, making Bhutan tour packages highly sought-after. The cuisine, history, religion, and scenery of Bhutan have always been rich to the country. Being a landlocked country in Asia, Bhutan shares borders with India and China.
You would know that India and Bhutan have always shared a very friendly relationship. The friendship is also reflected in the fact that Indians can travel to Bhutan without a passport. This ultimate guide will give you a detailed idea of how to travel to Bhutan without even needing a passport.
Documents Required to Travel to Bhutan
For most international trips, having a passport becomes obvious. However, Bhutan for Indian tourists is different. To witness the mighty mountains, a passport is not mandatory. So, what other documents suffice the needs? Here are the details:
1. For Adults
Indian adults planning a trip to Bhutan must present either their original passport or voter ID. That means even if you do not have a passport, you may travel to Bhutan with your original voter ID card.
2. For Below 18
If you have kids who are not yet 18 years old, you must present their original birth certificate. This is essential if the child does not have a passport. So, you either need to present the original passport or the original birth certificate.
3. Insurance Needs
Like for various other international trips, travel insurance is compulsory for Bhutan as well. So, when you are planning a trip to Bhutan, you must have travel insurance for your entire trip. In case you do not have insurance from India, you can purchase the same after reaching Phuentsholing, Bhutan.
Things to Know When Traveling to Bhutan
While you are planning a trip to Bhutan from India, there are a few things you must be aware of. Keeping things planned helps you avoid last-minute hassle and mismanagement. Here are a few things to remember:
1. Pedestrian Travelers
If you are planning to visit Bhutan via road, the Jaigaon-Phuentsholing border is open 24*7. Jaigaon is situated in West Bengal. So, there is no restriction on the time when you can enter the country. If you are a daily traveller, you may not need an entry permit.
However, tourists traveling on their own without a tour operator in Bhutan must have an online entry permit. It is mandatory if you are traveling by road and on your own. Apart from Phuentsholing, there are other entry/exit points in Bhutan: Samdrup, Samtse, Sarpang/Gelephu, and Jongkhar.
2. Air Travel to Bhutan
Apart from by road, you may also travel to Bhutan via airways. You may take a flight from several Indian airports to Paro International Airport in Bhutan. In Bhutan, there is only one international airport, and so, to travel via air, you first need to visit Paro Valley.
3. Sustainable Development Fees
The Bhutan government charges SDF (Sustainable Development Fees) on tourists for every night if they choose to stay at places apart from Samtse, Phuentsholing, Gelephu, and Samdrup Jongkhar. In these places, SDF is not charged for a 24-hour stay.
For every night, ₹1200 is charged as a Sustainable Development Fee. Kids below 5 years of age are exempt from this tax, and those below 12 years of age are charged only 50% SDF.
4. Entry Permit
Indian tourists who plan their Bhutan trip on their own must obtain an online entry permit. To receive your online entry permit, you may visit the official website (http://www.bhutan.travel/).
5. Stay in Bhutan
If you have a stay plan in Bhutan, you must only stay at accommodations that are certified by the Department of Tourism, Bhutan. For the entire trip, it is mandatory to stay at any of the government-certified accommodations in Bhutan.
6. A Tour Guide
You must get a tour guide when visiting Bhutan as an Indian tourist. This is mandatory. For your entire stay, it is always compulsory to have travel insurance and transportation arrangements.
7. Green Tax
Are you planning to visit Bhutan with your vehicle? If so, you must know about Green Tax as well. Indian-registered vehicles visiting designated zones in Bhutan do not have to pay the Green Tax. However, if you choose to explore beyond these spaces, you will be charged a Green Tax Nu 4,500 per day. Also, in order to cross the checkpoints, it is essential to register on the Check Post Management System (CPMS).
Your vehicle must not be more than 10 years old from the registration date. To travel in Bhutan with your own vehicle, you must have these documents:
- Driving license (original)
- Registration Certificate (original)
- Vehicle insurance
- Vehicle emission and roadworthiness certificate
- An authority letter (owner to driver) is mandatory if the owner is not the driver of the vehicle.
To Wind Up
Pristine rivers, lush valleys, snow-covered Himalayas, and breathtaking landscapes are worth visiting in Bhutan. If the mountains attract you, after Bhutan, you can consider going to Nepal. Another wondrous place, you can choose any of the Nepal tour packages to have the perfect itinerary at an affordable cost.
To add the culture of Bhutan to your visit, do not forget to get clicked in Bhutanese traditional attire. From their landscapes to its culture and religion, Bhutan will give you a wholesome experience. Since there is no hassle for a passport, planning a trip to Bhutan is not a tough task. All you need are a few documents, and you are good to go. You may check various Bhutan tour packages or even plan the trip on your own. Finally, do not forget to insure your entire trip with the right travel insurance!