If you’re wondering how to get to Thimphu, Bhutan’s charming capital city, here’s everything you need to know. Thimphu, nestled in the heart of Bhutan, beautifully blends tradition with modernity and offers an array of cultural and scenic experiences. While the city doesn’t have its own airport or train station, there are convenient ways to reach Thimphu by air, train, and road from nearby locations. Read on to explore your best options!
Entry Points to Bhutan
Bhutan offers three main entry points from India:
- Jaigaon-Phuentsholing (West Bengal, India) – This is the most popular entry due to ease of obtaining a Bhutanese visa.
- Bongaigaon-Gelephu Point (Assam, India)
- Darangamela-Samdrup Jongkhar (Assam, India)
Most travelers prefer Jaigaon-Phuentsholing for visa convenience, while entry through Assam requires additional documentation.
Visa Requirements for Bhutan
Tourists can acquire a Bhutanese visa at Immigration Offices of the Royal Government of Bhutan, which is required for most foreign visitors (except citizens of India, Bangladesh, and the Maldives). For access to destinations beyond Thimphu and Paro, visitors will need special permits, obtainable at these offices or the Royal Bhutan Consulate in Kolkata.
Reaching Thimphu by Air
Thimphu can be accessed through Paro International Airport, Bhutan’s only airport, located 50 km away (about a 1-hour drive). Paro connects to key cities in India like Delhi, Kolkata, and Guwahati, as well as international locations like Bangkok, Singapore, and Kathmandu. From Paro, visitors can easily travel to Thimphu by hiring a cab or taking a government-run bus.
Reaching Thimphu by Train
While Bhutan lacks a railway network, you can travel by train to nearby Indian stations in West Bengal and Assam. Popular train stops include:
– New Jalpaiguri
– New Alipurduar
– Siliguri
– Hasimara
From these stations, take a road journey to Jaigaon (border town) and cross into Bhutan via Phuentsholing. From Phuentsholing, a scenic drive along the Thimphu-Phuentsholing Highway will get you to Thimphu in about 4 hours.
If entering through Assam, take the train to Guwahati or Bongaigaon, then drive to the Gelephu or Samdrup Jongkhar entry points.
Reaching Thimphu by Road
For road travelers, entry to Bhutan is accessible through the following:
- Jaigaon (West Bengal): From Jaigaon, enter Bhutan at Phuentsholing, then take the highway to Thimphu (approximately 147 km or 4 hours).
- Gelephu (Assam): Located 50 km from Bongaigaon, Gelephu is a 7-hour drive from Thimphu.
- Samdrup Jongkhar (Assam): After entering through Samdrup Jongkhar (3 hours from Guwahati), it’s an 11-hour drive to Thimphu.
Each route offers unique scenic experiences, from mountainous terrain to lush valleys, making your journey as memorable as the destination.
Embark on your adventure to Thimphu with these accessible travel routes, and experience the cultural, spiritual, and natural wonders of Bhutan’s capital!