Bhutan is one of the easiest international trips for families from Bangalore: no visa, no foreign exchange worries and only a short drive from the Indian border. This guide answers the questions our Bengaluru customers ask most often: documents, the SDF fee, how to reach, what it really costs and when to go.
1. Documents Indians need for Bhutan
Indian citizens do not need a visa, but every traveller needs an entry permit. It is issued at the border (Phuentsholing) or at Paro airport, or applied for online in advance. A tour operator can arrange it for you.
- Adults: Indian passport valid for at least 6 months, or Voter ID card (originals).
- Children under 18: passport or original birth certificate.
- Not accepted: Aadhaar card and driving licence.
- Carry 2 passport-size photos and a printed copy of your hotel bookings.
2. Bhutan SDF fee for Indians
Bhutan charges a Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) for every night you stay inside Bhutan:
| Traveller | SDF per night |
|---|---|
| Adult | ₹1,200 |
| Child, 6 to 12 years | ₹600 |
| Child below 6 years | Free |
For a 7-night trip, an adult pays about ₹8,400 in SDF. It is paid separately, in addition to the tour package.
3. How to reach Bhutan from Bangalore
- By air + road (most popular): fly Bengaluru to Bagdogra (Siliguri), then drive about 4 hours to Phuentsholing on the Bhutan border. Our tours start with pickup at Bagdogra airport.
- By train + road: train to New Jalpaiguri (NJP), then the same drive to Phuentsholing.
- Direct to Paro: Druk Air and Bhutan Airlines fly to Paro from Kolkata, Delhi and a few other cities. It saves road time but costs much more (often ₹18,000+ one way).
4. Bhutan trip cost from Bangalore
Here is a realistic per-person budget for our 8-day Bhutan group tour, starting and ending at Bagdogra / NJP:
| Item | Approx. per person |
|---|---|
| Group tour package (3★ hotels, breakfast & dinner, guide, transport) | ₹35,500 |
| GST 5% + TCS 5% | ₹3,550 |
| SDF (7 nights × ₹1,200) | ₹8,400 |
| Entry tickets to monuments | ₹3,500 |
| Lunches (about ₹500 a day) | ₹4,000 |
| Total in Bhutan | ≈ ₹55,000 |
Add your flight or train fare from Bengaluru to Bagdogra / NJP. TCS is a tax collected in advance on international packages and can be adjusted against your income tax. Prices are 30% higher in the Deepavali and Christmas season.
Bhutan Group Tour · 7 Nights / 8 Days
₹35,500 per person + 5% GST + 5% TCS · 3★ hotels, breakfast & dinner, tour guide
5. Best time to visit Bhutan
- March to May: spring flowers, rhododendrons and pleasant days.
- September to November: the clearest skies and best Himalayan views. The most popular season.
- December to February: cold (near 0°C at night in Thimphu and Paro) but dry and clear. The Druk Wangyel Festival is held at Dochula Pass every year on 13 December.
- June to August: monsoon. Green valleys, but landslides can slow mountain roads.
6. 8-day Bhutan itinerary from Bagdogra
- Bagdogra – Phuentsholing: pickup at Bagdogra airport or NJP and drive to the Bhutan border town.
- Phuentsholing – Thimphu: scenic mountain drive to the capital, with a tea stop at Chukha.
- Thimphu: Buddha Dordenma (Buddha Point), Sangaygang viewpoint and the city.
- Thimphu – Dochula – Punakha: the 108 chortens at Dochula Pass, Chimi Lhakhang and the grand Punakha Dzong.
- Punakha – Paro: Tachogang, Ta Dzong (National Museum), Rinpung Dzong and Paro town.
- Paro: optional hike to the Tiger's Nest (Taktsang) Monastery, or a drive to Chele La Pass at about 4,000 m.
- Paro – Phuentsholing: drive back to the border town.
- Phuentsholing – Bagdogra: drop at Bagdogra airport or NJP for your journey home.
7. Useful tips
- Money: the Indian rupee is accepted everywhere in Bhutan and equals the Bhutanese ngultrum. Carry smaller notes, because large notes are not accepted everywhere.
- Dress code: for dzongs and temples, wear full sleeves and long trousers or skirts; remove caps inside.
- Tiger's Nest: the hike takes about 5 hours up and down. Good walking shoes are a must, and ponies are available part of the way.
- Mobile: Indian SIMs may not work well; buy a local SIM in Phuentsholing if you need data.
- Pack: warm layers even in summer, sunscreen and any regular medicines.
Frequently asked questions
Do Indians need a visa for Bhutan?
No. Indian citizens do not need a visa. You need an entry permit, issued at the border or online, using a valid Indian passport (at least 6 months validity) or a Voter ID card.
Is Aadhaar card accepted for Bhutan?
No. Aadhaar and driving licence are not accepted for the Bhutan entry permit. Carry your passport or Voter ID. Children need a passport or their original birth certificate.
What is the SDF fee for Indians in Bhutan?
The Sustainable Development Fee for Indian tourists is ₹1,200 per adult per night, ₹600 per night for children aged 6 to 12, and free for children below 6.
How much does a Bhutan trip from Bangalore cost?
An 8-day Bhutan trip from Bangalore costs about ₹55,000 per person including the package, GST and TCS, SDF, entry tickets and lunches, plus your flight or train fare to Bagdogra / NJP.
What is the best time to visit Bhutan?
March to May and September to November have the clearest weather and mountain views. December to February is cold but dry and clear, and the Druk Wangyel Festival at Dochula Pass is held on 13 December.
How do I reach Bhutan from Bangalore?
Fly from Bengaluru to Bagdogra (or take a train to New Jalpaiguri), then drive about 4 hours to Phuentsholing on the Bhutan border. You can also fly to Paro via Kolkata or Delhi, but those flights cost more.
Plan your Bhutan trip with Inspire Tourism
24 years in Bengaluru · 4.6★ on Google · group tours on fixed dates or a private trip on your own dates.
Rules, fees, timings and closures are set by local authorities and can change. We confirm the latest position with every booking. Cover photo: Photo: Original: Nina R from Africa, CC BY 2.0.