How to Reach Bhutan from India: By Air and By Road (2026 Guide)
Every way to reach Bhutan from India in 2026: flights to Paro from Delhi, Kolkata, Bagdogra, Guwahati and Gaya, the four land borders, Bagdogra
October 17, 2026
Bhutan travel blog · Written in Bhutan · Updated for 2027
Bhutan Travel Blog
Practical, honest guides to visiting Bhutan from a licensed tour operator based in the country: what a trip costs, the SDF and visa, the best time to go, festival dates, food, safety and the hikes worth doing. Every guide is checked against official government sources.
Licensed by Bhutan's Department of Tourism · Licence No. 1052914
New to Bhutan? Start here
Three guides to read before you book
If you only read three articles, make it these. Together they explain how travel to Bhutan works, what it really costs and when to go.
Start here
The complete guide: visa and SDF rules, flights and land borders, where to go, local customs and how to plan your route.
Costs
A clear breakdown of the SDF, visa fee, GST and tour prices, with real budgets for short and long trips.
When to go
Season by season: clear autumn skies, spring rhododendrons, quiet winters and the summer monsoon.
Bhutan travel rules at a glance
What every visitor needs to know for 2026–2027
The rules our guides are built on, from the Department of Tourism and the Department of Immigration. Rules can change, so we update our guides whenever they do.
SDF: US$100 a night
The Sustainable Development Fee is US$100 per adult per night until 31 August 2027. Children aged 6–11 pay US$50, and under-6s pay nothing. Indian nationals pay Nu 1,200.
Visa: US$40
Every international visitor needs a visa, applied for online through your tour operator. It costs US$40 and takes up to five working days.
5% GST from 2026
A 5% goods and services tax has applied since 1 January 2026. It is not charged on the SDF.
A licensed guide, always
International tourists must be accompanied by a licensed guide, and tours are booked through licensed operators.
Certified stays only
Visitors must stay in hotels, homestays and campsites certified by the Department of Tourism.
Insurance: advised
Travel insurance has not been compulsory since April 2024, but we strongly recommend cover that includes medical evacuation.
Browse by topic
All our Bhutan travel guides
Plan and prepare
Costs
Real budgets for different trip lengths and styles, and where your money goes.
SDF
What the SDF is, who pays what, discounts for children, and what the fee funds.
Booking
How licensed operators work in Bhutan and how to check a company’s licence.
Safety
Government advisories, the real risks, emergency numbers and tips for every traveller.
Getting there
Flight routes from the United States, connecting hubs and how to time your arrival.
Visa
How the online visa works, what it costs, how long it takes and what you need.
When to go
Weather
Temperature and rainfall month by month, so you know what to pack.
Festivals
Tentative 2027 tshechu dates from the Department of Tourism, month by month.
Seasons
The pros and cons of each season, from autumn festivals to quiet winter valleys.
Culture and experiences
Hiking
How long the hike takes, the best time to start, fitness, ponies and what to expect.
Monasteries
The dzongs and temples worth building your route around.
Food
Ema datshi, red rice, 12 dishes to try, butter tea and table manners.
Spiritual
A monastery stay with meditation, teachings and simple daily life.
Latest articles
Newest from our team in Bhutan
Read the guide →
Flights to Bhutan: Every Route, Airline and Airport (2026–2027 Guide)
Every route into Bhutan for 2026–2027: the two airlines that fly to Paro, all their gateways, the Paro and domestic airports, the best routings
October 17, 2026
What to Wear in Bhutan: Dress Code, Temple Rules and Packing List
What to wear in Bhutan in 2026–2027: the temple dress code for men and women, Tiger’s Nest and festival rules, the gho, kira and
October 17, 2026
Druk Wangyel Tshechu 2026: Dochula Festival Guide (13 December)
Druk Wangyel Tshechu (the Dochula festival) is on 13 December 2026 and 13 December 2027. History, every dance, the 108 chortens, getting there, weather,
October 12, 2026
Things to Do in Bhutan: 40+ Experiences for 2027
The best things to do in Bhutan, valley by valley: Tiger’s Nest, Punakha Dzong, Phobjikha cranes, Bumthang temples, treks, festivals, entry fees and how
October 11, 2026
Is Bhutan Expensive? Real Bhutan Travel Costs and Budgets
Is Bhutan expensive? For most international visitors, yes, because of the US$100 nightly Sustainable Development Fee. Here is an honest breakdown of Bhutan’s daily
September 3, 2026
Quick answers
The questions travellers ask us most
Each answer links to a full guide. Still unsure? Ask our team for free advice.
How much does a trip to Bhutan cost?
Your total is the tour price plus the SDF (US$100 per adult per night until 31 August 2027) and the US$40 visa fee. Our Bhutan travel cost guide has full budgets.
Can I travel to Bhutan independently?
You can choose your own itinerary, but international tourists must book through a licensed operator, travel with a licensed guide and stay in certified accommodation. See our Bhutan travel guide.
When is the best time to visit Bhutan?
March to May and late September to November have the best weather and many festivals. Winter is clear and quiet; June to August is the monsoon. Read best time to visit Bhutan.
How do I get a Bhutan visa?
Your tour operator applies online for you. The visa costs US$40 and takes up to five working days. See our Bhutan visa guide.
Is Bhutan safe?
Yes. The US rates Bhutan at Level 1, its lowest risk level. The main risks are mountain roads and altitude. Read is Bhutan safe to visit.
When are the festivals in 2027?
Paro Tshechu is 18–22 March and Thimphu Tshechu 10–12 October 2027 on the Department of Tourism’s tentative list. See the full festivals calendar.
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