When we were planning a bike trip to Bhutan, I was looking out for exact information about permits, office timings, Visa formalities etc. etc. unfortunately, there are very few places where you could get exact information. So here is our complete experience of entering and exiting Bhutan on our own vehicles & we all were carrying Indian passport.
Q1> How, Where & When can we get permits to enter Bhutan.
Our entry point to Bhutan was Phutsoling which is near Indian village Jaigaon in west bengal. We had heard before starting trip that, entry office at Phutsoling is open only from Monday to Friday, not thats not true. Our neighbors welcome us all days of week.
We reached Jaigaon border on saturday morning at 9 am. With basic checking of baggage, we were allowed to enter Phutsoling. Then we proceeded to permit office where we got our personal permits which took merely half an hour, but if you dont have passport, then you have to get your Indian documents like election card/ pan card attested.
Next step was to get vehicle permits. For each bike we had to pay rs. 350 as entry permit fees. Apart from that we paid rs. 500 (for 4 bikes) to an agent who arranged permits for us within 2 hours. So within 2 hours, we were in Bhutan. We had to submit all bike documents, passport, & 2 passport size photographs for permits.
Q2> Do we need to have hotel booking before entering Bhutan?
NO. We had heard that, hotel booking is must. but you can simply write ANY HOTEL on your permit & choose your hotel after reaching Thimphu. You will get ample choice of accommodation and Indian rupee is accepted everywhere. So no worries.
But remember, at Phutsoling you will get permit for Thimphu & Paro only. for other parts of Bhutan you need to obtain separate permit at Thimphu.
Q3> What are the Language, currency, food & safety issues in Bhutan.
NONE. Just enter Bhutan and you will more comfortable & safer than in India. people are extremely welcoming, crime rate in Bhutan is extremely low. Most of the people in Bhutan speak Hindi very well so no language problem either. Bhutan has its own currency but Indian rupee is accepted everywhere. You even don't have to worry about food as most of the restaurants serve good Indian & Chinese food.
Q4> Can we travel to Bhutan on our own, without any travel agent?
I would rather say, you should travel on your own. Its very safe, people are very helpful, formalities are very limited and its very easy to explore Bhutan on your own. So just plan your trip, keep a day or two spare. Talk to people in Bhutan & make your own plan for exploring Bhutan & GOOOOO....
Q1> How, Where & When can we get permits to enter Bhutan.
Our entry point to Bhutan was Phutsoling which is near Indian village Jaigaon in west bengal. We had heard before starting trip that, entry office at Phutsoling is open only from Monday to Friday, not thats not true. Our neighbors welcome us all days of week.
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| Entering Bhutan @ Phutsoling |
We reached Jaigaon border on saturday morning at 9 am. With basic checking of baggage, we were allowed to enter Phutsoling. Then we proceeded to permit office where we got our personal permits which took merely half an hour, but if you dont have passport, then you have to get your Indian documents like election card/ pan card attested.
 |
| Visa Counter @ Phutsoling |
Next step was to get vehicle permits. For each bike we had to pay rs. 350 as entry permit fees. Apart from that we paid rs. 500 (for 4 bikes) to an agent who arranged permits for us within 2 hours. So within 2 hours, we were in Bhutan. We had to submit all bike documents, passport, & 2 passport size photographs for permits.
Q2> Do we need to have hotel booking before entering Bhutan?
NO. We had heard that, hotel booking is must. but you can simply write ANY HOTEL on your permit & choose your hotel after reaching Thimphu. You will get ample choice of accommodation and Indian rupee is accepted everywhere. So no worries.
But remember, at Phutsoling you will get permit for Thimphu & Paro only. for other parts of Bhutan you need to obtain separate permit at Thimphu.
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| Bhutan Coins |
Q3> What are the Language, currency, food & safety issues in Bhutan.
NONE. Just enter Bhutan and you will more comfortable & safer than in India. people are extremely welcoming, crime rate in Bhutan is extremely low. Most of the people in Bhutan speak Hindi very well so no language problem either. Bhutan has its own currency but Indian rupee is accepted everywhere. You even don't have to worry about food as most of the restaurants serve good Indian & Chinese food.
Q4> Can we travel to Bhutan on our own, without any travel agent?
I would rather say, you should travel on your own. Its very safe, people are very helpful, formalities are very limited and its very easy to explore Bhutan on your own. So just plan your trip, keep a day or two spare. Talk to people in Bhutan & make your own plan for exploring Bhutan & GOOOOO....
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