The nearest way into Bhutan from Guwahati is the border town of Samdrup Jongkhar, about 3 to 4 hours by road. Indian citizens do not need a visa. You need a valid passport or voter ID, a free entry permit issued at the border, and a Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) of Rs 1,200 per person per night.
From Samdrup Jongkhar, the road crosses the whole of eastern Bhutan to reach Thimphu and Paro, which takes about three days of driving. That makes it a good route for travellers who want to see eastern and central Bhutan, but not the fastest way to Paro. This guide explains the documents, the fees, the routes and the costs.
Key takeaways
- Border: Samdrup Jongkhar, opposite Darranga in Assam, about 3 to 4 hours from Guwahati.
- Documents: a passport valid for six months or a voter ID card. Other IDs such as Aadhaar are not accepted.
- SDF: Rs 1,200 per person per night for Indian tourists. Children under 6 are exempt; check the current rule for ages 6 to 12.
- Permits: the entry permit at the border, plus a route permit in Thimphu to go beyond Thimphu and Paro.
- Shortcut: to reach Thimphu and Paro quickly, use the Phuentsholing border via Siliguri or fly from Guwahati to Paro.
Which border should you use from Guwahati?
| Border | Distance from Guwahati | Good for |
|---|---|---|
| Samdrup Jongkhar | About 110 km, 3 to 4 hours | Eastern Bhutan, then across to Thimphu over 3 days |
| Gelephu | About 250 km, 6 to 7 hours | Central Bhutan, Bumthang |
| Phuentsholing | About 450 km, 9 to 10 hours via Siliguri | The quickest road to Thimphu and Paro |
| Fly to Paro | About 1 hour | Short trips focused on Paro, Thimphu and Punakha |
Documents you need
- Passport valid for at least six months, or a voter ID card. Carry the original.
- Children under 18 can use a passport or a birth certificate, and should travel with a parent or guardian.
- Passport-size photos, a few copies.
- Hotel bookings and a rough itinerary. You may be asked for them at the border.
- Travel insurance is recommended.
The entry permit
Indian nationals get a free entry permit at the immigration office in the border town. It can also be applied for online in advance. The permit covers Thimphu and Paro. To travel to other districts, such as Punakha, Bumthang or Trashigang, you also need a route permit, issued by the immigration office in Thimphu.
If you enter at Samdrup Jongkhar and drive west, check with your operator how the route permit is handled for the districts you pass through before you reach Thimphu.
The Sustainable Development Fee (SDF)
- Indian tourists: Rs 1,200 per person per night.
- Children: under 6 are exempt. Sources differ on whether ages 6 to 12 pay half, so confirm when you book.
- Day visits to border towns: a short visit of up to 24 hours to Samdrup Jongkhar town does not need the SDF, as long as you do not go further or stay the night.
The SDF is paid when your permit is issued, on top of hotels, food and transport.
Driving your own car
You can drive an Indian car into Bhutan. You need the registration certificate, insurance, your driving licence and a pollution certificate, and the vehicle must be registered at the border. A daily green tax applies to Indian vehicles going beyond the border area. Bhutan's roads are narrow and winding, and many travellers prefer a local driver.
The route from Samdrup Jongkhar to Thimphu
The road west from Samdrup Jongkhar is long but beautiful, through forest, high passes and dzong towns.
- Guwahati to Samdrup Jongkhar (3 to 4 hours). Permits, then a night in Samdrup Jongkhar.
- Samdrup Jongkhar to Trashigang (about 7 to 8 hours). The biggest town in the east.
- Trashigang to Mongar (about 3 hours), then on towards Bumthang.
- Bumthang (1 to 2 nights). Temples, valleys and Jakar Dzong.
- Bumthang to Punakha (about 7 hours) over the high passes.
- Punakha to Thimphu and Paro (2 to 3 hours each).
Allow at least 9 to 10 days to cross the country this way and see Paro. If you have a week or less, enter at Phuentsholing or fly to Paro instead.
What it costs
Your budget depends on hotels and transport, but plan for these main costs per person:
| Cost | Rough amount |
|---|---|
| SDF | Rs 1,200 per night |
| Hotel (3-star, sharing) | Rs 2,500 to 5,000 per night |
| Car with driver | Rs 4,000 to 7,000 per day for the vehicle |
| Food | Rs 800 to 1,500 per day |
| Entry fees | Small fees at dzongs and museums |
These are our planning estimates, not fixed prices, and they change with the season and the hotel you choose. October to December and March to May are the busiest months.
Best time to go
- March to May: spring, rhododendrons and clear days. Busy around festivals.
- October to December: the clearest skies and the main festival season.
- June to September: monsoon. Fewer visitors, but landslides can block roads in the east.
- December to February: cold but clear. High passes may close briefly after snow.
Visit Bhutan with Breeziah
Our Bhutan Tour from Guwahati is 8 days with Thimphu, Punakha, Paro and the Tiger's Nest hike, from Rs 34,999 per person. We handle the permits and SDF and plan the border crossing that suits your dates.
Yes. The nearest border is Samdrup Jongkhar, about 3 to 4 hours from Guwahati. Indian citizens can enter there with a passport or voter ID and a free entry permit.
No. Indian citizens need only an entry permit, issued free at the border or online, and a passport valid for six months or a voter ID card.
Rs 1,200 per person per night. Children under 6 are exempt. Check the current rule for children aged 6 to 12 before you travel.
No. Adults need a passport or voter ID card. Children can use a passport or birth certificate.
About three days of driving across eastern and central Bhutan. To reach Thimphu faster, enter at Phuentsholing or fly to Paro.
Yes. Bring the registration certificate, insurance, driving licence and pollution certificate, register the vehicle at the border and pay the daily green tax for travel beyond the border area.