
Picture prayer flags snapping in the wind on a mountain pass, a fortress-monastery lit up at sunset, and a cliffside temple you've earned with a long, steep walk. That's Bhutan. And for Indian travelers, it's easier to reach than most people think: no visa, and you can cross by road at Phuentsholing.
Deyor is the first travel company in India to be featured on Shark Tank India, but on a Bhutan trip, that matters less than the basics: someone who handles the permits, knows the roads, and doesn't leave you stranded at the border. Pick our 7N/8D group trip or the bike expedition below.
You can, but the paperwork is the annoying part. Indians don't need a visa, yet you do need an entry permit at the border. That permit covers Thimphu and Paro only. Want to see Punakha? You'll need a separate route permit from the immigration office in Thimphu, and it's only open on weekdays.
We sort all of that out before you arrive, so your group isn't stuck at a counter while the light fades.
Then there are the roads. Bhutan's mountain drives are long and winding, and a local driver who does them every week makes a real difference. Our trip captains stay with the group the whole way, and a Bhutanese guide fills in the history and the stories behind each stop. Ask them where to find proper ema datshi, the chili-and-cheese stew Bhutanese families actually eat at home.
Travelling solo is fine too. You'll be in a group from day one, so you won't spend the trip eating dinner alone.
The bike expedition is ₹40,999, and the 7N/8D group trip is ₹41,999, both starting from Siliguri. Here's where the rest of your money goes.
|
What |
Cost |
|
Deyor package, |
₹40,999 (bike expedition) or ₹41,999 (group trip), ex-Siliguri |
|
Getting to Siliguri |
Flight to Bagdogra about ₹5,000 to ₹8,000, or a train to New Jalpaiguri for about ₹1,000 to ₹2,000 |
|
Entry and route permits |
We arrange them |
|
Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) |
₹1,200 per person per night, with a discount for children |
|
Stay, local transport, guide |
Covered under the trip inclusions |
|
Your own spending |
Snacks, souvenirs, anything extra you fancy |
Pack your passport (valid for at least six months) or your original Voter ID, plus a few passport photos. Aadhaar won't work for the permit, so don't leave home with only that.
This is how our group trip runs. Timings shift with weather and road conditions, because mountain roads do that.
Day 1: Phuentsholing. You meet your trip captain and the group at the border town. We handle the permit formalities, you check in and get an early night. Tomorrow is a long drive.
Day 2: Drive to Thimphu. Roughly five to six hours, mostly uphill. Thimphu is the capital, and it has no traffic lights, which tells you something about the pace. Wander the markets and craft shops in the evening.
Day 3: Thimphu. The giant Buddha Dordenma statue, Tashichho Dzong and the Folk Heritage Museum. An easy day after the drive.
Day 4: Dochula Pass and Punakha. Stop at Dochula for the 108 chortens and, if the sky is kind, the Himalayas. Then it's down to Punakha for the dzong and the long suspension bridge.
Day 5: Punakha to Paro. Another drive. In Paro you can try a traditional hot stone bath, or just walk the market for souvenirs.
Day 6: Tiger's Nest. The big one. The climb to Paro Taktsang is steep, and most people take four to six hours up and back. Wear proper shoes, start early, and don't be too proud to take the rest stops.
Day 7: Back to Phuentsholing. Drive to the border, share a last lunch with the group and say your goodbyes.
We're the first travel company in India to be featured on Shark Tank India
A trip captain stays with your group from start to finish, with our team on the ground if something goes wrong
Hotels picked for comfort, not just the lowest price
Cultural extras like shows, Bhutanese cooking sessions and farm visits
Permits and border paperwork done by us, not you
It suits first-timers, solo travelers and friends who want Bhutan without sorting out permits and cabs themselves. Be ready for a few long drive days, and for a proper uphill hike at Tiger's Nest. If you'd rather spend the trip on two wheels, the bike expedition is built for that.
Pack layers. Thimphu sits at roughly 2,300 metres, so mornings and evenings are cold even in the warmer months.
Carry motion-sickness tablets if winding roads make you queasy. Days 2, 4 and 5 are long drives.
Wear broken-in shoes for Tiger's Nest. New ones and a steep climb don't mix.
Keep your ID handy. You'll need it at the border and at permit checks.
Carry some cash for markets and small shops.
Dress modestly in dzongs and temples. Photography is usually not allowed inside, so ask your guide first.
|
Season |
Months |
What it's like |
|
Spring |
March to May |
Flowers out, mild weather, good for hiking. Paro Tshechu usually falls in spring. |
|
Autumn |
September to November |
Clearest skies and the best mountain views. Festival season, Thimphu Tshechu included. |
|
Winter |
December to February |
Cold and dry, with fewer people around. Some passes get snow. |
|
Monsoon |
June to August |
Green and quiet, but expect rain and the odd road delay. |
Festival dates follow the lunar calendar, so they move every year. If a festival is the reason you're going, check the dates before you book.
Who is Deyor? We're an Indian travel company that runs group trips, bike expeditions and international holidays. We were the first travel company in India to be featured on Shark Tank India.
Do Indians need a visa for Bhutan? No visa. You need an Entry Permit, plus a route permit if you're going past Thimphu and Paro. We arrange both.
How much does it cost? The package is ₹40,999 to ₹41,999 per person depending on the trip. Add your travel to Siliguri and some spending money.
What's the Sustainable Development Fee? It's a government fee of ₹1,200 per person per night for Indian citizens. Children get a discount, so tell us their ages when you book.
Which places do we visit? Phuentsholing, Thimphu, Punakha, Paro and the Tiger's Nest hike.
What's included? Permits, local transport, stay, meals as per the itinerary and a trip captain. The trip page has the full list.
Is Bhutan safe? It's one of the safest places in Asia to travel. Solo travelers, couples and friends all do well on our group trips. Going with kids? Call us and we'll talk through the itinerary.
How many days do I need? Seven or eight days is enough to see Thimphu, Punakha and Paro without rushing.
Can I go on a bike? Yes. Have a look at the Bhutan Bike Expedition: Chele La & Beyond.
Pick a trip above, or call us and tell us what you're after. We'll help you choose.
Call: 9870417123 | Instagram: @deyortrips