Day 1

The information in this post might be outdated

Board a train from Kolkata to New Alipurduar (closest to the Phuentsholing gate). Fares come around for an average of INR 1,050.

Take a cab from New Alipurduar Station to Phuentsholing gate (about INR 500). You will need to get a permit/visa to enter Bhutan which you can do on-the-spot at the Phuentsholing gate by presenting your Aadhar card or passport. Be warned that it’s quite time consuming and the office closes by 4pm and is shut on weekends. Or you can opt for an online permit by providing your passport scans and your itinerary. Get it sorted here. Pocket pinch: 1,000 Nu (INR 1,000).

Once your passport gets the stamp at the Phuentsholing Permit Office, it’s “Kuzu, zangpo la, Bhutan!” Or “Hello, nice to meet you, Bhutan”.

Do pick up a temporary tourist sim card (for INR 300) and a keep a copy of your ID. Bhutanese accept Indian currency so you need not worry about converting.