How to Reach Bhutan From Jalpaiguri

The city of Jalpaiguri is undoubtedly one of the best destinations to embark on a tour to Bhutan! Located within a proximity; this city is in fact the closest Indian city to Bhutan, with the Land of Thunder Dragons, Jalpaiguri offers an ample of flight, train, and roadway options to the visitors searching for how to reach Bhutan from Jalpaiguri.

In case, you too are planning to visit Bhutan – the Last Himalayan Kingdom, here is what you should do to complete your journey from this beautiful city in the Indian state of West Bengal.

How to Reach Bhutan from Jalpaiguri by Air

As Jalpaiguri doesn’t have an airport, visitors should take a short drive to the Bagdogra Airport which is located around 60km from the city. The drive can be completed within less than 2 hours; the drive would take you through scenic landscapes, pictorial hilly regions, lush tea gardens, and rustic villages.

Upon arrival at the airport, visitors can either book a direct or connecting flight to Paro International Airport in Bhutan. Bhutan’s two of the official air carriers: Druk Air and Bhutan Airlines have regular flights from Bagdogra Airport to Paro International Airport. The connecting flights between these two airports usually fly via Kathmandu in Nepal.

How to Reach Bhutan from Jalpaiguri by Train

As Bhutan doesn’t have any railway connectivity with India, it won’t be possible to enter the Bhutanese land directly by a train journey! However, as Hasimara Railway Station is the closest Indian railway station to Bhutan, visitors can first book a train from New Jalpaiguri Junction to Hasimara. New Jalpaiguri Junction is around 43km (1.5 hours’ drive) away from Jalpaiguri.

Upon reaching Hasimara, visitors should hit the roads and drive towards a town called in Jaigaon in West Bengal’s Alipurduar district. This is the town that shares its boundaries with Phuentsholing town of Bhutan. Upon reaching the town, visitors should first acquire their Bhutanese Visa, and finally make their way to Bhutan through Jaigaon-Phuentsholing entry point.

How to Reach Bhutan from Jalpaiguri by Road

Road journeys would be the most exciting options to reach Bhutan from Jalpaiguri! In order to complete this journey, visitors should embark on a highland drive from Jalpaiguri to Jaigaon in Alipurduar district of West Bengal. On arrival in Jaigaon, visitors can get their Bhutanese Visa, and step onto the Land of Thunder Dragons through Phuentsholing town of Bhutan.