How to Reach Paro From Jalpaiguri

Being one of the closest Indian cities to Bhutan, Jalpaiguri makes it for an ideal spot for those globetrotters who yearns to visit the Paro Valley in Bhutan. In fact, this is one such city that also offers easy and hassle-free passage to visitors planning for a trip to Sikkim, Darjeeling, Nepal, and all the other parts of North-East India.

If you too are planning for a trip to Bhutan – the Land of Thunder Dragons, and visit the gorgeous Paro Valley, here is how you can reach Paro from Jalpaiguri by air, train and road. Keep reading till the last to find all your answers!

How to Reach Paro from Jalpaiguri by Air

Jalpaiguri do not have it own airport; but that doesn’t mean you can’t find the answer to how to reach Paro from Jalpaiguri by air! Though the city doesn’t have its own airport, you can take a quick drive from within the city to reach the Bagdogra Airport, which is located around 60km (2 hours’ drive) from the city limits.

Bagdogra Airport has regular flights plying to Paro International Airport, which is the sole international airport in Bhutan. You can book flights operated by both Druk Air and Bhutan Airlines from Bagdogra to reach Paro.

How to Reach Paro from Jalpaiguri by Train

Unfortunately, Bhutan doesn’t have any railway connectivity with India and other foreign destination. Hence, if you are thinking about how to reach Paro from Jalpaiguri by train, you should book train tickets to one of the nearest Indian railway stations to Paro Valley, and complete quest by undertaking a road trip.

In this case, you can book your train ride from the New Jalpaiguri Railway Junction (43km / 1.5 hours’ drive away from Jalpaiguri) to Hasimara Railway Station, which is the closest Indian railway station to Bhutan. Upon arrival at Hasimara, you can hit the roads to reach Jaigaon in Alipurduar district of West Bengal by driving around 15km which should less than 30 minutes. From Jaigaon, you can enter into the Bhutanese land through Phuentsholing, and continue driving along the Thimphu-Phuentsholing Highway to cover another 143km (4 hours’ drive) to reach Paro in Bhutan.

How to Reach Paro from Jalpaiguri by Road

If you are planning for a road trip from Jalpaiguri to reach Paro Valley, you can plan it via Jaigaon in Alipurduar district of West Bengal. This drive will cover approximately 100km (3 hours) and will take you through a mix of terrains. You may be driving through scenic plains, hilly areas, dense forest areas, tea gardens, and remote villages. The magical views of the mighty Himalayan Range will surely keep you enchanted throughout this drive.

Upon reaching Jaigaon, you can make your Bhutan entry through Phuentsholing town, and continue driving along the Thimphu-Phuentsholing Highway. On this route, you need to drive another 143km (3 hours) to finally reach your favourite destination – Paro Valley in Bhutan.