How To Reach Wangdue Phodrang

How to Reach Wangdue Phodrang, Bhutan

Bhutan, a landlocked country in South Asia, has limited transportation options for international travel compared to other countries. International travelers can enter Bhutan only via road through India or by air. Wangdue Phodrang is one of the districts in central Bhutan with different transportation options depending on your location. Here's how to reach Wangdue Phodrang:

By Flight

The nearest airport to Wangdue Phodrang is Paro International Airport (PBH). It is the only international airport in Bhutan and is located approximately 70 kilometers from Wangdue Phodrang. Flights from India to Paro typically transit through Indian cities such as New Delhi, Kolkata, Bagdogra, Bodh Gaya, Guwahati, and Mumbai.

By Road

Road travel to Bhutan from India is possible through the border towns of Phuentsholing, Gelephu, and Samdrup Jongkhar. Phuentsholing is the most common entry/exit point for travelers. It is approximately 160 kilometers from Wangdue Phodrang and can take about 4-5 hours drive through Bhutan's mountainous roads.

By Train

Bhutan does not have any train services. The nearest railway stations to Bhutan are located in India – the Hasimara station in West Bengal, New Alipurduar and New Jalpaiguri (NJP) in Siliguri. From these stations, you would then continue your journey by road to Phuentsholing and onwards to Wangdue Phodrang.

How to Reach Wangdue Phodrang from India's Top 10 Cities

Below are the most common ways to reach Wangdue Phodrang from some of India's top cities by road and flight:

1. New Delhi - Fly from Indira Gandhi International Airport to Paro. By road, you can drive to Phuentsholing (1,700 km, approx. 30 hours with a stopover in Siliguri).
2. Mumbai - Fly from Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport to Paro. By road, it’s approximately 2,700 km, with suggested stopovers in Vadodara, Udaipur, Jaipur, and Siliguri.
3. Kolkata - Fly from Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport to Paro or drive to Phuentsholing (700 km, approx. 16 hours with possible stopover in Siliguri).
4. Bangalore - Fly to Paro Airport. The road journey involves a distance of about 2,500 km with stopovers in Vijayawada and Visakhapatnam.
5. Chennai - Fly to Paro Airport. A road trip is around 2,300 km with suggested stopovers in Vijayawada and Bhubaneswar.
6. Hyderabad - There are no direct flights so you would need to connect through other Indian cities like Kolkata or Delhi. The road distance is about 2,100 km with stopovers recommended in Visakhapatnam and Bhubaneswar.
7. Pune - There are no direct flights to Paro. The road trip covers about 2,500 km with stopovers in Ahmedabad, Udaipur, and Jaipur.
8. Ahmedabad - Fly to Paro with a connection in one of the Indian metropolitan cities. By road, you're looking at approximately 2,300 km with stopovers in Udaipur and Jaipur.
9. Surat - No direct flights to Paro; connections can be made from Mumbai or Delhi. By road, it is around 2,400 km, with stopovers in Vadodara and Jaipur.
10. Jaipur - Connection flights are available to Paro through New Delhi. The road distance is about 1,800 km with a stopover in Siliguri.

Please note that for entering Bhutan, Indian nationals need to carry either a valid Indian passport with a minimum validity of 6 months or a Voter Identity Card, issued by the Election Commission of India. Furthermore, ensure that you have the permit to enter Bhutan, which can be obtained at the entry points in Phuentsholing or Paro for flying passengers.

Always check for the latest travel advisories and road conditions before planning your trip, as routes and transportation availability can change due to seasonal or political factors.