Can We Travel to Bhutan by Train?

Nov

Can We Travel to Bhutan by Train?

• Category: Bhutan

The sanctuary in the eastern Himalayas famous as the ‘Land of the Thunder Dragon’ is Bhutan, harmonized with breathtaking scenery, exquisite culture, and holy tranquillity. Among the many inquiries that arise for those intending to travel to Bhutan, one of the common questions is: Will a trip to the country of Bhutan via the train be possible? Although Bhutan is not connected by any train tracks, there are Indian trains that will reach border towns before crossing into Bhutan. This will assist to make sure the travel goes as smoothly as possible by discussing the proper rail routes and alternative travel methods.
Comprehending the Integration of Bhutan

Understanding how to get to and from Bhutan is very important. The eastern Himalayan Kingdom does not have a developed network of railways. Air and road transportation is the most practical method to navigate the region. However, for cost-effective Indian tourists wanting to reach the border of Bhutan by a picturesque route, rail transportation is crucial.
The Indian towns of Siliguri, Hasimara, and New Alipurduar, which are near the Bhutanese border, can be reached by rail, and from there, one can travel by road to border crossings such as Phuentsholing, Gelephu, or Samdrup Jongkhar.

Train Journeys To See Bhutan Train Routes to See Bhutan

1. Siliguri Junction

Siliguri is also one of the rail heads fairly close to the Bhutan border and is situated in West Bengal that happens to be a good transit place. Many trains link Siliguri with the important metropolitan cities like Kolkata, Delhi, and Guwahati. From Siliguri, one can easily get a cab or bus to Jaigaon, an Indian city commercially known as the gateway to the Bhutan town of Phuentsholing.

Recommended Train Options:

Padatik Express (Kolkata to New Jalpaiguri/Siliguri)

Kamrup Express (Delhi to Siliguri)

Road distance from Siliguri to Phuentsholing Town: About 157km (takes around 4 - 5 hours).

2. Hasimara Railway Station

Only 17 kilometers from Jaigaon, Hasimara becomes the best station for those with connectivity to India while proceeding toward Bhutan. Further commuting is simple, as it takes a lesser distance to reach Phuentsholing in this case than from Siliguri.

Recommended Train Options: Always check the latest schedules and availability on the Indian Railways website or IRCTC for accurate travel planning.

Kanchan Kanya Express (Sealdah to Hasimara)

Kamakhya Express (Delhi to Hasimara)

Hasimara is recommended to those who are time constrained and is easily the favourite for people from Kolkata.

3. New Alipurduar

New Alipurduar is yet another exceptional station to travel to Bhutan. New Alipurduar is relatively farther away than Hasimara though has reasonable availability with Northeast India and other important Indian cities.

Recommended Train Options: Always check the latest schedules and availability on the Indian Railways website or IRCTC for accurate travel planning.

Teesta Torsa Express (Sealdah to New Alipurduar)

Mahananda Express (Delhi to New Alipurduar)

Distance between New Alipurduar and Phuentsholing: About 60 km, approximate travel time by road: 1.5 - 2 hours.

How to proceed from the train station?

After reaching Siliguri, Hasimara or New Alipurduar, the subsequent movement to Bhutan is by road. Private taxis can be hired or a shared cab can be booked or the bus can be taken to Jaigaon. After Jaigaon, the border can be crossed on foot to reach Phuentsholing, which is where the immigration formalities of Bhutan are carried out.

Those travelling under the Bhutan tour package from Kolkata , the tour operators mostly organize transfer from the said railway stations to Phuentsholing which makes the whole process simple and easy.

Why go for a Bhutan Tour Package?

Booking a Bhutan tour package cuts across time wastage as everything which includes border permits, hotel bookings and conducted tours among many more are arranged for. Tour packages can be tailor made to fit an individual traveller, a family or even couples.

Some of the widely used tour packages include:

Bhutan Tour Package from Kolkata: Most suitable for people traveling from west Bengal which comprises railway links to Siliguri or Hasimara, which coincides with the transfers to Bhutan with the permits being arranged for in advance.

Cultural Bhutan Tour Package: The best way to explore Bhutan’s history is with tours to various monasteries, colorful dzongs, and local bazaars.

Adventure Bhutan Tour Package: The package contains all the essentials required for trekking, river rafting, and mountain biking activities.

Best Time to Visit Bhutan

The ideal time to visit Bhutan is spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November) when the climate is moderate and visibility is high. These seasons are the best for sightseeing, trekking, and attending cultural events in Bhutan.

If your travel experience falls in the peak seasons, it is advisable to get your train tickets along with your tour packages much earlier to avoid any inconvenience at the last moment.

Key Tips for Travelers

Immigration Requirements: Indian travelers require either a Passport or Voter ID which is valid in order to enter the kingdom of Bhutan.

Train Reservations: Order tickets for the train trips to Siliguri, Hasimara and New Alipurduar far in advance as you would keep your travels.

Currency Exchange: Most of the businesses in Bhutan will accept Indian Rupees (INR).

Health Precautions: People should bring medicines that are necessary since certain parts of Bhutan are in high altitudes.

Why Visit Bhutan?

For all wildlife and adventure buffs, Bhutan is a dream come true. Be it the famous Paro Taktsang (Tiger’s Nest Monastery) or the stunning Punakha Dzong, or the peaceful valleys of Bumthang – each and every part of Bhutan is a source of beauty and tranquility.

Consequently, despite the actuality that there are no direct trains to Bhutan, the Indian railways offer a more practical and cost-effective means of reaching the edge of this captivating kingdom. Enhance your border cross experience by including a Bhutan tour package on your train journey.

Let Denzong Leisure Help Plan Your Vacation to Bhutan If you have ever considered a journey to Bhutan, you should contact Denzong Leisure, located in Kolkata, who offers tailored Bhutan tour packages for those travelling from Kolkata and other destinations in India. We take charge of your travel plans so that you can fully focus on the beauty of Bhutan. Feel free to visit DenzongLeisure.com and see our lucky offers of travelling possibilities to Bhutan and book the one you find most interesting!