India to Bhutan: Himalayan Trail

Days 16
Tour Code ITBHT
Tour Type Private Journey
Tour Price From $ 1
Best Time
Destinations Kolkata (2) | Darjee... Kolkata (2) | Darjeeling (2) | Gangtok (2) | Kalimpong (2) | Phuentsholing (1) | Thimphu (2) | Punakha (2) | Paro (2)

Tour Overview

Embark on India to Bhutan: Himalayan Trail, an enchanting cross-border 16-days journey that begins in vibrant Kolkata, where historic landmarks, sacred temples, and atmospheric markets offer a rich introduction to India’s cultural soul. Fly north to Bagdogra and ascend into the cool Himalayan air of Darjeeling, waking to golden sunrises at Tiger Hill, serene monasteries, rolling tea estates, and the nostalgic charm of the World Heritage Toy Train. Continue to Gangtok to explore its monastic heritage, bustling markets, and breathtaking mountain vistas before travelling to the peaceful hill town of Kalimpong, dotted with ancient gompas, botanical gardens, and sweeping viewpoints. Cross into Bhutan through Phuentsholing and journey onward to Thimphu, discovering its perfect blend of tradition and modernity through grand dzongs, sacred temples, lively craft bazaars, and iconic national monuments. Travel through dramatic mountain landscapes to Punakha, where river-valley hikes, impressive fortresses, and suspension bridges reveal Bhutan’s serene heart. Conclude your journey in Paro with a meaningful visit to its museum, temples, and the unforgettable hike to the legendary Tiger’s Nest—an awe-inspiring sanctuary perched high on a cliff. This remarkable Himalayan trail weaves together culture, spirituality, nature, and heritage into an experience that is both deeply enriching and truly unforgettable.

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Highlights

ITINERARY

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What’s Included

What’s not Included

How to Get Tourist Visa
- A Complete Guide

Yes, India has opened all categories of tourist visa and welcoming international travelers and allows visitors from around 156 eligible countries to apply for a tourist e-Visa. Also, from March 27 th , 2022, India has resumed regular international flights.

One month Tourist Visa
Duration: One Month (30 Days).
Entries: Double Entry, non-extendable and non-convertible
The 01-month tourist visa must be applied for online a minimum 4 days in advance
One year Tourist Visa
Duration: One year (365 Days) from the date of grant of Electronic Travel
Authorization (ETA).
Entries: Multiple
The 01-year tourist visa must be applied 120 days in advance from proposed date of
travel.
Five years Tourist Visa
Duration: Five years from the date of grant of Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA)
Stay duration: Continuous stay during each visit shall not exceed 90 days for countries except Canada, Japan, UK and USA. For Canada, Japan, UK and USA, continuous stay during each visit shall not be exceed 180 days.
Entries: Multiple
The 05-year tourist visa must be applied 120 days in advance from proposed date of travel.

Fill and submit your e-Visa application on https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/evisa/Registration.
This application form is for those foreign tourists who are applying for e-visa from outside India.
You need fill e-Visa application for each person separately as each form is for 01 (One) person only.
Fill the information exactly in the manner asked in the form, especially the Names, Date of birth and Address.
You are recommended to verify / double check the information filled before submitting as modification are not allowed once the application form is submitted. Incase if anyone is not ready to submit the application form, then you can click on “Save and Temporarily Exit” and you can complete it later by clicking “Complete Partially Filled Application Form”.
Make a note of Application ID (for further communication) which will be generated automatically by the system.
After filling out all the information, in the end you will be asked to upload a Photo of the applicant as per the below requirements. (Application is liable to get rejected, if the uploaded photograph is not clear or not as per the below specifications mentioned below).
*Photo requirements*
Format JPEG
Size: Minimum 10 KB and Maximum 01 MB
The minimum dimensions are 350 pixels (width) and 350 pixels (height).
It should be recent front facing photograph with full face and eyes open with a white background. No shadows should be on the face or in the background. Center head within frame and present full head from top of hair to bottom of chin.
*Note*: Do not crop the passport Image to use it as your recent photograph After successfully uploading your photograph, you would need to Click on “Confirm” and then you will be asked to pay the e-Visa Fees which you can pay by the Credit card / Debit card and payment wallets.
Once you make the payment, you will receive a confirmation of submission of your application on the email id provided by you while filling up the application form. Your e-Visa application may take 72 hours or more for processing. You will be intimated about your Visa status (Granted or Rejected) on your email id provided by you in the e-Visa application.

You may check the status of your e-Visa application by clicking 'Check your Visa Status' on https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/evisa/tvoa.html

Usually it takes 02 – 03 weeks to get your application processed but there is no exact timeline provided by the Government of India Officials.

The tourist e-visa (30 Days) fee is just only 30 USD per person which is not included in the price mentioned price on this website.

Applicant can schedule the appointment as per his/ her convenience with the concerned Indian Mission.
Each applicant to schedule a separate appointment with the Indian Mission
Process for filling up online application form:
Applicant shall access the Visa Application system online through the following link: https://indianvisaonline.gov.in
Applicant visits the above-mentioned web link and selects the Indian Mission from where he intends to apply for the Visa from the tab Select Mission.
Applicant fills the application on-line as per the forms standardized by the Ministry.
After filling the form and submitting it, the system shall automatically generate an Application Id. Applicants are requested to keep this Application Id for further communications with the concerned Indian Mission.
System will automatically ask the Applicant for the following confirmation: Select 'Yes'; if the applicant want to seek appointment and make payment online or 'No' if the applicant just want to print the submitted application form.
If the applicant response is ‘No’ then it is requested by the applicant to take the printout of the submitted online application form and approach the concerned Indian Mission for submission of the online form along with supporting documents.
If the response from applicant is 'Yes' then the system automatically takes the link to perform the following:
Selection of Date and Time of appointment at the concerned Indian Mission
Calculation of Visa fee, service charge, VAT etc. as applicable according to the Visa type
e-Payment * using service providers payment system
In case the facility of Appointment Scheduling and e-Payment is not available for the concerned Indian mission, then applicant has to take the printout of the online application form and visit the concerned Indian Mission to submit the same along with supporting documents and make the payment.
*The e-payment facility is not available for all the Indian Missions abroad. Wherever they said facility is not available, it is requested to kindly submit the application submission fees to either the out sourcing agency or to the Mission directly along with the supporting documents.
Online application Form
This application form is meant for those foreigners who are applying for visa from outside India.
Each online application form is meant for one person only. Separate application has to be filed for each applicant.
Furnish information exactly in the manner asked for in the forms, especially the names, address and date of birth.
Applicants are required to verify the application details before submitting the online application. They have an option to save the online application form, in case it is not to be submitted.
Once the online application form is submitted by the applicant, then further modifications are not allowed. Hence applicants are requested to check and validate the details before submitting the online application form.
Applicants are requested to keep the Application Id (generated automatically after the submission of online form) for further communications.
Photo Requirements
Online India Visa Application allows the Applicant to upload a digital photograph of self to complete the regular visa application.
The digital photograph to be uploaded along with the Visa application should meet the following requirements:
Format JPEG
Size: Minimum 10 KB and Maximum 300 KB.
The height and width of the Photo must be equal.
Photo should present Full face, front view, eyes open.
Center head within frame and present full head from top of hair to bottom of chin.
Background should be plain light coloured or white background.
No shadows on the face or on the background.
Without borders.
Make sure that photo presents full head from top of hair to bottom of chin. Head should measure 1 inch to 1-3/8 inches (25mm to 35mm). Make sure eye height is
between 1-1/8 inches to 1-3.

Usually it takes 02 – 03 weeks to get your application processed but there is no exact timeline provided by the Government of India Officials.

It varies from country to Country.

To enter Bhutan, everyone needs a Visa except the citizens of India, Bangladesh, and the Maldives.

It is a mandatory to book a tour with tour operator. You can book any Bhutan tour mentioned on this website (Private Journey or Group Journey) and your Visa for Bhutan will be taken care of by India Tours and Travels.
Your passport must be valid for at least another six months starting from the day you enter Bhutan
You must submit your occupation proof.
You must provide your contact information and address.

India Tours and Travels will take care of your Bhutan Visa.
Once you are book with India Tours and Travels for any Bhutan Tour, you will be asked the details and related documents as per Bhutan Visa Requirements through
an email by one of our dedicated account managers.
After receiving the details and related documents, we will submit the visa application on your behalf at the Tourism Council of Bhutan which will reviewed by Tourism Council officials and issues a Visa Clearance Letter which you to print and bring it to the airport.
Upon taking the flight to Bhutan, you need present this Visa Clearance Letter to the immigration officers which will be reviewed and stamped with the actual Bhutan Visa on your Passport.

Maximum 06 (Six) months

Usually it takes 01 – 02 weeks to get your application processed but there is no exact timeline provided by the Tourism Council officials. We recommend to book Bhutan Tours at least 04 to 05 months in advance.

The tourist visa fee is just only 40-45 USD per person which is already included in the price mentioned for each Bhutan tour on this website. You don’t have pay it separately.

Essential Travel tips

Some of the Essential Travel Tips and Suggestions, you should know before planning your trip.

All foreign nationals entering India are required to possess a valid international travel document in the form of a national passport with a valid visa obtained from an Indian Mission or Post abroad.

Original, signed passport has to be valid for 6 months from day of application, and with at least two blank visa pages for Indian visa stamps. Amendment pages are not acceptable for visa stamps. Tourist visas are eligible up to 6 months (180 days)

Plan and obtain necessary immunizations and malaria prophylaxis. Travellers should get properly inoculated against Yellow Fever if coming through infected regions. If, planning for a long trip, consider having a complete pre-departure health check-up.

Only single-entry Tourist Visa-on-Arrival valid up to 30 days is granted; it shall be non- extendable and non-convertible. Tourist Visa-On-Arrival (TVOA) may be allowed for a maximum of two times in a calendar year to a foreigner with a minimum gap of two months between two visits.

The Foreigner (Protected Areas) Act requires foreigners to obtain a Protected Area Permit (PAP) to visit certain areas in India (mainly in the North-East). This requirement is in addition to getting an Indian visa. A PAP is normally issued for 10 days and has an option of a 7-day extension. The PAP is issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs. Also, different authorities of the concerned Indian states, FRROs, and Indian missions abroad can also issue such permit. Normally, your travel agent should be able to obtain the PAP for you.

Have photocopies of all the important documents like passport, visas, travel insurance and driving license et cetera, just in case it is lost.

Carry mosquito repellents or nets with you.

It is a good idea to obtain some local currency at the exchange currency bank once you reach the arrival lounge where our representative shall meet and greet you. This would help meet few immediate expenses. [Exchange rate at the airport is not good so it’s recommended to change small amount there.] Exchange money only through authorized banks or moneychangers. Insist on Encashment Certificate while exchanging money. These certificates will be required to reconvert the unused money on departure from India.

While some banks and 5-star hotels will change Travellers’ Cheques, the process is very time consuming, and commissions can be high (up to 10%) and it is difficult to change Travellers’ Cheques on weekends and public holidays. The easiest cheques to change are Thomas Cook or American Express in USD. All banks in India function from Monday to Friday. There are many ATMs from which one can withdraw cash 24x7.

The hotel check-in time in India varies between 12-noon and 14:00 hrs. and the check-out time: 12-noon.

The electrical supply is 220/240V and 50Hz. Carry the appropriate “round pin” electric connectors like European ones.

Please DO NOT drink tap water, even in hotels or restaurants as it usually contains high levels of minerals than the water you are used to drinking in your own country. It is fine for a local to drink water from a tap as their bodies are conditioned to it, but for everyone else we highly recommend you always drink bottled water. Bottled water is found everywhere and is quite cheap.

As a general guideline, clothing should be lightweight, loose fitting, hard-wearing and easily washed. In India’s hot summer months, cotton clothing is much more comfortable than man-made materials like nylon. You should bear in mind that India has conservative attitudes towards dress, particularly in remote areas. Women, and also to a certain extent men, will find that the way they dress will often determine the degree of respect they receive from both men and women. It is advisable to keep legs, shoulders and upper arms covered, and we recommend that you bring appropriate clothing for this purpose.

Do not encourage beggars and street urchins by giving them money or other articles. In most of the cases they beg, as they have become habitual of easy money.

Don't ever enter a temple, tomb, dargah or gurudwara with shoes on. Leather articles are forbidden to be carried in Hindu and Jain temples. Do not wear black clothes while visiting a Jain temple. Dress conservatively at a place of worship. In a gurudwara or dargah, one should cover his/her head with a cloth. Parikrama or walking around the sanctum sanctorum should always be in clockwise direction. Taking photograph of the deity in a temple is normally not permitted.

Export of most wildlife and their products, antiques more than 100 years old is either banned or strictly regulated. Selling and buying "shahtoosh" shawls and Ivory is a crime. Buy at genuine shops only. Bargaining is a popular practice in India and necessary too. While buying an article, make sure that the entire transaction is legal and transparent so that you may claim later if dissatisfied.

Don't eat anything offered by fellow travellers on train or road travels. It might have sleeping pills. Always travel reserved class in trains. Always chain and lock your luggage under your berth in a train. Don't keep anything valuable near the window. Always carry plenty of water, fluids in trains. A lone woman traveller may request to be accommodated near other women travellers.

India is geographically varied; therefore, the climate also varies. Always be aware of the weather before you travel to a region. Always make sure you carry the appropriate clothing to keep yourself comfortable, so you can enjoy your trip. English is a commonly used and understood language throughout India. However, interpreters and guides for other languages are also easy to book. Indians are friendly and helpful.

Remember photography in many places is not allowed such as airports, sensitive controversial religious places such as Mathura and Ayodhya. You might need special permission to take photos or shoot videos. If you are a casual tourist, then it will be fine. You might have to pay a “camera fee”.

If you are happy with the services provided by your tour leader, local guides and drivers, waiters, a tip – though not compulsory – is appropriate. While it may not be customary to you, it is of great significance to the people who will take care of you during your travels; inspires excellent service and is an entrenched feature of the tourism industry. Please consider this when budgeting for your extra expenses on this trip.

Overall, India is a safe country. But all visitors should exercise the usual levels of vigilance.

Travelling to Bhutan: You can enter Bhutan by plane through the internationals airports of Bangkok (Thailand), Calcutta/Kolkata (India), Gaya (India), Siliguri (India), Dhaka (Bangladesh), Yangon (Myanmar) or Kathmandu (Nepal). Paro Airport in the south west of the country, is Bhutan’s one and only international airport. From there a drive of approximately 1.5 hours takes you to the capital of Thimphu. Bhutan’s one and only national carrier is Druk Air.

In general, Druk Air flies about three times a week. However, their flight schedule changes regularly and delays do frequently occur because of the changeable Himalayan weather. This means your program possibly has to be adjusted after the booking. It’s best to build an extra day or two in your itineraries in case of flight cancellations. You must confirm your travel during festival seasons (March, April, September, October, November) at least four months in advance with your ground agent or tour operator to ensure seats with the airline. Before you can purchase your Druk Air tickets, your visa first has to be issued.

For visitors wishing to enter Bhutan by road, the main land entry point is through the southwest border town of Phuentsholing, adjacent to West Bengal (India), or Samdrup Jongkhar, the southeastern border town bordering Assam.

If you enter Bhutan by land, one of the first things you need to do is obtaining a Bhutanese visa. Go to the visa officer in the drungkhag (subdistrict) office and present your passport, two photos and a US$20 fee. Indian nationals need to fill in two copies of a form, and bring five photos and photocopies of their identification document (passport, driver’s licence or voting card) to the office of the Indian embassy.

All tourists (Group or Individual) must travel on a pre-planned, prepaid, guided package tour or custom-designed travel programme. Independent travel is not permitted in Bhutan.

Other than Indian and Bangladeshi nationals, all visitors to Bhutan require a visa; all visas are issued from Thimphu; visas are issued only to tourists booked with a local licensed tour operator, directly, or through a foreign travel agent. Applications for tourist visas are submitted by the tour operator. Visa clearance from Thimphu must be obtained before visiting Bhutan. Visa clearance takes at least 10 days to process. Air tickets to Bhutan cannot be purchased without visa clearance.

Bhutanese currency is the Ngultrum (nu). The approximate exchange rate is 45 ngultrum for 1 USD (this will vary by plus or minus 1 or 2 nu. The ngultrum is on par with the Indian rupee (both the nu and the Indian rupee can be used in Bhutan). U.S. dollars and other world currencies as well as traveller’s cheques can be exchanged at banks in the larger towns and at the larger hotels. You will need ngultrum or rupees for purchases in the rural towns and villages. Note: INR (Indian Rupees) denominations of 500 and 1000 are not accepted in Bhutan.

Don’t count on using a credit card in Bhutan. They are accepted at the government-run Handicrafts Emporium, a few other handicraft shops and some of the larger hotels in Thimpu, but these transactions take quite some time. Also, credit card companies charge high fees and the verification office is only open from 9am to 5pm.

The Bhutanese authorities strictly monitor the export of any religious antiquities or antiques of any kind from the kingdom (100 years or older). Visitors are advised to be cautious in purchasing old and used items. Custom authorities will not allow items to be taken out of the country if they have not been officially certified as non-antique – look for the government seal or stamp. Personal videos, cameras, personal computers, portable telephones, and any other electronic device should be registered with the customs authorities on arrival at Paro and will also be checked on departure.

Upon arrival you will be issued a “customs form” that should be completed and returned to authorities before leaving the kingdom. Imported plants, soils, and so on are subject to quarantine regulations. These items must be declared on arrival. All tobacco products will be subject to a custom tax upon arrival. Sale of tobacco products in Bhutan is prohibited.

All major towns are well connected with electricity that runs on 220/240 volts with round hole two-pin and three-pin power outlets. It is recommended that you bring flat-to-round pin converters for your electronics if necessary; however, most hotels offer multi plug sockets. Bhutan is a carbon neutral destination. The energy is clean and green generated by hydro power.

Bhutan has a changeable climate, so bring a layered wardrobe, rain gear and warm clothes for the evening, just like good walking shoes or hiking boots, even if you’re not hiking. Also bring a hat or cap and a good pair of sunglasses. A water bottle, binoculars and polarising filter for your camera can be very useful, as well as a day pack or shoulder bag and a telescoping, aluminum or composite walking stock.

The Bhutanese deeply respect their king. Keep this in mind when you talk with local people.

Sacred objects: always pass mani stones, stupas and other religious objects with your right side nearest to the object and turn prayer wheels in a clockwise direction. Never sit on mani stones or stupas.

Clothing: if you visit temples, remove your shoes and head gear and wear clothing that expresses respect for the sacred nature of the site. You will need to wear pants and long shirts.

Donations: it’s a custom at monasteries to make a small donation to the monks as a sign of respect. Also donate to the Buddhist statues as a means of developing a generous and spacious mind. There are many places in each temple where you can donate, and it is expected that you donate to each place. Remember to have small notes for this gesture, although it’s not mandatory.

Smoking is illegal at monasteries and in public places. Don’t bring cigarettes or chewing tobacco to sacred sites.

Book & Travel With Confidence

24/7 Support:

Travel with confidence knowing that our dedicated support team is available around the clock while you are on the tour. Whether you need assistance during your journey or require help in unforeseen circumstances, we're here to ensure a seamless experience.

Flexible Booking Options

You're free to make changes to your travel plans at no additional cost up to 45 days before your tour’s departure.

Payment Flexibility

Secure your tour by making an initial payment of only 20% at the time of booking, with the remaining 80% of the balance due 45 days before departure.

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India to Bhutan: Himalayan Trail

Tour Overview

Want to Go For A Memorable Holiday?

Highlights

Day-by-day

What’s Included

What’s not Included

How to Get Tourist Visa - A Complete Guide

Essential Travel Tips

Customize Your Trip

Technical Notes

Book & Travel With Confidence

24/7 Support:

Flexible Booking Options

Payment Flexibility

Book Group Journey

How to Get Tourist Visa
- A Complete Guide

Customize Your
Trip