Alternative route
Via Gelephu
KolkataGelephuParo
Kolkata–Gelephu and onward Paro flights operate on limited days. Check current schedules before coordinating this route.
Plan Travel
Logistics
Entry requirements, flights, road crossings, and emergency information for travelling to Thimphu, Bhutan.
Entry by Air
Primary gateway
Paro International Airport
Bhutan’s nearest international airport and the main gateway for delegates travelling to Thimphu.
- Airport code
- PBH
- Distance
- 54 km
- Airlines
- Drukair + Bhutan Airlines
Regional flight connections
- Delhi
- Mumbai
- Kolkata
- Bangalore
- Kathmandu
- Bangkok
- Singapore
- Dhaka
Airport transfer
Paro to Thimphu
PBHThimphu
The scenic road transfer takes approximately 1.5 hours. Shuttles will be arranged for registered participants.
Entry by Road
Bhutan can also be reached by road from India through three official land crossings:
Thimphu
West Bengal, India
Phuentsholing
Distance
~164 km from Thimphu
Travel Time
~4–5 hrs
Nearest Hub
Hasimara (~20 km from border); New Jalpaiguri (NJP) / Siliguri (~150 km from border)
The most popular and well-connected land entry point. Located adjacent to the Indian town of Jaigaon in West Bengal — the recommended route for most road travellers.
Assam, India
Gelephu
Distance
~230 km from Guwahati
Travel Time
~5–6 hrs from Guwahati
Nearest Hub
Guwahati (well-connected international airport)
A convenient entry point for participants travelling from Guwahati or northeast India. Well-suited for participants arriving via Guwahati.
Assam, India
Samdrup Jongkhar
Distance
~150 km from Guwahati
Travel Time
~4–5 hrs from Guwahati
Nearest Hub
Guwahati Airport (~150 km)
An eastern entry point approximately 150 km from Guwahati. This route passes through eastern Bhutan and involves a longer onward drive to Thimphu.
Please note: Entry permits are required at all land border crossings and must be arranged in advance. Indian nationals may enter with a valid passport or Voter ID card. All other nationalities require a Bhutan visa, which must be processed in advance through the Organising Committee. The Organising Committee will provide guidance on permit and visa arrangements for all registered participants.
Visa & Entry Requirements
Most international visitors to Bhutan require a visa. Visa processing will be facilitated by the Department of Forests and Park Services, Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources, in collaboration with the Organising Committee. The Organising Committee will assist with efficient visa processing for all Congress participants. Further details and a link for visa applications will be provided upon registration.
| Category | Amount | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Visa Fee | USD 40 | One-time payment |
| SDF Processing Fee | approx. USD 20–30 | Applies only to days outside the official Congress period |
| Monument Fee | USD 50–100 | One-time payment, depending on monuments visited (outside Congress period) |
| Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) | USD 100/night | Exempted for confirmed registered participants during the Congress |
Visa application link: Coming soon — will be provided upon confirmation of registration
Emergency Numbers in Bhutan
110
Fire & Rescue Services
111
Traffic Police
112
Ambulance & Medical Emergencies
113
Royal Bhutan Police
999
Disaster Communication Helpline