Bhutan : Mountains , Monasteries , Monks and more.........

It had been over a year since I went out exploring and it was getting a bit mundane doing the regular things in life.. Spent 2 months,planning a trip up to the Himalayas and getting all the camping and other necessities ready and then it being called off last minute , what usually happens with a group with divergent priorities.

So I got inspired by my mothers trip to Bhutan last year and decided to head that way. I had read a few books , watched a few films over the years about the forbidden kingdom and wanted to see if it was what I had pictured it to be.. 




Planning

Spoke to mom , got an idea of some places and the train from Calcutta. Searched on the internet and found some useful info, though must say there isn't much or information overload , like other places

Booked my flight tickets to Calcutta and then overnight train tickets to Hasimara (Border town) and was all set.

Reaching Bhutan

The usual route taken by most is to fly into Paro or the cheaper and more comfortable option as per me is to take the night train from Calcutta to Hasimra and then a share taxi/bus to Thimpu.

Train:KANCHANKANYA EXP

1>    Sealdah (SDAH)            starts  8:30pm reaches  Hasimara (HSA) next day at 10:33am
2>    Return  Hasimara (HSA) starts  5:24 pm reaches Sealdah (SDAH) next day at 8:15am

Hasimara to Phuentsholing

Shared auto or taxis available from Hasimara junction. It'll take around 30 minutes to reach(18 KM).

Phuentsholing onwards

If you are lucky you will get a coaster bus to Paro/Thimpu which is half the price that you would pay for a share taxi. Bus is more convenient ,but far and few and difficult to get one. Journey to Paro/Thimpu would take 5-7hrs depending on the road conditions.

Permits For Indians:

Indians need a Permit to visit Bhutan( Its free ).  This Permit will take you to Thimpu and Paro only, if you want to go to anyother place , a special permit is required.


You can get it in advance if you have the time in Calcutta or you get it at the border in Phutsoling.

Kolkata Bhutan Consulate

General Bhutan House ,6, Mall Road ,Kolkata 700 080


Contact Numbers:
033 2559 3676
033 2560 0756
033 2560 0049

The Consulate office is located on Mall Road, near to Dum Dum Nager Bazar. Bus Stop is "Clive House", just 2 stops after Nager Bazar towards Airport. It is adjacent to Christ Church School.

The Consulate works from Monday to Friday, that submission of Permit applications is between 9 AM to 1 PM and that delivery of Permit is done after 2 PM on all working days. The authority seems to be very strict on submitting before 1pm.

Documents Reqd: 1>Passport Photo 2>ID and Address Proof (Passport /Voter ID/Driving License)

Calcutta Consulate will give a Tourist Permit upto 14days

Phuentsholing:

There are numerous hotels to stay here and get the permit done.

You can get it done before 1pm . Closed on SAT-SUN.

Documents Reqd: 1>Passport Photo 2>ID and Address Proof (Passport /Voter ID/Driving License)

You will  be given a Tourist Permit upto 6-7 days



Permits in Bhutan

Head to Immigration Office at the end of Norzin Lam road past Textile Museum and Duty Free shop with a copy of the permit and passport.

Government Offices in Bhutan including Immigration Office remained closed on Saturdays & Sundays and working hours is 9 AM to 4 PM (BST).

Extended Permit required for travel outside Paro,Thimpu
•    Immigration office opens by 9 AM
•    Documents required :Photo ,Passport or Voter id card photo copies.
•    First, one needs to make an Extension Permit if you are traveling beyond dates mentioned in the initial permit.
•    Get a photocopy of Original Permit +Extension permit and then apply for the Special Route Permit.
•    Apply for "Special Route Permit" for Punakha,Wangdue,BumThang etc.
•    All this could take 2+hours.. 
•    Make a photocopy of both permits.
  

SIM CARD

 A copy of your Entry Permit, a signature on a printed application form, Hotel’s name and Rs. 65/- and you get a SIM ( B-phone is the best) with a validity of 1 month and talk value of Rs.50/-. The process is very simple, fast and friendly. Calling/SMS india is Rs5 per min/SMS.



Money

Indian rupees work everywhere in any numeration, not just 100rs as some websites may inform.. People are friendly and truthful and in my entire stay nobody cheated me or nowhere did I have to bargain.

Pictures here :



 Posts about these places:



Just some pics from the travels before more updates....


















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