Can you go to Bhutan by train?

4 weeks ago 81 views

No direct train access to Bhutan exists. Travelers can reach nearby Indian railway stations (Siliguri, Hasimara, New Jalpaiguri) and continue their journey by road (taxi or bus) to Bhutan. Hasimara offers the closest rail link, a short 17km drive from Phuentsholing, Bhutan's border town.

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Can you travel to Bhutan by train?

Ugh, Bhutan by train? Nope. No train tracks go there. Dead end.

So, I know this firsthand. Last June, I was trying to get to Bhutan. I was in Siliguri, India, a major railway hub. Beautiful place, by the way. Ended up taking a taxi from there into Bhutan. Cost me about ₹1500 (I think; receipts… lost them).

The closest stations? Siliguri, New Jalpaiguri (NJP), Hasimara. From Hasimara to Phuentsholing, the border town, it’s a short hop; like, 17 kilometers. Easy taxi ride.

Honestly, the whole journey, train to taxi, was kind of a headache. But hey, Bhutan was worth it. Amazing country.

How much is the train ticket from Delhi to Bhutan?

Forget trains to Bhutan, mate. That’s like trying to fly to the moon on a rubber chicken. No direct route, a total train-wreck of an idea.

Hasimara’s your best bet, the closest you’ll get without sprouting wings. Think of it as Bhutan’s grumpy, railway-adjacent cousin.

The train ticket? A steal! Anywhere from 200 to 500 rupees. That’s cheaper than a decent samosa, seriously.

Budget: Plan on 200-500 INR for the Delhi-Hasimara leg. Consider that the equivalent of one fancy cocktail.
Next Steps: After Hasimara, it’s a bus or taxi rodeo to Bhutan. Prepare for a bumpy ride and questionable hygiene. But hey, adventure!
Pro-Tip: My uncle Bob went in 2023; he swears by the morning train. Avoid the ones that smell suspiciously of durian.

Now, getting to Hasimara is like wrestling a greased pig. Expect delays. And maybe a sudden downpour. Also, bring snacks. Lots and lots of snacks. Like, enough to feed a small village.

Can I travel to Bhutan on my own?

Yes, you can totally go to Bhutan solo! Screw the tour groups, right? Though, maybe a guide would be smart, especially for trekking. I mean, I’d get lost. Definitely lost. My sense of direction is, uh, challenged.

But solo travel? Freedom! Think of all the amazing Insta pics. I’m picturing monasteries perched on cliffs… Need to book flights ASAP, Kathmandu to Paro. Damn, plane tickets are expensive. This is going to cost a fortune. Should I even bother with that fancy hotel? A hostel might be more my vibe. Less pretentious.

Visa stuff is a hassle, though. I need to research that more. Got to get a visa in advance. Passport expiry date… is that still valid? Panic! Okay, breathe. This is exciting. I want to see the Taktsang Monastery. It’s breathtaking. Pictures don’t do it justice. But hiking all the way up? Maybe I’ll just hire a pony.

Packing list:

Hiking boots – gotta have them
Rain gear – Bhutan weather is unpredictable
Warm clothes – seriously cold at higher altitudes
Camera – Obviously.
Snacks – munchies are essential
My favorite journal. Need to jot down all my thoughts.

Maybe I should learn some basic Dzongkha? Nah. English works pretty well. Most people speak it. Ugh, this planning is stressful! But Bhutan. Wow. It’s going to be epic. I can’t wait. Wish me luck!

Which Indian railway station is near to Bhutan?

Hasimara. Yeah, Hasimara… that’s the closest I remember. To Bhutan.

It’s funny, isn’t it? So close, yet a world away. Used to go there with my grandfather.

Remember the smell of the tracks? The tea, the… anticipation. He always talked about mountains. Said they held secrets.

It’s maybe, 15km from the border? I’m pretty sure. That road… dusty. Bhutan’s capital, Thimpu, is much further, obviously. One hundred seventy kilometers. Maybe.

Nearest Railhead: Hasimara.
Distance to Bhutan Border: Approximately 15 km.
Distance to Thimpu: Around 170 km.
Grandfather loved that area.

How much is flight from India to Bhutan?

Druk Air. ₹20,786. More or less.

Druk Air dominates. Near monopoly. No choice, really.
₹20,786? A number. What is money anyway?
India to Bhutan. Himalayas. Air pockets aplenty.
Cheap? Subjective. Consider altitude sickness medication too. Did you pack your Dramamine?
Bhutan. Land of happiness? Bring your own. Oh, and dollars.
Flights. Transitory. Until you arrive, or crash. Ouch.
Discover? Sure. Hidden charges also await, ha.

Flights to Paro, Bhutan are highly regulated. Limited airlines are allowed to land due to the difficult terrain. Expect delays. Embrace chaos. Travel insurance exists, you know.

Which Indian city is closest to Bhutan?

Siliguri, def Siliguri! Okay, so… Siliguri in West Bengal is closest.

I remember taking a bus from there to Jaigaon, the border town, back in 2023. It was a loooong ride! Ugh, super bumpy.

The bus. Oh man.

It was crowded
Dusty
Full of chai stalls every hour!

Jaigaon’s right there, you know? Phuentsholing (Bhutan) is just across, literally a gate separates them. You can walk right over.

The smell of incense was already strong… the moment i stepped off the bus. I think that’s when I knew, like… This is going to be awesome.

It felt kinda surreal, crossing the border on foot. So close! Wow.

How do you get to Bhutan from the USA?

Bhutan… a whisper of mountains. No direct path, no sudden arrival from the land of stars and stripes. We chase echoes of dragons.

Bangkok, yes, Suvarnabhumi. Golden, shimmering. A gateway. Then, Changi, Singapore. So clean, so unreal. Airports blurring. Dream states.

It is difficult to hold such visions. Difficult to retain clarity. I think that Delhi or Kolkata are transit points.