Bike Trip to Bhutan from India: How to enter, what to expect, what to take and more

Taking a bike trip from India to Bhutan is one of the most exhilarating tours you can find in the southern Himalayas, and is an epic adventure of discovery and excitement. You can travel easily from India to Bhutan, entering through one of the three border crossings between Indian and the Himalayan kingdom. And while you can do this on your own, it is often better to go in a group, to get the discounts on the cost of the trip. If you are thinking of taking a bike tour over the land border from India to Bhutan, then here is a rundown on the things you need to consider to plan the trip properly.

How to enter Bhutan on bike from India?

If you are planning this trip from India to Bhutan on a bike, then you should work out first where you will be entering Bhutan, as there are three entry points for overland crossings from India.

Enter Bhutan via Jaigaon - Phuentsholing Border

The first point of entry, and the most popular, is in West Bengal, at the small town of Jaigaon, opposite the Bhutanese town of Phuentsholing. This has long been the most popular and busiest border crossing between India and Bhutan, and lies just 147 kilometers south of the capital of Thimphu. The border crossing at Jaigaon and Phuentsholing is also the only entry point for international tourists to enter Bhutan from India overland.

Enter Bhutan via Bongaigaon - Gelephu Border

Gelephu, in south-central Butan is the second border crossing point from India, and links with the town of Bongaigaon in the Indian State of Assam. The border crossing lies around 244 kilometers from Thimphu, and you will have to cross three Dzongkhags to reach the capital. The crossing point is not open to international tourists, and only available for Indian citizens.

Enter Bhutan via Darangamela - Samdrup Jongkhar Border

In the south-west of Bhutan lies the town of Samdrup Jongkhar, the third and last border crossing point between Indian and Bhutan. Located over the border from the Indian town of Darangamela, in the State of Assam, the border crossing lies 694 kilometers from Thimphu. The trip from the border to the capital will normally take around three days, and is not a good entry point unless you are traveling from the Guwahati area of India.

What can you expect from the bike trip to Bhutan from India?

Impressive Monasteries and Dzongs

Bhutan is a land that is renowned for its impressive Dzongs and Lhakhangs, the monasteries and temples of the Tibetan Buddhist religion of this isolated and ancient kingdom. Some of the most spectacular monasteries and fortresses in the world can be found during your Bhutan bike tour.

The Tiger’s Nest Monastery is one of the most impressive monasteries in the world, sitting perched precariously on its narrow ledge more than 900 meters above the valley floor in Paro. Built on the site of the meditation caves of Padmasambhava, known here as Guru Rinpoche, this ancient temple is only reached through a 3-4 hour uphill hike.

Punakha Dzong is well known as the most beautiful Dzong in Butan, and is worthy of that title, lying on the confluence of the rivers Mo Chhu and Pho Chhu, the monastery is stunning in its white and red glory, and the blooming jacaranda trees that surround the outer wall only serve to enhance its inherent beauty.

Gangtey Gompa in Phobjikha is a renowned monastery for one of the most auspicious reasons. As well as being a major monastery in Bhutan, the monastery is the subject of the interest of the black-necked cranes that come to Bhutan in the winter months. Every year, as these auspicious birds arrive and depart, they circle the monastery three times, as if in deference to the gods. Small wonder, since cranes are a holy bird in Tibetan Buddhism.

Trongsa Dzong is known as the largest Dzong in Bhutan, and this ancient fortress, which dates all the way back to 1543, has been extended several times with additional temples being added in 1715 and 1771. The Dzong is also the seat of the Royal Wangchuck Dynasty of kings, the ruling family of Bhutan.

Bumthang Dzong is actually known as the Jakar Dzong, and lies in Jakar Township, on a small ridge above the town itself. The Dzong is believed to be the largest single-building fortress in Bhutan, and the original temple on this site was built in the early 16th century.

Houses in Traditional Bhutanese Style

Architecture in Bhutan is very distinctive, and the houses are all built in a traditional style that has served the Bhutanese people well for almost two thousand years. High-rise buildings are not constructed in Bhutan, and traditional housing styles are required to be used to retain the styles and designs of the traditional Bhutanese culture and architecture. This means that, even when the house is new, it is a traditional Bhutanese dwelling and an amazing sight.

The style of housing is dependent on the region of the country, and the houses in the remote valley locations are more scenic in design than those in the cities and towns. In Western Bhutan, the houses are typically two-storied with high airy loft spaces, while in the lower altitude southern areas, thatched bamboo houses are predominant. Whilst in the west, the walls are made from compacted earth, which is very strong and durable, in the central regions, stone is the more common wall material.

Magnificent Views of Bhutanese Himalayas

Bhutan lies on the southern slopes of the Eastern Himalayas, and has some amazing views of the mountains to the north. These stunning snow-capped mountains are one of the best views of Bhutan’s landscapes, and popular with tourists from around the world.

And there are two high mountain passes from where the views are at their very best. The Dochu La Pass, on the road from Thimphu to Punakha is the most spectacular pass in Bhutan, and has views of the major Bhutanese peaks of Jichu Drake, Jomolhari, and even Gangkar Puensum.

Chele La Pass, which lies between Paro and Haa, is the highest drivable pass in Bhutan, at an altitude of around 3,988 meters above sea level. While it may not have such great views of the mountains to the north of Bumthang, on a clear day, you can see all the way to Mount Everest and Shishapangma.

Unspoiled Natural Landscapes

Rugged Mountains, winding rivers, enchanting valleys, and colorful lakes make Bhutan a country of outstanding natural landscapes that are second to none. The dense forests of blue pine, rhododendron, spruce, and oak that cover the hillsides are like no other in the world, and the kingdom is still covered by around 70 percent forests.

A land of mountains means lots of stunning valleys, and the scenery of these beautiful valleys is some of the most spectacular in the world. Rich lush vegetation cover the floors of these valleys, and winding rivers and streams flow through them. Unspoiled by human invasion, these areas of natural beauty are part of the innate charm that attract tourists to travel to Bhutan.

Rich Flora & Fauna along the Trail

Bhutan is also a rich country for flora and fauna, and across the country, you can find forests and meadows with blooming flowers and a wealth of plant life that makes this small isolated kingdom special. Among the trees and bushes of the landscapes you will discover a plethora of local wildlife. While it may be unusual to see an Asian elephant in the woodlands outside Thimphu, they can be found in the southern regions, and you can find black bears, Golden Langurs, the Bhutan takin, gray wolves, and the occasional snow leopard, if you are lucky. And in some areas of the southern part of Bhutan, you may even be able to see the rare Bengal tigers that made their home here.

What should you take for the bike trip to Bhutan from India?

Required Permits

Permits are required for all tourists traveling on a bike tour to Bhutan from India, and the requirements vary depending on your country of origin.

For international tourists, you need to have a visa, which requires you to have a pre-arranged tour of the kingdom as well. On your arrival, your visa will be stamped into your passport, and you will be issued your Entry Permit, which allows you to travel in the area of Paro and Thimphu. You will also get a route permit, also known as the Restricted Area Permit, which allows you to travel to other areas of Bhutan, as listed in your itinerary only. You will also need a vehicle permit for the bike you are riding, which is valid for the duration of your trip in Bhutan and issued at the border at Phuentsholing. However, your tour operator will need to process this on your behalf before you travel, with all the vehicle details and details of your international driving permit.

For tourists from India, Bangladesh, and the Maldives, entry into Bhutan is much easier. Indian citizens do not need to have a passport, and all three do not need a visa for entry to Bhutan from India. The entry permit and route permit can be issued at the border or online using a TCB registered hotel or travel agency. You can also take a vehicle into Bhutan from India, and can obtain the permit for the car from the Regional Transport Offices in Phuentsholing, Gelephu, and Samdrup Jongkhar for around 200 Ng.

Essential Biking Gears

While you can ride around in jeans and a jacket, it is better to wear leathers for biking in Bhutan, as they are normally warmer and even waterproof. You should also bring a kit to repair punctures, and some spare bulbs and parts just in case you break down.

Clothes to Wear

You will need to bring warm sweaters, as it can still get cold in the evenings. In the winter months, be prepared for colder weather, so bring a fleece jacket to wear as well. You should also bring both hiking boots and comfortable shoes, so you can change when you go into buildings and your hotel. Bring waterproofs for the rainier weather months, especially if you are traveling from late May to early September.

More questions about Bike Trip to Bhutan from India

Can you take an Indian bike to Bhutan?

Yes, you can bring a bike from India to Bhutan, if it is registered in India. For tourists from India, Bangladesh, and the Maldives, you simply need to get the vehicle permit from the Regional Transport Offices when you arrive. For travelers from other destinations, you will need to get your travel agency to help you with the permits you need for the vehicle and have an international driving permit.

When is the best time to take a bike trip to Bhutan from India?

The best time for a Bhutan tour by bike is normally from March to May and September to November, when the weather is at its best. Spring and autumn are the peak seasons for tourism in Bhutan, and the skies are generally clear in these seasons. Little rain falls and sunshine abounds, even though it can be cold in March and November.

Conclusion

If you are planning a bike trip from India to Bhutan, then you should make sure you know the road rules for driving in the kingdom, as well as the requirements for crossing the border, depending on where you are originally from. There are different rules for travelers from India, Bangladesh, and the Maldives than for other international tourists in Bhutan, so make sure you get the right info for your trip.