The attraction of traveling to Bhutan has always been special. With its serene mountains, colorful monasteries and immaculate natural beauty, this country has always been a favorite destination for Indian travelers. However, people often assume that traveling to Bhutan involves lengthy visa and passport processes—especially if one wants to visit for just a day. But do you know that a small town in India makes this entire process very easy? So, let us know about this new way to visit Bhutan, which requires neither visa nor passport; And also know the name of that Indian town, whose border is with Bhutan.

What is the new way to go to Bhutan?

Located in the Alipurduar district of West Bengal, Jaigaon is a border town from where you can reach Phuntsholing in Bhutan on foot. You can have breakfast in India in the morning, enjoy lunch in Bhutan in the afternoon, and be back home in India by evening. This entire journey can be completed in a single day, requiring neither air travel nor any complicated planning. The main attraction of Jaigaon is the ‘Bhutan Gate’—a colorful and grand gateway that gives a glimpse of the culture of Bhutan. Additionally, nearby natural attractions, such as Jaldapara National Park and Buxa Tiger Reserve, allow tourists to enjoy the wildlife and lush forests there.

Easy rules for entering Bhutan

It has now become much easier for Indian citizens to travel to Bhutan. If you have a valid passport, you can travel directly; However, the passport must be valid for at least six months. If you do not have a passport, you can still gain entry using your Voter ID card. Apart from this, it is also mandatory to have a passport size photograph. Children under 18 who do not have a passport require the original birth certificate for entry.

Permits and Fees in Bhutan

Indian citizens do not require a visa to visit Bhutan; However, it is mandatory to obtain a permit. Typically, tourists have to pay a ‘Sustainable Development Fee’ (SDF) of ₹1,200 per night during their stay in Bhutan. Children under 5 years of age are exempted from any fees, while for children between 6 and 12 years the fee is half the normal rate. If you are going on a day trip to Phuentsholing, you can avoid this fee altogether. Jaigaon residents often return to India by evening so that they do not have to go through customs formalities. Locals can visit Phuntsholing by paying a nominal fee of just Rs 50–100; However, going beyond this point requires an additional permit. Additionally, vehicles registered in India are allowed to travel within a limited area within Bhutan without any fees. A daily “green tax” of 4,500 Nu (approximately 4,528 INR) is levied if a vehicle goes beyond the Rinchending checkpost in Phuntsholing.

How to reach Jaigaon

Jaigaon is not just a border town; There are also many natural and cultural attractions here. Visiting Bhutan Gate gives you a first-hand glimpse of Bhutanese culture, while nearby Jaldapara National Park and Buxa Tiger Reserve give you a chance to see wildlife—including elephants, tigers, and rare species of birds. Sikiajhora, situated on the banks of the Torsa River, gives you the opportunity to go boating and enjoy the beautiful hills, while Hasimara is famous for its small tea gardens and the unique blend of Bengali and Bhutanese cultures. To reach Jaigaon, the easiest way by air is Bagdogra Airport, while the nearest railway stations are Alipurduar Junction, New Alipurduar or New Cooch Behar; From these places you can easily reach Jaigaon by car or bus.