Paro is a beautiful town located in western Bhutan, known for its stunning landscapes and rich cultural heritage. Guwahati, the largest city in Assam, India, serves as a common gateway for travelers heading to Bhutan. This route is popular among tourists and pilgrims visiting Paro's famous sites like Paro Taktsang and Rinpung Dzong.

This guide will help you understand the best ways to travel from Guwahati to Paro. You will learn about different transport options, step-by-step travel plans, practical tips, and what to expect upon arrival in Paro.

Getting from Guwahati to Paro – Main Options

Train

Traveling by train from Guwahati is suitable for those who want a comfortable and scenic journey to the India-Bhutan border before continuing by road. There is no direct train to Paro, but trains connect Guwahati to nearby border towns.

• The nearest major railway station to Paro is Hasimara, about 80 km from Paro town; trains from Guwahati to Hasimara take around 5 to 6 hours, with fares ranging from INR 200 to 600 depending on class.

• Trains run frequently between Guwahati and Hasimara, including express and passenger trains, providing options for different budgets and schedules.

• From Hasimara, you need to hire a taxi or take a shared jeep to the Bhutan border at Phuentsholing, which takes about 1.5 to 2 hours over National Highway 31.

• Seasonal delays can occur during the monsoon due to landslides or track maintenance, so check IRCTC updates before booking your train ticket.

• Food options at Guwahati station are good, but limited at Hasimara; carry snacks for the onward road journey to Paro.

Bus

Buses offer an economical way to travel from Guwahati to the Bhutan border, but there are no direct buses to Paro. You will need to combine bus and taxi travel.

• State-run buses operated by Assam State Transport Corporation (ASTC) and private operators run from Guwahati to Phuentsholing, the Bhutan border town, taking about 10 to 12 hours depending on traffic and border formalities.

• Buses depart from Guwahati’s Paltan Bazaar or Fancy Bazar bus terminals early in the morning; fares range from INR 300 to 600 for non-AC buses.

• From Phuentsholing, you must take a taxi or shared jeep to Paro, which is about 130 km and takes around 4 to 5 hours on winding mountain roads.

• During peak tourist seasons and festivals, buses can be crowded and tickets sell out quickly, so book in advance if possible.

• Monsoon rains can cause roadblocks or delays on the highway to Bhutan, so plan extra travel time during June to September.

Car / Self-Drive

Driving from Guwahati to Paro is ideal for travelers who want flexibility and comfort. The route passes through scenic landscapes and border checkpoints.

• The total distance from Guwahati to Paro is approximately 350 km, taking about 9 to 11 hours depending on traffic and border crossing time.

• The main route follows National Highway 27 from Guwahati to Hasimara, then NH 31 to Phuentsholing, and finally Bhutan’s highway to Paro.

• Indian tourists need a valid passport and Bhutan visa to cross the border; ensure all documents are ready before starting the journey.

• Toll plazas on Indian highways require cash payments; keep INR 100 to 300 handy for tolls along NH 27 and NH 31.

• Fuel stations are available en route, but fewer after Hasimara; fill up before entering Bhutan where fuel prices are higher.

• Road conditions in India are generally good, but Bhutan’s mountain roads can be narrow and winding; drive carefully, especially during monsoon season.

Flight

Flying is the fastest and most comfortable way to reach Paro from Guwahati, especially for travelers with limited time. Paro Airport is Bhutan’s only international airport.

• Druk Air and Bhutan Airlines operate direct flights from Guwahati Airport (Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport) to Paro Airport, with flight times around 1 hour.

• Flights are limited to a few days per week and can be expensive, with fares typically ranging from INR 6,000 to 12,000 one way.

• Booking flights well in advance is recommended due to limited seats and high demand during tourist seasons.

• Paro Airport is located about 6 km from Paro town; taxis and hotel transfers are available at the airport for convenient last-mile travel.

• Weather conditions such as fog or strong winds can cause flight delays or cancellations, especially in winter and monsoon months.

Step-by-Step Travel Plan

This step-by-step plan is designed for first-time travelers from Guwahati to Paro, helping you prepare and navigate the journey smoothly.

• Book your preferred transport mode early, whether train, bus, car rental, or flight, to secure seats and get better prices; use IRCTC for trains and official airline websites for flights.

• Ensure your travel documents are complete, including passport, Bhutan visa, and permits; Indian nationals need an entry permit available at the border or through tour operators.

• Pack light but carry essentials like water, snacks, and a power bank, especially if traveling by road, as stops can be limited in remote areas.

• Arrive at Guwahati station or airport at least an hour before departure to avoid last-minute rush and check transport schedules carefully.

• At the Bhutan border in Phuentsholing, complete immigration formalities patiently; border officials may ask for documents and permits, so keep them handy.

• From Phuentsholing, arrange a taxi or shared jeep to Paro; confirm fares beforehand and avoid unlicensed vehicles for safety.

Practical Travel Tips

• Carry a copy of your passport and visa separately from the originals to avoid problems if documents are lost or stolen during travel.

• Drink only bottled water and eat freshly cooked food from trusted vendors to avoid stomach issues on the road.

• Book train and bus tickets online or at official counters to avoid scams; use apps like IRCTC and RedBus for reliable bookings.

• Use prepaid taxis or app-based cabs like Ola or Uber in Guwahati for safer and transparent local travel before starting your long journey.

• Pack a small first-aid kit and medicines for motion sickness, as mountain roads to Paro can be winding and cause discomfort.

• During monsoon, check weather and road conditions daily; landslides and floods can disrupt travel, so have flexible plans.

Best Time & Travel Conditions

The best time to travel from Guwahati to Paro depends on weather and festivals. Avoid heavy monsoon rains and winter fog for a smooth journey.

Spring and autumn offer pleasant weather and clear skies, ideal for flights and road travel. Festivals in Bhutan attract crowds, so plan accordingly.

• Avoid traveling during July and August due to heavy monsoon rains causing landslides and road closures on the route to Bhutan.

• Winter months (December to February) can have dense fog in Assam, causing flight delays and poor visibility on roads.

• Major Bhutanese festivals like Paro Tshechu in March-April increase tourist traffic; book transport and accommodation early.

• Early morning departures from Guwahati help avoid city traffic and reach border checkpoints before peak hours, saving time.

Arrival at Paro & What to Expect

Upon arrival in Paro, you will find a small but well-organized town with basic amenities and friendly locals. The airport is close to the town center, making transfers easy.

Local transport includes taxis and shared jeeps; prepaid taxis are recommended for safety and fixed fares. Many hotels offer airport pickup services, so arrange this in advance if possible.

Accommodation options range from budget guesthouses to mid-range hotels near Paro town and the Dzong. Walking is common within the town, but taxis are needed for visiting distant sites like Tiger’s Nest Monastery.

Conclusion

The most efficient way to travel from Guwahati to Paro is by flight, offering speed and convenience, especially for short trips. However, train and road travel provide budget-friendly alternatives with scenic views and cultural experiences along the way.

Careful planning is key: book tickets early, prepare your travel documents, and stay updated on weather and road conditions. With this guide, you can confidently plan your journey from Guwahati to Paro and enjoy the beautiful landscapes and rich culture of Bhutan.