Gelephu

The Southern Plains and the New Mindfulness City

1 dayIdeal stay₹1,800From / night₹550Food / dayFreeEntry

A warm border town on the Assam plains, the gateway to central Bhutan from the south and the site of the planned Gelephu Mindfulness City special administrative region. Hot springs at Gelephu Tshachu, the Royal Manas National Park to the east, and the road north through Zhemgang to Trongsa or through Tsirang to Wangdue. It has a domestic airport; most visitors arrive by road from Guwahati or Bongaigaon.

Highlights

Gelephu Tshachu hot springs
Royal Manas National Park
Subtropical plains and orange orchards
Gelephu Mindfulness City

Things to do

Gelephu Tshachu hot springsMorning · 2h
Town and Zangtopelri LhakhangEvening · 1h

Tours & tickets

Tours & tickets in Gelephuvia GetYourGuide Tours & tickets in Gelephuvia Klook

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When to go

Best time: November – March

Worth knowing

Monsoon: Heavy Rain on the Southern Border Roads

The southern foothills get Bhutan's heaviest rain from June to August. The road up from Phuentsholing to Thimphu and the roads north from Gelephu are often blocked by slides for hours; travel by day and allow extra time.

Getting there

Fly into Paro (PBH), 123 km away

Then: Flight · 3h (Drukair Paro–Gelephu)

Search flights to PBH from your city ↗

Flights from India

From Siligurifrom ₹14,000
From Guwahatifrom ₹14,000
From Kolkatafrom ₹14,500
From Delhifrom ₹21,000
From Mumbai (1 stop)from ₹20,000
From Chennai (1 stop)from ₹20,000

Fares from India: one way, per person; typical fares, not live prices.

Entry rules

Your passport

No visa needed for up to 7 days

No visa, but a free entry permit and the Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) of ₹1,200 per person per night (₹600 for children aged 6-12, none for 5 and under), which this plan's totals do not include. Apply online at immi.gov.bt about five working days ahead, or at Paro airport or the Phuentsholing immigration office when you arrive, and pay the SDF for every night.
The entry permit covers Paro and Thimphu only. For Punakha, Phobjikha, Haa, Bumthang, the east or Gelephu, get the free route permit at the Immigration Office in Thimphu (or through your operator) before you drive on; checkpoints on the road ask for it.
Plan on a licensed Bhutanese guide beyond Thimphu and Paro and at dzongs and temples: a Department of Tourism notice of 8 April 2026 says every tourist needs one. Hotels, operators and taxis can arrange one.
To stay longer than the permit allows, extend it at the Immigration Office in Thimphu before it runs out.

Carry: Indian passport valid for at least 6 months, or your original Voter ID card (Aadhaar, PAN and driving licences are not accepted); Children under 18: passport, or birth certificate with a school ID card; Hotel bookings for every night (asked for with the permit); SDF payment receipt; Driving in your own car: driving licence, registration and insurance papers, for a vehicle permit at the border.

The SDF for Indians is officially reviewable after two years; guides say ₹1,200 a night holds to 31 August 2027. Sources disagree on whether the entry permit runs 7 or 15 days and whether Indian visitors need a guide; confirm with immi.gov.bt or your operator before you go.

Checked 2026-10; confirm with the embassy before you fly.

Also in Southern Border Towns

🚪 Phuentsholing · The Border Gate from Jaigaon

Plan a trip to Gelephu

Flying in from elsewhere? Start at Paro (PBH)