Travel by Air
The easiest way for visitors to enter Bhutan is by air. There are flights to destinations that include Bangkok, Delhi, Kolkata, Bagdogra, Bodh Gaya, Dhaka, Kathmandu, Guwahati, Singapore and Mumbai. At present two carriers operate to Bhutan, Drukair and Bhutan Airlines.
Flying into Bhutan’s Paro International Aiport is typically an exciting experience as the descent into Paro valley brings you closer to the mountain tops than most other flights in the world. Paro is situated at a height of 2,225 m (7300 ft) above sea level and is surrounded by mountains as high as 4,876 m (16,000 ft). The flight between Paro and Kathmandu is one of the most exciting ones as the aircraft passes over four of the five highest mountains in the world. On clear days the flight to Bhutan offers spectacular views of the Great Himalayas, Mt Everest, Mt Kanchenjunga, Chomo Lhari, Kula Gangri and you can also catch a glimpse of the Great Tibetan Plateau and its grandeur stretching in the distance.
We will book your tickets well in advance avoiding the last minute rush during the peak seasons without the added commission that outside travel agents charge. To do this you need to confirm your trip especially during the rush of Spring and the Autumn festivals atleast 3 or 4 weeks in advance.
Travel by land
Phuentsholing and Samdrup Jongkhar in eastern Bhutan are the only land border areas open for international tourists. The town of Phuentsholing is located approximately 170 km east of the Indian national airport Bagdogra. After crossing Phuentsholing, your journey then begins its mountainous climb through endless turns and hair-pin bends till you enter Thimphu, the capital city. The travel time for the 176 km stretch can be more than 6 hours.
Samdrup Jongkhar is the only entry point in eastern Bhutan. The town borders the Indian district of Darranga, Assam and is approximately 150 kms away from Guwahati, the capital city of Assam. The journey from Guwahati is about three hours. Tourists entering Bhutan through Samdrup Jongkhar will take you to Trashigang, the largest District in the country, and from there over the lateral route to Mongar, Bumthang, Trongsa, Wangde Phodrang and then finally into capital, Thimphu. The distance is about 700 kms and will take you a minimum of three days to reach Thimphu.
Travelling within Bhutan
It has two domestic flights which flies within Bhutan. It flies to Yonphula which is in the eastern Bhutan and Bumthang in central Bhutan. The other mode of transport within Bhutan is by road. All the major towns in the 20 districts of Bhutan are accessible by road. Despite high mountains, steep slopes and the deepest valleys, Bhutan has a relatively well developed network of roads.
Entry Permit
You will be endorsed by the immigration officers upon your arrival before you are issued with a permit. Make sure you go personally. You may have to carry your passport (also some passport photographs) or voter’s registration card. If you plan to travel by road, the endorsement is done at the entry points in Phuentsholing and Samdrup Jongkhar. If by flight, you will enter from the Paro Airport.
