Travel to Bhutan via Air and Land: The Kingdom of Bhutan used to be isolated from the rest of the world until the early 1960s. It used to be very difficult to enter this tiny nation as it was only accessible by walk from two Southern and Northern entry borders. The Northern route was through Tibet crossing high Himalayan passes that were impossible to travel during winter. The second route was from the Southern point and came through the plains of Assam and West Bengal. Nowadays, It is possible to fly to Paro, Bhutan, from different destinations and enter by land from the Southern borders, including Phuentsholing/Jaigaon border crossing.
The only international airport of Bhutan, Paro International Airport, is situated in Paro, Bhutan. Paro Airport flies to several destinations, such as Kathmandu, Bangkok, Singapore, Delhi, Kolkotta, Guwahati, Bagdogra, Dhaka, etc. Paro Airport is considered one of the world’s most thrilling and adventurous airports. Travelers are always excited to fly to this tiny airport where only Druk Air and Bhutan Airlines operate daily flights. Paro International Airport is situated at an elevation of 2,225m above sea level. The flight could be the best idea to connect to Bhutan from several South Asian countries.
An eye-level Himalayan view while flying from Kathmandu to Paro
The Bhutan tour from Kathmandu is always unique and quite popular. People often do 3 Country Tour of Nepal, Tibet, and Bhutan to have different tastes in travel from these beautiful Himalayan countries. This allows travelers to visit all three destinations in ‘One Go’ without getting permits, visas, flight booking, and other logistics. Regular flights from Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) to Paro International Airport are regular flights. Both the carriers, Druk Air and Bhutan Airlines, operate flights from Kathmandu. You may choose the seven-day Kathmandu and Bhutan Tour Package to have a full taste of these beautiful Himalayan nations and an eye-level Himalayan view, including Mount Everest while flying from Kathmandu to Paro. For a better mountain view, choosing the left seat for Kathmandu to Paro flight and the right seat for Paro to Kathmandu flight is recommended. You may request the seat preference while checking in at the counter or ask your tour operator, who may help you with this.
RELATED CONTENT: How to Obtain a Bhutan Visa Traveling From Nepal
Take a glimpse of Tiger’s Nest Temple from the trail, almost mid-way through the hiking route.
We have recommended some routes to Bhutan from different countries that do not have direct flights to Paro International Airport. Bhutan has direct scheduled flights only to five countries, including Nepal (Kathmandu), India (Delhi, Kolkotta, Bagdogra, and Guwahati), Bangladesh (Dhaka), Thailand (Bangkok), and Singapore.
Traveling to Bhutan from the United States of America (USA): Consider choosing New Delhi/Kathmandu if you are flying from the east coast of the U.S. and Singapore or Bangkok if you are flying from the west coast of the U.S.
There is no direct flight to Bhutan from the United States of America (USA). Bhutan has only an international airport with different terrain that surrounds the airport; only a few certified pilots take flights during the day with good visibility. Two Bhutanese-owned airline companies (Druk Air and Bhutan Airlines) are operating flights.
RELATED CONTENT: Travel to Bhutan From USA: All You Need To Know & How Much Does It Cost?
Suppose you are flying from the east coast of the U.S., which includes New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, NY, New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland, Florida, North Carolina, and South Carolina. In that case, it may be convenient for you to fly to New Delhi or other airports in India or Kathmandu (Nepal). On the other hand, if you are flying from the U.S.’s west coast, including Oregon, California, Washington, and Alaska, it may be easier for you to travel to Bhutan from Bangkok or Singapore.
Traveling to Bhutan from Australia: Take a transit flight to Bangkok or Singapore, then fly to Paro International Airport.
Traveling to Bhutan from the U.K.: Take a flight to Delhi and then fly to Paro International Airport, Bhutan.
Traveling to Bhutan from Europe: Delhi or Bangkok as a transit destination to fly to Bhutan would be an ideal choice.
| S.N. | Flight Sector (Both Ways) | Class | Flight Fare (In USD) |
| 01. | Bangkok (BKK)- Paro (PBH) & Return | Economy | $ 965.00 |
| 02. | Singapore (SIN) – Paro (PBH) & Return | Economy | $ 985.00 |
| 03. | Delhi (DEL) – Paro (PBH) & Return | Economy | $ 665.00 |
| 04. | Kolkotta (CCU ) – Paro (PBH) & Return | Economy | $ 445.00 |
| 05. | Dhaka (DAC) – Paro (PBH) & Return | Economy | $ 445.00 |
| 06. | Kathmandu (KTM) – Paro (PBH) & Return | Economy | $ 435.00 |
Note: The above flight fares are tentatively quoted based on the foods before the COVID-19 Pandemic and are subject to change without prior notification.
You can also enter Bhutan through the southern borders of India. The open borders are Phuentsholing, Samdruk Jongkhar, and Gelephu. These are only the borders open to international tourists. Phuentsholing border crossing is the most popular one. Check out the 7-day tour itinerary that enters/exits via the Phuentsholing border crossing.
Every traveler from any country who wants to visit Bhutan must obtain a Bhutan Visa Clearance before traveling to Bhutan. Even nationals from India, Bangladesh, and the Maldives need a visa clearance/entry permit. Read the blog, Bhutan ends free entry for regional tourists, including India, to know about the recent changes in the rules by the Bhutanese government. Your tour operator can obtain your Bhutan visa; you must send your color-scanned passport copy and Passport-Size Photograph to your tour operator, who will apply for your visa. Your passport must be valid for at least six months from the travel date. Before you fly to Bhutan, your tour operator will send you a copy of your Visa clearance; you will need to show that paper to the airline counter while checking in. The original visa will be stamped into your passport upon arrival at the Paro International Airport.
Bhutanese Traditional Food
Accommodation: As per the minimum standard package in Bhutan, you will be provided at least a 3-star category of hotels. You can request the operator if you prefer to upgrade to 4 or 5-star hotels. Some additional fees will be added while upgrading your rooms or hotels.
Food: As per the minimum standard daily package, all meals, including breakfast, are included in the box. Your breakfast and dinner are provided at the hotel premises, and lunch is provided en route. All meals are provided in a buffet plan, and several traditional local meals are served. Soft or alcoholic beverages are not included in the package.
The unique feature of Bhutanese food is its sharp taste. Chillis are a crucial ingredient in almost every place because Bhutanese love spicy food. However, the food for tourists is not spicy considering their different tastes. If clients want to try spicy food, they have to request it.
Tipping: Tipping is expected but not mandatory. US$ 15-20 a day for a guide and USD 10-15 a day for the driver is a kind of standard tipping.
Smoking in Bhutan: Bhutan is the only country in the world that entirely bans the production and sale of Tobacco. Smoking is prohibited in public places. Hotels, local bars, and restaurants accommodate smokers and have indoor smoking rooms. Tourists can bring in 200 cigarettes, but please ask your guide to find a specific area to smoke.
| Month | Celsius Value | Paro | Thimpu | Punakha | Trongsa | Bumthang |
| Jan | Max | 9.4 | 12.3 | 17.0 | 13.0 | 10.8 |
| Min | -5.8 | -2.6 | 4.3 | -0.2 | -5.1 | |
| Feb
|
Max | 13.0 | 14.4 | 19.0 | 13.9 | 10.0 |
| Min | 1.5 | 0.6 | 7.8 | 0.4 | -1.4 | |
| Mar | Max | 14.5 | 16.4 | 22.8 | 17.6 | 16.2 |
| Min | 0.6 | 3.9 | 10.4 | 4.4 | 3.5 | |
| Apr | Max | 17.6 | 20.0 | 26.2 | 20.1 | 18.7 |
| Min | 4.6 | 7.1 | 12.9 | 6.6 | 3.9 | |
| May | Max | 23.5 | 22.5 | 29.1 | 21.0 | 21.3 |
| Min | 10.6 | 13.1 | 17.7 | 11.6 | 9.5 | |
| Jun | Max | 25.4 | 24.4 | 29.2 | 22.2 | 22.5 |
| Min | 14.1 | 15.2 | 20.1 | 13.6 | 13.5 | |
| Jul | Max | 26.8 | 25.9 | 30.4 | 25.3 | 24.1 |
| Min | 14.9 | 15.6 | 20.5 | 15.3 | 13.6 | |
| Aug | Max | 25.3 | 25.0 | 29.1 | 23.8 | 23.0 |
| Min | 14.7 | 15.8 | 20.0 | 15.0 | 13.7 | |
| Sep | Max | 23.4 | 23.1 | 27.5 | 22.6 | 21.6 |
| Min | 11.7 | 15.0 | 19.1 | 14.2 | 12.1 | |
| Oct | Max | 18.7 | 21.9 | 26.1 | 21.8 | 19.5 |
| Min | 7.4 | 10.4 | 14.7 | 11.7 | 5.9 | |
| Nov | Max | 13.9 | 17.9 | 22.6 | 19.8 | 16.1 |
| Min | 1.4 | 5.0 | 9.6 | 6.4 | -0.5 | |
| Dec | Max | 11.2 | 14.5 | 19.1 | 18.2 | 12.3 |
| Min | -1.7 | -1.1 | 6.3 | 2.5 | -2.3 |
*This blog was originally published on August 12, 2020, and updated on February 20, 2024.
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