Bhutan flights

Bhutan offers limited domestic flights, which are primarily operated by Druk Air and Bhutan Airlines. These flights connect Paro, the only international airport, with smaller regional airports within the country. Domestic flights are an essential mode of transportation, especially for reaching Bhutan’s more remote areas, as the country’s mountainous terrain makes road travel challenging.

Here’s a detailed look at the domestic flight routes:

              Paro to Bumthang

1. • Route: The most popular domestic flight route is between Paro and Bumthang in central Bhutan. This flight provides access to the stunning Bumthang valley, known for its historical and religious significance.
   • Flight Duration: Approximately 35-40 minutes.
   • Frequency: Daily or several times a week, depending on the season and weather conditions.

     Paro to Gelephu

     • Route: The flight from Paro to Gelephu connects the western part of Bhutan to the southern region, near the Indian border. Gelephu is a small town that offers access to the southern Bhutanese districts.
     • Flight Duration: Around 45 minutes.
     • Frequency: Weekly or bi-weekly, subject to weather conditions.

       Paro to Yonphula (Trashigang)

       • Route: This route connects Paro to Yonphula, near Trashigang, located in the eastern part of Bhutan. It is an important gateway to the eastern districts and provides access to the beautiful Trashigang valley.
       • Flight Duration: Approximately 35-40 minutes.
       • Frequency: Weekly or as per demand, depending on weather conditions and seasonal factors.

         Paro to Trashigang (via Yonphula)

         • Route: While Trashigang is not directly connected by a flight from Paro, travelers can fly to Yonphula and travel overland to Trashigang, one of Bhutan’s major towns in the east.
         • Flight Duration: Similar to the Yonphula flight, around 35-40 minutes.

Important Considerations:

• Booking in Advance: Domestic flights are limited and have fewer frequencies compared to international flights. It is highly recommended to book tickets in advance, particularly during peak tourist seasons.
• Weather Dependency: Bhutan’s domestic flights are subject to weather conditions. The mountainous landscape often results in fog, strong winds, or low visibility, which can delay or cancel flights.
• Airport Facilities: Bhutan’s domestic airports, such as Bumthang, Yonphula, and Gelephu, are small with basic facilities. These airports generally handle only a few flights daily.
• Alternative Travel: Because of the limited domestic flight network, travelers often use road transport between destinations. Bhutan’s well-maintained highways offer scenic drives through the country, although travel times can be long due to the terrain.

Aircraft:

• The flights are typically operated using small aircraft, such as the ATR 42 and Dash-8, capable of navigating the mountainous airfields of Bhutan. These planes offer scenic views of the Himalayas, making the flight experience memorable.

Cost:

• Prices for domestic flights in Bhutan can vary, and are generally higher compared to international flights due to the limited routes, smaller aircraft, and the country’s geography. The cost ranges from approximately $200 to $500 USD per flight, depending on the route and season.

The Bhutan Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) is a mandatory fee imposed by the Bhutanese government on foreign tourists to promote sustainable tourism and protect Bhutan’s environment and cultural heritage. The SDF is currently set at USD 100 per person per night for most international travellers. For visitors from India, the SDF is lower, at INR 1,200 per person per night.

This fee supports Bhutan’s efforts in environmental conservation, infrastructure development, free healthcare, and education, helping the country maintain its low-impact, high-value tourism model. The SDF is collected in advance as part of the tour package booking process, along with the visa fee and other tour costs.

By charging this fee, Bhutan aims to manage tourism sustainably, minimizing environmental impacts and preserving its unique cultural and natural landscapes.

The Bhutan visa fee is USD 40 per person for all foreign tourists (except Indian, Bangladeshi, and Maldivian citizens, who are exempt from needing a visa). This fee is usually included in the total cost of the tour package, which must be arranged through a licensed Bhutanese tour operator or their international partners.

In addition to the visa fee, tourists are required to pay the Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) of USD 100 per person per night for most international travellers (and INR 1,200 per night for Indian tourists).

Once the visa application is submitted along with the payment for the tour and SDF, a visa clearance letter is issued. The visa itself is then stamped upon arrival in Bhutan.

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