Bhutan is the small Hermit Kingdom sandwiched between two large giants, China in the north and India in the south. Bhutan was isolated for many centuries from the outside world. Only in 1974, the country opened its border to the outsider with the first tourist entering Bhutan from Phuntsholing town bordering West Bengal.

Bhutan being the mountainous country there is no waterways or train operating in Bhutan. The only way to enter Bhutan is by Air which operates from some major cities of India, Nepal, Bangladesh, and Singapore. Another option to enter Bhutan is by road from India only. Though China lies in the north there is no road connection or flights operating from China mainland.

3 ways on How to get to Bhutan by Road

There are three-entry points from India where you can travel to Bhutan by road. You can travel to Bhutan from West Bengal starting at Siliguri and entering from Phuntsholing. Bagdogra Airport is the Major airport connecting all northeast of India and West Bengal states. It is an approximately 3 hours road trip to Phunthsoling from Siliguri where the Bagdogra Airport is located.

The second entry point to Bhutan is from the Assam side towards Galegphu. The nearest airport from Assam is Bagdogra Aiport and takes 5 hours to reach Gaylegphu Border from the airport. This route of entry was recently opened and is not used frequently.

The nearest Airport in India while entering from the east is Guwahati Airport. It takes about an hour drive to reach Samdrupjongkhar the last entry point of Bhutan from the east. Guwahati airport is the major airport in North East India. The airport serves flights to all major cities of India.

All 3 entry point to Bhutan has very good road connection. After exiting from India you need to visit the Immigration office to stamp on your passport before entering Bhutan. This road trip to Bhutan is very convenient for those clients who have to extend the tour of Northeast India, Assam, and the Himalayas.

6 ways to travel Bhutan directly by flights

Bhutan Trip by Flights

The best and easiest way to enter Bhutan is to take flights. Many major cities of India, Bangkok, Kathmandu, and Singapore operate daily flights to Bhutan. Both Drukair and Bhutan Airlines operate flights to Bhutan from the above destination. No other airlines operate in Bhutan except for these two local airlines.

 

How to get to Bhutan from Bangkok by Flights?

Both Drukair and Bhutan Airlines operate daily flights to Bhutan from Bangkok Suvarnabhumi International Airport. All flights from Bangkok are early Morning flights.

Visit Bhutan from Singapore

Singapore to Paro flights operates 3 times a week. The flights have 1 stopover at Kolkata for re-fueling. The flight is approximately 6 hours flight from Changi International Airport to Paro International Airport.

Many cities from Europe, America, and Asia have direct flights to Singapore where you can connect your Bhutan flights.

How to travel to Bhutan from Delhi (DEL)?

Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi is the main Airport in India. The airport is one of the largest airports in the world. Many cities around the world have direct flights to Delhi including Bhutan, Nepal, and China. Bothe Drukair and Bhutan Airlines have daily flights to Bhutan. It is 2.5 hours flight to Bhutan with a beautiful view of the Himalayas. If you happen to take a seat on the left side of the plane you will enjoy the snow-capped Himalayan mountains including Mt. Everest and Mt. Kanchenjunga.

Travelling Bhutan from Kathmandu Nepal

Bhutan Airline operates flights from Paro to Tribhuwan International Airport in Kathmandu. Kathmandu is the major hub for all interested mountaineering enthusiasts around the world. It is very easy to fly into Bhutan from Kathmandu as major nationality entering Kathmandu gets their Visa upon arrival and do not have to take the hassle to process visa. You can also combine your tour to Tibet, Nepal, and Bhutan. The flight to Bhutan from Kathmandu is just 50 minutes from Himalayan Flights. Both Drukair and Tashi Airlines operate flights from Nepal.

Direct flights to Bhutan from Kolkatta (CCU) to Paro.

Kolkatta is the city of Joy as named by the travelers and the most crowded city in the World. Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport is the only Airport where Bhutan flight operates. Flight time taken from Kolkatta to Bhutan is very short and just takes about 1 hour including taking off and landing. There are daily direct flights to Paro International Airport. Both airlines operate flights from Kolkatta to Paro. The fare is US$ 405 per person for return flights.

How to get to Bhutan from Hongkong?

There are no direct flights to Bhutan from Hongkong. You have to get connecting flights. There is 9 Asian destination where Bhutan operates direct flights to Bhutan. The best route to take flights to Bhutan from Hongkong is via Bangkok. There are daily flights from Hongkong to Bangkok and from Bangkok to Bhutan. It is 4 hours flight to Bhutan from Bangkok and the fare is US$ 850 per person for round trip flights.

 

Traveling Bhutan from the USA

Since there are no direct flights to Bhutan from the USA, the best way to get into Bhutan is by flight from the USA. The best connecting flights from the US to Bhutan are via Delhi Airport, Kathmandu Airport, and Changi International Airport in Singapore. You can transit to Bhutan from anyone of this airport. Please check about the transit Visa before you take this flight route.

Visit Bhutan from Europe

As per the record maintained by the Tourism Council of Bhutan, Europe is the 3^rd Largest tourist visiting Bhutan and among them, a German national was the highest in number. From Europe, it is easy to find a connecting flight to Bhutan. Many flights operate directly to India, Nepal, and Bangkok from Europe. From this airport, you can catch direct flights to Bhutan.

How to get to Bhutan from Mainland China?

People who love to travel the Himalayas have multiple ways to enter Bhutan. There are no direct flights to Bhutan from mainland China but Major cities like Shanghai, Beijing has multiple flights to Kathmandu and Bangkok. Kathmandu is the easiest way to get into Bhutan by flight as getting Nepal Visa is easy.

 

FAQ about how to travel to Bhutan?

Which is the best way to travel to Bhutan by Air or by Road?

There are two ways to enter Bhutan. Travellers can visit Bhutan either by flights or by road. There is numerous destination in Asia where Bhutan operates flights to Bhutan and they are Kathmandu, India, Singapore, Thailand and Bangladesh where you can catch direct flights to Bhutan.

Getting to Bhutan by Road

Travellers can also enter Bhutan by road from India. There is three entrance from India to Bhutan and they are Phuntsholing the most popular entry points bordering with Popular Siliguri Town in West Bengal.

The second route is from Gaylephu bordering the famous district of Bagaigoan Assam. Gaylegphu also operates weekly domestic flights to Paro International Airport.

The third route is from Samdrupjongkhar bordering with Guwahati in India. Guwahati is also one of the tourist hubs of North East India.

When is the best time to travel to Bhutan?

There is no best time to travel to Bhutan as Bhutan is considered an all-year-round destination. The visit depends on what you want to see or do in Bhutan. The best time to travel to Bhutan is Spring(March, April, May) and Autumn (September, October, and November) for festivals and nature lovers. The temperature is warm with lovely blue skies and beautiful vegetation. Winter is a great time to visit low lying lands to explore wildlife and river rafting.

Which are the best places to visit in Bhutan?

If you love off the beaten path then eastern Bhutan which includes Trashigang, Mongar, and Samdrupjongkhar is the best and very authentic place to visit in Bhutan. Tourist hardly visits this place as the district do not have any proper hotels and restaurants to cater to the needs of the visitor. Thimphu Paro Punakha and Wangdi is the popular place visited by tourist and are must-visit places in Bhutan. Tiger Nest Hike is the highlight of Bhutan Visit and is located in Paro.

How can I apply for Tourist Bhutan Visa and route permits?

An individual cannot apply for Bhutan Visa and only a Local Tour Operator or International Tour Operator partnered with a local can apply Bhutan Visa and Route permit. Upon confirmation of the Bhutan tour, return Flight tickets, and payment confirmation we process your Bhutan Visa. The visa takes about 72 hours during the working day. All visa to Bhutan is e Visa and your actual Visa is stamped upon arrival at Paro International Airport.

How can I book my plane tickets to Bhutan?

We are PSA of two local Airlines Drukair and Bhutan Airlines. We have a better deal for all flight tickets from the different destinations where Bhutan Airlines operates. Just let us know your travel date and we shall book and give you one month time to decide to pay for your tickets.