How to get there…there are only two ways to enter Bhutan!
By Air
Drukair – Royal Bhutan Airlines
The national carrier of Bhutan is Drukair (Royal Bhutan Airlines). Drukair fly regularly to Paro, Bhutan’s only airport, from Bangkok, Delhi, Kolkata and Kathmandu (daily). You can also get there from Singapore, Dhaka, Guwahati, Bagdogra and Gaya.
Drukair operates Airbus A319 jets, offering economy and business class seating. These aircraft are extremely well suited for the alpine environment and your descent in to the Paro Valley will be among the highlights of your visit, particularly if you travel from Delhi via Kathmandu and fly parallel with the Himalayas for much of the journey.
It is not possible to purchase Drukair tickets independently. These will be arranged on your behalf. Your actual air tickets are issued in advance in Bhutan and e-tickets will be forwarded to you. You will need to present your Bhutan Visa Authority Letter along with your e-tickets at the check-in counter on the day of travel. Although unusual this system works exceptionally well.
Important Note: Drukair only operates 2 aircraft and delays can occur due to weather or other operational requirements. We strongly advise visitors to Bhutan to factor in at least a 24 hour before connecting from other airline services to or from a Drukair flight.
Domestic Air Travel within Bhutan
Druk Air and Tashi Air, also known as Bhutan Airlines has recently commenced domestic flights within Bhutan. The flights take place between Paro, Bathpalathang (Bumthang) and Yonphula (Trashigang). This air link will provide an excellent opportunity for those wanting to explore the western and eastern districts of Bhutan without the lengthy drive times. For prices and flight schedules, please contact us.
Bhutan Airlines (Private Airline)
Bhutan Airlines (Tashi Air Pvt. Ltd) first began its commercial flight Paro – Bangkok on the 10th of October 2013 followed by daily scheduled flight to Kolkata on the 16th of December 2013. Today Bhutan Airline operates seven days a week flight from Bangkok to Paro via Kolkata, India and Return and 6 flights (Except on Friday) to Kathmandu and return.
By Road
There is two authorised entry points by road for foreign tourists. This is from West Bengal in Northern India via the border town of Phuentsholing in Bhutan’s Southwest. The Indian town opposite Phuentsholing is Jaigaon. Travellers from Sikkim find this land entry point of most convenient although it is a 6 hour drive up to the capital Thimphu and most visitors prefer the Drukair option in and out of Paro Airport. And the second one is from Assam in Northeast India via the border town of Samdrupjongkhar in Bhutan’s Southeast.
As at September 2006 it has become possible to enter or exit via a second road access point at Samdrup Jongkhar in the far Southeast of Bhutan. This option, bordering the Indian State of Assam, is useful for visitors who travel to the more remote Eastern side of the country (particularly for those interested in traditional Bhutanese weaving) and prefer to avoid the long drive back westwards to Paro. The closest airport is 110 km away in Guwahati. From here you can fly on to including Delhi, Bombay, Kolkata and Bangkok. This is convenient for those flying into Paro in the west and touring across Bhutan without back tracking or vice versa.
Important Note: Driving in Bhutan, the roads are narrow and the driving speed in Bhutan is generally 30 kms per hour, courtesy of the high number of bends per kilometre (reputed to average 13).