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View Full Version : How to Fly to Bhutan: A Traveler’s Guide?



Rudolf Eucken
08-12-2025, 01:35 AM
Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to fly to Bhutan (https://www.paroairport.com/), ensuring your journey is as smooth as possible.

1. Understand Bhutan’s Entry Requirements


Tourism policy – All international visitors (except citizens of India, Bangladesh, and the Maldives) must book their trip through a licensed Bhutanese tour operator or their international partners.
Visa – Your tour operator will arrange a visa for you after you pay the trip cost, which includes Bhutan’s Sustainable Development Fee (SDF).
Travel insurance – Required for entry.

2. Choose Your Entry Airport

Bhutan has only one international airport:

Paro International Airport (PBH) – Nestled between mountains, it’s one of the world’s most scenic — and challenging — airports to land in.

There are a few domestic airports (Bumthang, Gelephu, Yonphula), but you’ll need to first enter through Paro.

3. Find Airlines That Fly to Bhutan

Currently, two Bhutanese airlines operate all international flights:

Druk Air (Royal Bhutan Airlines)
Bhutan Airlines

They fly from select cities in Asia, including:

India: Delhi, Kolkata, Guwahati, Bagdogra
Nepal: Kathmandu
Thailand: Bangkok
Bangladesh: Dhaka
Singapore (limited schedule)

Tip: These flights often have breathtaking Himalayan views — choose a window seat on the left side when flying into Bhutan from Kathmandu for a chance to see Mount Everest.

4. Plan Your Route

Since no flights come directly from Europe, the Americas, Africa, or Oceania, you’ll need a connection through a nearby hub such as:

Bangkok (BKK)
Delhi (DEL)
Kolkata (CCU)
Kathmandu (KTM)
Singapore (SIN)

5. Book Through Your Tour Operator

Because your visa is linked to your tour booking, most travelers:

Contact a Bhutanese tour operator.
Select a package (usually all-inclusive: guides, hotels, meals, permits, and transport).
Have the operator book your Paro flights — easier than doing it yourself since seats can be scarce.

6. Prepare for Your Flight


Baggage allowance – Check your airline; small aircraft mean stricter limits.
Weather Delays – Mountain weather can cause cancellations, so consider adding buffer days before/after your Bhutan trip.
Arrive early – Paro’s approaches require daylight, so flights are scheduled in the morning.

7. Alternative: Entering Overland

If you’re already in India, you can enter Bhutan by land through:

Phuentsholing (near Siliguri)
Samdrup Jongkhar (from Assam)
Gelephu (from Assam)

Your tour operator can arrange a car pickup from these border points.

Quick Checklist

✅ Book with a licensed Bhutanese tour operator
✅ Confirm visa arrangements
✅ Reserve flights via Druk Air or Bhutan Airlines
✅ Plan extra days for possible delays
✅ Keep travel insurance handy

Visit or contact our offices to find out more information about DrukAir (https://drukair.com/).