Getting to Bhutan
How to Get to Bhutan: A Complete Guide for Travelers
Bhutan is a small Himalayan kingdom located between India and China (Tibet). Getting to Bhutan can be an adventure in itself! Travelers can reach Bhutan mainly by air or land, as it doesn’t have direct train services or major road connections with neighboring countries. The country’s only international airport is in Paro, served by Drukair and Bhutan Airlines with direct flights from Singapore, Kathmandu, Bangkok, New Delhi, Dhaka, and UAE.
From India, visitors can also enter Bhutan overland through Phuentsholing, Gelephu, or Samdrup Jongkhar.
Contact OMSHA Travel to arrange your Bhutan trip seamlessly and enjoy a stress-free travel experience. Make your journey even smoother by letting us handle all your travel logistics. You will receive all the information you need to make your trip unforgettable, with your personal guides, hotels, itineraries, and more.
If you have any questions, need help for flight reservation, please contact us or our team.
ARRIVE BY AIR
Paro International Airport: This is the only international airport in Bhutan. You can fly into Paro from several cities, including Bangladesh (Dhaka), India (Bagdogra, Guwahati, Kolkata and New Delhi), Nepal (Kathmandu), Singapore, and Thailand (Bangkok) and Dubai.
Bhutan has two national airlines: Drukair and Bhutan Airlines operate flights to and from Paro. You’ll likely need to connect through one of their hubs to reach Bhutan.
If you have any questions, need help for flight reservation, please contact us or our team.
ARRIVE BY AROAD
There are three official entry points by road from India: Phuentsholing (in western Bhutan), Gelephu (in central Bhutan), and Samdrup Jongkhar (in eastern Bhutan).
Phuentsholing is the main entry point at the southern border with India. You can take a bus or hire a taxi from nearby Indian cities like Bagdogra or Siliguri.
Once you arrive at the entry point our car and guide will pick you up.
TRAVEL WITHIN THE COUNTRY
The most convenient way to travel in Bhutan is to hire a vehicle and driver from a tourism service provider. It is not possible to hire a self-drive vehicle in Bhutan. And it is not convenient and easy to use public transport as it is not frequent and efficient. Therefore our package include transport be it solo, couple or group.
Four airports connect the country’s western, central, southern and eastern regions. Although airlines always aim to provide the highest service, Bhutan’s unique landscape occasionally makes for unreliable departure dates. Yonphula airport – located in the eastern part of Bhutan – is given to unpredictable weather in the summer months due to its altitude and micro-climate. Flights are thus sporadically delayed or cancelled. Other domestic airports are located in Bumthang and Gelephu, and there is the international airport in Paro.
We encourage you to reach out to us before you plan domestic flights, or any other travel within the country.
Getting Around in Bhutan
Private Tours and Guides
Tourists are required to book their trip through a licensed operator. This ensures that you have a guide, driver, and a private vehicle to explore Bhutan at your own pace.
Public Transport
While public buses are available, they are not suitable for tourists due to limited routes and schedules. Opt for private transportation for comfort and convenience.
FAQs About Traveling to Bhutan
1. Do I need a tour operator to visit Bhutan?
Independent travel is not encouraged. Planning your trip through a licensed Bhutanese tour operator is strongly recommended and, in many cases, necessary for a smooth travel.
2. How much does a trip to Bhutan cost?
The cost depends on the duration, type of accommodation, and activities. The Sustainable Development Fee is $100 per day for international tourists.
3. Can I use drones in Bhutan?
Drone usage is prohibited without special permits. It’s best to consult your tour operator for guidelines.
4. Are vegetarian food options available in Bhutan?
Yes, Bhutanese cuisine offers a variety of vegetarian dishes, including ema datshi (chili and cheese).
5. Is travel insurance mandatory for Bhutan?
While not mandatory, travel insurance is highly recommended for unforeseen circumstances like medical emergencies or trip cancellations.