Bhutan, the Land of the Thunder Dragon, is a dream destination for travelers seeking rich cultural heritage, pristine landscapes, and a peaceful escape from the fast-paced world. However, flying into Bhutan is not as straightforward as other international destinations due to its mountainous terrain and only one international airport. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about flights to Bhutan, including airlines, routes, tips, and more, to help you plan your trip smoothly.
Why is Flying to Bhutan Unique?
The unique geography of Bhutan, with its towering mountains and narrow valleys, means that only specially trained pilots can land here, making the approach into Paro Airport a thrilling experience. Located at an altitude of 2,235 meters (7,333 feet), Paro International Airport is surrounded by steep hills, making it one of the most challenging airports in the world. But don’t let this deter you—this is all part of the adventure!
Paro International Airport (PBH)
Paro International Airport is the only international gateway to Bhutan. Located in a valley at an elevation of over 2,200 meters, it offers breathtaking views as your plane descends into the beautiful Paro Valley. With only a few pilots certified to land at Paro due to the airport’s complex terrain, your flight to Bhutan becomes an experience in itself.
Since Paro is the only international airport, all flights to Bhutan, regardless of where you’re coming from, land here. From Paro, you can take domestic flights to other parts of Bhutan or continue your journey by road.
Airlines Operating Flights to Bhutan
Currently, only two airlines operate flights to Bhutan: Drukair – Royal Bhutan Airlines and Bhutan Airlines. Both airlines offer similar services and connect Bhutan to several international destinations.
1. Drukair – Royal Bhutan Airlines
Drukair is the national carrier of Bhutan, established in 1981. With its main hub in Paro, Drukair flies to multiple international and domestic destinations. It offers regular flights from neighboring countries and a few select cities in Asia. Known for its reliability and safety record, Drukair is often the preferred airline for flying into Bhutan.
Key Drukair Destinations:
- India: New Delhi, Kolkata, Bagdogra, Guwahati, and Gaya
- Thailand: Bangkok (Suvarnabhumi). Daily flights.
- Nepal: Kathmandu. Daily flights.
- Bangladesh: Dhaka. Twice a week (Mondays and Fridays)
- Singapore: Twice a week (Thursdays and Sundays)
- United Arab Emirates: Dubai (DXB). Twice a week (Tuesdays and Saturdays)
Drukair operates Airbus A319 and ATR aircraft, which are well-suited for navigating Bhutan’s challenging terrain. The airline offers comfortable service, with meals and in-flight entertainment on longer routes.
2. Bhutan Airlines
Bhutan Airlines, also known as Tashi Air, is Bhutan’s first private airline. Established in 2011, Bhutan Airlines is a great alternative to Drukair, offering flights to key international destinations. The airline’s service is competitive, offering travelers a convenient and reliable way to reach Bhutan.
Key Bhutan Airlines Destinations:
- India: Delhi, Kolkata, Mumbai & Bangalore
- Thailand: Bangkok (Suvarnabhumi)
- Nepal: Kathmandu
- Malaysia: Kuala Lumpur
Bhutan Airlines uses Airbus A319 aircraft, which are capable of handling the high-altitude conditions of Bhutan.
Popular Flight Routes to Bhutan
Flights to Bhutan are available from select cities in India, Thailand, Nepal, Bangladesh, and Singapore. Here’s an overview of the main routes:
1. Flights from India to Bhutan
India is Bhutan’s largest neighboring country and offers the most flights to Bhutan. If you’re traveling from India, you’ll have several options to choose from, with direct flights from major cities.
- Delhi to Paro: Daily flights are available from New Delhi, with a flight time of about 2.5 hours. Approximately $590 (round trip).
- Kolkata to Paro: Kolkata is one of the closest major cities to Bhutan, and flights take approximately 1.5 hours. Approximately $423 (round trip).
- Bagdogra to Paro: Bagdogra in West Bengal is another key route, offering a short flight time of around 45 minutes. Approximately $261 (round trip).
- Guwahati to Paro: Located in Northeast India, Guwahati also offers direct flights to Bhutan. Approximately $281 (round trip).
2. Flights from Thailand to Bhutan
Thailand is a major hub for flights to Bhutan, especially for travelers coming from Southeast Asia and beyond.
- Bangkok to Paro: Bangkok offers multiple flights per week, making it one of the most popular and convenient routes for international travelers. The flight duration is around 3.5 hours.
- Fare: Approximately $938 (round trip).
3. Flights from Nepal to Bhutan
- Kathmandu to Paro: Kathmandu is one of the most scenic routes to Bhutan. On a clear day, you can catch a glimpse of Mount Everest and the Himalayan range during your flight. The flight takes about 1 hour.
- Fare: Approximately $457 (round trip).
4. Flights from Bangladesh to Bhutan
- Dhaka to Paro: For travelers from Bangladesh, Dhaka is the only option, with a flight time of approximately 1.5 hours.
- Fare: Approximately $427 (round trip).
5. Flights from Singapore to Bhutan
- Singapore to Paro: This route caters to travelers from Southeast Asia and beyond. With a flight duration of about 5.5 hours, it is one of the longer routes but offers direct access to Bhutan.
- Fare: Approximately $1085 (round trip).
- Flights from United Arab of Emirates (Dubai-DXB) to Bhutan
- Dubai (DXB) to Paro: This route serves travelers from the Middle East and neighboring regions. The flight duration is approximately 6.5 hours, providing direct access to Bhutan with a comfortable journey.
- Fare: Approximately $1,445 (round trip).
Popular Flight Routes to Bhutan
Flights to Bhutan are available from select cities in India, Thailand, Nepal, Bangladesh, and Singapore. Here’s an overview of the main routes:
1. Flights from India to Bhutan
India is Bhutan’s largest neighboring country and offers the most flights to Bhutan. If you’re traveling from India, you’ll have several options to choose from, with direct flights from major cities.
- Delhi to Paro: Daily flights are available from New Delhi, with a flight time of about 2.5 hours. Approximately $590 (round trip).
- Kolkata to Paro: Kolkata is one of the closest major cities to Bhutan, and flights take approximately 1.5 hours. Approximately $423 (round trip).
- Bagdogra to Paro: Bagdogra in West Bengal is another key route, offering a short flight time of around 45 minutes. Approximately $261 (round trip).
- Guwahati to Paro: Located in Northeast India, Guwahati also offers direct flights to Bhutan. Approximately $281 (round trip).
2. Flights from Thailand to Bhutan
Thailand is a major hub for flights to Bhutan, especially for travelers coming from Southeast Asia and beyond.
- Bangkok to Paro: Bangkok offers multiple flights per week, making it one of the most popular and convenient routes for international travelers. The flight duration is around 3.5 hours.
- Fare: Approximately $938 (round trip).
3. Flights from Nepal to Bhutan
- Kathmandu to Paro: Kathmandu is one of the most scenic routes to Bhutan. On a clear day, you can catch a glimpse of Mount Everest and the Himalayan range during your flight. The flight takes about 1 hour.
- Fare: Approximately $457 (round trip).
4. Flights from Bangladesh to Bhutan
- Dhaka to Paro: For travelers from Bangladesh, Dhaka is the only option, with a flight time of approximately 1.5 hours.
- Fare: Approximately $427 (round trip).
5. Flights from Singapore to Bhutan
- Singapore to Paro: This route caters to travelers from Southeast Asia and beyond. With a flight duration of about 5.5 hours, it is one of the longer routes but offers direct access to Bhutan.
- Fare: Approximately $1085 (round trip).
- Flights from United Arab of Emirates (Dubai-DXB) to Bhutan
- Dubai (DXB) to Paro: This route serves travelers from the Middle East and neighboring regions. The flight duration is approximately 6.5 hours, providing direct access to Bhutan with a comfortable journey.
- Fare: Approximately $1,445 (round trip).
Tips for Booking Flights to Bhutan
Booking a flight to Bhutan can feel a little different than what you might be used to with other destinations. Here are some tips to ensure a smooth process:
1. Book Early, Especially During Peak Seasons
Flights to Bhutan are limited. To secure your preferred travel dates, it’s essential to book your tickets as early as possible, especially if you’re planning to visit during peak tourist seasons, such as the Paro Tshechu Festival in March or October. Tickets tend to sell out quickly, particularly for popular routes like Bangkok, Delhi, and Kathmandu.
2. Check for Connecting Flights
Since Bhutan only has a few direct international routes, many travelers will need to book connecting flights. For example, if you’re traveling from the USA, Europe, or Australia, you may need to first fly into Bangkok, Delhi, or Singapore and then take a connecting flight to Paro. Plan your connecting flights carefully to allow enough time for layovers.
3. Be Prepared for Weather-Related Delays
Bhutan’s weather, particularly around Paro, can be unpredictable due to its mountainous terrain. Flights may experience delays or cancellations, especially during the monsoon season (June to September). It’s a good idea to allow some flexibility in your travel itinerary in case of unexpected changes.
4. Choose Your Airline Wisely
Both Drukair and Bhutan Airlines offer reliable services, but it’s a good idea to check reviews, compare ticket prices, and consider your specific travel needs. While both airlines are comparable in terms of safety and service, you might find differences in ticket availability and flight schedules based on your departure city.
5. Understand Bhutan’s Tourism Policy
Bhutan follows a high-value, low-impact tourism policy, which means you need a pre-arranged visa and a daily minimum spending requirement, known as the Sustainable Development Fee (SDF). When you book your flight, ensure your travel plans align with this policy. Your visa will typically be arranged through your licensed Bhutanese tour operator or travel agent like OMSHA Travel,who will also help with your itinerary to ensure you get the most out of your Bhutan experience. OMSHA Travel takes care of every detail of your journey, from arranging visas to booking accommodations, so you can fully immerse yourself in the beauty and serenity of Bhutan.
Best Time to Fly to Bhutan
The best time to visit Bhutan depends on what you’re looking to experience. However, there are two primary travel seasons:
1. Spring (March to May)
Spring is one of the best times to visit Bhutan, as the weather is pleasant, and the landscape is lush with blooming flowers. It’s also the season for major festivals like the Paro Tshechu, so flights tend to fill up quickly. Book well in advance if you’re planning a spring visit.
2. Fall (September to November)
Fall is another peak season, characterized by clear skies and cooler weather. It’s the ideal time for trekking and exploring Bhutan’s natural beauty. Like spring, fall is a busy season, so it’s important to book flights early.
3. Monsoon Season (June to August)
While the monsoon season sees fewer tourists, it can be a good time to visit Bhutan if you prefer quieter surroundings. However, expect potential flight delays or cancellations due to weather conditions.
4. Winter (December to February)
Winter in Bhutan is cold, but it can also be a great time to visit if you want to avoid crowds. The skies are clear, and the snow-capped mountains provide stunning views. Flights tend to be more available during this time, and it’s an excellent season for photography and witnessing Bhutan’s serene winter beauty.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I fly directly to Bhutan?
Yes, but only from a limited number of cities. You can fly directly to Bhutan from Bangkok, Singapore, Delhi, Kolkata, Kathmandu, Dhaka, Dubai and a few other cities.
2. What are the luggage restrictions for flights to Bhutan?
Luggage restrictions vary depending on the airline and the aircraft being used. Generally, economy class passengers are allowed to check in 30 kg (54 lbs) and carry 7 kg (15 lbs) of hand luggage. Be sure to check with your airline for exact details.
3. Are there any visa requirements to enter Bhutan?
Yes, all international travelers (except Indian, Bangladeshi, and Maldivian nationals) need a visa to enter Bhutan. The visa is typically arranged by your tour operator like OMSHA Travel. You’ll need to provide a scanned copy of your passport (valid for at least six months beyond your travel dates) and a passport-sized photo and we will handle the visa application on your behalf.
