How to Get to Bhutan, Reach Bhutan from India and Nepal 2024
26 September 2022 Last updated at 17:27
Where is Bhutan Located?
Located in South Asia, the Kingdom of Bhutan is a landlocked country bordering Tibet of China in the north and India on other three sides (Sikkim state in west, Arunachal Pradesh in east and North Bengal in south). It is also standing by the eastern Himalaya Mountains, which make it blessed with unbelievable natural beauty. Plus its perfectly-preserved traditions and customs in hidden mountains, countless travelers are attracted to go to Bhutan searching for secret of happiness and pristine wild nature.
How Do You Get to Bhutan
Until now, Bhutan has just established diplomatic ties with more than 20 countries worldwide, including India, Thailand, etc. Due to little connection with outside world and its own isolated location, currently, there are only two ways available to get to Bhutan - take a flight to Bhutan and travel to Bhutan from India by road. What is the best way to reach Bhutan? Check more details and compare to find your perfect way to go.
Get to Bhutan by Flight - Fly to Bhutan from Nepal, India, Thailand, Singapore, Bangladesh
It’s quite obviously that, flying to Bhutan is the most convenient and comfortable way of travel. Here are important things to know before you plan an air travel to Bhutan. At present, there are totally four airports in Bhutan, but only the Paro International Airport in western Bhutan serves international flights. And all the flights to Bhutan or leaving Bhutan are operated by Drukair Air and Bhutan Airlines exclusively. Currently, there are five countries (9 cities) directly connected with Bhutan by flights, including Nepal, India, Bangladesh, Singapore and Thailand. Find more available Flights to Bhutan >>
Bhutan Flights Schedules:
| Air Route | Departure & Arrival | Distance | Duration | Frequency | Flight Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nepal-Bhutan | Kathmandu - Paro | 250 miles (403km) | about 1 hr | 2 flights per day | nonstop flights |
| India-Bhutan | Delhi - Paro | 757 miles (1218km) | about 2.5 hrs | 2 flights per day | nonstop flights |
| Guwahati - Paro | 161 miles (259km) | about 1.5 hrs | about 4 flights per week | nonstop flights | |
| Kolkata - Paro | 333 miles (535km) | about 1.5 hrs | about 1+ flights per day | nonstop flights | |
| Bagdogra - Paro | 333 miles (535km) | about 1 hr | about 2 flights per week | nonstop flights | |
| Gaya - Paro | 252 miles (406km) | about 1.5 hrs | appr 5 flights per week | nonstop flights | |
| Thailand-Bhutan | Bangkok - Paro | 1176 miles (1892km) | about 3.5 hrs | appr 5 flights per week | nonstop flights |
| Singapore-Bhutan | Singapore - Paro | 2035 miles (3276km) | about 6 hrs | appr 2 flights per week | nonstop flights |
| Bangladesh-Bhutan | Dhaka - Paro | 333 miles (535km) | about 1.5 hrs | about 3 flights per week | nonstop flights |
Note: 1.) The above flight schedules are listed for reference only, you can contact us or the airlines in Bhutan to check updated timetable; 2.) It's suggested to book flights as early as possible, since flights are limited, they sell out very fast, especially during peak season.
About Bhutan Paro Internationa Airport
Paro Airport (IATA: PBH, ICAO: VQPR) is Bhutan’s only international airport, and it is located in Paro Valley, about 6km of Paro City center. The airport is very small with one single track and major building. Paro Airport has an elevation of 2,200m (7,300 ft), but it is surrounded by mountains higher than 5,000m, it’s a quite challenge and memorable air experience you may have.
All travelers to Bhutan have join in local tour package organized by Bhutanese travel agency. Therefore, after arrival, your Bhutanese tour guide and driver will pick you up and send you to your hotel. It usually takes about 15 ~ 20 minutes to transfer from Paro Airport to Paro City, and nearly 1.5 hours (50km) to capital city - Thimphu in northeast. Get more useful guide of Transportation in Bhutan and Bhutan Tour Packages >>
Most Popular Bhutan Tours:
☞ 5 Days Classic Bhutan Tour(Paro/Thimphu/Punakha)
Bhutan Paro Airport
Travel to Bhutan by Road - Overland Drive from India to Bhutan
Bhutan only borders with Tibet, China and India. Since Bhutan has not developed a diplomatic relation with China, there are no available ports between China and Bhutan yet. On the contrary, along the 699-km land border between India and Bhutan, opened international border ports make the overland driving journey from India to Bhutan available and frequently-used for road trip lovers.
Now, there are three ports connecting India and Bhutan, namely Phuentsholing, Samdrup Jongkhar and Gelephu in Bhutan.
1. Phuentsholing - Jaigaon Port
Phuentsholing (Phuntsholing) is a little border town situated in Southern Bhutan, connecting Chhukha District of Bhutan and Jaigaon, West Bengal of India. It’s the primary and most-used border port in Bhutan. In India, you can get to Siliguri nearby Phuentsholing, or take a Indian train to New Jalpaiguri and New Alipurduar, where is quite close to the border area, or go to Bagdogra by flight firstly, and then drive about 5~6 hours to Phuentsholing. Phuentsholing is about 6 hours’ driving distance away from Paro and Thimphu in Bhutan.
Tips: Indians, Bangladesh and Maldive citizens can enter Bhutan with valid passport or identity cards, other travelers must get a Bhutan Visa prior to arrival.
2. Samdrup Jongkhar - Assam Port
Samdrup Jongkhar, the oldest town of Bhutan, is also open to foreign tourists in southeast border area, but it might be closed due to the road transport disrupted by occasional strike. It borders with Assam of India in the south, about 3 hours’ driving distance from Guwahati, where there are frequent and reasonable flight connection with New Delhi and some other Indian cities.3. Gelephu Port
Gelephu is located in southern Bhutan bordering with Assam as well, but less used then above ports. It normally takes around one day drive distance for both Bagdogra and Guwahati Airports. With another day’s drive, you can arrive in Wangdue Phodrang or Trongsa, approximately 10 hours to capital Thimphu.
Phuentsholing Port - Bhutan Gate
How to Reach Bhutan from Nepal and India
If you plan to travel to Bhutan from US, UK, or countries not connected with Bhutan by air, you need to transfer in one of the countries mentioned before, including Nepal, India, Thailand, Singapore and Bangladesh. You can simply fly to Bhutan if you’re already in one of them. If not, so, which country should be chose as transit station to get to Bhutan? Nepal and India are both very popular gateway to Bhutan for lots of reasons. You will make final decision according to own itinerary and preference. But, to help you clearly know the best way for traveling to Bhutan, we list main highlights and give advice for help.
1. Travel from Nepal to Bhutan by Flight
● You can enjoy the shortest flight time, just about 1 hour, by taking a Nepal to Bhutan Flight (Kathmandu - Paro Flight).
● On the airplane flying between Nepal and Bhutan, you have a great chance to view breathtaking snow-capped Himalayan Ranges if sit by window with a right position.
● Nepal is a wonderful destination once rewarded as Lonely Planet’s Best Travel Destination. Tourists can spend several days discover the country, trace its ancient history and unique culture from those delicate religious architectures. Kathmandu Valley with UNESCO World Cultural Properties is worth a visit. Nature fans can go westward to Pokhara, Chitwan, while Buddhists could make pilgrimage to Lumpini. Exploration of Nepal and Bhutan, two Himalayan Kingdosm together, will give you total different feeling and memory.
【How to Plan A Nepal Bhutan Tour】
You trip to Bhutan with Nepal can be short or long, all depends on your holiday plan and destinations going to visit. Since your travel is hard-won, we highly suggest you spend at least 9 days on the major highlights in Nepal and Bhutan, about 4 days in Kathmandu and 5 days to Paro, Thimphu and Punakha of Bhutan. Your Himalayan adventure can be extended further，maybe over half a month long, if you get more time and love to discover more local culture.
In Nepal, it usually takes 4 days for a classic itinerary, to tour top attractions in Kathmandu, Patan, Bhaktapur, including the famous UNESCO World Heritages, Durbarsquares, Boudhanath Stupa, etc. If time permits, you can get to Pokhara, enjoy beautiful peaceful Phewa Lake, try awesome paragliding, make a Annapurna Trek, or have a jungle safari in Chitwan, make a sacred pilgrimage in Lumbini. While in Bhutan, you should leave more than 5 days visiting the major cities, Paro, Thimphu and Punakha. The unique dzongs, monasteries and museums are best sites to help you catch a glimpse of Bhutanese local culture, history and life. Hiking and in-depth tour in Bhutan can be customized based on your requirements. Find more >> Hot Nepal Bhutan Tour Packages!
Most Popular Nepal Bhutan Tours:
Kathmandu Tribhuvan International Airpor
Durbar Square in Kathmandu, Nepal
Bhutan's Punakha Dzong in Spring
2. Travel from India to Bhutan by Air or by Road:
● India has more flexible choices to get to Bhutan than Nepal. There are five cities you can depart from India to fly to Bhutan, they are Delhi, Kolkata, Gaya, Guwahti, Bagdogra. Meanwhile, you can make a road trip from India to Bhutan via three border ports.
● As one of the four ancient civilization countries in the world, India also offers diverse natural sights and cultural treasures for discovery. It is the sacred origin of Buddhism and famous for its splendid art relics and Yoga.
Warm Tips: Be well prepare if you are going to Nepal from India by road. The road trip could be long and involves visa things you need to work out in advance.
Red Fort in New Delhi, India
How to Plan Your Bhutan Tour
A Bhutan trip usually starts from Paro where the Bhutan’s only international airport is located in, then travel eastward to Thimphu and Punakha, which is the most classic itinerary in Bhutan, taking 5~6 days to finish. Never miss the icon of Bhutan - Tiger’s Nest (the symbol of Bhutan) in Paro. If your time is quite limited, you can skip Punakha. If you want an in-depth Bhutan tour, we suggest you extend your trip to Phobjikha, Gangtey, Trongsa and Bumthang in central Bhutan, which costs you about 9~10 days. You can also spend more time in Bhutan to explore more features of Bhutan, such as trekking, birding, Tshechu festival, etc. It is strongly recommended to travel Bhutan with Nepal. Check Nepal Bhutan tours to find a suitable tour or contact us to customize your own unique experience.
☞ 5 Days Bhutan Classic Tour (Paro & Thimphu & Punakha)
☞ 9 Days Bhutan In-depth Natural and Cultural Tour
☞ 12 Days Nepal Bhutan Leisure Vacation Tour Package
Travel with Us
Traveling with Himalayas Discovery, you are assured to use our high-quality travel services, including vehicles, professional tour guide and experienced driver, well-organized itinerary, assistance of visa and permits application and other travel related services. We will settle all arrangements in advance to make sure you always enjoy a worry-free journey.
Our dear guests visiting Bhutan
Bhutan Travel Guide
Most Recommended Bhutan Tour Packages
Following are 3 most recommended Bhutan tour packages that you may be interested in. All tour packages are customizable to meet your personal requirements. You can also contact us to customize a trip if you want.
-
-
-
9 Days Bhutan In-depth Natural and Cultural Tour
Paro / Thimphu / Punakha / Phobjikha / Trongsa / Bumthang / Wangue Phodrang / Paro
