There are only two ways to enter Bhutan – by air and by road.
Entering by Air
The two national carriers of Bhutan are Drukair and Bhutan Airlines who commenced operations in 2013. Drukair fly regularly to Paro, Bhutan’s only international airport, from Bangkok, Dhaka, Delhi, Kolkata, Bagdogra, Guwahati, Gaya, Kathmandu and Singapore. Bhutan Airlines operate a daily service between Bangkok and Paro via Kolkata with more services expected to commence later in 2014.
Important Note: Drukair & Bhutan Airlines operate in an alpine environment with a small fleet and delays can occur due to weather or other operational requirements. Westrongly advise visitors to Bhutan to factor in at least an 3-4 hour transit time before connecting to or from a Drukair flight.
Bhutan & Beyond will arrange Drukair & Bhutan Airlines tickets on your behalf.
Please click here for Drukair Flight Schedules & Drukair Costs.
Domestic Air Services In Bhutan
Drukair commenced domestic air services in 2012 using the ATR 42 turbo prop aircraft. The route is Paro to Bumthang (central Bhutan) and return approx 2-3 times per week. This will allow return visitors to avoid the long drive to central Bhutan to focus on the central and more remote eastern region in a shorter time frame.
Please contact Bhutan & Beyond for more information on domestic schedules and fares..
Drukair & Bhutan Airlines Aircraft.
Drukair currently operates 3 Airbus A319 jets, offering economy and business class seating, and 1 ATR-42 turbo prop aircraft (for the shorter sector flights) offering economy class only seating. Bhutan Airlines currently has one Airbus A320 with another on order. 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. The flight between Paro and Kathmandu runs parallel with the Himalayas for much of the journey and Mt Everest can often be seen very clearly.
Entering by Road
There are currently two authorised entry & exit points by road for foreign tourists.
The first is at Phuntsholing in southwest Bhutan, from West Bengal in Northern India. The adjacent Indian town is called Jaigaon. We strongly recommend vistors entering or departing at Phuntsholing spend the first night there on the Bhutan side. Jaigaon is chaotic and only offers low standards of accommodation.
The second entry/exit point is 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 Bhutan. It is 3 hour drive from Samdrup Jongkhar to the Indian airport of Guwahati which will connect you by air to your onward destination.
Important Note: Driving in Bhutan, the roads are narrow and the driving speed in Bhutan is generally 35-40 kms per hour, courtesy of the high number of bends per kilometre (up to 13 or more bends in some areas and especially in eastern Bhutan).