Bhutan, once an isolated kingdom until the early 1960s, has now embraced global travelers with modern transportation options, making this Himalayan gem more accessible than ever. Today, visitors can reach Bhutan either by air or land.
Travel by Air
Bhutan’s only international airport is located in Paro, nestled at 7,300 feet above sea level and surrounded by towering mountains. The country’s national airlines, Druk Air and Bhutan Airlines, operate flights connecting Bhutan to major international cities such as Bangkok, Delhi, Kolkata, Mumbai, Bodh Gaya, Dhaka, Kathmandu, Guwahati, and Singapore. Notably, the flight between Paro and Kathmandu offers breathtaking views of some of the world’s highest peaks, including Mt. Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, and Kangchenjunga, providing an awe-inspiring experience for travelers. Within Bhutan, domestic flights are available to Yonphula in the east, Bumthang in the central region, and Gelephu in the south-central area, facilitating easier exploration of the country’s diverse landscapes.
Travel by Land
For those preferring to enter Bhutan by land, there are three main border entry points: Phuentsholing, Gelephu, and Samdrup Jongkhar.
Phuentsholing is the most common entry point, located approximately 170 kilometers east of Bagdogra Airport in India. From Phuentsholing, the journey to Thimphu, Bhutan’s capital, spans 176 kilometers and takes around six hours, navigating through mountainous terrain with numerous turns and hairpin bends.
Gelephu, situated about 250 kilometers from Thimphu, offers another route into Bhutan. This journey takes around ten hours and traverses three districts, transitioning from sub-tropical regions to alpine zones before reaching the capital.
Samdrup Jongkhar, located in eastern Bhutan, serves as the only entry point for travelers from Assam, India. The town is about 150 kilometers from Guwahati, Assam’s capital, and the drive takes approximately three hours. From Samdrup Jongkhar, travelers embark on a scenic journey through Bhutan, passing through Trashigang, Mongar, Bumthang, Trongsa, and Wangdue Phodrang before finally arriving in Thimphu. This extensive route covers about 700 kilometers and generally takes at least three days to complete.
Entry Permit
Upon arrival in Bhutan, immigration officers will endorse your entry permit. This requires you to be present in person, and you may need to carry your passport, along with some passport-sized photographs, or a voter’s registration card. If entering by road, the endorsement is done at the entry points in Phuentsholing, Samdrup Jongkhar, and Gelephu. For those arriving by air, the endorsement takes place at Paro Airport. With your entry permit in hand, you are free to explore Bhutan’s rich culture, stunning landscapes, and warm hospitality, making your journey to this Himalayan jewel a memorable one.
