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Getting to Bhutan
Most visitors fly into Paro, the principal international airport, on Drukair or Bhutan Airlines. Many Indian travellers come overland through Phuentsholing.
By air: Paro International Airport
Paro is Bhutan’s principal international airport, tucked into a narrow valley surrounded by mountains. Only specially trained pilots fly the approach, and only in daylight, which is part of what makes the landing unforgettable.
Two Bhutanese carriers fly into Paro: Drukair (Royal Bhutan Airlines) and Bhutan Airlines. Depending on the season and schedule, connections run from cities such as Delhi, Kolkata, Bagdogra, Guwahati, Kathmandu, Bangkok, Singapore and Dhaka.
Flights to Paro are limited and fill early in festival seasons. We can advise on schedules and help you book once your dates are set.
By road: Phuentsholing and other borders
Phuentsholing on the Indian border, opposite Jaigaon in West Bengal, is the main road entry. The nearest airport on the Indian side is Bagdogra, about 4 hours away; the nearest major railway station is New Jalpaiguri.
Other land crossings include Gelephu in the south and Samdrup Jongkhar in the east, useful for itineraries that include eastern Bhutan or Assam.
From Phuentsholing, the road to Thimphu takes about 5–6 hours, climbing from the plains through forest to the cool hills.
Choosing your gateway
| If you are coming from… | Usually best via |
|---|---|
| North India, Mumbai, Kolkata | Flight to Paro (direct or with one connection) |
| South India and Goa | Flight to Bagdogra or Kolkata, then by road or connecting flight to Paro |
| Europe, the Americas, Australia | Delhi, Kathmandu, Bangkok or Singapore, then a flight to Paro |
| North-east India | Road via Gelephu or Samdrup Jongkhar, or a flight from Guwahati |
When you arrive
Your guide and driver meet you at Paro airport or at the border, and stay with you until you leave. Transfers, sightseeing and intercity travel are all in your own vehicle, sized to your group.
More travel info
Keep reading
Visa & Entry Permits
Who needs a visa, who needs a permit, and how we help.
Sustainable Development Fee
Current SDF rates, what it pays for and how it appears in your quote.
Best Time to Visit
Four seasons, month by month, with festivals and treks.
Health, Altitude & Safety
Altitude by region, pacing, insurance and medicines.
Money, Phones & Internet
Ngultrum and rupees, cards and cash, SIMs, Wi-Fi and power.
Culture & Etiquette
Dress for dzongs, temple manners, photography and festivals.
What to Pack
By season and by trip type — culture tours and treks.
Where You Stay
Our own hotels, certified hotels elsewhere, farmhouses and trek camps.
Ready when you are
Ready to plan your journey?
We handle visas, permits and the SDF for you — and answer every question along the way.