: o By Air: Paro International Airport serves as the primary gateway for international travelers. o By Land: There are multiple border entry points from India: o Phuentsholing (West Bengal, India) o Samdrup Jongkhar (Assam, India) o Gelephu (Assam, India)
Bhutan, a nation that remained isolated from the world until the early 1960s, has now opened its doors to global travelers. The once arduous journey by foot has given way to modern transportation options by air was introduce in 1983 for making Bhutan more accessible than ever. Here’s how you can reach this enchanting Himalayan kingdom in the present day. Travel by Air Bhutan boasts its sole international airport in Pao, located at a remarkable altitude of 7,300 feet and surrounded by towering mountains and hills. Druk Air and Bhutan Airlines are the national airline of Bhutan, operates flights connecting the country to various international destinations. You can catch a Druk Air flight or Bhutan Airlines to Bhutan from cities like Bangkok, Delhi, Kolkata, Mumbai, Bodh Gaya, Dhaka, Kathmandu, Guwahati, and Singapore. The flight between Paro and Kathmandu is especially exhilarating, as it offers breathtaking views of four of the world’s highest peaks – Mt. Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, and Kangchenjunga. Weather permitting, this journey provides a truly awe-inspiring spectacle. Within Bhutan, you can take domestic flights to Yonphula in eastern Bhutan, Bumthang in central Bhutan, and Gelephu in south-central Bhutan, making it more convenient to explore this beautiful country. Travel by Land International tourists have three land border entry points to choose from when entering Bhutan: Phuentsholing, Gelephu, and Samdrup Jongkhar. Phuentsholing, situated approximately 170 kilometers east of the Indian national airport at Bagdogra, is the gateway to Bhutan’s mountainous terrain. The journey from Phuentsholing to Thimphu, the capital city, involves navigating numerous turns and hairpin bends and typically takes about six hours to cover the 176-kilometer stretch.
Entry Permit Information for Bhutan Upon arriving in Bhutan, immigration officials will issue your entry permit. It is mandatory to be physically present for this process, and you should carry your passport along with a few passport-sized photographs or your voter’s registration card.
If you're entering Bhutan by road, the permit will be endorsed at designated entry points such as Phuentsholing, Samdrup Jongkhar, or Gelephu. For those arriving by air, the entry process takes place at Paro International Airport.
Bhutan warmly invites you to discover its vibrant culture and breathtaking natural beauty. Start planning your trip today and experience the magic of this Himalayan paradise.
Bhutan, the Thunder Dragon Land, is a hidden jewel in which conventional traditions blend into exalted surroundings, offering the traveler an unordinary glimpse into a pure Himalayan kingdom. From exploring its great monasteries, walking on its pristine valleys, to experiencing the graciousness of its populace, every Bhutan experience is a walk into a land of peace, piety, and cultural richness.