Getting into Bhutan

Getting into Bhutan

Bhutan is not the easiest country to reach, and that is part of its charm. There are no direct flights from Europe or the Americas. Every visitor arrives through a handful of gateway cities in Asia, and the approach — whether by air or overland — is an experience in itself.

By Air

Paro International Airport is the main entry point and one of the most dramatic landings in commercial aviation. The plane threads between mountain peaks before touching down in a narrow valley. Druk Air and Bhutan Airlines connect Paro to Bangkok, Delhi, Kolkata, Kathmandu, Dhaka, Singapore, and Guwahati. On a clear day the flight from Kathmandu passes four of the five highest mountains on earth.

Domestic flights serve Bumthang in central Bhutan and Gelephu in the south, though schedules depend on weather and demand.

By Road

Three border crossings connect Bhutan to India. Phuentsholing in the southwest is the most popular, roughly six hours by road from Bagdogra airport. Gelephu in the south-centre links to Assam, and Samdrup Jongkhar in the east is the gateway for travellers coming from Guwahati. The overland routes are long but scenic — expect winding mountain roads, subtropical forests, and the occasional stop for a herd of yaks.

Visa and Fees

All visitors except citizens of India, Bangladesh, and the Maldives need a visa arranged in advance through a licensed tour operator. A Sustainable Development Fee of USD 100 per person per night applies (USD 15 for regional nationals). This fee funds Bhutan's free healthcare, education, and environmental conservation — it is not a tourism tax, it is an investment in the country you are visiting.