By Air: The most common and convenient way to enter Bhutan is by air. Bhutan’s only international airport is located in Paro, approximately a 30-minute drive from the capital city, Thimphu. Nestled between the steep mountains of the Himalayas, Paro Airport is considered one of the most challenging yet scenic airports to land at. The breathtaking views of the surrounding peaks as your plane approaches the runway add to the excitement of arriving in this unique country.
Currently, two national airlines operate flights into Bhutan: Drukair, the national carrier, and Bhutan Airlines, a private airline. These airlines connect Bhutan with several major cities across Asia. You can fly into Bhutan from Bangkok (Thailand), Kathmandu (Nepal), New Delhi, Kolkata, and Guwahati (India), Dhaka (Bangladesh), Yangon (Myanmar), and Singapore. Of these, Bangkok, Delhi, and Kolkata are the most popular and frequent departure points.
Flights to Bhutan are limited, and seats can fill up quickly, especially during peak tourist seasons like spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November). It’s advisable to book your tickets well in advance. The flight into Bhutan offers stunning views of the Himalayan range, including Mount Everest, Kangchenjunga, and Bhutan’s own sacred mountain, Jomolhari.
By Road: For those traveling from India, entering Bhutan by road is also an option. There are three official land border crossings between India and Bhutan:
Jaigaon-Phuentsholing: The most significant and busiest border crossing is between Jaigaon in West Bengal, India, and Phuentsholing, Bhutan’s gateway town. Phuentsholing is located in the southern part of Bhutan and serves as the commercial hub of the country. From Phuentsholing, it’s about a 5-6 hour scenic drive to Thimphu, Bhutan’s capital. This route is commonly used by tourists traveling from Indian cities like Siliguri, Darjeeling, or Bagdogra.
Gelephu: The second border crossing is at Gelephu, located in south-central Bhutan. Gelephu is about 250 kilometers from Thimphu, and the journey takes approximately 10 hours by road. This route is less frequently used but offers a unique travel experience through Bhutan’s subtropical regions.
Samdrup Jongkhar: The third border crossing is at Samdrup Jongkhar in southeastern Bhutan. This entry point is convenient for those traveling from the Indian state of Assam. Samdrup Jongkhar is about 150 kilometers from Guwahati, the capital of Assam, and the drive to Thimphu from here takes about 3-4 hours.
Travel Costs to Bhutan: Tourism in Bhutan is regulated by the government to protect its culture and environment. Bhutan’s travel cost is determined by a system known as the “Minimum Daily Package,” which is a fixed amount that tourists must pay per day of their stay in Bhutan. This fee is not negotiable and covers all your basic travel expenses, including accommodation, food, transport, a licensed tour guide, and cultural programs. A portion of this fee goes toward funding free education, healthcare, and poverty alleviation in Bhutan.
For most tourists, the Minimum Daily Package rate is set at $200 to $250 per person per day, depending on the season. This fee ensures that your trip is comfortable and enriching while also contributing to Bhutan’s sustainable tourism efforts. The package ensures that visitors experience Bhutan’s unique culture, beautiful landscapes, and warm hospitality while preserving its pristine environment.
By controlling the number of tourists through this pricing model, Bhutan maintains its commitment to “high value, low impact” tourism, ensuring that visitors enjoy an exclusive experience while protecting the country’s cultural and natural heritage.
