The way to Bhutan

The main points of entry are through Phuentsholing in the south that links Bhutan with the Indian plains of West Bengal, through Gelephu and Samdrup Jongkhar that link with the Indian state of Assam and through Paro, where the entry is through Druk Air, the National airline of Bhutan, and Bhutan Airlines.

Travel by Air

The country has so far only one international airport. However, within Bhutan, there are domestic flights to Yonphula in eastern Bhutan, Bumthang in central Bhutan, and Gelephu in south-central Bhutan. The international airport at Paro is located at a height of 7,300 ft above sea level and surrounded by mountains and hills as high as 16,000 feet. Druk Air flies to destinations that include Bangkok, Delhi, Kolkata, Mumbai, Bodh Gaya, Dhaka, Kathmandu, Guwahati and Singapore.

Travel by Land

The town of Phuentsholing is located approximately 170 km east of the Indian national airport Bagdogra. After crossing Phuentsholing, your journey then begins its mountainous climb through numerous turns and hair-pin bends till you enter Thimphu, the capital city. The travel time for the 176 km stretch can be about six hours.

Gelephu in South-Central Bhutan is approximately 250 kms from Thimphu and the journey will take you through the sub-tropical areas of Bhutan before entering the alpine zone and then finally into Thimphu. The travel time will be about ten hours.

Samdrup Jongkhar, the only entry point in eastern Bhutan, is approximately 150 kms away from Guwahati, the capital city of Assam. From Samdrup Jongkhar, you travel via Trashigang, Mongar, Bumthang, Trongsa and Wangdue to the capital, Thimphu. The distance is about 700 kms and will take you a minimum of three days.

Entry Permit

You will be endorsed by the immigration officers upon your arrival before you are issued with a permit. Make sure you go personally. You may have to carry your passport (also some passport photographs) or voter’s registration card. If you plan to travel by road, the endorsement is done at the entry points in Phuentsholing, Samdrup Jongkhar, and Gelephu. If by flight, you will enter from the Paro Airport.