Bhutan Travel Guide - Getting There

Druk Air (KB) (website: www.drukair.com.bt), the national airline of Bhutan, is the only airline serving Bhutan. It is compulsory for all visitors to Bhutan to travel at least one-way by Druk Air. Druk Air operates flights from Kolkata (Calcutta), Gaya and New Delhi (India), Dhaka (Bangladesh), Kathmandu (Nepal) and Bangkok (Thailand). The Kathmandu-Paro flight has fabulous views of the Himalaya on the left-hand side.

Druk Air will only issue tickets after visa clearance (arranged by Tour Operator).

Paro (PBH), Bhutan's only airport, is located in a deep valley, some 2,190m (7,200ft) above sea level, surrounded by hills and high mountains. Operating conditions are fairly difficult and inclement weather can cause delays (allow extra time for connections on the return journey). To/from the airport: Transfers to Paro (journey time 20 minutes) and Thimphu (1 hour) are organised by Tour Operators or hotels.

Facilities: The airport has a bank counter and bureau de change, a cafeteria, VIP lounge, duty-free shop and a couple of small gift shops.

Departure Tax
Usually included in ticket price.

Usually included in the ticket price.

The nearest railhead is Siliguri (India).

The road from Siliguri (West Bengal) enters Bhutan at the border town of Phuentsholing, which is 179km (111 miles) from Thimphu, and borders West Bengal, India. The crossing into India at Samdrup Jongkhar in eastern Bhutan can be closed at times due to political unrest from Assam separatists.