Getting into Bhutan & Away

Traveling to and from Bhutan mainly means flying through a handful of designated Asian gateway cities or entering overland from India. Due to Bhutan’s terrain and aviation rules, there are no direct flights from the United States, Europe, or Australia.

Arriving By Air

Bhutan’s only international gateway is Paro International Airport (PBH).
Only two carriers are allowed to operate flights into the country, Drukair, the national airline, and the privately owned Bhutan Airlines.
To reach Bhutan, travelers must first fly into one of several regional hubs before connecting onward to Paro. Common entry points include:

• Thailand: Bangkok (BKK), the most frequent and dependable route.

• India: New Delhi (DEL), Kolkata (CCU), Bagdogra (IXB), and Guwahati (GAU).

• Nepal: Kathmandu (KTM), known for offering spectacular views of Mt. Everest during the short flight.

• Singapore: Changi (SIN), with Drukair increasing service to three flights per week starting April 2026.

• Others: Dhaka, Bangladesh (DAC) and Dubai, UAE (DXB).
  Travel Tip: For the best Himalayan scenery, choose a window seat on the left side when flying into Paro from western cities like Delhi or Kathmandu.

Update: Druk Air now has interline e‑ticketing (IET) partnerships with Turkish Airlines, Air India, Thai Airways, and Vietnam Airlines, and these itineraries are available for booking through the Amadeus GDS. If you are flying with any of these airlines, you can book your entire journey, including the Bhutan segment, under a single reservation. This not only makes your transfer smoother but also allows your baggage to be checked through to your final destination.

Arriving By Land

International travelers can enter Bhutan overland through three southern border towns connected to the Indian states of West Bengal and Assam.

• Phuentsholing (Southwest): The busiest and most commonly used entry point, located opposite Jaigaon in India. From here, it’s about a six‑hour drive to Thimphu.

• Gelephu (South‑Central): A good alternative for those heading into central Bhutan.

• Samdrup Jongkhar (Southeast): Ideal for visitors coming from Assam (Guwahati) who want to begin their journey in eastern Bhutan.