How to Get to Bhutan: A Guide to Seamless Bhutan Travel in 2025

The Kingdom of Bhutan is a unique Himalayan country. Small and landlocked, it is a land of rich natural diversity and deep cultural history. Its borders contain wonders from peaks over 7,000 meters, including the highest unclimbed mountain in the world, to lush subtropical plains with a bountiful range of wildlife. The country follows a philosophy of Gross Domestic Happiness and is a fascinating destination for travelers. It’s not the easiest place to reach, but non-stop flight routes and an overland border crossing provide convenient access.

Here, we’ll walk you through how to get to Bhutan seamlessly in 2025.

1. Get to Bhutan by Air: Non-stop Flights Available from Five Countries

Paro International Airport is the only international airport in Bhutan. It’s considered one of the most challenging airports in the world. Don’t worry though, they take safety very seriously. Pilots require special certification, and flights are only permitted during daylight hours and in good weather conditions.

The approach is famous for its breathtaking sites. You are treated to stunning views of the Himalayas as they descend to the deep valley on the bank of the Paro Chhu. Currently, non-stop flights to Bhutan are available from five countries, including major international and regional travel hubs. Choose flights from Bhutan’s neighbors, India, Nepal, or Bangladesh, or more, from the international hubs of Bangkok and Singapore.

Nepal to Bhutan Flight

Flights from Nepal to Bhutan are just a short hop from Kathmandu Tribhuvan International Airport to Paro. Bhutan Airlines and Drukair fly the route every day except Tuesday and Thursday. There are morning and afternoon flights available, taking only 1 hour and 20 minutes to cover the 402 km between the two cities.

Latest Flight Schedule from Nepal to Bhutan

Airline	City	Departure	Arrival	Duration	Frequency
Drukair	Kathmandu	10:05	11:35	1h 20m	M W F S S
Bhutan Airlines	Kathmandu	14:20	15:35	1h 15m	M W F Sun

India to Bhutan Flight

India is well connected to Bhutan with direct flights available from several cities. The most convenient connections are from Delhi and Kolkata, with daily non-stop routes. India to Bhutan flight from Delhi takes 2 hours and 20 minutes, while flights from Kolkata are just 1 hour and 30 minutes. Indira Gandhi International Airport has direct flight connections to cities worldwide, including multiple cities in the US, Canada, Europe, and Australia. Kolkata Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Intl Airport is only 1 hour and 30 minutes away and can be reached from major hubs such as Bangkok, Singapore, and Kuala Lumpur.

Latest Flight Schedule from India to Bhutan

Airline	City	Departure	Arrival	Duration	Frequency
Drukair	Delhi	12:30	15:20	2h 50m	M T T F Sun
Bhutan Airlines	Kolkata	10:50	12:20	1h 30m	M Thur F Sun
Drukair	Kolkata	13:20	15:20	2h	M W F

Thailand to Bhutan Flight

Suvarnabhumi Airport in Bangkok is an important regional hub with direct flight connections to 56 other countries, Canada, Europe, Australia, and all over Asia. Thailand is one of the easiest countries for international travelers to reach, making this a great transfer point for tours to Bhutan. Drukair operates flights from Bangkok to Paro three times a week. The flight leaves in the early morning and arrives in 2 hours and 15 minutes.

Latest Flight Schedule from Thailand to Bhutan

Airline	City	Departure	Arrival	Duration	Frequency
Drukair	Bangkok	05:30	15:20	2h 15m	M W F

Singapore to Bhutan Flight

Although only a few direct flights from Singapore to Paro every week, if you can arrange your schedule, Singapore is one of the best transfer points in the world for reaching the Himalayan Kingdom. Singapore has established itself as a premiere travel hub in Southeast Asia, with long-haul, non-stop flights available from major international airports around the globe. The airport is optimized for easy and convenient transfer and is almost a tourist destination in itself, featuring a butterfly garden, rain vortex, movie theatre, and entertainment corner.

Latest Flight Schedule from Singapore to Bhutan

Airline	City	Departure	Arrival	Duration	Frequency
Drukair	Singapore	12:30	16:45	6h 15m	Thurs, Sun

Bangladesh to Bhutan Flight

Bangladesh might not be a common choice, but it offers a quick transfer option for getting to Paro. Flight from Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka, Bangladesh, reaches Bhutan in 1 hour and 30 minutes. Drukair operates the route and has flights available twice a week on Monday and Friday mornings.

Latest Flight Schedule from Bangladesh to Bhutan

Airline	City	Departure	Arrival	Duration	Frequency
Drukair	Dhaka	9:20	10:50	1h 30m	M F

2. Get to Bhutan by Land: The Only Border Crossing Available from India

Flying into Paro is the most common way to travel to Bhutan, but a convenient border crossing is available through the city of Phuntsholing. The border town in southern Bhutan adjoins the Indian city of Jaigaon in West Bengal and has a thriving economy thanks to cross-border trade.

Immigration when entering the overland is similar to entering through Paro airport. Immigration officers will issue the visa after confirming your travel information. Your tour guide will meet you in the immigration office and take you to your hotel or vehicle for traveling onward to Thimphu. The city is connected to other major cities in Bhutan via the national highway. The road to Thimphu can be seen snaking up the hillside.

It’s worth the time to see some of the sites in Phuentsholing if you have time. The Karbandi Monastery is one of the oldest in Bhutan and sits 400 meters above a beautiful valley surrounded by trees. You can take a walk along the Torsa River or visit the Amo Chhu Crocodile Breeding Center.

The distance from Phuentsholing to Thimphu is around 170 km. It is a scenic journey along winding mountain roads and through lush valleys that usually takes around six hours. Your tour operator will usually have arranged transportation by private vehicle. It is a leisurely drive, with a stop for lunch along the way.

3. What Travel Documents Are Required for Getting to Bhutan?

Tourism in Bhutan is strictly regulated, and all international visitors need to obtain a Bhutan visa before traveling. Bhutan Visas are only issued to tourists booked with a local licensed tour operator. Visa applications and applications for permits needed to travel outside of the Thimphu and Paro Valleys are handled by the local tour operator. The actual visa isn’t issued until you arrive. Instead, you will receive notice of a visa clearance letter used for confirmation when in immigration at the airport or land border crossing.

To apply for a Bhutan Visa, first book your Bhutan tour with a local tour operator, like us. We, at Bhutan Vista Tour, will confirm your arrival and departure dates as well as the itinerary during your stay. You just need to send us a digital copy of your passport with at least six months remaining validity and a recent digital passport photo.

The Bhutan visa fee is 40 USD, and you also pay the Sustainable Development Fee of 100 USD per day. This fee goes towards preserving the country's cultural and natural environment. Feel free to contact us for more information on how to apply for Bhutan Visa.

4. When is the Best Time to Get to Bhutan?

Spring and Autumn are the best seasons to visit Bhutan with the most pleasant weather for outdoor activities and full of festival experiences.

March to May is spring in Bhutan, which is an excellent trekking season. The warming temperatures bring blooming flowers, and the natural scenery is perfect conditions for being outdoors, as the hillsides come alive with colorful rhododendron blossoms. Average temperatures in Paro and Thimphu are between 14-19°C, and rain is light with lots of clear blue skies.

Autumn is another great trekking season in Bhutan. From September to November, clear skies return after the summer monsoon, and temperatures cool down to a comfortable average between 14-20°C. You can find excellent views of the mountain peaks on sunny autumn days.

Autumn in Bhutan is also a popular time for Bhutan festival tours. The Thimphu Tshechu is one of the biggest annual celebrations. Held in mid-September, thousands of local people travel to Thimphu to join in the festivities of traditional music, dance, and food.

The best time for budget travelers to visit Bhutan is December and January. The winter months are a quiet time in Bhutan, with mostly mild temperatures in cities like Paro and Thimphu but freezing conditions at high altitudes. You'll find amazing views of the snow-covered Himalayas and it's also an ideal time for birding tours.

It is not recommended to travel to Bhutan during the monsoon season from June to September. While the rain usually falls in the afternoon and early evening, so you can still explore the cities during the day, trekking is often very limited. Trails can be waterlogged and muggy.

5. More Tips for Seamless Travel to Bhutan

Book your Bhutan tour in advance as the flight tickets are limited. Bhutan strictly controls the number of visitors to the country, and popular seasons fill up quickly.

Whether you get to Bhutan by air or by land, please check in advance if you need a visa for the transit country to Bhutan. If you’re not flying direct to Paro, you will need to recheck your luggage at the connecting airport.

Since you will travel with a pre-arranged tour, you don't need to worry about transportation within Bhutan. The travel agency will arrange the vehicle for your days in Bhutan.

Bring cash when you arrive in Bhutan. Bhutan Ngultrum and Indian Rupee are accepted everywhere in the country. Some larger establishments will accept USD, but other currencies are preferable.

If you plan to take a trekking tour in Bhutan, spend some time in the cities at lower altitudes to acclimatize before ascending.

Conclusion

Bhutan is a truly unique destination that offers travelers an unforgettable experience. It is not the easiest country to reach, but with non-stop flights available from five different countries, travel to Bhutan is easier than ever before. Whether you plan to trek the Himalayas or visit the ancient temples, spring and autumn are the best times to go. Book in advance to secure your spot, and get ready to immerse yourself in the rich, welcoming culture of this Himalayan Kingdom.