Where is Bhutan? Find the Way for Your Next Bhutan Tour

Bhutan, the ‘land of the Thunder Dragon,’ is the hidden gem of the Himalayas. The Buddhist kingdom is a unique country whose ancient culture and stunning geography create unforgettable experiences for travelers. Understanding its remote and isolated location is the first step in planning a trip to Bhutan.

Here, we’ll share everything you need to know about the location of Bhutan and help you find the way for your next Bhutan tour by first learning about ‘Where is Bhutan?”

Where is Bhutan on the Map?

Bhutan is a small landlocked country hidden away in South Asia. Its small area of around 38,000 square kilometers still manages to encompass a stunning range of unique Himalayan landscapes that have shaped the country’s history and culture over the centuries.

Its location in the southern part of the continent is enveloped by Bhutan’s two giant neighbors. Wrapping around from the southwest to the east, the border with India stretches for approximately 659 km. The two nations have close cultural and economic ties, and the long border facilitates trade and cultural exchange.

China lies to the north of Bhutan. The Tibet Autonomous Region of China and Bhutan are separated by the world-famous Himalayas. Currently, the border crossing between China and Bhutan is still not open.

Where exactly is Bhutan located within the Himalayas?

Bhutan is the most mountainous country in the world. Located on the southern slope of the eastern Himalayas, it is a land of steep, high mountains crisscrossed by swift rivers and deep valleys. It has an extreme range of elevations for such a small country. Rising from 200m above sea level in the southern foothills, the highest peaks in Bhutan soar above 7,000m. That huge diversity creates an immense range of ecosystems and biodiversity.

The Himalayas are all around you everywhere in Bhutan, but there are some places where the mountain views are exceptional. Most famous is the view from Paro Taktsang, the Tiger’s Nest Monastery. Located in Paro, it’s dramatically perched on a steep cliff over the Paro Valley. After ascending to the monastery, you’ll be treated to breathtaking views of the valley with mountains in the distance.

Taking the Jomolhari Trek is one of the best ways to see one of the highest peaks in Bhutan. Usually taking 7-12 days, the moderate to hard trek starts in the Paro Valley and has amazing views of the 7,326m high mountain.

The Druk Path Trek travels through both Paro and Thimphu Districts. It can be done in six days and includes views of Gangkhar Puensum (7,570m), the highest peak in Bhutan.

Is Bhutan close to Nepal?

Nepal and Bhutan share similar Himalayan landscapes and cultural elements but don’t share a border. The two countries are separated by around 300 km, with Bhutan lying to the east of Nepal. In the narrow stretch of land that separates the two countries are the Indian states of Sikkim and West Bengal.

Despite not sharing a border, Nepal and Bhutan are well-connected through direct flights between Kathmandu and Paro. It is a scenic route over beautiful Himalayan terrain. Flights from Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, Nepal, take around 1 hour and 20 minutes to reach Paro International Airport, the only international airport in Bhutan. Bhutan Airlines and Drukair fly the route every day except Tuesday and Thursday.

Nepal to Bhutan Flight Schedule in 2025

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

Bhutan borders China: But No Direct Flights or Border Crossings

Bhutan’s long border with China runs along the south of the Tibet Autonomous region. While the two regions share much in the way of history and culture, there are no flights or border crossings between Bhutan and China.

To reach Bhutan from China or tour Tibet and Bhutan together, you will have to transfer through another country. One of the easiest transfer points, and a great addition to a Himalayan tour, is by connecting through Kathmandu. The Lhasa to Kathmandu route is the only international flight available to and from Tibet. It’s a 90 min flight that passes directly over Mount Everest for an amazing bird's-eye view of the highest peak in the world.

Bhutan is surrounded by India: Direct Flights and Border Crossings are Available

Bhutan is surrounded by India with a long border that stretches from the southwest around to the east. The two countries are deeply connected, and not only are there many flights from cities in India to Paro, but India is also the only country with land border crossings to Bhutan.

The most convenient flights from India to Bhutan are from Delhi and Kolkata. Non-stop routes are operated daily by Drukair and Bhutan Airlines. Delhi is the longer flight, taking 2 hours and 20 minutes, but Indira Gandhi International Airport is well-connected to many cities worldwide, making it a good gateway to Bhutan for international travelers. 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.

India to Bhutan Flight Schedule in 2025

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

A land border crossing between India and Bhutan is available through the city of Phuntsholing. The border down connects southern Bhutan with the Indian city of Jaigaon in West Bengal. Phuntsholing is a small city with a thriving economy due to frequent cross-border trade.

It is a beautiful city with sites like Karbandi Monastery, one of the oldest in Bhutan. From Phuntsholing, Thimphu is around 170km away. The scenic route along winding mountain roads and through lush valleys takes around 6 hours.

More Travel Tips for Getting to Bhutan

Direct flights to Bhutan are only available from a few countries, including Nepal, India, Singapore, Thailand, and Bangladesh. However, if you plan to travel to Bhutan from other countries, you need to get to one of these countries first, and then take a direct flight to Paro.

Indian, Bangladeshi, and Maldivian tourists can enter Bhutan without a pre-applied visa and travel to Bhutan independently.

Other international visitors need to obtain a Bhutan Visa, which can only be arranged through a licensed tour operator and cost 40 USD. Once you book a Bhutan tour with us, we will guarantee you a visa to Bhutan and ensure hassle-free travel to Bhutan according to your needs.

The best times for trekking in Bhutan are March, April, May, September, October, and November. If you are looking for the best trekking experience in Bhutan, try to go trekking during spring or autumn.

Conclusion

The remote location of Bhutan is both a small challenge for reaching the country and a major appeal of a Bhutan tour. You can reach the Buddhist kingdom through flights from Nepal, India, and several other nearby countries or overland through India.

If you are planning your next journey to Bhutan this year, feel free to contact us to tailor your once-in-a-life-time journey to the Land of Thunder Dragon, hidden in the Himalayas.