By Air: The Most Popular and Convenient Entry Point
Flying is the easiest and most common way to reach Bhutan. Paro International Airport, the country’s only international air terminal, is about 30 minutes away from the capital, Thimphu. Tucked between steep Himalayan mountains, Paro is known for being one of the world’s most challenging airports to land at. The spectacular views of nearby peaks as your plane descends make arriving in Bhutan a thrilling experience.
Two Bhutanese airlines operate flights into the country: Drukair, Bhutan’s national airline, and Bhutan Airlines, a private carrier. They offer connections to several cities in Asia, including Bangkok (Thailand), Kathmandu (Nepal), New Delhi, Kolkata, and Guwahati (India), Dhaka (Bangladesh), Yangon (Myanmar), and Singapore. Among these, flights from Bangkok, Delhi, and Kolkata are the most frequent and widely used.
Because flights to Bhutan are limited and high in demand, especially during peak travel seasons like spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November), it’s a good idea to book early. Passengers on the flight into Bhutan can enjoy panoramic views of the Himalayas, including famous peaks like Mount Everest, Kangchenjunga, and Bhutan’s sacred Jomolhari Mountain.
By Road: Driving into Bhutan from India
Travelers from India can also enter Bhutan by road, with three official border crossings available:
Jaigaon-Phuentsholing: This is the busiest and most frequently used entry point. It connects Jaigaon in West Bengal, India, to the Bhutanese town of Phuentsholing, which serves as Bhutan’s main commercial center. From Phuentsholing, the drive to Thimphu takes around 5-6 hours, offering a scenic route through the countryside. This route is popular with tourists coming from Indian cities like Siliguri, Darjeeling, and Bagdogra.
Gelephu: Another border crossing is located at Gelephu, in the south-central region of Bhutan. It’s about 250 kilometers from Thimphu, and the drive takes around 10 hours. Though less used, this route offers a unique experience through Bhutan’s lush, subtropical landscapes.
Samdrup Jongkhar: The third border crossing is in southeastern Bhutan at Samdrup Jongkhar, which is convenient for travelers coming from Assam in India. From here, it’s approximately 150 kilometers to Guwahati, Assam’s capital. The drive from Samdrup Jongkhar to Thimphu takes 3-4 hours.
Cost of Travel to Bhutan: A Unique Pricing Model
Tourism in Bhutan is carefully regulated to protect the country’s cultural heritage and natural environment. Travelers to Bhutan must follow the “Minimum Daily Package” system, which sets a fixed price for each day spent in the country. This fee, which cannot be negotiated, covers all major travel expenses, including accommodation, meals, transportation, a licensed guide, and cultural activities. Additionally, a portion of this fee goes toward supporting Bhutan’s free healthcare, education, and poverty reduction programs.
For most visitors, the Minimum Daily Package ranges from $200 to $250 per person per day, depending on the travel season. This pricing ensures a comfortable experience while promoting sustainable tourism. The system allows visitors to explore Bhutan’s vibrant culture and stunning landscapes while minimizing the impact of tourism on the country’s environment and traditional way of life.
By limiting tourist numbers through this pricing structure, Bhutan ensures that travelers enjoy an exclusive and authentic experience while maintaining its “high value, low impact” tourism philosophy. This approach helps preserve Bhutan’s pristine environment and cultural integrity for future generations.
