How to Get to Bhutan: By Flight & Road Entry
Bhutan, a hidden Himalayan gem, is accessible only by air and road. Whether you choose to fly into the country’s only international airport or cross the border by land, getting into Bhutan is an adventure in itself.
By Flight: International Air Connectivity
Bhutan has just one international airport, Paro International Airport (PBH), nestled in a deep valley surrounded by towering mountains. Two airlines, Drukair – Royal Bhutan Airlines and Bhutan Airlines, operate international flights connecting Bhutan to major cities in South Asia and beyond.
Flight Sectors for Drukair and Bhutan Airlines
Both airlines operate regular flights to and from Bhutan, with the following key sectors:
India: Delhi (DEL), Kolkata (CCU), Guwahati (GAU), Bagdogra (IXB)
Nepal: Kathmandu (KTM)
Thailand: Bangkok (BKK)
Singapore: Singapore (SIN)
Bangladesh: Dhaka (DAC)
- Dubai: Dubai (DXB)
Drukair also operates seasonal or charter flights to additional destinations, expanding Bhutan’s air connectivity.
Flights to Paro offer breathtaking aerial views of the Himalayas, including Mount Everest, before making one of the world’s most thrilling landings. Due to the airport’s challenging terrain, only certified pilots can operate flights, and schedules are subject to weather conditions.
By Road: Land Border Entry Points
Bhutan has three official land entry points, all along the India-Bhutan border:
Phuentsholing – The most popular and busiest entry point, located about 170 km from Bagdogra Airport (IXB) in India. Ideal for travelers coming from Kolkata, Siliguri, or Darjeeling.
Gelephu – A lesser-used border crossing in central Bhutan, offering a scenic route into the country.
Samdrup Jongkhar – The easternmost entry point, best for travelers exploring Assam and the Northeast region of India.
Overland travelers can obtain an entry permit at these checkpoints and continue their journey into Bhutan’s interior regions.
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