Getting into Bhutan is a unique experience due to the country’s restricted tourism policies, which focus on high-value, low-impact travel to protect its environment and culture. Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to enter Bhutan:
By Air: The most common way to enter Bhutan is by air, through Paro International Airport, the country’s only international airport. Paro Airport is located about 6 kilometers
from Paro town and is surrounded by stunning Himalayan peaks, making it one of the world’s most scenic and challenging airports.
Flights to Bhutan are operated by two airlines: Druk Air and Bhutan Airlines, with direct flights available from the following cities:
◦ Bangkok (Thailand)
◦ Delhi, Kolkata, and Guwahati (India)
◦ Kathmandu (Nepal)
◦ Singapore
◦ Dhaka (Bangladesh)
The flight to Bhutan offers spectacular views of the Himalayas, including Mt. Everest and Kanchenjunga, making the journey as breathtaking as the destination.
By Land: Travelers can also enter Bhutan by land through the following border points with India:
1. Phuentsholing: The most popular entry point located on Bhutan’s southwestern border with the Indian state of West Bengal.
2. Gelephu: Located in southern Bhutan, this entry point connects with Assam, India.
3. Samdrup Jongkhar: Located in southeastern Bhutan, this border point also connects with Assam.
For those entering by land, overland tours often start in Phuentsholing, where travelers undergo immigration procedures before journeying into Bhutan’s interior.
Visa Requirements: To visit Bhutan, all international tourists (except citizens of India, Bangladesh, and the Maldives) require a visa. The visa process is handled through your licensed Bhutanese tour operator. Tourists must book their trip with an authorized travel agency, and a visa is only issued once your travel itinerary is confirmed.
