To enter Bhutan, travelers have two main options: by land or by air.
Travel By Land:
- The land entry points for tourists are Phuentsholing, Gelephu, and Samdrup Jongkhar.
- Phuentsholing, situated about 170 km east of Bagdogra Airport in India, serves as the gateway to Thimphu, Bhutan’s capital. The journey from Phuentsholing to Thimphu takes approximately six hours.
- Gelephu, located around 250 km from Thimphu, takes travelers through sub-tropical areas before reaching the alpine zone and then Thimphu. This journey typically takes about ten hours.
- Samdrup Jongkhar, approximately 150 km from Guwahati, the capital city of Assam, is another entry point for travelers coming from Assam. The journey from Guwahati to Samdrup Jongkhar takes about three hours. From there, travelers can proceed to various destinations in Bhutan, including Thimphu, which takes a minimum of three days.
Travel By Air:
- There are flights to Bhutan from several international destinations, including Bangkok, Delhi, Kolkata, Bagdogra, Bodh Gaya, Dhaka, Kathmandu, Guwahati, Singapore, and Mumbai.
- Paro International Airport is the main airport in Bhutan, situated at an elevation of 2,225 m (7300 ft) above sea level. It is surrounded by towering mountains, offering a unique flying experience.
- Drukair and Bhutan Airlines operate flights to and from Paro International Airport.
- Additionally, Bhutan has domestic airports in Yonphula (eastern Bhutan), Bumthang (central Bhutan), and Gelephu (south-central Bhutan).
Travelers can choose the option that best suits their preferences and travel plans when visiting Bhutan.
