Visiting Bhutan is unlike traveling to most destinations in the world. Tucked away in the eastern Himalayas, the country has carefully protected its traditions, landscapes, and culture for generations. Because of this, entering Bhutan feels less like ordinary travel and more like stepping into a peaceful hidden kingdom surrounded by mountains, monasteries, forests, and ancient traditions.
Travelers can enter Bhutan either by air or by road through India, and both routes offer their own unique experiences.
For most visitors, flying into Bhutan is the easiest and most memorable way to arrive. All international flights land at Paro International Airport, Bhutan’s only international airport.
The flight itself is considered one of the most scenic journeys in Asia. As the aircraft approaches Bhutan, passengers are treated to dramatic Himalayan landscapes, snow-covered peaks, deep valleys, winding rivers, and isolated mountain villages scattered across the hillsides. On clear mornings, the views are especially spectacular.
Paro Airport is located in a narrow mountain valley surrounded by steep terrain and forest-covered mountains. Because of the airport’s unique location, only specially trained pilots are certified to operate flights into Bhutan. This makes landing in Paro a remarkable experience for many travelers.
The airport lies just outside the historic town of Paro and approximately an hour’s drive from Thimphu, the capital city of Bhutan.
Bhutan is connected to several cities across South and Southeast Asia through regular international flights operated by:
Drukair
Bhutan Airlines
Flights are available from selected destinations including:
Bangkok
Singapore
Kathmandu
Delhi
Kolkata
Guwahati
Dhaka
Flight schedules may vary seasonally depending on weather and demand.
Bhutan also offers domestic air travel for visitors traveling to remote regions of the country. Domestic flights are useful for reducing long travel hours by road while allowing travelers to experience different parts of Bhutan more comfortably.
Domestic flight routes may connect destinations such as:
Bumthang
Gelephu
Trashigang
Because Bhutan’s terrain is mountainous, domestic flights are highly dependent on weather conditions.
Travelers may also enter Bhutan overland through border towns connected with India. This option is popular for travelers combining Bhutan with an India tour or for those who enjoy road journeys through changing landscapes and cultures.
Bhutan currently has three main road entry points:
Phuentsholing
Gelephu
Samdrup Jongkhar
Among these, Phuentsholing is the busiest and most commonly used entry point for international tourists. The border town connects Bhutan with the Indian town of Jaigaon in West Bengal.
Traveling by road offers an entirely different perspective of Bhutan, beginning from subtropical foothills before gradually climbing into cool mountain valleys filled with forests, monasteries, prayer flags, and traditional Bhutanese villages.
Most international visitors require a visa before entering Bhutan. Bhutan’s tourism system is carefully regulated, and visas are processed through licensed Bhutanese tour operators.
Travelers are also required to pay the Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) as part of Bhutan’s tourism policy, which supports environmental conservation, cultural preservation, and sustainable development.
To ensure smooth travel arrangements, visitors should have:
A passport valid for at least six months
Confirmed travel arrangements
Approved Bhutan visa clearance before arrival
Rigje Tours & Travels assists guests with visa applications, permits, accommodations, transportation, and all essential travel arrangements before arrival.