Getting to Bhutan
Bhutan has so far only one international airport that caters to the needs of visitors coming in through flights. Though within the country, there are domestic flights to Yonphula in eastern Bhutan (Trashigang), Bumthang in central Bhutan and Gelephu in south-central Bhutan. The international airport at Paro is located at 7,300 feet above sea level and is surrounded by mountains and hills as high as 16,000 feet. The flight between Paro and Kathmandu is one of the most exciting ones as the aircraft passes over four of the five highest mountains in the world.
Bhutan's National Air Carrier, Druk Air operates regular flights to/from Delhi, Kolkatta, Bagdogra, Guwahati, Bodh Gaya, Mumbai (India), Bangkok (Thailand), Kathmandu (Nepal), Dhaka (Bangladesh) and Singapore. From 10th Oct 2013, other local carriers Bhutan Airlines – Tashi Air Pvt Ltd began its commercial flight operation on Paro – Bangkok sector and now operates regular flights to/from Kolkatta, Delhi, Bodh Gaya, Bangkok and Kathmandu. Both Druk Air & Bhutan Airlines (Tashi Air) operate with Airbus A 319 aircraft (while Druk Air also has one Airbus A320 and one ATR aircraft and this ATR is mostly used on the domestic sector and sometimes also to Kathmandu & Kolkata sector depending upon load factor or other requirements).
Since not many airlines are available for travelling to Paro so it is recommended to make your flight reservation well in advance to manage space especially during peak tourist season months. Both Bhutanese airlines maintain exceptional safety records.
Entry / Exit to Bhutan is also possible by surface through Phuentsholing, Samdrup Jongkhar and Gelephu. Bagdogra airport, in the state of West Bengal (India) is the nearest airport, approximate 165 km (4.1/2 hour drive) from the south-western frontier town of Phuentsholing while Samdrup Jongkhar in the south-eastern part of Bhutan is about 110 km and a 3-hour drive from Guwahati airport (Assam, India). Gelephu in south–central Bhutan is another entry/exit point, it is approximately 200km from Thimphu and this journey will take you through sub-tropical areas of Bhutan before entering the alpine zone and then finally to Bhutan's capital city. Gelephu is 255km approx. 6-hour drive from Guwahati (Assam, India). Badrapur (about 5.1/2 hours drive from Bhutan's southern town of Phuentsholing) and Birat Nagar (7 hours drive from Phuenthsoling) are two other nearby airports in Nepal, those are connected with regular flights from Kathmandu.
