Traveling to Bhutan

There are only two overland entry points to Bhutan: most travellers arrive by air at Paro, some arrive by road from the Indian state of West Bengal into Phuntsholing in southwest Bhutan. Phuntsholing is four hours drive from Bagdogra, the nearest Indian airport, and seven hours drive from both Gangtok (Sikkim) and Darjeeling. The drive from Phuntsholing to Thimpu takes six hours. The other point is Samdrup Jongkhar in the southeast, 110 km from Guwahati, India. An Inner Line Permit to enter Assam will also be required to enter/exit through Guwahati. Trashigang is six hours drive from Samdrup Jongkhar. The most comfortable way is to fly by the national carrier, Druk Air. Druk Air has no interline agreements with other carriers so you will need to arrange your own ticket to and from wherever you connect with them as they operate the only airline that flies into Bhutan. Druk Air, Bhutan's airline, operates flights to Paro from Bangkok, Kolkata, Dhaka, Kathmandu and New Delhi. The flight from Kathmandu to Paro provides the most dramatic view of Himalayan scenery of any scheduled flight. Be sure to get a window on the left side for stunning views.

Druk Air won't issue your ticket until they have received your 'visa clearance' from TAB. Without competition they can afford to be expensive, and they are. On arrival at Paro airport, the clerk will miraculously find your clearance and issue your visa, then away you go.

Paro Airport is less than two hours from Thimphu. Your prearranged vehicle will probably take you directly there from the airport. Departure tax from Paro is about US$10.

The best way to plan a trip by road is to start in Kathmandu, perhaps visiting Darjeeling and Sikkim en route.

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Because Bhutan has no domestic air service, possesses no helicopters, and does neither have a railway track, the only way to see the place is by foot or by road. If you're on a normal tourist visa, your tour operator will provide all your transportation.

If you don't already have a vehicle at your disposal, it's possible to hire one with a driver through a travel agency. TAB are interested in promoting mountain biking in Bhutan and this would be a great way to explore, especially around the Thimphu and Paro valleys. The TAB has set minimum tariffs which are different for the high and low seasons. Individuals and groups of less than four persons must pay a surcharge. The rates are the same for both cultural tours and treks.