You can travel to Bhutan either by flight or overland. Drukair and Bhutan Airlines are the two air carrier that service in Bhutan. Drukair services to and from Bangkok, Delhi, Kathmandu, Kolkotta, Dhaka and Singapore. While Bhutan Airlines services to and from Bangkok, Kolkotta, Kathmandu and Delhi.
There are two overland entry and exit points - Phuntsholing, a south west town bordering Indian state of West Bengal and Samdrup Jongkhar, a south east town bordering Assam. Overland entry from Phuentsholing is more convenient if you wish to visit Sikkim and Darjeeling either before or after Bhutan.
Other gateway cities into Paro, Bhutan are:
Dhaka, Bangladesh.
Kolkata, India
Gaya, India
New Delhi, India
Bagdora, India
Guwahati, India
Katmandu, Nepal
Departing Paro, Bhutan, and onwards
Flights out of Paro to Bangkok generally departs at about 11 am. This flight will usually reach Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport at 450pm Bangkok time.
Travellers will be able to connect directly to their flight home by informing our Drukair staff of their connecting flight so that traveller’s baggages can be transferred to the second flight automatically.
Gateway by land:
Phuentsholing Town:
If you have been touring Indian hill states like Darjeling, Kalimpong and skim you can enter Bhutan by land through Phuentsholing which is about 4 hours drive from Siliguri and Bagdora airport.
Our Lonely Bhutan Tours and Trek’s guide will take over from your Indian agent from here on. If you had come by air to Paro and exiting by road via Phuntsholing, we would be the one to hand you over to the Indian agent here..
Samdrubzonkhar, south east Bhutan bordering India:
You can enter Bhutan via Samdrubjonkhar about 3 hours drive from Guwhati Indian town and transect Bhutan from east to west and exit by Paro airport. It is also good to exit Bhutan via this town if you have been touring Bhutan from west to east thus avoiding the drive all the way back to Paro for departure.
Domestic Airport at Bumthang(central Bhutan) and Yangphula(eastern Bhutan):
This two domestic airport offers option to cover more with less time. It also remains alternative option of taking flights to avoid the strenuous drive all the way back. Flights are operated twice in a week. Strenuous drive back after visiting central and east Bhutan on road can be avoided by taking the flights back to Paro.
Baggage weight limits are:
30 kg for Business Class
20 kg for Economy Class
Extra luggage cost per kilogram is:
US $5.00 / kg from BKK
US $4.00 / kg from DEL
US $2.50 / kg from all others
Flight Connection
It would be very convenient if you arrive at Bangkok, Delhi or Kathmandu, one day earlier to the Druk Air departure for Bhutan. Druk Air flights usually depart early in the morning. We cannot be held responsible if you miss the connection to Bhutan, though we will do our best to help you get on the next flight and to extend your visa. All additional costs incurred will be borne by you. Similarly, on the return journey, we would not advise you to book a flight which connects on the same day unless you have a ticket that allows some flexibility. Druk Air flight schedules are subject to weather conditions in the mountains and are often altered at the last minute.
Flight Frequency and Air Fares
Our national airline flies several times a week between most of its destinations, but flight timings and frequency vary according to season. Druk Air’s website www.drukair.com.bt includes details of current flight schedules and airfares (airfare cancellation policy). Please check the website or contact Lonely Bhutan Tours and Trek for the latest information when planning your travel arrangements. Please let us know if you would like the current flight schedule.
The magnificent mountain landscape en route is seen at its best in the winter months, when skies are generally very clear. While flying via Kathmandu to Paro you experience the most impressive view of the Himalayan Mountain Ranges, including the Everest region. Flying to and fro from Bhutan is a lifetime experience to be cherished.
Customs
Visitors have to complete a passenger declaration form which will be checked by custom officials at the exit point.
After collecting your baggage, you must decide which channel to take – Green Channel (nothing to declare) or the Red Channel (goods to declare).
As per international risk management practice, random checks on your baggage may be conducted by the Customs official, even if you are proceeding through the Green Channel.
The following articles are exempt from duty:
The visitor shall be allowed to import temporarily free of Customs duty his/her personal effects and articles required for the visit, provided that items imported are for personal use and that the items will be re-exported on their leaving Bhutan.
1 bottle of Spirits not larger than one liter.
1 carton of Cigarettes (containing 200 pieces) subject to 100 percent customs duty and 100 percent sales tax
Device, equipment or appliances for professional utilization
Photographic equipment, video cameras and other electronic gadget for personal use.
The articles mentioned under (d) & (e) must be declared on the declaration form. If these items are disposed of in Bhutan by sale or gift, they are liable for customs duty. Visitors are required to surrender their forms to the Customs authorities while departing.
Import/Export
Import/export of the following goods is prohibited
Arms, ammunition and explosives
All narcotics and drugs excluding medically prescribed drugs
Wildlife products, especially those of endangered species
Antiques
Imports of plants, soils etc. are subject to quarantine regulations. These items must be cleared on arrival. Visitors are advised to be cautious in purchasing old and used items, especially of religious or cultural significance, as such items cannot be exported without a clearance certificate.