Entering Bhutan

Entering Bhutan

Entering Bhutan overland and entering Bhutan by Air both are good options to to choose from while traveling to Bhutan. Being a small country, with difficult terrains, there are limited options to enter Bhutan.

Entering Bhutan overland

After the closest Airport in Bagdogra in West Bengal or Guwahati in Assam, India, travelers may drive to the following entry points.

Phuntsholing in the south west, is one of main entry point open for tourists.

Phuntsholing is located approximately 170 km east of the Indian national airport Bagdogra. Phuentsholing is conveniently and strategically located on the Indo-Bhutan border. Phuentsholing is the gateway to Bhutan and has gained national recognition as the nerve centre of economic activities. Given its economic vibrancy, it also attracts traders and people from all parts of the country. It is the home to the country’s major industries and is the major entry point to India, Bhutan’s major trading partner. It is also the main entry-port for almost all the goods imported into Bhutan. After crossing Phuntsholing, your journey then begins its mountainous climb through endless turns and hair-pin bends till you enter Thimphu, the capital city. The travel time for the 176 km stretch can be more than 6 hours. Travel sickness tablets are recommended for young children and adults who are not accustomed to the winding roads along the Himalayan slopes mountain roads.

Samdrup Jongkhar is the only entry point in South East Bhutan.

(Please check with the operator or relevant authorities before you plan your entry from this point)

The town borders the Indian district of Darranga, Assam and is approximately 150 kms away from Guwahati, the capital city of Assam. The journey from Guwahati is about three hours. Tourists entering Bhutan through Samdrup Jongkhar will take you to Trashigang, the largest District in the country, and from there over the lateral route to Mongar, Bumthang, Trongsa, Wangde Phodrang and then finally into capital, Thimphu. The distance is about 700 kms and will take you a minimum of three days to reach Thimphu.

Gyelephu is the entry point from South Central Bhutan.

(Please check with the operator or relevant authorities before you plan your entry from this point)

The town is near the Indian district of Bogaigaon, Assam. The driving distance is approximately 50 kms and it takes around 1 and half hours. Tourists entering Bhutan through Gyelephu, can travel to Thimphu through Tsirang and Wangdue. The distance from Gyelephu to Tsirang is approximately 100 km and takes around 3 Hours. The drive from Tsirang to Wangdue takes approximately 2.5 hr to cover a distance of 90 kms. Finally Wangdue to Thimphu is around 70 kms. You Can travel from Gyelephu to Thimphu in one day.

By Air

The Paro Airport is the only entry point for travelers entering Bhutan by Air.

As of now there are two flight operators, the Druk Air (The Royal Bhutan Airlines) and the Bhutan Airlines (Tashi Air Pvt. Ltd.).

The Druk Air, the national carrier is linked to ten cities in five countries. During the festival season Druk Air arranges additional flights accordingly.

Druk Air currently flies to and from the following cities;

  • Bangkok in Thailand,
  • Singapore,
  • Dhaka in Bangladesh,
  • Kathmandu in Nepal
  • Delhi, Kolkotta, Mumbai, Guwahati, Bagdogra and Bodhgaya in India

Bhutan Airlines flies to and from the following international cities;

  • Bangkok in Thailand,
  • Kathmandu in Nepal,
  • Kolkotta and Delhi in India

Both the Airlines also operates domestic flight.

Please contact us for flight schedules and cost at neptuneholidaysbhutan@gmail.com