Planning a trip to the Himalayan Kingdom? Reaching Bhutan is easier than you might think, although it does require some planning.
This small mountainous country, situated between Tibet and India, offers travelers a chance to experience Buddhist culture, ancient temples, and breathtaking mountain views.
How to get to Bhutan starts with understanding one key fact: Paro International Airport is your only way in by air. Only a handful of airlines fly there from select gateway cities like Bangkok, Kathmandu, Singapore, New Delhi, and Dubai.
The government limits visitor numbers to protect the country’s culture and environment. This means most travelers need to book through a licensed tour company.
This guide covers everything you need to know about planning your trip, from booking flights to understanding costs and travel requirements.
Getting to Bhutan: Your Entry Options
When figuring out how to get to Bhutan, you have one main option: flying into Paro International Airport.
Flying into Paro International Airport
Paro is Bhutan’s only international airport, and only two airlines serve this route: Drukair (the national airline) and Bhutan Airlines. You can fly to Paro from Bangkok, Kathmandu, Singapore, New Delhi, Dubai, and a few other regional hubs. The flight itself is an experience because pilots need special training to land at Paro, where the airport sits in a narrow valley surrounded by mountains. On clear days, you’ll see incredible views of the Himalayas, including Mount Everest, on flights from Kathmandu.
Most tour operators include flight bookings in their packages, which makes the process simpler since they handle the coordination between your visa approval and flight confirmation. You can also book independently through the airlines’ websites, but you’ll still need your visa clearance letter first.
Travel Requirements and Documentation
Every visitor to Bhutan needs a visa, except for citizens of India, Bangladesh, and the Maldives. The good news is your tour operator handles the visa application for you, and it’s included in your tour package price. Your passport must be valid for at least six months from your arrival date, and you’ll need at least one blank page for the entry stamp.
While Bhutan doesn’t require specific vaccinations for entry, doctors recommend being up to date on routine vaccines. Some travelers also get shots for Hepatitis A and Typhoid, especially if they plan to eat street food or visit rural areas.
Understanding Bhutan’s Tourism Policy
Bhutan follows what it calls a “high value, low impact” tourism model. The government wants visitors who respect the culture and environment, not mass tourism that might damage either. As of 2022, the rules changed slightly, and independent travelers can now visit the Paro and Thimphu valleys without a guide.
However, most people still book through certified tour companies because going beyond these two areas requires a guide, and most of Bhutan’s famous sites are outside this zone. Tour companies are certified by the Tourism Council of Bhutan, and they arrange everything: hotels, meals, transportation, guides, and permits.
The guided tour option offers real benefits because your guide knows the best times to visit temples, can explain cultural practices, and handles any language barriers. Independent travel saves some money but limits where you can go and what you can see.
Bhutan Travel Costs Breakdown
A typical seven-day tour to Bhutan costs around $3,370 per person. This might seem high, but understanding what’s included helps explain the price.
What’s Included in Tour Packages
Your tour package covers nearly everything once you’re in Bhutan. Accommodation is included, typically in clean, comfortable three-star hotels, and some operators offer upgrades to four or five-star properties for an additional fee. All meals come with your package: breakfast, lunch, and dinner, with food that mixes Bhutanese dishes (often spicy) with Indian, Chinese, and continental options.
Every tour includes a licensed guide and private driver who stays with you throughout the trip. The driver handles all transportation in a private vehicle, including airport pickup and drop-off. Entry fees for museums, temples, and national parks are covered, as are all government fees and taxes, plus bottled water throughout your trip and traditional Bhutanese clothing rental if you want to wear it at festivals or temples.
Additional Costs to Budget
The tour package doesn’t include your international flights to the gateway city. For example, a round-trip flight from the United States to Bangkok might cost around $600, depending on the season and how far in advance you book. Tips for your guide and driver are customary but not included, so budget around $120 total for a week-long trip, split between both.
Some experiences cost extra, like a traditional hot stone bath that runs about $25. Staying in luxury hotels, taking cooking classes, or booking additional activities will add to your total. Payment methods matter for your budget, too, because most tour operators prefer bank wire transfers, which don’t carry fees, but if you pay by credit card, expect a 3% to 4% processing fee.
Choosing Your Tour Operator
Picking the right tour company makes a big difference in your Bhutan experience. Start by checking if they’re certified by the Tourism Council of Bhutan, which means they meet government standards and employ licensed guides. Look for companies with good reviews from recent travelers, and read what people say about the guides, hotels, and how the company handled problems.
Tour operators offer different trip lengths, from quick three-day visits to extended 28-day treks. Many will customize itineraries based on your interests, adjusting the schedule to match what you want to see and do. A good operator should answer questions promptly and provide clear information about costs, what’s included, and payment terms.
Responsive customer service before you book usually means good service during your trip.
Best Time to Visit Bhutan
October offers some of the best weather for visiting Bhutan because skies are clear, temperatures are comfortable, and the fall colors make the valleys beautiful. This is peak season, so book early. Spring (March to May) is also popular, with warm weather and blooming rhododendrons, while summer brings monsoon rains from June to August, making some roads difficult and limiting mountain views.
Winter (December to February) is cold but clear, with fewer tourists and lower prices. Your timing affects more than just the weather because major festivals happen at specific times of year.
If you want to see the colorful religious festivals like the Paro Tsechu in spring or the Thimphu Tsechu in fall, plan your dates accordingly.
Important Travel Tips for Your Bhutan Trip
A few practical tips will help your trip go smoothly when you’re learning how to get to Bhutan and preparing for your visit.
- Currency limits: You cannot bring more than $10,000 in or out of Bhutan without declaring it, and the limit applies to any currency.
- Document copies: Make photocopies of your passport, visa, and travel insurance, and keep digital copies in your email, too.
- STEP enrollment: US citizens should enroll in the State Department’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program, which helps the embassy contact you in emergencies.
- Temple etiquette: Always walk clockwise around Buddhist temples and stupas, remove shoes before entering temples, and dress modestly, covering shoulders and knees.
- Clothing: Pack layers for changing mountain weather, bring a warm jacket even in summer for high altitude areas, and comfortable walking shoes are a must for temple visits and hikes.
Keep these tips in mind, and you’ll be ready for a smooth trip through this mountain kingdom.
Conclusion
How to get to Bhutan requires more planning than most trips, but the experience is worth it. You’ll fly into Paro from one of the gateway cities, with your tour operator handling most details.
Yes, the costs are higher than in many Asian destinations. But remember what you’re getting: a preserved culture, protected environment, and an experience that few other places offer.
If Bhutan is on your list, don’t let the planning process stop you. Work with a good tour operator, give yourself time to book flights and process visas, and prepare for something special.
This small kingdom offers something rare in our busy world: a place where tradition still guides daily life, where happiness matters more than growth, and where tourism helps rather than harms. That’s worth the effort to get there.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Visit Bhutan Without A Tour Guide?
Independent travel is now allowed in the Paro and Thimphu valleys only. To visit other areas of Bhutan, including popular sites like Punakha and Bumthang, you must book a guided tour through a licensed operator.
Which Airlines Fly To Bhutan?
Two airlines serve Bhutan: Drukair and Bhutan Airlines. Both fly from Bangkok, Kathmandu, Singapore, New Delhi, Dubai, and other regional cities to Paro International Airport. Flight schedules vary by season.
Do I Need Travel Insurance For Bhutan?
Travel insurance is highly recommended but not required. Your policy should cover medical emergencies, evacuation from remote areas, trip cancellation, and lost baggage. Mountain activities require specialized coverage if you plan to trek.
What Currency Should I Bring To Bhutan?
Bhutan uses the Ngultrum, which equals the Indian Rupee in value. Indian Rupees are accepted everywhere. Bring US dollars for tipping guides and drivers. ATMs exist in cities, but don’t rely on them exclusively.
How Far In Advance Should I Book My Bhutan Trip?
Book at least two to three months ahead for regular season travel. Peak season (October and April) requires four to six months’ booking. Visa processing takes one to two weeks once you submit documents.
