Bhutan Flights: Exploring the Most Popular Airlines and Routes
Bhutan is a heavenly kingdom. It captivates the interests of tourists around the globe. Bhutan offers a great and peaceful experience. Let’s check the most well-liked airlines and Bhutan flight routes. This will assist you in planning your Bhutan trip in a better way. Bhutan is home to just two airlines: Drukair and Bhutan Airlines.
Bhutan Flight Network
Paro International Airport (PBH) is Bhutan’s only international airport. It is located in a deep valley surrounded by imposing peaks rising to a height of 18,000 feet. Due to this, Paro is one of the hardest airports in the world for pilots to navigate. This is the reason why a small number of airlines are allowed to fly in and out of Bhutan. Due to the restricted number of destinations both airlines serve, mostly in Asia, meticulous planning is required for your trip.
The Airlines in Details
1. Drukair – Royal Bhutan Airlines
The most reputable airline with flights to and from Bhutan is Drukair, the official carrier of Bhutan. Operating since 1981, it provides a dependable and cozy flying experience.
Locations Drukair Serves:
- Bangkok, Thailand
- Singapore
- Kathmandu, Nepal
- Kolkata, India
- Bagdogra, India
- Gaya, India
- Guwahati, India
- Dhaka, Bangladesh
- Delhi, India
2. Bhutan Airlines
Bhutan Airlines was established in 2013 and is the country’s first private airline. Despite being more recent than Drukair, Bhutan Airlines has made a name for itself as a formidable rival by providing excellent service at a reasonable price.
Locations Bhutan Airlines Serves:
- India: Delhi, Kolkata
- Bangkok, Thailand
- Nepal: Dhaka
If you’re trying to find another airline to fly to Bhutan, especially from Bangkok or Kolkata, consider Bhutan Airlines. The airline is well-liked by passengers looking for comfort and convenience because of its newer fleet and emphasis on customer care.
Routes to Bhutan
Since there aren’t lots of aeroplanes or routes, visitors usually enter Bhutan through particular Asian gateway cities. Taking a deeper look at a few of the most well-travelled paths:
a. Bangkok to Paro:
Bangkok is the most often used airport for flights to Bhutan, with Bhutan Airlines and Drukair both operating daily flights there. The trip takes about three hours and provides beautiful vistas of the Himalayas as you reach Paro.
b. Delhi to Paro:
Another important entry point for visitors to Bhutan is Delhi. Drukair is a great choice for people going from India or making connections through Delhi from other foreign locations because it offers direct flights between Delhi and Paro.
c. Kathmandu to Paro:
Travellers who want to visit both Bhutan and Nepal concurrently often take the Kathmandu-Paro route. The brief but picturesque flight between these two capitals of the Himalayas offers up-close views of the highest points on Earth.
d. Kolkata to Paro:
The closest big Indian city to Bhutan is Kolkata, and there are plenty of affordable flights from Kolkata to Paro. People from Bangladesh and eastern Indian visitors are especially fond of this route.
e. Singapore to Paro:
Drukair operates direct flights from Singapore to Paro for travellers from Southeast Asia. This route offers a simple connection to Bhutan and is recommended for passengers from Singapore, Malaysia, and neighbouring countries.
Booking Your Bhutan Flight
It’s best to book quite in advance for your ticket to Bhutan, especially if you’re travelling during popular times like spring (March to May) and fall (September to November). Planes fill quickly because of the restricted number of planes and the difficult path, so last-minute reservations might not be available.
Through their websites, Drukair and Bhutan Airlines both have online booking capabilities. Furthermore, a lot of travel companies that specialise in Bhutan travel may help with airfare bookings when they are part of a package deal that also includes lodging, guided tours, and visas. Bhutan Best Inbound Tour is there to assist you with the booking.
Benefits of Choosing Bhutan Best Inbound Tours to Book Your Travel
- We alert you when there are changes to the flight schedule; the airline does not do this.
- Airlines prefer that you verify your reservation at least 72 hours in advance, however, occasionally, they require more notice. Thus, making a reservation with us is safer.
- You do not need to follow the instant purchase policy when you book your Bhutan Flight with us.
- Depending on the demand for seats, we can hold your airline tickets for a few days or weeks.
Checking the Visa Requirement to Enter Bhutan
Make sure that your visa is approved before booking the flight.
- Citizens of India, Bangladesh, and the Maldives: To enter Bhutan, all Indian, Bangladeshi, and Maldivian nationals are required to have an e-visa. However they can get the e visa on arrival.
- Other Nationals: Before boarding an aircraft, any other national travelling to Bhutan needs to obtain a valid visa clearance granted by the Department of Immigration of Bhutan. At the time of check-in, they must present a copy of the visa clearance letter. The airlines will not be responsible for any claims made by any passenger who is denied check-in if they do not have a valid visa clearance letter.
Important Notes
- While visiting Bhutan via India, ensure that you have the India part of the visa even if you are just on transit. It’s recommended that you apply for your Indian tourist visa well in advance of your intended travel dates to allow for processing time.
- The Indian National entering Bhutan via Kathmandu need to obtain Nepal Visa.
Taking Bhutan flights offers some of the world’s most breathtaking aerial views, and the journey itself is an experience. You can guarantee a seamless and unforgettable beginning to your Bhutan trip experience by selecting the best airline and route, as well as by meticulously organising your travel plans with Bhutan Best Inbound Tours. Whether you choose to go with the state airline Drukair or the private Bhutan Airlines, we are there to assist you.
Google Reviews
Jenny Chua
In Nov 24, we had the privilege of exploring Bhutan with the guidance of an exceptional tour guide, Kinlay Dorji & Jigme Tshering from Bhutan Best Inbound Tour agency and I couldn’t be more impressed with the experience. From the moment we arrived, they ensured every detail of our trip was perfectly planned and executed, making it truly stress-free and enjoyable. Their deep knowledge of Bhutan’s history, culture, and traditions was remarkable, and they shared stories and insights that brought the country’s rich heritage to life. Whether we were visiting iconic landmarks like the Tiger’s Nest Monastery or strolling through serene villages, their passion for Bhutan was evident and contagious. What truly stood out was their dedication to providing personalized service. They were always attentive to our needs, ensuring we were comfortable, well-fed, and immersed in the beauty of Bhutan. Their warm hospitality, patience, and ability to adapt to our preferences made the journey unforgettable. If you’re planning a trip to Bhutan, I cannot recommend this tour guide enough. They truly go above and beyond to ensure you experience the heart and soul of the Land of the Thunder Dragon. An absolute five-star experience!
Reviewed on: 1/14/2025
Terri KimOur first time in Bhutan couldn’t have been as amazing & memorable as it was without the wonderful team behind Bhutan Best Inbound Tour who were with us every step of the way. We decided (very last minute) to go to Bhutan with only weeks to spare. I decided to go with Bhutan Best Inbound Tour based on online reviews, responsiveness (via WhatsApp), and reasonable pricing. Because our trip was short (5 days/4 nights) and we already rushed to book our flights/accommodations, we were mainly looking for a dedicated tour guide/driver to explore Thimphu, Punakha, and Paro. Deki, who planned our itinerary, was responsive and accommodating to all my inquiries and requests. She answered my questions, and put my mind at ease when it came to our visas. She was lovely to work with, and made us feel prepared before our trip. But what she couldn’t have prepared us for was how amazing Bhutan would be and how much we would love our trip. We arrived at Paro International Airport early in the morning, and were greeted outside with white scarves by our guide and our driver who were patiently waiting for us. Our guide, Phub, was fantastic. Not only was he like a walking encyclopedia about his country, the culture, and Buddhism, he was personable and so funny. He was also quite the photographer, capturing the best angles and even directing us on how to pose. Phub was also very flexible with our daily schedule, and accommodating to our requests, which we appreciated immensely. He also shared tips & tricks that only locals would be privy to, which made this trip much more intimate and fulfilling than if we decided to go without a tour guide. I HIGHLY recommend a tour guide if you are thinking of going to Bhutan for the first time. We had two drivers, both very humble and excellent drivers. I felt very safe in the car despite impatient drivers, the occasional cow and dog, and landslides. On our day trip to Punakha from Thimphu, a landslide extended our trip by an hour each way, but our driver was patient and made sure we were comfortable. The breathtaking views (and company) made the delays worth it. We were so fortunate to have such wonderful drivers who prioritized our safety. From the kindness of the people to the delicious food, from the beautiful weather to the rich culture, and of course, Tiger’s Nest (which left us breathless, both figuratively and literally), Bhutan is truly a special country that left us with so many beautiful memories. We plan to visit Bhutan again, and when we do, we can’t wait to work with Bhutan Best Inbound Tour for all our needs. If you’re looking for a tour guide, I highly recommend reaching out to Bhutan Best Inbound Tour for a seamless experience
Reviewed on: 12/24/2024
Suresh KaruI had an amazing 7 nights 8 day trip to Bhutan, Phub my guide and driver Nima made it a memorable vacation. They were professional , kind and always helpful , also their local knowledge made it an experience unforgettable to me. The hotels they choose had excellent service, the cook made my favourite dish Idli. The home stay hostess was always smiling and kind. They also had the best price for the tour package.If I ever return to Bhutan I would choose them again Hands down .
Reviewed on: 9/30/2024
Charles VrtisEverything about my experience in Bhutan was outstanding from start to finish! It is very serene, stunningly beautiful, and its people are exceptionally kind and welcoming! Of course, had I not chosen the right tour operator, I might have left with different feelings. Fortunately, I selected Bhutan Best Inbound Tour. From the start, my experience with them was smooth and seamless. Deki, my contact in arranging the logistics, could not have been more responsive and helpful. She made everything so easy, including arranging for a visa. And, I cannot say enough good things about my guide and driver. They really made my experience in Bhutan so wonderfully memorable. I felt completely comfortable and safe with the driver, Jigme. Not only that, he always had a smile on his face. My guide, Tenzin (“Tax”] Loday was great. He was prompt, reliable, and very engaging. He is now my Bhutanese brother! His love for his country shows, and his clear and helpful explanations about its history and sites could not have been better. Thank you Bhutan Inbound Tour!
Reviewed on: 3/30/2024
Brian NYCHuge thanks to Bhutan Best Inbound Tours for an amazing experience in magical Bhutan! My guide Phub is a true expert who taught me so much about the history and culture of Bhutan, and he took perfect care of me each and every place we visited. Our driver Lobzang got us to all of our destinations safely and on time, and they made a great team, always keeping me smiling and in awe of the beauty of bucket list Bhutan. Everything was smooth from start to finish, the hotels were all excellent and comfortable, and I highly recommend Bhutan Inbound and my friends Phub and Lobzang to anyone planning a trip to stunning Bhutan!
Reviewed on: 10/14/2023
