Flights to Paro International Airport (PBH) are available from Bangkok, Singapore, Kathmandu, Dhaka and New Delhi, served by Druk Air and Bhutan Airlines.
Travelling around Bhutan, all foreign tourists must be accompanied by a licensed guide at all times. Restricted areas require permits applied through the immigration office in Thimphu. Checkpoints are located at road junctions throughout the country and independent travelling by foreign tourists (except for citizens of India, Bangladesh, and Maldives) is not permitted.
Driving time between lodges*
| |
Paro Intl
Airport |
Paro |
Thimphu |
Punakha |
Gangtey |
Bumthang |
| Paro Intl Airport |
|
30 mins |
90 mins |
3 hrs
30 mins |
4 hrs
30 mins |
12 hrs |
| Paro |
30 mins |
|
120 mins |
4 hrs |
5 hrs |
12 hrs
30 mins |
| Thimphu |
90 mins |
120 mins |
|
2 hrs
30 mins |
4 hrs |
11 hrs |
| Punakha |
3 hrs
30 mins |
4 hrs |
2 hrs
30 mins |
|
3 hrs
30 mins |
10 hrs |
| Gangtey |
4 hrs
30 mins |
5 hrs |
4 hrs |
3 hrs
30 mins |
|
8 hrs |
| Bumthang |
12 hrs |
12 hrs
30 mins |
11 hrs |
10 hrs |
8 hrs |
|
*Estimated time only and is subject to change due to road and weather condition.
Visa Requirements:
Nationals of India, Bangladesh and Maldives are not required to have a tourist visa (USD 40 per person per stay), provided they have a passport valid for at least six months from the date of departure from Bhutan. All arrangements must be made through a licensed local tour operator in order to arrange a visit to Bhutan under the Bhutanese Government law. These arrangements would include settling the Sustainable Development/Royalty fee (USD 65 per person per day) and applicable FIT Surcharges per day, depending on number of persons travelling together. Upon entering Bhutan, tourists are limited to visit Paro and Thimphu districts only, as the remaining areas of Bhutan are classified as restricted areas. Visiting areas would require proper route permits and will be inspected at immigration checkpoints. This will be handled by your local ground handler. Indian, Maldivian, and Bangladeshi Nationals need to apply for these permits in person, if arrangements are not done through a local tour operator.
Languages Spoken:
English, Dzongkha, Hindi, Nepali
Time Zone:
GMT/UTC + 6 hours