Getting to Bhutan
In the early days our country was only accessible by foot or horse. But now it can be accessed by many modes of transportations like road and air and there are mainly four entries to our country.
By Air
Paro International Airport
The country has so far only one International Airport that caters to the needs of visitors coming in through flight. Bhutan's only international airport at Paro is located at a height of 7300 ft above sea level and surrounded by mountains and hills as high as 16,000 feet.
Druk Air is the national airline which was started in 1981, April 5, operates with three Airbus and 1 ATR. It flies to destinations that include Bangkok, Singapore, Katmandu, Dhaka, Delhi, Kolkata, Bodh Gaya, Bagdogra, and Guwahati in India.
Bhutan Airlines is a private airline that was commenced on 7 December 2011. The route is pretty similar to Druk air and also they use a similar airbus.
The flight into Paro International Airport is one of the most spectacular landing in the world. Whether flying along with the Himalayan range from Kathmandu or over the foothills from Kolkata or Dhaka, each flight is a mesmerizing aeronautical feat and offers an exciting descent into the Kingdom of Bhutan.
By Road
1. Phuntsholing
Phuntsholing, Gelephu and Samdrup Jongkhar are the only land border areas open for international tourists. The town of Phuntsholing is located approximately 170 km east of the Indian national airport Bagdogra. And it is 176km from Thimphu the capital of Bhutan and it takes about 5-6 hours to reach Thimphu.
2. Gelephu
Gelephu in South-Central Bhutan is another entry point to Bhutan. It is approximately 250 kms from Thimphu and the journey will take you through different types of vegetation starting from sub-tropical to alpine zone before you reach to Thimphu. It would take abot 7 hours to reach Thimphu from Gelephu. And now there is a domestic airport at Gelephu and if you want you can come by air which would take only about 20-30 minutes to reach Paro, which is 1.30 hours drive from Thimphu.
3. Samdrup Jongkhar
Samdrup Jongkhar is the only entry point in eastern Bhutan. 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 have to take route via Trashigang, the largest District in the country, 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.