Travelling to Bhutan requires more planning than visiting a major international hub, especially when you are coordinating a corporate group, conference or incentive programme. International flights are limited, schedules can vary by season, and larger groups may need seats reserved well in advance.
MICE Bhutan can coordinate your complete journey, including international flights to Bhutan, visas, airport assistance, private transport and onward travel between destinations.
Most international visitors arrive at Paro International Airport, Bhutan’s principal international gateway. Paro is conveniently located for programmes covering Paro, Thimphu and Punakha, where many of Bhutan’s leading hotels, meeting venues and cultural attractions are found.
The approach into Paro is one of the most memorable parts of the journey. Flights descend between forested mountains and traditional villages before landing in the Paro Valley. Only specially trained pilots are certified to operate flights into the airport.
Bhutan is served by two national airlines:
Flight schedules change throughout the year, so your travel dates and group requirements should be checked before international connecting flights are confirmed.
Scheduled flights to Bhutan are available from selected cities across Asia and the Middle East.
Bangkok is one of the most convenient gateways for international groups travelling to Bhutan. It offers extensive connections from Europe, Australia, Southeast Asia and other parts of the world.
Both Drukair and Bhutan Airlines operate services between Bangkok and Paro. Some flights may include a stop in an Indian city, depending on the operating schedule.
Drukair operates scheduled flights between Singapore and Paro with a technical stop in Guwahati, India. Passengers normally remain on board during the stop and do not require an Indian visa, subject to current airline and immigration requirements.
This route is particularly convenient for corporate groups travelling from Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia and other parts of Southeast Asia.
MICE Bhutan is part of Druk Asia, the official representative of Drukair in Singapore since 2010. Our team can assist with group reservations, flight coordination and connecting travel arrangements.
Kathmandu is another popular gateway to Bhutan, particularly for groups combining Nepal and Bhutan in one programme. Both Drukair and Bhutan Airlines operate services between Kathmandu and Paro.
On clear days, the flight may offer spectacular views of the Himalayas, including some of the world’s highest peaks.
Flights to Bhutan operate from several Indian cities, including:
India provides useful connecting options for delegates travelling from South Asia or combining Bhutan with another regional destination. Some services continue onwards to Bangkok, Singapore or Dubai.
Travellers transiting or entering India should check the applicable Indian visa and transit requirements before confirming their journey.
Drukair operates scheduled services between Dhaka and Paro. This provides a convenient connection for delegates travelling from Bangladesh and can also support selected regional travel arrangements.
Drukair connects Dubai and Paro through Delhi. This route provides an additional gateway for groups travelling from the Middle East, Europe and Africa.
Passengers should check the applicable transit requirements for India before travel.
Gelephu International Airport is an emerging gateway to southern Bhutan. Drukair operates scheduled international services between Gelephu and Kolkata, together with domestic connections between Gelephu and Paro.
Gelephu may be suitable for programmes focused on southern Bhutan, business visits connected to the Gelephu Mindfulness City, or itineraries combining southern and western Bhutan.
For most corporate events taking place in Thimphu or Paro, flying into Paro remains the more convenient option.
Bhutan can also be entered through designated land border points along the border with India.
The principal land gateways include:
Phuentsholing is located opposite Jaigaon in the Indian state of West Bengal. It is Bhutan’s busiest land gateway and provides access to western Bhutan.
Travellers may fly into Bagdogra Airport in India before continuing to Phuentsholing by road. The journey from Phuentsholing to Thimphu takes several hours along mountain roads, so an overnight stay may be recommended depending on the arrival time.
Gelephu is located along Bhutan’s border with the Indian state of Assam. It provides access to southern and central Bhutan and may be reached overland from Guwahati.
Samdrup Jongkhar is located in southeastern Bhutan, close to Assam. It is useful for programmes exploring eastern Bhutan or itineraries travelling across the country from east to west.
Samtse is another designated land entry point in southwestern Bhutan. Its suitability will depend on the planned route, border procedures and current entry regulations.
Land travel can be incorporated into a corporate programme, but it requires careful planning around Indian visas, border operating hours, road conditions, journey times and group transport.
Bhutan’s main destinations are connected by mountain roads. Driving times can appear long in relation to the distance because of the terrain, so corporate itineraries should allow sufficient time for transfers and rest stops.
Domestic flights may also be available between Paro and:
These services can reduce travelling time for programmes covering central, southern or eastern Bhutan. Domestic schedules are limited and may be affected by weather, so road transport should remain part of the contingency planning.
Private helicopter services may also be arranged for selected transfers, scenic flights and exclusive experiences, subject to weather, operational approval and aircraft availability.
Most international visitors must obtain a Bhutan visa before travelling. Indian nationals require an entry permit, while separate procedures apply to citizens of Bangladesh and the Maldives.
Visa or permit applications can be completed directly through Bhutan’s immigration portal. A certified Bhutanese tour operator or hotel may also apply on behalf of travellers.
For corporate groups, MICE Bhutan can coordinate the required information and submit visa applications as part of the overall programme arrangements.
Read our Bhutan visa and immigration guide for more information.
Flight capacity into Bhutan is more limited than it is for major international destinations. Early planning is especially important for larger groups, peak travel months and delegates arriving from different countries.
For the greatest flexibility, corporate organisers should ideally begin planning six to twelve months before departure. This allows more time to:
Groups can also arrive on different flights and be brought together in Paro or Thimphu before the main programme begins.
MICE Bhutan provides complete travel and event support for corporate groups visiting Bhutan. Our team can manage:
Share your preferred travel dates, departure cities and estimated group size with us. Our MICE planners will recommend the most suitable route and coordinate your journey from arrival to departure.
