How to Get to Bhutan and Back
Bhutan government has made it mandatory to use at least one way air travel.
By Air
Druk Air is the only airlines connecting Bhutan with outside world. Paro is the only airport which is connected to Kathmandu, Delhi, Kolkatta, Bangkok, Dhaka and Yangoon. Yangoon and Dhaka operations are seasonal.
For more information and schedules, please visit Druk Air site.
By Surface
Bhutan is bordered with India from three sides: East, South and West. While Phutsoling (Southern border) and Sandrup Jongkhar (East) are two border towns that serve as ports for tourists to get in and out of Bhutan.
Phuntsoling
Phuntsoling, the southern Bhutan border town is 169km (106 miles) from Thimpu. The Indian side is called Jaigaon and connected by road with Siliguri in West Bengal. Siliguri has NJP train station and Bagdogra airport. NJP train station has connections with major Indian cities. Bagdogra airport connects Delhi, Kolkatta and Guwahati. From Siliguri, Nepal border is one hour drive and another half an hour brings you to Bhadrapur airport from where you can fly to Kathmandu (1 hr).
If you are visiting Sikkim and Darjeeling before or after Bhutan, you will use Phuntsoling as the port of entry or exit. From Phuntsoling, Siliguri is mere 6 hours drive and further one hour drive will bring you to Nepal border. Bhutan Transport operates regular bus service between Phuntsoling and Siliguri. On request of our clients, we can arrange a private jeep transportation to Siliguri (5 hrs), Kalimpong (6 hrs), Gangtok (8 hrs), Darjeeling (8 hrs) and Bhadrapur (9 hrs).
Samdrup Jongkhar
Samdrup Jongar served as the port in eastern Bhutan but following a Ulfa and Bodo Separatist acitivities, it has been temporarily closed.