Home >> How To Reach Bhutan
Tourism Industry in Bhutan is founded with the principle of sustainability in mind, which means that tourism must be environmentally and ecologically friendly, socially and culturally acceptable, and also economically feasible.
Due to this, tourism is monitored with a strict hand and the number of tourists visiting Bhutan is maintained at an environmentally manageable level.
Visitors may experience Bhutan only on all-inclusive package tours for which a fixed daily tariff is set by the Royal Government of Bhutan. This tariff covers the following services: accommodation & all meals, transport, guide, entrances fees to museums, monuments and cultural sites, and additionally a cultural program for visitors traveling in a group of three or above.
It is advisable to apply early for the visa because the process takes a little more time than a normal visa application. Once you send your personal information, Yeoong Travel submits your application first to the Tourism Council of Bhutan (TCB) and then to the Department of Immigration, Ministry of Home and Culture Affairs, both based in Thimphu. The visa is not issued until the TCB has checked that the full tour payment has been received into its bank account. The confirmation and reference number then sent to Yeoong Travel and a copy will be send to you. You have to show this at the check-in desk for Druk Air. You can not board the Druk Air flight without this document so it is very important to have it along with your passport.
Upon your arrival in the country, either at Paro Airport or at Phuentsholing/Samdrup Jonkhar (if you are entering by road) the actual visa is stamped on the passport. At this time at the place of entry you have to present a passport photo with your passport number written on the back. Please keep in mind that the visa is issued for exactly the same number of days and dates as booked by you. If circumstances arise for a visa extension once you are in Bhutan it can be arranged. Members of groups are expected to arrive and depart together.
DRUK AIR is the only airline flying to Bhutan
- Two A319 aircraft with 20 business class seats and 94 economy class seats.
- We have only one international airport and it is situated at an elevation of 2,200 meters in Paro, Bhutan.
The gateway cities into Paro, Bhutan are:
- Bangkok
- Dhaka, Bangladesh
- Kolkata, India
- Gaya, India
- New Delhi, India
- Bagdora, India
- Katmandu, Nepal
Baggage weight limits are:
- 30 kg for Business Class
- 20 kg for Economy Class
Extra luggage cost per kilogram is:
- US $5.00 / kg from BKK
- US $4.00 / kg from DEL
- US $2.50 / kg from all others
GATEWAY BY LAND:
Arrival or departure by land is also possible through the southern border town of Phuentsholing. The nearest airport is at Bagdogra, West Bengal, about 4 hours drive away. Phuentsholing allows entry/exit for travelers wishing to visit the Indian states of Sikkim and West Bengal along with Bhutan. It is possible to arrange land exit through the southeastern border town of Samdrup Jongkhar, which is approximately 3 hours drive from Guwahati, capital of the Indian state of Assam. Please check with Yeoong Travel if you are interested in this route.
The magnificent mountain landscape en route is seen at its best in the winter months, when skies are generally very clear. While flying via Kathmandu to Paro you experience the most impressive view of the Himalayan Mountain Ranges, including the Everest region. Mountain Kanchenjunga is visible for some time on all routes when the weather is clear. Flying to and fro from Bhutan is a lifetime experience to be cherished.
After collecting your baggage you must decide which channel to take - Green Channel(nothing to declare) or the Red Channel(goods to declare).
As per international risk management practice, random checks on your baggage may be conducted by the Customs official even if you are proceeding through the Green Channel.
The following articles are exempt from duty: -
a) the visitor shall be allowed to import temporarily free of Customs duty his/her personal effects and articles required for the visit, provided that items imported are for personal use and that the items will be re-exported on their leaving Bhutan.
b) 1 bottle of Spirits not larger than one liter
c) 1 carton of Cigarettes (containing 200 pieces) subject to 100 percent customs duty and 100 percent sales tax
d) device, equipment or appliances for professional utilization
e) photographic equipment, video cameras and other electronic gadget for personal use.
The articles mentioned under (d) & (e) must be declared on the declaration form. If these items are disposed of in Bhutan by sale or gift, they are liable for customs duty. Visitors are required to surrender their forms to the Customs authorities while departing.
Imports of plants, soils etc. are subject to quarantine regulations. These items must be cleared on arrival. Visitors are advised to be cautious in purchasing old and used items, especially of religious or cultural significance, as such items cannot be exported without a clearance certificate.
How To Reach Bhutan
Tourism Regulation
Tourism has not been that much widespread in Bhutan as we look at preserving and nurturing our culture and tradition. Bhutanese are immensely religious people and therefore it would be good on ones part to respect and understand the local customs and way of life, especially while visiting those places of religious significance.Tourism Industry in Bhutan is founded with the principle of sustainability in mind, which means that tourism must be environmentally and ecologically friendly, socially and culturally acceptable, and also economically feasible.
Due to this, tourism is monitored with a strict hand and the number of tourists visiting Bhutan is maintained at an environmentally manageable level.
Visitors may experience Bhutan only on all-inclusive package tours for which a fixed daily tariff is set by the Royal Government of Bhutan. This tariff covers the following services: accommodation & all meals, transport, guide, entrances fees to museums, monuments and cultural sites, and additionally a cultural program for visitors traveling in a group of three or above.
VISA
Your passport must have at least 6 months' validity. You will also make sure that you have an additional page for a visa for Bhutan, as well as space for the visas for any countries you are visiting en route. If you need to get a new passport please do so well before your planned trip so that there is no delay in applying for your Bhutanese visa. The visa is issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs within Bhutan as Bhutan has very few embassies abroad. No foreign missions abroad grant Bhutan tourist visas. You may apply in advance through a tour operator such as Yeoong Travel and receive confirmation that your application has been approved before you travel to Bhutan. You can furnish the information require by us in the Contact Us. There is no need to sign the visa application at this time.It is advisable to apply early for the visa because the process takes a little more time than a normal visa application. Once you send your personal information, Yeoong Travel submits your application first to the Tourism Council of Bhutan (TCB) and then to the Department of Immigration, Ministry of Home and Culture Affairs, both based in Thimphu. The visa is not issued until the TCB has checked that the full tour payment has been received into its bank account. The confirmation and reference number then sent to Yeoong Travel and a copy will be send to you. You have to show this at the check-in desk for Druk Air. You can not board the Druk Air flight without this document so it is very important to have it along with your passport.
Upon your arrival in the country, either at Paro Airport or at Phuentsholing/Samdrup Jonkhar (if you are entering by road) the actual visa is stamped on the passport. At this time at the place of entry you have to present a passport photo with your passport number written on the back. Please keep in mind that the visa is issued for exactly the same number of days and dates as booked by you. If circumstances arise for a visa extension once you are in Bhutan it can be arranged. Members of groups are expected to arrive and depart together.
PERMITS
Route permits are required when moving between all districts in Bhutan except from Paro to Thimpu. Yeoong Travel obtains a permit for the places mentioned in your itinerary and this permit is checked and endorsed by the police at immigration checkpoints strategically located at important road junctions. Permits to Enter Temples after 2001 the rules were changed to allow tourists to visit the courtyards of dzongs and, where feasible, one designated lhakhang (temple) in each dzong but only when accompanied by a licensed Bhutanese guide. This provision is subject to certain restrictions, including visiting hours, dress standards and other rules that vary by district. Because dzongs are open to all during the time of a Tsechu. You may visit the courtyard, but not the lhakhangs, if your trip coincides with a festival. If you are a practicing Buddhist, you may apply for a permit to visit specific dzongs and religious institutions. This is issued by the National Commission for Cultural Affairs, and an application should be made in advance through Yeoong Travel. The credibility of your application will be enhanced if you include a letter of reference from a recognized Buddhist organization in your home country.ACCESSIBILITY
The most convenient way of entering Bhutan is by Druk Air, the country’s national (and so far only) carrier. As flights can be delayed due to weather conditions (particularly during the summer months), it is advisable to allow 24 hours before any onward connection.DRUK AIR is the only airline flying to Bhutan
- Two A319 aircraft with 20 business class seats and 94 economy class seats.
- We have only one international airport and it is situated at an elevation of 2,200 meters in Paro, Bhutan.
The gateway cities into Paro, Bhutan are:
- Bangkok
- Dhaka, Bangladesh
- Kolkata, India
- Gaya, India
- New Delhi, India
- Bagdora, India
- Katmandu, Nepal
Baggage weight limits are:
- 30 kg for Business Class
- 20 kg for Economy Class
Extra luggage cost per kilogram is:
- US $5.00 / kg from BKK
- US $4.00 / kg from DEL
- US $2.50 / kg from all others
GATEWAY BY LAND:
Arrival or departure by land is also possible through the southern border town of Phuentsholing. The nearest airport is at Bagdogra, West Bengal, about 4 hours drive away. Phuentsholing allows entry/exit for travelers wishing to visit the Indian states of Sikkim and West Bengal along with Bhutan. It is possible to arrange land exit through the southeastern border town of Samdrup Jongkhar, which is approximately 3 hours drive from Guwahati, capital of the Indian state of Assam. Please check with Yeoong Travel if you are interested in this route.
FLIGHT CONNECTION
It would be very convenient if you arrive at Bangkok, Delhi or Kathmandu, one day earlier to the Druk Air departure for Bhutan. Druk Air flights usually depart early in the morning. We cannot be held responsible if you miss the connection to Bhutan, though we will do our extreme to help you get on the next flight and to extend your visa. All additional costs incurred will be borne by you. Similarly, on the return journey, we would not advise you to book a flight which connects on the same day unless you have a ticket that allows some flexibility. Druk Air flight schedules are subject to weather conditions in the mountains and are often altered at the last minute.FLIGHT FREQUENCY AND AIR FARES
Our national airline flies several times a week between most of its destinations, but flight timings and frequency vary according to season. Druk Air's website www.drukair.com.bt includes details of current flight schedules and airfares (airfare cancellation policy). Please check the website or contact Yeoong Travel for the latest information when planning your travel arrangements. Please let us know if you would like the current flight schedule.The magnificent mountain landscape en route is seen at its best in the winter months, when skies are generally very clear. While flying via Kathmandu to Paro you experience the most impressive view of the Himalayan Mountain Ranges, including the Everest region. Mountain Kanchenjunga is visible for some time on all routes when the weather is clear. Flying to and fro from Bhutan is a lifetime experience to be cherished.
CUSTOMS
Visitors have to complete a passenger declaration form which will be checked by custom officials at the exit point.After collecting your baggage you must decide which channel to take - Green Channel(nothing to declare) or the Red Channel(goods to declare).
As per international risk management practice, random checks on your baggage may be conducted by the Customs official even if you are proceeding through the Green Channel.
The following articles are exempt from duty: -
a) the visitor shall be allowed to import temporarily free of Customs duty his/her personal effects and articles required for the visit, provided that items imported are for personal use and that the items will be re-exported on their leaving Bhutan.
b) 1 bottle of Spirits not larger than one liter
c) 1 carton of Cigarettes (containing 200 pieces) subject to 100 percent customs duty and 100 percent sales tax
d) device, equipment or appliances for professional utilization
e) photographic equipment, video cameras and other electronic gadget for personal use.
The articles mentioned under (d) & (e) must be declared on the declaration form. If these items are disposed of in Bhutan by sale or gift, they are liable for customs duty. Visitors are required to surrender their forms to the Customs authorities while departing.
IMPORT/ EXPORT
Import/export of the following goods is prohibited- Arms, ammunitions and explosives
- All narcotics and drugs excluding medically prescribed drugs
- Wildlife products, especially those of endangered species
- Antiques
Imports of plants, soils etc. are subject to quarantine regulations. These items must be cleared on arrival. Visitors are advised to be cautious in purchasing old and used items, especially of religious or cultural significance, as such items cannot be exported without a clearance certificate.