Getting into Bhutan
Bhutan’s first international airport was first opened in Paro in 1983. Way back behind, during the early sixties, Bhutan was accessible only by foot through the high passes of Tibet and plains of India. But in the late sixties, the construction of road was introduced and it made easier for the cars and buses to pass through Phuntsholing to Thimphu and Paro.
BY AIR: Bhutan’s only international airport is located in Paro, which is located in a deep valley at an elevation of 7300 ft above sea level. The Paro Valley is surrounded by hills as high as 16,000 feet, whereby making the approach of Druk Air into the Paro International airport entirely by visual flight rules.
The national air carrier – Druk Air, Royal Bhutan Airlines has two A319 and operates in seven cities in six different countries. It operates several times a week to Bangkok, (Thailand). New Delhi and Kolkata, (India) and Kathmandu, (Nepal). The national airline carries passengers through one of the most spectacular flight paths in the world. A particular highlight is the stretch between Kathmandu and Bhutan, where one passes 4 of the 5 highest mountains in the world. Weather permitting; passengers will be treated to intimate views of Mt. Everest, Lhotse, Makalu und Kangchenjunga.
CAN I BOOK A DIRECT FLIGHT TO BHUTAN?
Only the national airline, Druk Air, flies to Bhutan’s international airport at Paro (PBH). You need to arrange your own connecting flights to one of the Druk Air departure points – Bangkok (Thailand), Delhi (India), or Kathmandu (Nepal). Please note that Druk air also has a stop-over at Calcutta (India) and Dhaka (Bangladesh), though no flights originate there.
Sophun tours will book your Druk Air flight for you as part of the package arrangement since Druk Air does not have booking agents outside Bhutan.
Note: Druk Air Flight Tickets are non-refundable.
FLIGHT CONNECTIONS
We highly recommend that you arrive at Bangkok, Delhi or Kathmandu, one day prior 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 utmost to help you get on the next flight and to reinstate 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. Note: Druk Air flight schedules are subject to weather conditions in the mountains and are often altered at the last minute. Travelers are therefore advised to include an extra day in their itinerary to accommodate such circumstances.
BY LAND
Visitors can also enter or exit Bhutan by road through the neighboring Indian states of Assam and West Bengal in south.
Entry/exit by land is also possible through the southern border town of Phuentsholing. The nearest airport is at Bagdogra, West Bengal which is about 4 hours drive to and from Phuentsholing. It is also convenient for entry/exit for travelers wishing to visit the Indian states of Sikkim and West Bengal along with Bhutan.
It is sometimes possible to arrange land exit from Bhutan through the southeastern border town of Samdrup Jongkhar, which is approximately 4 hours drive from Guwahati, capital of the Indian state of Assam. There are so many places of historical importance in east and not to forget its rich flora and fauna.Please check with Sophun Tours & Treks, if you intend to avail our services along this route.
CUSTOMS
Visitors are required to complete a passenger declaration form for checking by concerned officers on arrival. The following articles are exempt from duty: -
(1) Personal effects and articles for day to day use by the visitor
(2) 2 liters of alcohol (spirits or wine)
(3) 200 pieces of cigarettes, 150 gms of pipe tobacco, 2 boxes of cigars (or 50 pieces)
(4) Instruments, apparatus or appliances for professional use
(5) Photographic equipment, video cameras and other electronic goods for personal use.
The articles mentioned under (4) & (5) must be declared on the declaration form. If any such items are disposed of in Bhutan by sale or gift, they are liable for customs duty. On departure, visitors are required to surrender their forms to the Customs authorities.
IMPORT / EXPORT RESTRICATION
Import/export of the following goods is strictly prohibited
(1) Arms, ammunitions and explosives
(2) All narcotics and drugs except medically prescribed drugs
(3) Wildlife products, especially those of endangered species
(4) 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 may not be exported without a clearance certificate. Let us know in advance before you purchases.
