How to book flights to Bhutan?
Booking flights to Bhutan is slightly different from booking flights to most other countries, as there are only two airlines that operate international flights to Bhutan. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to book flights to Bhutan:
1. Choose Your Departure City
Bhutan is served by two airlines:
- Druk Air (the national airline of Bhutan)
- Bhutan Airlines
These airlines offer flights to Bhutan’s only international airport, Paro International Airport (PBH), which is located near the capital, Thimphu. The main hubs for international flights to Bhutan are:
- Bangkok (Thailand)
- Delhi (India)
- Kathmandu (Nepal)
- Singapore
- Mumbai (India)
Flights are also available from a few other cities on a seasonal or occasional basis, but these are the most common routes.
2. Book Through Druk Air or Bhutan Airlines
- Druk Air: The official airline of Bhutan, it operates direct flights to Paro from major cities like Bangkok, Delhi, Kathmandu, and Singapore.
- Bhutan Airlines: A private carrier operating international flights to Bhutan from Bangkok, Kathmandu, and Delhi.
Booking Directly Through Airline Websites:
- Visit the airline’s official websites to book your flight:
- Enter your travel dates and departure city to find available flights.
- Flights can be booked online and paid for using international credit cards.
3. Book Through a Travel Agency
- Many travelers prefer to book flights to Bhutan through a travel agency, especially when they are also booking a tour package. This is particularly helpful since Bhutan’s tourism policy requires all visitors (except Indian, Bangladeshi, and Maldivian nationals) to book a pre-arranged package through a licensed Bhutanese tour operator.
- Your chosen tour operator, such as Bhutan Omkara Tours & Travels, can arrange your flight and include it as part of your travel package. This ensures seamless coordination between your tour and flight schedule.
4. Flight Costs and Booking Tips
- Flight Costs: Round-trip flights to Bhutan can be more expensive than other destinations in the region due to limited flight options and high demand during peak seasons (spring and autumn).
- From Bangkok: ~$600–$700
- From Delhi/Kathmandu: ~$400–$500
- From Singapore: ~$900–$1,200
- Book Early: Flights to Bhutan tend to fill up quickly, especially during peak seasons (March-May, September-November). It’s best to book your flights at least 3-6 months in advance, particularly if you are traveling during a festival period.
5. Check Visa Requirements
- Keep in mind that tourists traveling to Bhutan require a visa, which must be arranged through your tour operator. You can’t get a visa on arrival, so make sure your visa clearance letter is processed and ready before booking your flight.
6. Flight Timings and Duration
- Flight Duration: Flights to Bhutan are relatively short. For example:
- From Bangkok to Paro: approximately 3.5 to 4 hours.
- From Delhi to Paro: approximately 2 hours.
- From Kathmandu to Paro: approximately 1 hour.
- Flight timings vary based on the airline and the route, so be sure to check available options for your preferred travel dates.
7. Prepare for Special Airport Conditions
- Paro International Airport is a small, high-altitude airport, and flights are subject to weather conditions. The airport has a unique approach due to the surrounding mountains, and only pilots with special training can land there. Flight delays due to weather are not uncommon, so it’s a good idea to have a flexible travel plan.
By following these steps, you can successfully book your flight to Bhutan and prepare for an unforgettable trip to this magical kingdom in the Himalayas!
