Getting to Bhutan: Flying into Paro or Entering Overland from India

Most journeys to Bhutan begin with one simple question: how do I actually get there? The good news is that you have two clear options. You can fly straight into Paro, or you can travel overland from India through one of Bhutan's official land border crossings. Here is how each route works, and how to choose the one that fits your trip.

Option 1: Fly into Paro

Paro International Airport is Bhutan's only international airport, which is why the Paro Valley is often called the gateway to the kingdom. Two airlines fly in:

• Drukair (Royal Bhutan Airlines), the national carrier, connects Bhutan with Dhaka, Bagdogra, Guwahati, Kolkata, Delhi, Kathmandu, Singapore and Bangkok.
• Bhutan Airlines, the country's first private airline, flies to Kolkata, Delhi, Dhaka and Bangkok.

</ul>Flying in is the quickest way to start your holiday, and on a clear day the descent into the Paro Valley is a highlight in itself. Schedules change by season and some routes only operate on certain days of the week, so it pays to plan your flights early. When you book with Welcome Travels, we manage your visa, your Drukair flights and the rest of your logistics, and early bookings secure better hotel and flight options.

What happens when you land

Our guide and driver will be waiting for you at Paro International Airport with a signboard. Before you travel, your visa email will include:

• Your visa documents
• Drukair e-tickets (if applicable)
• Your final itinerary
• Your hotel list
• Contact details for your guide and driver

</ul>From there, our Classic Bhutan Experience heads straight on to Thimphu, while other itineraries begin with time in Paro itself.

Option 2: Enter overland from India

Many travellers, especially those already exploring India, prefer to come in by road. There are four official land entry points, and each suits a different part of the country.

<strong class="font-semibold">Phuentsholing (western Bhutan).</strong> The most popular and busiest land entry, right next to Jaigaon in West Bengal. It is ideal if you are coming from Kolkata, Siliguri or Bagdogra Airport, and it leads directly to Thimphu, Paro and Punakha. Facilities for immigration, hotels and transport are well developed, and the scenic drive to Thimphu takes roughly six to seven hours.

<strong class="font-semibold">Samtse (south-western Bhutan).</strong> Located near Chamurchi in West Bengal, this is a quieter, lesser-used route. Facilities are improving but may be limited, so check for travel advisories before you go.

<strong class="font-semibold">Gelephu (central Bhutan).</strong> Bordering Assam, Gelephu is the natural choice for central Bhutan, especially Trongsa, Bumthang and Gangtey, with an overland journey through the Black Mountains. It is less commonly used because of the longer distances to the west, so it needs advance planning.

<strong class="font-semibold">Samdrup Jongkhar (eastern Bhutan).</strong> Next to Darranga in Assam and roughly three to four hours from Guwahati Airport, this is the main gateway to the east, including Trashigang, Mongar and Lhuentse. It is a wonderful way to see the less-visited eastern regions, but reaching Thimphu or Paro means a long cross-country drive westward.

Tips for overland travellers

• All foreign travellers need a valid Bhutanese visa or permit, except nationals of India, Bangladesh and the Maldives.
• Immigration clearance is done at the entry point.
• Indian nationals need a valid ID (passport or voter ID) and must obtain an Entry Permit at the border.
• Try to cross during daylight hours, as some checkpoints may not operate in the evening.
• Vehicle permits are needed if you are driving or hiring a vehicle across the border.

</ul><h2 class="text-2xl font-bold text-gray-900 mt-10 mb-6">Which route is right for you?</h2>

If your time is short, flying into Paro gets you exploring dzongs and valleys on the very first day. If you are combining Bhutan with India, or you want to see the central or eastern regions, an overland entry can make your route smoother and more scenic. Some travellers even mix the two, arriving by road and leaving by air.

Whichever way you choose, every Welcome Travels trip is fully private and tailored to your pace, with an English-speaking licensed local guide and a private driver and vehicle included. Tell us where you are travelling from and what you would like to see, and we will help you pick the best way in. Start your plan on our [booking page](https://wel.cometobhutan.com/booking) or [contact our team](https://wel.cometobhutan.com/contact) on wel.cometobhutan.com.