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From Nepal Travel to Bhutan by Air - Most Recommended
Taking a flight is the most direct and efficient way to travel from Nepal to Bhutan, with the added bonus of unmatched advantages, making it the recommended mode of entry from Nepal, and indeed from any country.
Himalayan Panorama: Flights from Kathmandu to Paro are often regarded as some of the most beautiful in the world. The route flies along the Himalayas, providing passengers with magnificent views of some of the tallest peaks on Earth, including Mount Everest, Lhotse, and Makalu. For many, the chance to witness these towering giants from above is an unforgettable experience.
Daily Flights: There are almost daily flights from Kathmandu to Paro, offering great convenience for those wishing to travel from Nepal to Bhutan. The short flight time of ca. 1 to 1.5 hours allows for a swift transition from one Himalayan region to another.
Cost-Effective: With round-trip fares around $450, flying to Bhutan from Nepal can be more economical, saving you about $200 to $300 compared to flights from Thailand or Singapore. However, be aware that airfare and taxes can vary, so it's wise to consult with a knowledgeable travel advisor for the latest details.
Airlines from Nepal to Bhutan
| Airlines | From-To | Departure | Arrival | Duration | Freq. | Economy | Business |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Druk Air | KTM-PBH | 09:10 | 10:30 | 1H15M | 5-8 flights/week | ca. 276 USD | ca. 410 USD |
| Bhutan Airlines | KTM-PBH | 08:55 13:45 | 10:10 15:00 | 1H15M | 2-5 flights/week | ca. 278 USD | Ca. 421 USD |
(Prices may change, please check the official website or contact our friendly travel experts.)
Only two airlines operate the busy Kathmandu to Bhutan route: Drukair and Bhutan Airlines. Drukair offers more frequent flights throughout the week, with up to eight flights a week during the peak season.
How to Book Your Flight
Booking a flight from Kathmandu to Paro is straightforward. You can purchase tickets directly from the airlines' official websites or via authorized travel agencies.
Departure Airport in Kathmandu
Airport: Tribhuvan International Airport
City: Kathmandu
IATA Code: KTM Address: Ring Rd, Kathmandu 44600, Nepal
Nepal Transit Visa:
Citizens of countries other than Nepal and India can obtain a 24-hour transit visa at Kathmandu's Tribhuvan International Airport for a fee of $5 USD.
- Apply for the transit visa online at least 15 days before arriving in Nepal.
- Ensure you have a confirmed onward flight ticket departing from Nepal within 24 hours of arrival.
- Carry a printed copy of the online visa application form, a passport-sized photo, and a scanned copy of your valid passport.
Boarding Procedures for Flights to Bhutan:
- A passport valid for at least 6 months.
- Your e-ticket for Drukair or Bhutan Airlines.
- A valid visa for Bhutan.
If you have several hours of transit time at Kathmandu Tribhuvan International Airport:
Kathmandu's Tribhuvan International Airport is conveniently located about 6 kilometers from the city center, a mere 15-minute drive away. If you're considering stepping out during a long layover, you have just enough time to visit iconic sites like Pashupatinath Temple or Boudhanath Stupa.
For those who prefer to stay at the airport, the ground floor offers duty-free shops and small stores selling souvenirs and handicrafts to pass the time.
Before leaving Kathmandu, it's important to get to the airport well in advance. Check-in counters at Tribhuvan International Airport typically open 3 hours before your scheduled departure, so plan accordingly to avoid any last-minute rushes or unexpected delays.
Arrival at Paro International Airport
Airport: Paro International Airport
City: Paro
IATA Code: PBH
The descent into Paro Airport is another highlight. Paro is one of the world’s most challenging airports for pilots, and the approach, which weaves through the valley amidst the mountains, is spectacular.
Paro Airport is located in the western part of Bhutan, serving as a key transport hub in the town of Paro, one of the most critical nodes of connectivity in the country. It provides quick access to Bhutan's primary destinations, allowing you to reach Paro, the capital city Thimphu, and the scenic Punakha within 1-3 hours. View all flights to Bhutan.
Key transportation information:
How to Get to Bhutan from Nerpal by Road
Adventurous travelers might relish the road trip from Nepal to Bhutan. Although Bhutan and Nepal do not share a border, you can cross through the Indian state of West Bengal and Sikkim to reach Bhutan's Phuentsholing, and from there, travel to Paro or Thimphu.
The road distance from Kathmandu to the Bhutanese border town of Phuentsholing is roughly 631 kilometers, with an estimated driving time of around 16 hours.
The route typically follows:
Kathmandu (Nepal) - Kakarbhitta (Nepal-India border) - Siliguri (India) - Phuentsholing (India-Bhutan border).
The majority of the route has decent road conditions, with good roads from Kathmandu to Kakarbhitta. On the way to Hasimara, you might encounter traffic congestion and some narrow stretches.
You can even take a bus from Kathmandu to Bhutan's Phuentsholing, which usually takes about 16-22 hours. The routes are:
- Kathmandu - Kakarbhitta - Panitanki - Darjeeling - Siliguri - Phuentsholing (with an optional day's rest in Darjeeling)
- Kathmandu - Kakarbhitta - Panitanki - Siliguri - Phuentsholing (without stopovers)
Visa
At the Kakarbhitta checkpoint in Nepal, you'll complete the necessary exit and entry formalities. If you require an Indian visa, you can obtain a transit visa at the Indian immigration office in Panitanki. Travel from Kakarbhitta to the Indian border town of Panitanki by shared taxi or rickshaw for the short 5-kilometer journey.
Your valid Bhutan visa will be checked upon crossing into Phuentsholing.
Explore alternative popular ways to enter Bhutan from other countries:
Do I Need a Bhutan Visa from Nepal to Bhutan?
Yes, travelers from Nepal to Bhutan generally need a Bhutanese visa unless they are from one of the countries exempt from this requirement. Citizens of India, Bangladesh, and the Maldives can obtain an entry permit upon arrival without a visa.
The visa application process involves completing a form on Bhutan's official website, submitting the necessary documents, and paying the visa fee of $40 along with a Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) of $100 per night.
For those who find the payment process for visas and other fees daunting, a trusted travel agency can be a valuable ally. Agencies like Asia Odyssey Travel offer comprehensive services that include managing your Bhutan visa application. Their expertise in financial transactions and transfer protocols can ensure a smooth preparation for your trip. By letting the experts handle the details, you can focus on looking forward to the rich cultural and natural wonders that Bhutan has to offer.
How to Plan Your Bhutan Trip from Nepal
Best Time to Visit Bhutan from Nepal
Traveling from Nepal to Bhutan is best planned from late September to March to avoid the challenging monsoon season, ensuring clearer weather and improved travel conditions for both flights and overland journeys.
On arrival in Bhutan, you'll enjoy clear skies and cooler weather, which is ideal for travelers. The end of September through October is a special time to witness the vibrant Thimphu Tsechu festival, a cultural spectacle not to be missed. Winter attracts wildlife enthusiasts eager to spot the rare black-necked cranes. In March, the Paro Tsechu festival offers visitors a deeper dive into the festive celebrations. Best time to visit Bhutan.
Must-Visit Destinations in Bhutan
Thimphu: The capital city combines traditional Bhutanese culture with the conveniences of modernity.
Paro: Home to the iconic Tiger's Nest Monastery (Taktsang Lhakhang), Paro is a must-see for its cultural significance and stunning views.
Punakha: Visit the majestic Punakha Dzong and the beautiful valley that changes colors with the seasons.
Bumthang: Known as the religious heartland, Bumthang offers a mix of ancient temples and sacred sites.
Perhaps you would like to know more travel tips for your bhutan travel:
Top 7 Valleys in Bhutan to Visit
Top 10 Thimphu Tourist Places to Visit
Planning Your Bhutan Travel Length
The length of your stay in Bhutan will depend on the destinations you wish to visit and your interests. However, a typical itinerary includes:
Short Trip (5-7 days): Focus on the major highlights such as Thimphu, Paro, and possibly Punakha.
Standard Trip (8-12 days): Cover the major highlights with additional day hikes and deeper cultural immersion.
Extended Trip (14+ days): Explore more remote areas like the Phobjikha Valley and the eastern regions, or undertake one of Bhutan's famous treks.
Click the following link when you're unsure about how many days to stay in Bhutan
Combined Nepal, Bhutan, and Tibet Itinerary
If you're considering a comprehensive journey that includes Nepal, Bhutan, and Tibet, you can plan an itinerary that encapsulates the diverse experiences each destination has to offer.
You can plan a trip of about 2 to 3 weeks, using Nepal as a hub between Bhutan and Tibet. Spend around 2 to 3 days in Nepal to explore the highlights of Kathmandu, including Durbar Square, Pokhara, and the Swayambhunath Stupa. Allocate about 5 to 6 days in Bhutan to visit the Tiger's Nest Monastery in Paro, the capital Thimphu, and Punakha. Tibet deserves a stay of 5 to 8 days, from the Potala Palace and Jokhang Temple in Lhasa to the Everest Base Camp, for an epic journey through the Himalayan region.
Plan a 2 to 3-week journey with Nepal as your pivot between Bhutan and Tibet. Spend 2-3 days in Kathmandu, Nepal, touring key sites like Durbar Square, Pokhara, and the Swayambhunath Stupa. Dedicate 5-6 days to Bhutan for the Paro Tiger's Nest, capital city Thimphu, and Punakha. Set aside 5-8 days for Tibet, taking in Lhasa's Potala Palace and Jokhang Temple, and aventure to the Everest Base Camp for a Himalayan adventure of epic proportions.
Explore Bhutan with Local-based Asia Odyssey Travel
Asia Odyssey Travel is a local-based travel agency that offers Bhutan Group Tours and customized tours in Bhutan. Our team of experienced local guides ensures that you have an immersive and insightful journey, sharing our deep understanding of Bhutanese culture, history, and spirituality.
Bhutan, known as the "Land of the Thunder Dragon," is a captivating destination with its stunning landscapes, ancient monasteries, and rich Buddhist traditions. Asia Odyssey Travel can help you discover the highlights of Bhutan, including Paro, Punakha, Thimphu, Bumthang, and Gangtey.
Whether you're interested in trekking through pristine mountain trails, participating in vibrant festivals, or exploring remote villages, Asia Odyssey Travel can tailor Bhutan Trekking Tour and Bhutan Festival Tour itineraries to suit your preferences.
Embark on a memorable journey through Bhutan with Asia Odyssey Travel and immerse yourself in the enchanting beauty and traditions of this unique Himalayan kingdom.
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