Essential information on Bhutan for Travelers

by Nisha Parmar SEO Executive

Arriving and Departing By Airplane If you are traveling to Bhutan on a tourist visa, Your tour Operator will arrange all of your transportation to and from Bhutan, and you will fly' in and out of Paro on Druk Air.

Paro International Airport is the main gate way into Bhutan, since it is the only airport in Bhutan. The terminal has a restaurant with an extensive menu (including delicious baked goods), coffee/snack bar, and a comfortable lounge. The airport is southeast of Paro village, approximately 6 km (4 mi) from the town center.

Druk Air, the Bhutanese national airline, is the only airline that serves Bhutan. It operates flights into the Paro airport from Calcutta, Delhi, Bangkok, Dhaka, and Kathmandu. Whether flying along the Himalayan range from Kathmandu or over the foothills from Calcutta, each flight has spectacular views of Everest, Kangchen-junga, and Makalu, as well as the Bhutanese peaks of Chomolhari and Gangkar Puensum.

Flying Times

Nearly all flights to Bhutan include stopovers, so the length of time you spend in the air depends on where you stop. For example, it could take from 14 to 17 hours to travel from Amsterdam to Paro, depending on whether you stop in Delhi, or Calcutta and then Kathmandu. Similarly, it can take 12 to 15 hours to reach Bhutan from Sydney, depending on whether you stop in Dhaka or Bangkok. From the United States, it also depends on your point of departure, and of course, where in Asia you stop off. On average, the trip from the United Kingdom, United States, Canada, Australia, or New Zealand takes about 14 hours.

By Bus If you are traveling on a tourist visa, your tour operator like Swan Tours – one of the leading travel agents in India will arrange all your transportation within Bhutan. The tourist tariff includes all transportation, and you will always have car, driver, and guide with you. You will not have to rely on public transportation.

By Car If you are traveling on a tourist visa, you will have a vehicle and driver at your disposal. Driving a car yourself is not an option for travelers in Bhutan.

Emergency Assistance

Since you will not be traveling on your own, your tour guide or driver will take all the appropriate measures, in the event that roadside assistance is needed. The Bhutanese are very friendly and helpful, and will stop and offer help in the case of a breakdown.

Road Conditions There is one main road that makes its way across the entire country, passing through forests and winding endlessly up and down the mountains. Generally, it is very well maintained. However, stretches can get blocked by landslides during the monsoon season and snowfall during the winter.

Currency Exchange

There is no easy or reliable way to exchange money or cash traveler's checks in this region. The best idea is to take care of your finances be-fore leaving Thimphu. If you're caught in a pinch, you may be able to find a hotel willing to cash traveler's checks.

Post Office

There are post offices in both Mongar and Trashigang. The service from these small branches is slow and un-reliable, so you may want to mail any letters in Thimphu or Paro.

For essential information on Bhutan for Travelers and Bhutan tour packages contact Swan Tours.