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Paro Airport: Your Gateway to the Mystical Bhutan
- Airport: Paro International Airport
- City: Paro
- IATA Code: PBH
- Address: Airport Road Paro, 12001, Bhutan
Paro International Airport is not only the main international gateway to the Kingdom of Bhutan but also a remarkable engineering feat, nestled in the deep valley of the Paro district. Surrounded by towering peaks as high as 5,500 meters, the airport is one of the most challenging in the world for pilots. Only a select number of pilots are certified to land here, making your arrival in Bhutan as exclusive as it is exhilarating.
Airlines Operate at Paro International Airport
Paro International Airport is one of the most unique airports in the world, with two airlines operating on its tarmac: Druk Air and Bhutan Airlines. Druk Air, the flagship carrier of Bhutan, connects passengers to destinations in South Asia and Southeast Asia, including India, Nepal, Bangladesh, Singapore, and Thailand. As an alternative route to the heart of the country, Bhutan Airlines spreads its wings to neighboring countries such as Thailand, India, and Nepal.
Druk Air: Nepal, Thailand, India, Singapore, Bangladesh
Druk Air, the national airline of Bhutan, dominates the scene at Paro. Their colorful fleet adorned with the mythical Druk (Thunder Dragon) elegantly conquers the skies, transporting passengers from Kathmandu, Delhi, Bangkok, Kolkata, and Dhaka to this mystical kingdom.
International Routes: Delhi, Kolkata, Dhaka, Guwahati, Kathmandu, Bangkok
Domestic Routes: Bathpalathang, Gelephu, and Yongphulla
Bhutan Airlines: India, Thailand, Nepal
Joining Druk Air in recent years is Bhutan Airlines. They operate modern Airbus A319 aircraft and have focused their routes primarily on Bangkok, Thailand, and Kolkata, India, with frequent flights from these two destinations to Bhutan. You can also often spot their planes at the airport in Kathmandu throughout the week.
International Routes: Delhi, Kolkata, Kathmandu, Bangkok
Domestic Routes: Bathpalathang and Yongphulla
International Flights from and to Paro Airport
| Cities | Countries | Freq. | Duration | Airport |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kathmandu | Nepal | 1 flights/day | 1H5M | Tribhuvan International Airport(KTM) |
| Bangkok | Thailand | 1 flights/day | 3H15M | Suvarnabhumi International Airport(BKK) |
| Singapore | Singapore | 2 flights/week | 6H15M | Changi International Airport(SIN) |
| Dhaka | Bangladesh | 2 flights/week | 1H30M | Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport(DAC) |
| Delhi | India | 1 flights/day | 2H | Indira Gandhi International Airport(DEL) |
| Kolkata | India | 1 flights/day | 1H | Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport(CCU) |
| Guwahati | India | 3 flights/week | 55M | Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport(GAU) |
| Gaya | India | Seasonal Adjustments | 1H10M | Gaya Airport(GAY) |
Domestic Flights from and to Paro Airport
Drukair is the main airline operating domestic routes in Bhutan. It connects Bumthang in central Bhutan, Gelephu in southern Bhutan, and Trashigang in eastern Bhutan.
| Cities | Location | Freq. | Duration | Airport |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gelephu | South of Bhutan | 40M | Gelephu Airport | |
| Jakar | Centre of Bhutan | 2-7 flights/week | 35M | Bathpalathang Airport |
| Trashigang | East of Bhutan | 2-5 flights/week | 45M | Yongphulla Airport |
Paro Airport Facilities
Paro Airport has a 7,431 feet (2,265 meters) long asphalt runway and 2 simple buildings, one of which is an air traffic control tower and the other is a check-in counter and departure lounge.
Terminal Facilities
The airport terminal at Paro International Airport is small but modern, with a capacity of 150 passengers per hour. The terminal has a restaurant, a souvenir shop, and a duty-free store that sells local handicrafts, textiles, and other items. There is also a VIP lounge for business class passengers and a prayer room for those who wish to meditate or pray.
The airport provides free Wi-Fi access throughout the terminal, and there are charging stations available for electronic devices. The airport also has a medical center, a lost and found office, and a baggage storage facility.
Hotels & Accommodation close to Paro Airport
Considering that your flight usually arrives in Paro in the morning and you may be transferring to Paro city or continuing to Thimphu, the likelihood of using these hotels due to the transfer is low. However, Paro Airport is only 3.4 kilometers (miles) away from the city center, and the airport surroundings are known for their tranquility and beautiful scenery. Therefore, you may still choose to stay at these hotels.
One of the most famous hotels is Uma Como, located on a hill east of the runway, featuring comfortable and luxurious design. For those seeking a blend of comfort and convenience, the Le Méridien Paro, Riverfront offers a modern stay with stunning views of the Paro River. There is also Hotel Drukchen, located in the northwest direction, which provides affordable accommodations for budget-conscious travelers. View Hotels in Paro
Transportation from and to Paro Airport
Paro Airport can be considered as Bhutan's most important airport, especially for tourists coming from around the world. You will land at Paro Airport and start your journey in Bhutan from here.
From Paro Airport, you can reach the main destinations in Bhutan, including Paro, Thimphu, and Punakha, within 0.5-3 hours. Just outside Paro Airport is the local taxi stand, where taxis and buses stop. They can take you to the major attractions in Bhutan.
However, public transportation in Bhutan is not well-developed, and without a guide, you are not allowed to enter dzongs (fortresses) and temples, which means you may miss out on the sights along the way. Therefore, it is highly recommended to arrange your vehicle, driver, and guide through a travel agency to take you from Paro Airport to another destination in Bhutan.
West of Bhutan
Paro: Paro Airport is roughly 3.4 kilometers away, and it takes about 10 minutes by car to reach, driving through the scenic Paro Valley.
Tiger's Nest Monastery: The country's most iconic attraction, Tiger's Nest Monastery, can be reached in around half an hour.
Thimphu: The capital city, Thimphu, is located ca.51 kilometers (about 32 miles) away. It usually takes about 1 to 1.5 hours by road. You will experience a scenic route along the Paro Chu River and Thimphu Chu River. On the way from Paro to Thimphu, there is Tachog Lhakhang, a temple located on the opposite bank of the Paro River, which is worth a stop.
Punakha: Punakha is around 112 kilometers away from Paro, and it takes about 3 hours by car to reach. You will pass through the country's famous Dochu La Pass, and on clear weather days, you can enjoy a clear view of the Himalayan snow-capped mountains.
Learn more infomation about transportation from Paro to Thimphu & Punakha
Bhutan Centre
For destinations in central Bhutan like Bumthang and Wangdue Phodrang, you can take a flight from Paro Airport to Jakar in Bumthang. This option can save you time compared to an approximately 8-hour, 289-kilometer journey, reducing it to around 35 minutes.
However, flights from Paro Airport to Jakar are not very frequent, so traveling by road to Bumthang remains the most popular transportation method.
South of Bhutan
It takes about 7.5 hours to travel from Paro Airport to the famous southern destination of Gelephu, covering a distance of 270 kilometers. Both flights and road trips are available from Paro Airport to reach Gelephu.
East of Bhutan
Paro Airport has flights to the eastern part of Bhutan, specifically to Trashigang. However, very few tourists venture into eastern Bhutan, and the road conditions in that region are rough and challenging.
Bathpalathang Airport: Quick Arrival to Bumthang, Central Bhutan
- Airport: Bumthang Domestic Airport
- City: Bumthang
- IATA Code: BUM
- Address: N 27° 33' 43.92", E 90° 44' 49.72"
Bathpalathang Airport is one of the 4 domestic airports in Bhutan, located in Jakar town in the Bumthang district of central Bhutan. It serves as the primary air link for the Bumthang region, which is known for its temples, beautiful valleys, and numerous hiking trails, attracting many tourists besides Paro and Thimphu.
Bathpalathang Airport Facilities
Given its role as a domestic airport with limited flights, the facilities at the airport are quite basic. It has an asphalt runway measuring 1200 meters in length and 30 meters in width.
Flights from and to Bathpalathang Airport
Bathpalathang Airport primarily connects to several other domestic airports. There are flights to and from Paro International Airport, Gelephu Airport, and Yongphulla Airport. Flights to Paro International Airport have a frequency of around 3 to 7 flights per week.
Bathpalathang Airport Transportation
The nearest town to Bathpalathang Airport is Chamkar, which is approximately a five-minute drive along the Chamkar River. It is also around 5-6 kilometers away from the center of Bumthang in Jakar. Ground transportation options might be limited, so it is recommended to arrange transportation and travel through a travel agency for a more convenient and reliable mode of transportation.
Gelephu Airport: Heading to the South of Bhutan
- Airport: Gelephu Airport
- City: Gelephu
- IATA Code: GLU
- Address: Gelephu, Sarpang District, Bhutan
Gelephu Airport is Bhutan's third airport, located about 3 kilometers from Gelephu town in the southern Sarpang district. Gelephu, situated in the southern region of Bhutan near the Indian border, serves as a key hub for cross-border trade. It is also home to the Royal Manas National Park, a wildlife paradise that attracts many tourists.
Flights from and to Gelephu Airport:
Currently, Drukair operates two domestic flights from Gelephu Airport to Paro International Airport and Bathpalathang Airport.
Yongphulla Airport: Exploring Eastern Bhutan
Airport: Yongphulla Domestic Airport
City: Trashigang
IATA Code: YON
Address: Yongphulla, Trashigang, Bhutan
Yongphulla Airport is another domestic airport in Bhutan, specifically serving the eastern region of Trashigang. This airport plays a crucial role in connecting the locals and tourists to the easternmost part of the kingdom, allowing them to explore the authentic Bhutan.
Currently, Drukair operates two domestic flights from Yongphulla Airport to Paro International Airport and Bathpalathang Airport.
Yongphulla Airport is located ca. 33 kilometers southeast of Trashigang town in eastern Bhutan. Given the rural setting of Yonphula Airport and the limited development of public transport in the region, it is advisable for travelers to organize their ground transportation in advance. This could include booking travel with a tour operator who can provide a vehicle and driver.
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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