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From USA to Bhutan by Air: Most Recommended
Crossing the vast oceans from the United States of America in North America to reach the hidden gem of Bhutan in the Himalayan region is best done by air. Given the absence of direct flights from the USA to Bhutan, your aerial journey will require transfers at key international hubs.
From the US, you'll need to connect through cities such as Kathmandu, Bangkok, Singapore, Delhi, Kolkata, Gaya, Guwahati, Bagdogra, and Dhaka, as these are the only 9 airports in the world offering direct flights to Bhutan. These stops are not only waypoints on your journey but also opportunities to experience the diverse cultures and environments of Asia before arriving in the Land of the Thunder Dragon.
Eastern US Departure - India/Nepal - Bhutan
For those embarking on their journey from the East Coast of the United States, your trip might begin at major hubs such as New York's JFK, Chicago's ORD, or Atlanta's ATL. Traveling to South Asian hubs like Delhi, India, or Kathmandu, Nepal, is often more straightforward, with flight durations averaging between 16 to 18 hours. Many airlines, including Emirates, Qatar Airways, Etihad, or Air India, offer direct or connecting flights to these destinations.
On the other hand, for the onward flights to Bhutan, Delhi, Kolkata, and Kathmandu offer about one daily flight each to Paro Airport, making these routes popular choices for travelers.
1. Flights from Delhi to Paro
Departure Airport: Indira Gandhi International Airport
City: Delhi
IATA Code: DEL
Address: Indira Gandhi International Airport, New Delhi, Delhi 110037, India
There are 1-2 flights daily from Delhi to Paro operated by Drukair and Bhutan Airlines, with Drukair being the primary carrier. The flight from Indira Gandhi International Airport to Paro International Airport takes about 2-3 hours. Some flights may stop in Kathmandu for refueling depending on the schedule.
| Airlines | Departure | Arrival | Duration | Freq. | Economy | Business |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Drukair | 12:30 | 15:20 | 2H20M | 5-7 flights/week | Ca.335 USD | Ca.553 USD |
| Bhutan Aielines | 11:30 | 15:10 | 3H10M | 3-5 flights/week | Ca.327 USD | Ca.551 USD |
2. Kolkata to Paro Flights
Departure Airport: Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport
City: Kolkata
IATA Code: CCU
Daily flights from Kolkata, India's second-largest city, to Paro, Bhutan, take around 1 hour and cost ca.$245. This offers a quick and relatively affordable option to travel to Bhutan, with Bhutan Airlines being the main operator.
| Airlines | Departure | Arrival | Duration | Freq. | Economy | Business |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Drukair | 13:20 | 15:00 | 1H10M | 3-4 flights/week | Ca.245 USD | Ca.387 USD |
| Bhutan Airlines | 11:25 | 12:55 | 1H | 1 flights/daily | Ca.241 USD | Ca.390 USD |
3. Kathmandu to Paro Flights
Airport: Tribhuvan International Airport
City: Kathmandu
IATA Code: KTM
Address: Ring Rd, Kathmandu 44600, Nepal
The flight from Kathmandu to Paro is one of the world's most scenic routes, offering unmatched aerial views of the Himalayas. On clear days, you can even spot Mount Everest—be sure to book a seat on the left side of the plane.
There are roughly 5 weekly flights from Kathmandu to Paro, with daily flights during peak season. This route also offers advantages in cost and time, with just about an hour's flight connecting Nepal to Bhutan.
| Airlines | Departure | Arrival | Duration | Freq. | Economy | Business |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Drukair | 09:10 | 10:30 | 1H5M | 5-7flights/week | Ca.277 USD | Ca.410 USD |
| Bhutan Airlines | 11:25 | 12:55 | 1H | 3-5flights/daily | Ca.278 USD | Ca.421 USD |
Western US Departure - Bangkok/Singapore - Bhutan
For travelers starting from the sunny West Coast, the journey will begin from Los Angeles (LAX), San Francisco (SFO), or Seattle (SEA), where you will board a flight to tropical Southeast Asia. Bangkok (BKK) and Singapore (SIN) serve as preferred gateways to Bhutan, inviting you to have a layover in either of these two cities. Bangkok, in particular, is recommended due to its frequent availability of 1-2 flights almost every day.
Flights to Asian hubs such as Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi Airport or Singapore's Changi Airport take about 14-16 hours, with carriers like Thai Airways, Singapore Airlines, and other international airlines providing service.
1. Bangkok to Paro Flights
Airport: Suvarnabhumi International Airport
City: Bangkok
IATA Code: BKK
Address: 999, Nong Prue, Bang Phli District, Samut Prakan 10540, Thailand
Bangkok has become the most popular transit hub for traveling to Bhutan, with ca. 2 flights per day from Bangkok to Paro. The flight duration is around 3-4 hours. It's important to note that the flights from Bangkok to Paro usually depart from Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi Airport in the early morning, around 5:00-6:30 am. Therefore, it is recommended to arrive in Bangkok at least one night in advance to ensure a smooth connection.
| Airlines | From-To | Departure | Arrival | Duration | Freq. | Economy | Business |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Druk Air | BBK-PBH | 05:00 | 07:15 | 3H15M | 1 flights/daily | ca. 504USD | ca. 722 USD |
| Bhutan Airlines | BBK-PBH | 06:30 | 09:55 | 4H25M | 1 flights/daily | ca. 495 USD | Ca. 703 USD |
2. Singapore to Paro Flights
Departure Airport: Changi Airport
City: Singapore
IATA Code: SIN
Address: Airport Blvd, Singapore
Despite the limited frequency of twice-weekly flights from Singapore to Paro, it still provides an alternative option for travelers from the United States to Bhutan. With its renowned service quality, airlines ensure a pleasant journey from this modern hub to the heart of the Himalayas.
| Airlines | From-To | Departure | Arrival | Duration | Freq. | Economy Class | Business Class |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Druk Air | Singapore - Paro | 12:30 | 16:45 | 6H15M | Thur., Sun. | Ca. 550 USD | Ca. 900 USD |
| Paro - Singapore | 14:30 | 22:40 | 6H10M | Wen., Sat. |
View all Flights to Bhutan & Bhutan Airports infomation
From USA to Bhutan by Road
Traveling from the USA to Bhutan by road is not a straightforward or practical journey due to the vast distances, geopolitical boundaries, and logistical challenges involved. However, if one were to undertake such an adventurous trip, it would theoretically involve multiple steps, including flying to a country that shares a border with Bhutan and then continuing the journey overland. Here's an outline of how such a journey could look:
- 1. Fly from the USA to a Nearby Country: You would first need to take a flight from the USA to a nearby country that has land routes to Bhutan. India is the most feasible option since Bhutan shares a long border with the Indian states of Sikkim, West Bengal and Assam.
- 2. Arrive in India: After landing in India, you could choose to arrive at one of the major cities such as New Delhi or Kolkata, which are relatively closer to Bhutan compared to other Indian cities.
- 3. Travel to the India-Bhutan Border: From the Indian city, you would then travel by road or rail to one of the border towns adjacent to Bhutan. The most common entry points are:
Jaigaon/Phuentsholing: Accessible from Kolkata, this is the most popular and frequently used border crossing.
Gelephu: In the central part of Bhutan, accessible from Assam.
Samdrup Jongkhar: Located in southeastern Bhutan, accessible from Assam and can be reached from Guwahati.
- 4. Cross the Border: At the border, you'll need to go through immigration and customs procedures. Bhutan has strict entry requirements, and all tourists (except citizens of India, Bangladesh, and the Maldives) must obtain a visa in advance and book their trip through a licensed Bhutanese tour operator.
- 5. Travel Within Bhutan: Once in Bhutan, you can continue your journey by road. Bhutan has a well-maintained network of roads that will take you through mountainous terrain with stunning landscapes.
Explore alternative popular ways to enter Bhutan from other countries:
How to Travel from Bangkok(Thailand) to Bhutan
How to Get to Bhutan from Nepal
How to Get to Bhutan from Singapore
How to Travel to Bhutan from India
How to Apply a Bhutan Visa from USA
For tourists traveling from the United States to Bhutan, obtaining a Bhutan visa is necessary. Since you will have to transit through other countries when traveling from the United States to Bhutan, if you do not leave the international airport area, you will not be required to apply for a visa for those countries.
However, if you plan to engage in tourism activities in those countries during your transit, you may be required to apply for a Bhutan visa. For specific information, please consult our professional travel experts.
Here are the visa policies for U.S. citizens in the transit countries:
| Transit Country | Visa policy for American | Advance Application |
|---|---|---|
| Thailand | Visa-Free Entry | No |
| India | E-Visa | 4 days in advance |
| Nepal | Visa on Arrival | No |
| Singapore | Visa-Free Entry | No |
Bhutan Visa
American citizens entering Bhutan are required to apply for a Bhutan visa. You can apply for a visa through the official website or through a local travel agency.
To apply for a visa to Bhutan, you should take the following steps:
- Begin your visa application by registering for an account on the official Bhutanese visa portal. Complete the application form with your information, ensuring all details are accurate and up-to-date.
- Digitally upload the necessary documents: a copy of your passport, a recent passport-sized photo, and proof of comprehensive travel insurance that covers your entire stay in Bhutan.
- Input your detailed travel plans, including all hotel reservations for your time in Bhutan, and provide any additional documents the online system may request.
- Pay the visa fee of $40 and the mandatory Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) of $100 per night of your stay. This payment is typically made online through the visa application system.
- Double-check all the information you've entered and the documents you've uploaded, then submit your visa application.
If you run into any issues, particularly with the payment, you might want to use a specialized travel agency's services. Agencies such as Asia Odyssey Travel are well-versed in Bhutan's visa procedures and can handle your application when you book your trip through them, providing a smooth application process.
Planning Your Bhutan Trip from USA
Best Time to Visit Bhutan
The ideal time to visit Bhutan is during the spring (March to May) and fall (September to November) seasons. During these months, the weather is generally clear and pleasant, with blooming flowers in spring and spectacular fall foliage. These periods also coincide with several vibrant festivals such as the famous Paro Tsechu in spring and the Thimphu Tshechu in fall, offering an insight into Bhutan's rich cultural tapestry. Best Time to Visit Bhutan.
Must-visit Attractions in Bhutan
Tiger's Nest Monastery (Paro Taktsang): Perched on a cliffside, this iconic monastery is a symbol of Bhutan and a must-visit for its striking architecture and spiritual significance.
Punakha Dzong: Known as the 'Palace of Great Happiness', this stunning fortress is located at the confluence of two rivers and is a masterpiece of Bhutanese architecture.
Thimphu: The capital city is a trove of Bhutanese culture, with attractions like the National Memorial Chorten, Motithang Takin Preserve, and the bustling weekend market.
Phobjikha Valley: This valley is home to the endangered black-necked cranes. It is a beautiful place to go birdwatching and hiking.
Bumthang Valley: Often described as the spiritual heartland of Bhutan, it houses some of the oldest temples and sacred sites.
Perhaps you would like to know more travel tips for your bhutan travel:
10 Best Places to Visit in Bhutan
20 Best Things to Do in Bhutan
Top 7 Valleys in Bhutan to Visit
Top 10 Thimphu Tourist Places to Visit
Travel Length in Bhutan
When considering the length of stay for your trip to Bhutan, there are several factors to take into account. Bhutan offers unique experiences that cater to travelers with varied interests, and the duration of your visit will depend on the depth of exploration you desire. Here’s a guide to help you decide how long you should spend in Bhutan:
Short Stay (5-7 Days)
For a brief visit, a 5 to 7-day itinerary allows for an introduction to Bhutanese culture and some key highlights:
- Paro: Home to the iconic Tiger's Nest Monastery, Paro offers a mix of sacred sites and scenic beauty. A two-day stay lets you hike to the monastery and explore the town.
- Thimphu: Spend a day or two in the capital to visit the King's Memorial Chorten, Buddha Dordenma statue, and the Folk Heritage Museum.
- Punakha: A day trip or overnight stay to see the Punakha Dzong and take a leisurely walk through the rice fields.
Medium Stay (8-12 Days)
With 8-12 days, you can explore more deeply:
- Bumthang: Extend your trip to the spiritual heartland of Bhutan, with its ancient monasteries and temples.
- Gangtey (Phobjikha Valley): Discover the valley which is famous for the rare black-necked cranes and stunning hikes.
- Additional Time in Paro and Thimphu: Allows for a more relaxed pace and additional sights like the National Museum and the Takin Preserve.
Long Stay (13-20 Days)
A longer visit of 13-20 days provides a comprehensive experience:
- Trekking: Bhutan offers a range of treks, from the famous Druk Path to the arduous Snowman Trek. These can take anywhere from 3 to 25 days.
- Eastern Bhutan: Venture to less-visited eastern regions like Trashigang and Samdrup Jongkhar, exploring more remote landscapes and cultures.
- Festivals: Time your visit with local festivals such as Tshechus, which can add 1-2 days to your stay in a location.
Click the following link when you're unsure about how many days to stay in Bhutan:
How to Plan Bhutan Itinerary for 5 Days
How to Plan Bhutan Itinerary for 6 Days
How to Plan Bhutan Itinerary for 7 Days
How to Plan Bhutan Itinerary for 8 Days
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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