How do I fly to Bhutan?

Book with Druk Air or Bhutan Airlines. The most common routes are from Delhi, Kolkata, Kathmandu, or Bangkok to Paro Airport. Flights are limited and fill up quickly during peak season (September–November, March–May), so book well in advance.

Can I enter Bhutan overland?

Yes, via the southern border town of Phuentsholing from India (Jaigaon on the Indian side). It's a scenic route through the foothills but requires a full day's drive from Phuentsholing to Thimphu. Overland entry requires the same visa arrangements as flying.

Should I ship my belongings to Bhutan?

Generally not recommended. International shipping is expensive, slow, and complicated. Pack your essentials in luggage, buy basics locally in Thimphu, and order anything else from India (which ships relatively easily to Bhutan). Most expats travel light.

What should I bring that I can't get in Bhutan?

Specialty medications, specific electronics (limited selection locally), particular dietary items (gluten-free, specialty health foods), quality winter gear for the altitude, and any professional equipment. Western brands are scarce — bring what you rely on daily.

When is the best time to arrive in Bhutan?

March–May (spring) and September–November (autumn) are ideal: clear skies, moderate temperatures, and festival season. Avoid June–August (monsoon with heavy rain and road closures) and December–February (harsh winter cold at altitude) unless you're prepared for challenging conditions.

Expat Topics

D7, digital nomad, golden visa & more

💰

Cost of Living

Monthly budgets from €1,200 to €4,000+

🏥

Healthcare

Public, private & expat health insurance

🏠

Housing

Rent prices, best areas & lease tips

💼

Work & Business

Permits, remote work & freelancing rules

✈️

Moving Guide

Step-by-step relocation checklist

📚

Education

International schools & universities

🌆

Daily Life

Transport, food & expat communities

🌅

Lifestyle

Climate, culture & quality of living

📈

Investing

Property, stocks, tax & wealth building

View all resources →

Rankings Compare Blog

✈️

🇧🇹 Bhutan

Moving Guide

Paro (PBH)

International Airport

Bhutan's only international airport

3–4

Airlines Serving Bhutan

Druk Air, Bhutan Airlines; limited routes

~2.5 hours

Flight from Delhi

Most common entry route

Very Limited

Shipping Options

Ship light; buy locally or import from India

Last updated: March 2026

Overview🏯Thimphu 🐅Paro

🛂Visa 🏥Healthcare 💰Finance 🏠Housing 💼Working 🌆Daily Life ✈️Moving 📚Education 🌅Lifestyle 📈Investing

Overview

Moving to Bhutan requires more planning than most destinations due to the country's controlled access and limited infrastructure. There are no overland shipping routes from most countries, and Paro International Airport is the only point of air entry. The process involves securing your visa first, arranging flights (limited carriers serve Bhutan), and shipping or purchasing essentials locally. The reward is arriving in one of the most pristine and peaceful countries on the planet.

Key Takeaways

Paro International Airport (PBH) is Bhutan's only international airport, surrounded by mountains
International shipping to Bhutan is complex, expensive, and slow — avoid shipping large quantities
Register with your embassy (if represented in Thimphu) and the Department of Immigration

Getting to Bhutan

Reaching Bhutan is part of the adventure — only a handful of routes serve the country.

Paro International Airport (PBH) is Bhutan's only international airport, surrounded by mountains
Only a few airlines fly to Paro: Druk Air (Royal Bhutan Airlines) and Bhutan Airlines
Main routes: Delhi, Kolkata, Kathmandu, Bangkok, Singapore, and Dhaka
Flights from Delhi to Paro take approximately 2.5 hours; from Bangkok about 4 hours
The Paro landing is one of the world's most dramatic — only specially certified pilots can fly it
Overland entry possible from India via Phuentsholing (south) — a scenic but long route
Book flights well in advance — limited seat capacity, especially October–November (peak season)

What to Bring & Shipping

Pack light and plan to source most items locally or from India.

International shipping to Bhutan is complex, expensive, and slow — avoid shipping large quantities
Carry essentials in your luggage: electronics, medications, specialized equipment
Basic furniture and household items can be purchased in Thimphu at reasonable prices
Indian goods are readily available in Bhutanese markets and much cheaper than imported Western products
Bring warm clothing — Thimphu and Paro have cold winters at altitude
Power adaptors: Bhutan uses Type D, F, and G plugs (230V, 50Hz) — same as India
Prescription medications: bring a 3–6 month supply as availability in Bhutan is unreliable

First Steps After Arrival

Getting settled in Bhutan takes patience and local connections.

Register with your embassy (if represented in Thimphu) and the Department of Immigration
Get a local SIM card: Bhutan Telecom or TashiCell — available at the airport or Thimphu town
Open a bank account at Bank of Bhutan or Bhutan National Bank (requires visa and passport)
Find temporary accommodation (guesthouse/homestay) while searching for a long-term rental
Connect with the expat community through Facebook groups and the coworking space
Register for an ID card (Census Card) if on a work permit or long-term visa
Allow 2–4 weeks for the settling-in process — bureaucracy moves slowly but people are helpful

FAQs