Paro International Airport is considered the “Gateway to Bhutan,” as it is the only international airport in the country and is located in the town of Paro, about an hour’s drive from the capital city of Thimphu.
The airport is serviced by two national airlines, Drukair and Bhutan Airlines, which offer flights to and from a handful of international destinations including Bangkok, Delhi, Kolkata, Kathmandu, and Singapore. Due to the country’s commitment to sustainable tourism, there is a limit on the number of flights that are allowed to land at the airport each day.
Upon arrival at the airport, visitors are greeted by stunning views of the surrounding mountains and traditional Bhutanese architecture. Visitors are required to have a visa prior to arrival, which can be obtained through a Bhutanese tour operator. Once visitors have cleared customs and immigration, they can proceed to meet their tour operator and begin their journey through Bhutan.
While the airport itself is small and relatively basic, it provides visitors with their first taste of the unique and breathtaking beauty of Bhutan. From Paro, visitors can travel to other parts of the country by car or by air, with domestic flights available to destinations including Bumthang and Trashigang.