Bhutan, with only one international airport in Paro, only accepts direct international flights from Bangladesh (Dhaka), India (Bagdogra, Delhi, Gaya, Kolkata, and Guwahati), Nepal (Kathmandu), Thailand (Bangkok), and Singapore.

For most international travelers, flying from Kathmandu to Paro is the best option. This route is the shortest and quickest, with more flights and cheaper prices. Additionally, Kathmandu has many international flights, making it a convenient transfer point, especially for tourists from Europe.

Here, you’ll discover how easily to take a flight from Kathmandu to Paro, the best start to your Bhutan tour.

Step 1: Check the Nepal to Bhutan Flight Schedule & Timetable

The straight line distance from Kathmandu to Paro is around 505 km, which takes around 1 hour by flight. All flight to Bhutan, as well as outgoing flights are from two local Bhutanese carriers, Bhutan Airlines and Drukair.

For Bhutan Airlines, currently, the non-stop flights from Kathmandu Tribhuvan International Airport to Paro run on Monday, Wednesday, Saturday, and Sunday mostly at 13:20, which takes approximately an hour, and costs around US$ 275.57 for economy class, and US$ 409.37 for business class one way.

Bhutan Airlines is the only private airline in the country that offers international flights to Bhutan.

For Drukair, there are non-stop flights departing from Kathmandu mostly at 09:10, seven days a week. You would spend about an hour and five minutes on the plane before you land in Paro. A Drukair economy fare, one way, is around US$ 274.16 per person, while business class costs US$ 407.58 per person.

Notice: The above Kathmandu to Paro Flight schedule is for reference only. Please confirm specific flight times and prices before booking.

Step 2: Book a Kathmandu to Paro Flight Ticket with a Confirmed Bhutan Tour with Local Travel Agent

Booking a flight from Kathmandu to Paro first requires that you have a confirmed and booked tour with a Bhutan travel agent, a validly issued visa, and the correct permits for travel in the country. Independent travel is not permitted in the country, and the two airlines, Bhutan Airlines and Drukair, will not permit the booking of a flight without the confirmation code from the Tourism Council of Bhutan (TCB) in Thimphu.

First, you need to contact a local travel agent in Bhutan that is registered with the TCB, and book a Bhutan tour - you are not allowed to travel to Bhutan alone. Once you have booked, your travel agent will apply for your Bhutan visa and the permit to travel within the country, outside Paro.

Once all those are confirmed, a copy of the confirmation letter for your visa will be sent to the travel agent, who will forward it to you, and the confirmation code will be sent from the TCB to both Bhutan Airlines and Drukair for flight tickets booking.

It is truly hassle-free to ask the travel agent book the flight tickets to Bhutan for you, saving you the trouble and without any commission.

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Step 3: Get to Kathmandu Tribhuvan International Airport Early

Kathmandu Tribhuvan International Airport is only 6 kilometers (a 15-20 minute taxi ride) from downtown. However, due to the city’s heavy traffic, the journey can take longer.

A prepaid taxi from your hotel is the most recommended option to get to the airport. The prepaid taxis have a set fare (which often includes a commission for the hotel) and are guaranteed not to change once you get underway, unlike the roaming taxis. Although it may be more expensive than hailing a taxi on the street, it is a door-to-terminal service, which makes it more convenient.

There are many means of transportation that can help you get to Kathmandu Airport in Nepal.

Local public taxis on the street cost around 400 to 500 rupees, although if you can bargain well, you may get it for less. Make sure you agree on the price before you start, and do not rely on any meter, as they are often calibrated in the driver’s favor. There is very little regulation of taxis in Kathmandu or the rest of Nepal, and local taxis are often just personal cars with “TAXI” painted on the doors.

The third option, and sometimes the best, is the public transport system, although if you have a lot of luggage, it is not ideal. Buses from the Ratna Park Station run directly to the main gates of the airport, so you will have to walk ten minutes to the terminal. However, cost-wise, it is only around 15-20 rupees for the trip, so well worth the short walk.

At Kathmandu Tribhuvan International Airport, the check-in counters open 180 minutes prior to flight departure and are closed 45 minutes before departure time for all classes. Passengers who have not reported to the airport by 45 minutes prior to departure, will be offloaded from the flight and have their seats released for guests on standby.

So, no matter which way you choose to get to Kathmandu Airport, please leave enough time for check-in and other services at the airport.

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Step 4: Board the Flight from Kathmandu to Paro with Proper Travel Documents

You need to collect your Kathmandu to Paro flight ticket from the departure desk of the airline in Kathmandu Tribhuvan International Airport. You will need to provide your passport and the confirmation letter from the travel agent to have them issued to you.

After getting the ticket and check-in, you need to pass through the luggage check and security check. Pay attention to the chaos at the departure area and keep an eye on your luggage and belongings.

Check luggage at Kathmandu Tribhuvan Airport

The boarding gate is usually closed 25 minutes before departure time. In order to board the flight to Bhutan, you need to have your passport and the confirmation letter for your visa and your booking confirmation from the travel agent, as the airline may ask to see it to confirm the validity of the confirmation code they received from the Tourism Council of Bhutan (TCB).

Step 5: Enjoy the Flight from Kathmand to Paro over the Himalayas

After finding your seat on the plane, enjoy the 1-hour journey over the Himalayas. You will marvel at the breathtaking view of the snow-capped peaks of the Himalayan Ranges from above.

To get a better flight travel experience, it is suggested to arrive at the airport early and request a window seat at check-in. If you are lucky enough to get a window seat on the left side, you can also see Mount Everest outside the window.

Fly over the Himalayan ranges from Nepal to Bhutan.

Step 6: Arrive at Paro International Airport and Get to Downtown City

Paro International Airport is the only international airport in Bhutan with only one terminal and one runway.

After landing, you will collect your luggage, queue for customs, and get the Bhutan Visa stamped on your passport.

Paro International Airport, Bhutan

The Paro Airport is about 6 km from the city centre, on the banks of the Paro Chhu. Our local guide and driver will pick you up at the airport. You can sit back and enjoy a 6-km scenic route from the airport to the city center, surrounded by mountain peaks over 5,500 meters.

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How much is a flight from Kathmandu to Paro?

Only Bhutan Airlines and Drukair operate flights from Kathmandu to Paro, offering economy and business class. The price difference between the two airlines is minimal, typically only varying by 1-2 US dollars. The flight ticket to Paro from Kathmandu in economy class is around US$ 274, while the business class is around US$ 408.

How to find a cheap flight from Kathmandu to Paro?

There are no cheap flights to Bhutan as the cost is set by the only two operators for Bhutan flights. You can book your flight tickets online or you can have your travel agent book the tickets for you, to make it easier. Travel agents in Bhutan are dedicated to ensuring that all the regulations are strictly adhered to, and will often go above and beyond to make your trip excellent.

Generally speaking, there is no need to book in advance to get cheaper flights. The prices are normally rated on the season, and while it is cheaper to fly in the off-season, the flight prices will not go down until closer to the date of the flight.

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Can I book the flight from Kathmandu to Paro myself?

Yes, you can book the Kathmandu to Paro flight yourself through the official website of Bhutan Airlines or Drukair. It’s important to double-check that the passenger’s name you entered when booking the ticket online matches the name on your passport presented at the airport check-in counter.

How to book a return flight from Paro to Kathmandu?

The most convenient way is to book the round-trip flight tickets through your travel agency who provides Bhutan tour services for you. Or, you can book the return ticket yourself online through the airlines’ website.

The flights from Paro to Kathmandu are also only operated by Bhutan Airlines and Drukair. You can check the Paro to Kathmandu flight schedule below.

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Conclusion

There are now 5 countries that have direct flights to Bhutan, and the flights from Nepal to Bhutan are the perfect choice for being short in distance and time duration and being cheap. You’re not allowed to travel on your own in Bhutan but have to go through a registered tour agent, and only two local Bhutanese airlines, Bhutan Airlines and Drukair can fly in and out of Bhutan.

Though it might seem complex, booking a packaged Bhutan tour from Nepal, including flights in and out of Bhutan, is actually quite simple with us. Feel free to contact us for more details about how to visit Bhutan from Nepal.