Journeying into the Heart of Bhutan: A Comprehensive Guide
The Pathway to Bhutan: A Historical Perspective
In the early 1960s, before Bhutan embarked on its journey of planned economic development, it was a secluded nation, largely isolated from the rest of the world. The only way to access this hidden gem was on foot, through two main entry points in the North and South. The northern route was a challenging trek across high passes from Tibet, while the southern route meandered through the plains of Assam and West Bengal. However, with the advent of economic development, the country’s accessibility improved significantly, with motorable roads connecting country to its various regions.
Today, the primary entry points are through Phuentsholing in the South, which connects kingdom to the Indian plains of West Bengal, and through Gelephu and Samdrup Jongkhar, which link to the Indian state of Assam. Alternatively, visitors can enter through Paro via Druk Air, Bhutan’s national airline.
Air Travel to Bhutan: Soaring Above the Clouds
Bhutan currently has one international airport that caters to the needs of visitors arriving by air. However, within Bhutan, domestic airlines operate flights to Yonphula in eastern Bhutan, Bumthang in central Bhutan, and Gelephu in South-Central Bhutan. The international airport at Paro, nestled at an elevation of 7,300 ft above sea level and surrounded by the majestic Himalayas and hills reaching up to 16,000 ft, offers a breathtaking view.
Druk Air connects Bhutan to international destinations such as Bangkok, Bodh Gaya, Dhaka, Delhi, Kathmandu, Kolkata, Guwahati in Assam, and Singapore. The flight between Paro and Kathmandu is particularly thrilling, as the aircraft soars over four of the world’s five highest mountains. In clear weather, passengers can marvel at the awe-inspiring views of Mt. Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, and Kangchenjunga.
Land Travel in Bhutan: A Journey Through the Mountains
Gelephu, Phuentsholing, and Samdrup Jongkhar in the eastern part of the country are the only land border areas open to international tourists. Phuentsholing, located approximately 170 km east of the Indian national airport Bagdogra, is a gateway to the mountainous journey to Thimphu, Bhutan’s capital city. The 176 km stretch, filled with numerous turns and hairpin bends, can take about six hours to drive.
Gelephu, situated in south-central Bhutan, is another entry point. The journey from Gelephu to Thimphu, approximately 250 km, takes you through Bhutan’s sub-tropical areas before entering the alpine zone and finally reaching Thimphu. This journey, traversing across three districts, can take about ten hours.
Samdrup Jongkhar, the only entry point from the eastern part of Bhutan, borders the Indian district of Darranga, Assam, and is approximately 150 km away from Guwahati, the capital city of Assam. The journey from Guwahati takes about three hours. Traveling through Samdrup Jongkhar will take you to Trashigang, the largest district in Bhutan, and then over the lateral route to Mongar, Bumthang, Trongsa, Wangduephodrang, and finally into Thimphu. This 700 km journey will take a minimum of three days to complete.